The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[wendybeth]

The fact that so many terrorists had seemed to be so assimilated into western culture (BBQ's with neighbors, partying at bars and strip clubs, living in suburbs, etc) makes it difficult for any Muslim to claim no affiliation or sympathies with extremists- people just say "yeah, that's what they want us to believe, but I'm not buying it".... Barack Obama has proclaimed his Christianity to the world, and I still hear on an almost daily basis that he's a closet Muslim, and by extension a terrorist sympathizer. Various individuals and groups have disavowed any allegiance to the extremists on multiple occasions, but the sad truth is that many people cannot and will not trust that they are being honest.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

The fact that so many terrorists had seemed to be so assimilated into western culture (BBQ's with neighbors, partying at bars and strip clubs, living in suburbs, etc) makes it difficult for any Muslim to claim no affiliation or sympathies with extremists- people just say "yeah, that's what they want us to believe, but I'm not buying it".

I can see that. The reason is that the most vocal in the Islamic world are the extremists - as is the case in most groups of people. If the leadership in the Islamic community that opposes terrorism and Islamic extremism would become the most vocal and loudly oppose bin Laden and his ilk then the idea that not all Muslims want to kill the infidel would gain traction and eventually be accepted.

[mousepod]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

If the leadership in the Islamic community that opposes terrorism and Islamic extremism would become the most vocal and loudly oppose bin Laden and his ilk then the idea that not all Muslims want to kill the infidel would gain traction and eventually be accepted.

Sure. But why do they have to reach that bar? I read lots of your posts, and I rarely see you condemning the God Hates Fags people.

Once you start condemning them here every day, I'll be a little less suspicious of your "Christianity".

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by mousepod

Sure. But why do they have to reach that bar? I read lots of your posts, and I rarely see you condemning the God Hates Fags people.

Once you start condemning them here every day, I'll be a little less suspicious of your "Christianity".

I condemn the God Hates Fags people. I will condemn them every time I hear of them doing their stupid stuff.

Something tells me that isn't going to help your suspicion.

[mousepod]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I condemn the God Hates Fags people. I will condemn them every time I hear of them doing their stupid stuff.

Something tells me that isn't going to help your suspicion.

Touché.

But you get my point.

Since I'm not a church-going kind of guy, the majority of time I hear Christian leaders on TV is when they're condemning something.

It would make anyone suspicious.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by mousepod

But you get my point.

Since I'm not a church-going kind of guy, the majority of time I hear Christian leaders on TV is when they're condemning something.

It would make anyone suspicious.

I do get your point, and quite honestly, TV preachers make me suspicious. I am a church goer and those guys creep me out, so I can't imagine what they'd do to someone who isn't a church goer.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

The fear is that to many, freedom of religion is becoming freedom from religion. While no one is forced to worship, nor should they be, no one should be forced to NOT worship or think as they please.

I also do not think that the protests against Mosques have as much to do with Islam as is it opposed to radical Islamists.

I agree that freedom of religions includes freedom from religion. It should be that way.

I think the mosque protests are based in a "NIMBY" mindset. If there are no mosques, people can pretend no Muslims live nearby. Maybe that part is based on fear of fundamentalists, but if there's a mosque, every time a person drives by they are forced to recognize that there are enough of "them" to have a mosque.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

The reason is that the most vocal in the Islamic world are the extremists - as is the case in most groups of people.

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Are they the most vocal, or are they the ones that your window on the world gives the most voice to?

I think the extremists are the ones who get the most coverage. They're easy to cover- moderates are just kind of living their lives; they may see no need to make a statement unless something happens.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I can see that. The reason is that the most vocal in the Islamic world are the extremists

Are they the most vocal, or are they the ones that your window on the world gives the most voice to?

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Are they the most vocal, or are they the ones that your window on the world gives the most voice to?

Perhaps there is valid insight in that post.