An Open Letter (part three)

Dear Mosque Mouse,

For We can think of nothing else of which to call you then that my illusionary keeper of Islamic moderation. What better analogy then to equate you with (in the spirit of ecumenical reaching out of course) then the meek, mild, and surly moderate in tone, Christian Church mouse.

He takes up but little room. Is satisfied with but the scraps from the larders of his more vocal and publicly active brethren of the faith. His voice is small and seldom heard from. Yes, an apt description indeed.

You talk (when you talk at all) of Islam being a kind and just religion. Of Allah and "The Prophet" being wise and just in all their dealings and in their actions regarding the carrying out of "The Law". Yet daily We are witness to further acts of barbarism, terror, corruption, and hatred, done in their names. Still there is not even a hint of a great gnashing of teeth, or a rising tide which seeks to cleanse your "faith" of it's apparent (by your words) debauchment and debauchers.

We are sorry in sounding so harsh. You must appreciate, however, that in not hearing from you We grow both more disheartened and impatient. Can you not understand (or perhaps understand far too well) with the stated goals of your brothers in faith in what may eventually be called Palestine, along with the actions and heated rhetoric from your fellows in Iran, We will have little choice but to take action. Much like a parent would with an errant child who refuses to behave.

Yet, even at this late date, We still (have some) hope in hearing from you. You may answer our questions as put forth in our first two letters, and We offer you one more this time around.
Please find your voice. Though there are some amongst our ranks who have, how shall we say it, a more imaginative view of the world then is warranted, there are far more of us who will be able to see the followers of Islam for what they really are. Non the less We offer you the chance (yet again) to prove us wrong.

Expectantly Yours,

The Civilized World

Question Three

Do you accept the Christians and Jews as fellow People of the book or not? And ancillary to that. If you do, then why the undisguised hatred of Israel? Or is this oft times stated tolerance nothing but a sham?

We are curious. It states in your most holy of holy works that "on them shall be no fear."(1) Yet in many more places there are conditions (or pre-conditions) to those who follow Christian or Jewish faiths.(2) And by sura 9: 030, (It seems your Prophet after wining a number of battles, and feeling quite smug about things. Now has had quite enough tolerance for other "Peoples of The Book.) it becomes quite clear as to what the real status of Christian or Jew is to be.(3)(4)

So, which is the "real face" of Allah-Islam. Is it the one put forth by the earliest writings of Muhammad or the one which came to light after he was feeling his political/religious/military oats? (And, oh Main Stream Muslim, beware! We know which writings are considered to take precedence. We are also aware, with in some sects of your faith, of toleration for lying to the infidel in order to achieve your goals.)

Points To Ponder

1. What is so hard to understand about legal and illegal ... especially when its placed in front of immigrant?

2. If your particular "religion" believes there is no Deity, that man's conscious state of being is the beginning and end of it all, isn't your constant push to have your line of thought imposed upon all in any public, government, or educational venue just as much a violation of the "separation clause" of the first amendment as any other faith? And perhaps this whole question would be avoided if said clause was taken in proper context. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". Sounds to me like this addresses "Freedom OF vice FROM religion"

3. And as much as I have fantasised (when I was a teenager) about at least a couple of my teachers in junior high and high school. The bottom line is you don't have relations with a MINOR child regardless of the gender of said student or teacher. What is so hard for the folks who hand out the sentences in these cases to understand about that?

4. Along the same lines ... what's so hard with the (though not limited to) Catholic Church in turning over suspected child abusing clergy (and or lay teachers/faculty) to the proper authority(s) as soon as this activity is brought to light? You do nothing toward improving the image of those who lead the faithful in the eyes of the public at large. And for those out there who fail to distinguish between the core teachings and precepts that *is* the Church and the failings/shortcomings/blemishes of the people who (if guilty) should be removed from positions of any sort of authority in the ministering of same ... there is a difference.

