by Mister MandM
(libertarian)
Friday, September 10, 2010
It was interesting the comments President Obama has made about the building of the mosque near ground zero. His initial comments seemed designed to appease that night's particular audience by implying support for the mosque. Then, he backtracked the very next day saying to another audience that those previous comments, however taken, didn't imply support for the project or the wisdom of building it. This based on the principle of not inhibiting freedom of expression.
Well I can understand his motive - he's in the middle of an election season where his party is on a sinking ship mostly by his own navigation. Our President was simply trying to be all things to all people and playing all sides. One could expect this type of contrary rhetoric from one of the greatest politicians of our time. Were not supposed to know where he really stands on such a contensious issue.
Simply put, the real issue is the wisdom of building something like that, in an area that touches the sensitivities of so many - not to mention the thousands that lost their lives there nine years ago today. Seems trite and insensitive to try and be all things to all people when the referenced subject is so emotional to so many. Particularly when you are the President of the United States!
It was also interesting the comments made by that Preacher in Florida who wants to burn the Korans or Qurans, whichever spelling you prefer. He seems to think it appropriate to attempt to match the level of insensitivity being shown by the developers of the mosque. Perhaps, in a way to create a similar impact toward those that would support the construction of the mosque regardless of the consequences.
I think that overall most would agree that the primary philosophy of Christianity is focused toward tolerance and passivity. And that the teachings of Islam also focus mainly on tolerance and sensitivity to the feelings of others. I think these are basic tenants of both religions even though there are many examples throughout history of deviation of those themes from both groups.
Now it is surely absurd and a bad thing for the preacher to be so insensitive as to burn a symbol that is so important to so many around the world. But, is it not equally as insensitive to build a symbol with questionable intent near the grounds that mean so much to so many and where so many had lost their lives. That is the point in this regardless of whether or not either side has the right or not to do so in our country. I don't believe that most Americans would feel otherwise, regardless of their beliefs or whether or not their particular political party takes one side or the other of this issue.
Now I don't know the Preacher's true motive in making the statements that he has. But wouldn't it be ironic if the Preacher held a press conference and made a statement saying that he totally respected Islam and the Koran? And acknowledge that as Americans we have the right to expression regardless of how contentious that level of freedom can be? And say that he was only making the same point of appeasement that our President did that first time he spoke about the building of that mosque... AND NEVER INTENDED TO BURN THOSE BOOKS!
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Posted By: Walt
Date: September 11, 2010 11:07:04 AM
If that was his point, then I'd say he behaved quite stupidly. Since his only reasonable target for such a "point" could be Muslims, expecting them to see reason by greatly offending them strikes me as being the height of foolishness and would demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of human psychology on his part.
Humans don't respond well to humiliation, except if you're trying to make them subservient and menial to yourself. Beyond that, humiliation is a largely unproductive method for educating people. If Christianity is all about love. compassion, and tolerance, using humiliation to educate seems not only counterproductive; it also counters what many Christians claim their religion is all about. On the other hand, perhaps Rev. Jones' idea of Christianity has little to do with those virtues.
By the way, it's quite possible that Jones IS that stupid. The scant reports coming out of Gainesville suggest that the guy is trying to build a cult with himself as the authority figure at the top. See, for instance, ABC News, which reported:
"Shane Butcher, who was expelled from the church for disobeying Jones, told the paper that he worked for the pastor's company for up 72 hours a week without pay and meals were provided from a 'food bank.'
"Butcher said punishments for disobedience ranged from cleaning the barnacles off Jones's boat in Tampa, to carrying a life-size wooden cross or writing out all of Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible.
"'We carried a card that said 'obedience is always blessed,' ' he was quoted as saying.
"Indeed, the church has a laundry list of dicta, called the 'Academy Rulebook.' Created by his Sylvia Jones in 2007, the rulebook directs students to sever most contact with family members. Family occasions like wedding, funerals or Birthdays are no exception to this rule,' the rulebook says.
"'No phone calls. Exceptions can be made under certain circumstances but only after receiving permission.'
"The syntactically-challenged rulebook also barred 'Singles' from having 'romantic relationships to the opposite sex...Except work things, there is no need to talk at all, or even flirt!'"
Posted By: Bentree
Date: September 11, 2010 03:32:48 PM
Burning the Koran, as Walter would say Dumb "a--".
Having said that I do have a question. Why do all the good Muslims here and around the world not condemn the terrorist cults in their religion? What dose the Koran say about disagreement within the faith? How are those disagreements to be settled? Does it matter that the kind and gentle Muslims out number the terror types? They don't dislike us because we are Christian or Jews, Hindus or Buddhist, We are not Muslim, that's it, that's all that is required to join the club. A/C, D/C for over a thousand years.
I was in a castle in Germany where I saw a very large tapestry depicting a battle that had taken place 800 years ago. Guess who the Germanic tribes were fighting? Now I don't dislike or hate snakes and poisonous insects and you can throw in lions and tigers and bears. I have figured out that I cannot have them in my home. Why not? Well they have this peculiar way of acting that may be natural but is not conducive to the well being of me or my family. How do I know this? Why National Geographic of course.
