Bigotry and the Muslim World

TownHall.com ^ | Friday, October 24, 2OO3 | Jeff Jacoby

[JohnHuang2]

For months following the atrocities of 9/11, US officials from President Bush on down repeatedly declared that Islam is a religion of peace and that no American should think ill of Muslims or their religion because of the terrorist attacks.

The president had occasion to return to the subject of religious bigotry this week, but it was Muslim hatred -- not hatred of Muslims -- that decency required him to condemn. At a gathering in Thailand, Bush made a point of telling Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad that he had been "wrong and divisive" when he uncorked a toxic rant against the world's Jews last week.

Bush's conversations with foreign leaders are not usually publicized, but this time the White House spokesman related the president's words: "It stands squarely against what I believe in."

Mahathir delivered his diatribe at an Islamic summit meeting on Oct. 16. His theme was the anti-Semite's timeless plaint: The Jews are few but crafty, and the world is in their grip.

"The Europeans killed 6 million Jews out of 12 million, but today the Jews rule the world by proxy," Mahathir told the leaders of 57 Muslim nations. "They get others to fight and die for them." He lamented that Jews are an enemy "who think. They survived 2,000 years of pogroms not by hitting back, but by thinking. They invented . . . socialism, communism, human rights, and democracy so that persecuting them would appear to be wrong -- so they may enjoy equal rights with others. With these they have now gained control of the most powerful countries."

And how should the world's Muslims deal with the Jews? Mahathir urged them to learn from Mohammed's example -- to buy time by making "strategic retreats" and signing peace accords, then building up their strength until they are ready to launch a "counterattack" that will lead to "final victory."

[JohnHuang2]

Friday, October 24, 2OO3

Quote of the Day by TruthShallSetYouFree

[goldstategop]

Contra President Bush, it'll be a long time before Islam is The Religion Of Tolerance. TM

[Travis McGee]

"Final Victory" = "Final Solution"

"Mein Koran" = "Mein Kampf"

We're going to find out, sooner or later,

If Abdul will pray, to a smoking crater.

[Cindy]

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001: "ATTACK ON AMERICA!" (UPDATED DAILY.)
http://www.truthusa.com/911.html

[carlson]

One well targeted Tomahawk on that big black rock in mecca!

[bjcintennessee]

We on FReepers know that President Bush is not stupid. We may disagree with his statement that Islam is a religion of peace, but I believe the statement was made for political purposes -- and to keep the peace here at home. His speeches have always targeted the extremist, claiming they have hi-jacked the religion. Had he claimed all believers in Islam to be our enemies, he would have given license to the extremists in our own society to kill every follower of Islam.

That would not only be "politically incorrect", but would have escalated the war on terror to a level that no nation - not even our own - could have supported.

[etcetera]

"We on FReepers know that President Bush is not stupid. We may disagree with his statement that Islam is a religion of peace, but I believe the statement was made for political purposes..."

I, too, ofen chafe at the pro-Islamic statements coming out of the White House. I try to calm down by remembering Michael's quote from his father (The Godfather) - "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer".

I like to think that G.W.'s pulling a sly one...

[Travis McGee]

One? At least 20.

[Centurion2000]

he would have given license to the extremists in our own society to kill every follower of Islam.

Mark my words, I am afraid that it will eventually come down to that.

Individual moslems can be nice and decent people but as a whole that religion must be destroyed like the Aztecs were and the Thugee cults were in India.

[Held_to_Ransom]

So why aren't the five million Moslems in the US, not counting the Muslims, all locked up in jail as terrorists?

Why is it I bet you know all about the Kloran?

[Travis McGee]

Five million muslims in the US? Nice try, achmed.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

while many in the West voiced outrage at Mahathir's poisonous remarks, the Muslim world's official reaction ranged from utter indifference to hearty approval.

The audience to whom Mahathir spoke -- the presidents, kings, and emirs of the nations that make up the Organization of the Islamic Conference -- rewarded him with a standing ovation. The applauders included not only the Muslim world's dictatorial fanatics but also its reputed moderates, including President Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia, General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, and Jordan's King Abdullah.

I missed this big story. No first amendment protection of religious liberties promoted by these world leaders.

I did read many press attacks on Gen. Boykin for his Christian comments made at a private ceremony.

[gcruse]

Five million muslims in the US? Nice try, achmed.

Moslems, not muslims, for what it's worth.

[Travis McGee]

Muslims is more common useage today, but if you prefer Moslems or Mohammedans or Moon Rock Worshippers, I don't care.

[gcruse]

HTR seems to find a distinction. Wonder what it is?

[Travis McGee]

Beats me. I prefer "Mad Mo's Insane Murder Cult."

[Held_to_Ransom]

Farakhan is a muslim and I doubt Arabic is his strong suit.

There are now more Moslems in the US than Jews. Not surprising, given the odds between them in the rest of the world.

[gcruse]

That's what I was surmising. Come to think of it, I didn't see black muslims out protesting 9/11, either.

[Voice in your head]

for later reading...

[Held_to_Ransom]

Come to think of it, I didn't see black muslims out protesting 9/11, either.

And just how many of their meetings have you attended?