5. Why is it so hard for the civilized world to understand if Iran develops on it's own, or is given nuclear capabilities, they will use it. Or give it to others to do so. Or both. And it will be against the civilized world (western civilization in particular). Appeasement didn't work when dealing with Hitler and his ilk, what makes you think it's gonna work this time 'round?

6. With so much craziness going on in the country and around the world. Have you taken time to appreciate natures rebirth? Spring is here, stop an smell the roses. On a side note, when was the last time ya gave your loved one(s) a hug, or kiss, and said I Love You? Often times the most commonplace of miracles, and random acts of kindness are the most important of all.

Have a good day all.

Spring is here...

The grass has ris
I wonder where
The flowers is.
(author unknown)

Spring training is all but over. Here in the hinterlands of northern Illinois (flyover country R us), we have a week of near 50 degree weather to look forward to. And the air has that "scent of spring", a musky hint of thawing ground and things arising from a deep winter slumber.

And time for some spring cleaning here at the Harbor. No major changes just a cleaning up of the blogrolls, perhaps an updated look for the archives. stuff like that. Expect major posting to be when ever I get the chance, as we are still having to deal with real life (more on that as the dust sets).

And speaking of someone who might need a hand. Any of you good people out there who are well versed in the ways of Word Press ... Mike over at The Cigar Intelligence Agency could really use a hand right about now. He has just changed his site over from MT to Word Press due to some security issues. He is a good guy and his site provides not only the best in cigar reviews (along with adult beverage suggestions), but he has been known provide some great conservative commentary as well.

So if you are a Word Press guru and have some time drop him a line. And even if you're not, check out the "CIA", you won't be sorry.

Used to be A Nation of Legal Immigrants

We are a nation of immigrants. My grandparents on both sides of my family came from overseas or at the very least were conceived "over there". I am a second generation American. I remember cousins visiting from what was then communist held Czechoslovakia on tourist visas. They, more then a little reluctantly, returned to Czechoslovakia at the end of their vacation here.

ALL my relatives came over and entered this country legally. The ones who were able to stay became American citizens. All of them could read, write, and speak (if they chose to) English. All of them had a deep and abiding love for their "mother countries", but none would have even considered listing anything but American on any paperwork requiring same. There were no hyphenated "extras".

Are we or are we not the United States of America, a sovereign nation with borders? Or are we to become no better then the Palestinians- a pseudo nation state blessed by the UN, that has no recognised land of their own. (Though that may change as Israel is raped forced to give up THEIR land in the name of international good will or some such bs.)

I am not against anyone wanting to come to this country and do what it takes to become a citizen. That's how this land was started, and what has to be one of the greatest reasons for her continued success. But if we want to continue to be America and not "The Land of *****-Americans" ™ (fill in the asterisks with the country of your choice) with no national language, or identity to call our own. Then we better stop this illegal immigration train wreck before it snowballs into something much worse.

Oh and one final note, is it just me or does the fact we have as porous a border(s) as we do, along with a very low rate of complete inspection of incoming cargo at our ports, present a golden opportunity for folks out there who are less then friendly with us to come on over and execute an act of terror against us? Naaa that would never happen here! We have the security of this nation well in hand! (The fact we haven't taken a hit does warrant a big thank you to the hard working folks out there who take their jobs seriously when it comes to our security. But why in heaven's name don't we do something to increase our national security? All it takes is one "win" for the enemy to produce an event on par or greater then what took place on Sept 11 2001. Our folks have to be "right" all the time.)

Life Happens No Matter How Hard You Plan

Despite, the forecast of snow for today and tomorrow, Spring is officially here. And along with the renewal of life, the traditional theme of this time of year, there sometimes also comes changes. Right now change seems to be the operative word here at the Harbor.

Due to a family medical emergency, and a (pending) short distance move resulting from same. Posting will be light for the next couple of days or so. But, I am not closing up shop!

