[ggekko]

"Again, while it is convenient to label them as "irrational".."

Words have maning and actions have consequences. There is an objective standard by which to measure the actions of political actors. To deny this is to embrace sophmoric anti-nomianism.

Osama Bin Laden has stated that his goal is to insulate the entire Arabian peninsula from the influence of Western culture. That he would adopt such a quixotic goal in an era of instant, cheap communication outlets almost all of which are controlled by Western media companies is a testimony to the depth of the man's delusion.

The fact that an entire culture of the Islamic world can be besotted with a 6th century revanchist fantasy is illustrative of the reality of cultural delusion. That someone (a cultural relativist, most likely) refuses to call such behavior irrational does not make any less so.

"But, the cry goes out, we have the forces of truth and justice on our side!.."

In case of Western civilization there is one important distinction: it happens to be true. Mere cultural chauvanism does not change the facts of history. An appropriate sensitivity about different cultures should not blind to us to the reality of cultural effectiveness in history. It is the worst sort of intellectual dishonesty to accept the "noble lie" of another culture based upon an insincere notion of divesity.

The best thing that could happen to the Islamic world would be to be told that they cannot defer their collision with the 21st century in a coccoon of false cultural nostalgia.

[general_re]

There is an objective standard by which to measure the actions of political actors.

Right. The Koran. So the Islamists say, when asked what objective standards should be used to measure the actions of political actors.

To deny this is to embrace sophmoric anti-nomianism.

LOL. See how easy that was? Just label me irrational for pointing out that claims such as yours are advanced by every party, and then you can rationalize ignoring the truth.

That he would adopt such a quixotic goal in an era of instant, cheap communication outlets almost all of which are controlled by Western media companies is a testimony to the depth of the man's delusion.

Better tell the Chinese - they're doing a bang-up job of controlling the flow of media. Or am I an irrational cultural relativist for pointing out that others are successfully carrying off what you claim is an impossible goal?

In case of Western civilization there is one important distinction: it happens to be true.

So you assert, anyway, along with everyone else who makes such claims. Really, if it's true, it ought to be easy enough for you to show it, rather than repeatedly coming up with new and clever ways to assert its self-evidence.