by sunny » Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:53 am
Jeff, I understand your point and I really, really appreciate it. I think you know my views on anti-Arab rhetoric.
But I do think a distinction should be made between a race of people and their religion. If we disallow the sentiment "I am anti-Islam" then we must, in all fairness, disallow anti-Christian (of which there is a lot on this board) and anti-Judaism. I think we can criticize Christianity without talking about the "ignorant, drunken Irish Catholics" (tho some people have no problems sneering at "white cracker snake handlers" Others rip into the supposed moral failings of black reverends and so on.) and criticize "Jehovah"(an obvious swipe at Judaism) as some have done, without resorting to "the joos" type conspiracy mongering.
Personally, I have been highly offended by harsh criticisms of Jehovah God Himself on this board, as opposed to religions organized around Him. However, people are entitled to their opinions on such matters and I didn't say anything. I think the religious convictions of individuals should be honored and respected, but when factions of an organization, such as the worldwide empire of Christendom, have done so much harm throughout it's history, it is understandable that people would be bitter towards it. The problems with factions of Islam are manifest.
I think if we carefully monitor the rhetoric and not let it fall off the wall between race and religion, it should be ok.
Choose love