There is the continuing saga of *Future Tense* which still needs to be brought to life, the search for "The Mythical Moderate Muslim" ™ will continue on as well. (Though if it goes on beyond a couple more installments, I may have to partner up with Mutual of Omaha-those of you readers out there who are old enough to remember "The Wild Kingdom" will get that reference.) Along with all the above, there some other changes of an audio nature in the very early stages of development, that I will be letting y'all know about if and as it firms up. (It is something I am excited about but as with most everything the devil is in the details-logistics rule over all.).

So, please check back often. This little corner of the net has been my place to vent, rant, and share bits of life with those of you who stop by and drop anchor. I don't have plans to stop doing so anytime soon!

An Open Letter (part two)

An Open Letter to The Mythical Moderate Muslim
(part two)

Dear Sir or Madam,

A few short days ago, we sent you a letter which closed with a question. It was rather detailed because we hoped you would see there was honest effort, research, and logical reasoning, behind it. It appears, my dear elusive, and vocally shy Muslim, you have thus far elected not to reply. Could it be our message has failed to reach you? Or might there be other reasons.

Never the less, being the eternal optimists we are, we’ve decided perhaps our first question was a tad too bold. So, in an effort to allow you a chance to take a smaller step forward in an effort to find your “true inner moderateâ€� ™ , we offer question two.

Question Two preface:

Although the PR department for Islam is always pushing “Peace“ as the true meaning of the word “Islam�. We have come to find out there is a more correct translation (1) for same.

“Islam�, in reality, translates to “submission�. And conversion “by the sword�(2)(3)(4) appears to be Islam’s modus operandi based on writings in the Qur ’an and other sources.

Where your particular brand of faith, in it’s attempts to gain the hearts and minds of various people, is currently fermenting unrest in Afghanistan, Sudan(5), and Indonesia(6), just to name a few of the worlds “hot spots.

And where one might argue the Muslim short term goal in Iraq is out and out civil war. The long range goal having one Islamic faction or another given control over the government (and thus, by sharia law, all the peoples) of Iraq.

Finally, in Iran, the country many consider the heart and soul of Islam’s modern day expansionist thought, Muslims hope to (re)establish a world wide Ciaphate.(7)(8) And seek to become wielders of a nuclear scimitar(9)(10).

The above points being said, our question to you-oh Moderate Muslim is this:

Question Two

How can it (Islam) have any sort of legitimate claim to the title “The Religion of Peace� ?

Waiting in the fervent hope you will chose to rise up and be heard from soon.

We remain,

The Civilized World

(references below the fold)

The New Shall Always Trump The Old

If you want thought provoking reading on any given subject head over to Eternity Road! Hosted by "The Curmudgeon Emeritus" and or his alter-ego Francis Porretto are about the closest thing around for twenty first century Renascence men (and I mean that in the nicest way possible). From heavy metal rock (Iced Earth) to engineering (he *are* one) to his unflinching belief in God.

This brings us to his post today called appropriately enough Saturday Smorgasbord.

In it he touches upon what is from time to time a favorite pastime among those of the non practicing/non believing side of the house. Taking the bible out of context. Or more correctly (perhaps) a misunderstanding of the real relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

Yes, individual members of the Catholic Church (on earth) have, fallen short of the teachings of Christ (this would apply to all the other Christian faiths as well). It does not mean, as many non believers might suggest, that they are showing their “true colors� of intolerance, control, loss of personal choice (free will). Rather it shows at one time or another the failure of men to follow the teachings of Christ, and NOT the failure of “The Church Militant� or “The Church Triumphant�. The Creed of “The Church Militant is infallible, individual members of it may not be. We fight the war here on earth. Sometimes the enemy scores a victory or wins a short term battle. But the ultimate war shall be won by “The Church Militant with unfailing and unfaltering support of “The Church Triumphant�

Accepting the New Testament (Christ's teachings and acceptance of Him as the ransom for mankind) as "the new law" We are to not ignore or dispose of the "old testament" but to amend it to reflect on the new, as required by Christ's teachings. In other words if the law of the old testament is in conflict with His teachings/ministry the new law takes precedence. A prime example of this was the attempted stoning of Mary Magdalene. Following old testament guidelines folks practicing her line of work would face a very short lifespan if caught. BUT if you infuse the teachings of the New Testament into this, the so called *sin* may still be there, but the actions allowed to be taken by man are much more limited. She answers to none but the Father via the Son. Which gives us Christ's response to the mob chasing her' "Let he who is without blemish cast the first stone..." (instead of "Come on boys I know where the best stones are") In other words God will judge what is within each mans heart when that time comes. Keep your stones to yourself.

