Islam: Our Partners in Peace...

[nightflier]

Markw, Have you ever been to a Muslim country?

I've visited the UAE, including Dubai, Rasalkhaima and Sharjah, where Sharia law is practiced and they even have public beatings (I never saw one of those, nor would I want to see one). In essence this is one of the most repressive places in the world. Despite all that, I certainly didn't get the sense that life there was miserable. Our interpreter was actually very honest and talked about the good & bad of living there. But what struck me more was how kind and open people were. They knew I was American and indirectly responsible for much of their reasons for being angry at the West. Yet they never made me feel threatened or even disliked and they were about as kind as they could have been.

Now I've had the similar experiences in Germany and South Africa, even in New York, Saint Louis and Columbus, here in the US. But in those places there were always people who were not so nice and neighborhoods where I wouldn't be safe, and I'm not even going to talk about the issue of race. No such dangers or prejudices in the UAE. Now I'm sure these are only my personal experiences, but it is, nonetheless first hand. Now I realize we don't all have the opportunity to travel, but if we're going to talk about rose-colored glasses, maybe our view of our own American society is a bit more colored than we would like to believe.

I've also been to London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Paris and I have seen a less glorious side of our Western culture. I've also seen what the "Islamic invasion" is like there, and while there are many problems, I also know that the vast majority of immigrants want nothing more than to find religious tolerance for themselves as well as for their hosts. The ones who do leave the Middle East do so for a better, more free life. For the most part, they are moderates and they want to meet the West somewhere in the middle. They aren't looking to turn the West into another Sharia law-controlled state, or else, why would they have left their own countries?

If it is to survive, human society needs to find a middle ground for religion, culture, and wealth. As much as it may displease us here in the US, our American society is not it, so we should really stop trying to force everyone to be like us.

[markw]

You visited them? Good for you!

You don't think that since you were there for, I'm assuming, the financial betterment of them and your company couldn't have had any bearing on your treatment?

Try living there permanently as a "commoner". Bring your family as well.

Then get back to us.

FWIW, don't go putting words in my mouth. I thought you were above setting up straw man arguments but perhaps I was wrong.

Nowhere did I ever suggest that ALL muslims were raving maniacs. All it takes is a few, and they can be very politically savvy as well as cunning. Think about what event today marks and what nineteen Saudis with box-cutters were able to accomplish. And remember, the Saudis are are supposed to be friends.

But, please explain to me all the recent muslim terrorist activity in England since they allowed sharia law to creep into the landscape. Nose of the camel, perhaps?

[bobsticks]

If it is to survive, human society needs to find a middle ground for religion, culture, and wealth. As much as it may displease us here in the US, our American society is not it, so we should really stop trying to force everyone to be like us.

You're right. Unfortunately your entire argument previous to this did nothing to prove thhis conclusion.

It's not just Americans that have to do the changing. You don't think the mindful pawns of the powerbrokers in other states need to stop preaching hate. I don't think it's a coincidence that the largest growing sectors of the fringe elements of religion come from economically poor areas and prisons.

I also don't think it's a coincidence that this thread comes on this particular anniversary...it's my generation's Kennedy Assassination

[bobsticks]

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