Mesquite,
you make a point I was going to make. Lack of wholesale condemnation from an ISLAMIC authority of al Qaida's actions. There might be explanations for this. Islam does not have a Pope figure (except of course some Christians suspect the Pope might really be Muslim). So there's no recognised head figure to do the condemning. Secondly some Muslims prefer to say nothing either because they quietly approve of bin Ladens gang or they fear retribution from them if they speak out.
What I really find disconcerting is the extent to which OBL is seen as a hero in the Islamic world. I remember having quite a fight with sailfree at the time of 911 because he was saying there were muslims dancing in the street in Britain. I said this was absolutely untrue. But although it was never broadcast on British media, there were pro obl demonstrations in places like Bradford with a large Pakistani community.
Thanks for voting (for) me btw! But your comments on this thread suggest you do not fall into the apathetic potential non voters who I really want to engergise. If not for their own benefit then by appealing to their sense of altruism, and thinking of me! If you know anyone like that... please tell them about this poor Brit who is desperate to get rid of G W Bush, but who can't vote!
Hobit,
Your flippant off the cuff remarks that give every impression of lack of brain mouth co ordination are really irritating.
Yesterday I overlooked this one
Quote:given that the fundies are the minority (rather like AQ, whom they share many opinions with),
By fundies I assume you mean extreme evangelical Christians. I dont see them sharing any opinions with OBL. I can't see them sat down together over a cup of tea discussing the great questions of the world. The only thing they have in common is their desire to condemn the other to hell.
Mesquite quoted an Islamic fighter who said he would kill civilians if a cleric said it was ok. You say Christian fundamentalist clerics would give similar authority. Really? I detest the likes of Falwell and Robertson every bit as much as you do, the difference is that I don't let my dislike of them cloud my ability to think critically. Christian fundamentalists do not condone murder of innocents. Neither do they authorise it. Anyone who did would be instantly excommunicated from all Christian denominations.
Thundercloud asks why demand perfection in other's religion (which I for one never have, but leaving that) to which you add
Quote:Because that demand allows one to attempt to demonstrate some nobility of purpose in one's bigotry.
You are fond of calling others bigots. It seems you think any criticism of Islam can be dismissed as merely symptomatic of another's bigotry. Thats as weak an argument as Ariel Sharon dismissing criticism of his government as nothing but anti Semitism.
ILZ
Very good, for a Rastafarian! No woman, no fart, man.
if you ask me!
