Posted on 10/14/2001 7:45:23 PM PDT by Van Jenerette
Excellent piece. Mensa Society - In a crowded bio full of reasons to listen to what you have to say that line jumped off the page. We (America) needs you as a "talking head" for our side.
Greg Adams, Cpt., US Army (RIF'd)
Say what?
Are you saying that if "Christian' extremists committed a deliberate crime as this murder of thousands of civilians, and claim this is commanded by Christ...that mainstream Christian leaders shouldn't come out and immediately condemn the atrocity as NOT representative of true Christianity?
That Christian doctrine is so fluid and subject to interpretation that Christian teachers and leaders cannot know, or make a public statement as to who is or isn't representing Christianity?
You're kidding..right?
"facilitate your highly self-promotional writings"????
I'm sure "self-promotion" is high on the list of JimRob's FR message board no-no's. LOL
If Van starts having "problems" posting his articles, I have no doubt that I, and other SC Freepers, will find his articles, and post them.
It has struck me that (A) we're being told constantly (as I want to believe) that these creatures do not represent Islam and are not real Muslims; yet (B) at the same time, all those people in Pakistan and elsewhere protest what we're doing to the Taliban, beccause (help me out here) they're Muslims!
What am I missing?
Dan
"Not engage in fanning the flames of war."
Just in case you hadn't noticed...
The flames of war were sufficiently fanned on 9/11/01 in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. And now with anthrax breaking out all over the place, guess what:
None of this - of course - through any choice of our own.
Time to wake up and smell the mountain roast!
The Muslim apologists want to present this monolithic image to the world (strength in numbers), so they have got to explain (and condemn) the fringe. If they do not (or cannot) then WE are entitled to 'ignore the man behind the curtain.'
Amen to that.
A very well written piece. Thank you for sharing it with us. Please alert me to any other columns you write and post here.
The truth is, the so-called "fringe" constitutes a significant proportion of the population of these countries. And they are, by western standards, primitive, illiterate and tribal. In contrast, the more affluent, educated and moderate elements of these societies are the ones with whom President Bush has fashioned a fragile coalition with which to fight terrorism.
There are many issues on which I strongly disagree with the Bush administration's policies. But I have nothing but admiration for the manner in which he has handled the military operation to date.
It is in support of President Bush's strategy that I strongly condemn Mr. Jenerette's essay. Mr. Jenerette chooses to ignore that the moderate Islamic leaders HAVE condemned the atrocities committed by the extremist factions. And it is Mr. Jenerette's portrayal of an Islamic "monolithic image" and insistance for stronger condemnation of the "fringe" that fails to recognize the tightrope that must be walked by the various governments. IMHO, Mr. Jenerette's rant is irresponsible and risks the stability of the coalition and of many governments in the region.
It is in support of President Bush's strategy that I strongly condemn Mr. Jenerette's essay.
I can take this two ways.....
Meaning that YOU are supporting BUSH's tactics so far, or
that you are upset 'cause VJ is?
Willie, Willie, Willie....It's really good to hear from you so soon. I figured that you couldn't resist to add another comment. That's good because you are really starting to connect the dots. Let me help the discussion along:
#1) I asked questions and even numbered them for someone qualified to answer.
#2) I have studied the middle east for enough years to actually know the answers to my questions(these questions were meant to 'provoke' a response - I know that no Muslim will publicly answer these questions; not directly; only in a roundabout evasive way)
#3) I actually know something about political strategy and I understand what the president is trying doing with his coalition...I't won't work! It's a time buyer only.
#4) I have read the 'proclamations of the so-called 'moderate' Muslim's - and most of them are propaganda about-face moves, worded in such a way to gain political leverage and yet remain secure if Bin Laden gets away with his actions(read what these same 'moderates' have said over the past, say, 10-years. You'll find that their present moderation is inconsistant with their past actions and words.
#5) I realize one important thing that perhaps you don't - we are at war - any flames that are being 'fanned' have been blazing since 9/11. I intend to fight these bastard's fire for fire....
Finally Willie, I have given you every opportunity to back out of this argument...so let me clue you in on Islam - the religion, the concept of Islamic law - and the structure of how it really works. It is not monolitic by any stretch of the imagination - so the 'real' Islam can't really stand up. Islam is a combination religion slash way of life that while rigid in it's written doctrine, it is exercised by a plethora of 'free agents' who come in the shape of imams, mullahs and clerics - worst of all they ALL think that their application is the TRUE application(notice I did not say INTERPRETATION). Islam is a rigid literal religion and an even more rigid body of law with a circular ability to sustain itself by it's non-monolitic construction.
Wow Willie...this is precisely what makes this war so dangerous. I'm sorry if when you read my editorial commentary you thought that by my questions that I was actually confused. It was a commentary meant to illustrate how much BS is floating around the meda today about the true nature of the enemy we are facing!
Well, my 2-month old is crying and I have to run. Don't worry, Willie, I'll let you know when I write another commentary. You'll just love it ...I'm sure.
best regards - Van Jenerette
www.jenerette.com
He can say what is the truth so that WE can get up to speed and not be lulled into complacency.
HE is showing how WIDE the 'practice' of Islam is compared to how NARROW the 'writings' are.
Since 50% or more of Muslims believe that the Jews are guilty of 911, then exactly who are the Muslim clerics condemning, Bin Laden or the Jews? Heard any fatwas lately?
(Not under Bushes command)
Well Mr. Jenerette certainly has the 1st Amendment right to express his own opinion. Nevertheless, he has also stated that he is " on a mobilization call up list for return to Army active duty".
Additionally, we can refer to the following quotes from Mr. Jenerette:
" I actually know something about political strategy and I understand what the president is trying doing with his coalition...I't won't work! It's a time buyer only."Now I certainly do NOT question Mr. Jenerette's loyalty or patriotism. And there is no doubt in my mind that, if called to active duty, he would immediately "get with the program"."I realize one important thing that perhaps you don't - we are at war - any flames that are being 'fanned' have been blazing since 9/11. I intend to fight these bastard's fire for fire...."
However, I would also be a lot more comfortable if he wasn't so eager to engage over 1 billion Muslims in the battle of Armageddon. This war is about fighting terrorism, NOT Islam.
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