Contrast this to Islam (you knew I would get there). Their core values, in reality, promote the subjugation of the human spirit. The very word *Islam* translates into "submit". Is it any wonder an ever increasing number of their Imams rejoice in the destruction of all that is not subject to their will. Or remain tacitly silent because they happen to disapprove or disagree with the teachings of the Qur'an or Sunnah (under penalty of being accused with apostasy the penalty for which is imprisonment at best) or far more likely, to gain some sort of advantage when the dust of jihad settles. Islam is the antithesis of what is in the best interests of mankind (and by logical extension God). Are there *truly peaceful* Muslims, yes I guess so, just like there are *truly bad* Christians. But in both cases they are the exception to the rule of each groups core values. Christ by his actions and his teachings sought to free mankind where as Muhammad sought to chain and subjugate. Don;t believe me? Read the New Testament and the Koran in their entirety.

Poor Casey

Well, Russ has had the muse strike again. So with out further adu I will let Russ do all the talking.

Russ Vaughn is the Poet Laureate of the American Thinker

An Open Letter to the Mythical Moderate Muslim

Dear Sir or Madam,

We have been patient, waiting for ever so long, for you and your fellow travelers to rise up and be counted. (Indeed, to be willingly accepted into the family of human kind.) The print media, radio and television outlets from around the world, and world leaders have taken great pains (most notably our President) in trying to point out our ongoing war against terror was not going to be painted with a broad brush against what has been called “The Religion of Peace�. Rather it would be targeting the so called radical factions which have seemingly infected your faith.

Given this is the case. And that progress has been made both in Afghanistan and Iraq in bringing about a climate which is supposed to be more favorable in allowing a greater diversity of voices to be heard. Why haven’t we heard from you, or seen you protest in the same numbers your more militant brethren produced when they felt slighted? Failing that, why haven’t we really seen a new crop of legitimately moderate Muslim leaders come to the fore … being a real “voice of the people�?

(Will it be totally safe to do so? No, due to the nature of your more fundamentalist factions, there will be some level of risk involved in speaking your mind, and in seeking to bring about legitimate change to your religion/countries. When our nation was conceived and forged in the fires of freedom and liberty, the great men who assumed the leadership of same, gave willingly of their fortunes, their lives, their sacred honor in order that this new nation would be given a chance to see the light of day. Are you saying by your silence you are not capable of doing the same?)

But, my vocally shy moderates, let’s assume you are not in the midst of the turmoil going on in the Middle East (and elsewhere). Perhaps you have relocated to the safer shores of Europe, Canada, Australia, or the United States.

Here you can freely speak you peace. Comfortable in the knowledge we cherish freedom of speech above almost all else.

Here you can practice your faith without fear of a knock on the door because you are not following the proscribed religion of the State. Our most precious document and national disposition demand no one religion be held above all others.

Here, unless it is proven in our secular court system you have violated a given law, you may do what you will, wear what you will, think what you will, in your religious buildings and or in the privacy of your home.

Here you are free to disagree with your neighbor, your town, state, or the nation itself.

So my Muslim friend(s), residing in this country, why so mute?

Perhaps your voice would come more easy to you if we provided questions. So in the interest of helping you to become more vocal in expressing how and why you should be considered a “moderate� or even “progressive� thinking Muslim, Over the next few days or as time allows I will posit you some questions. The first shall appear in this post. Others will follow as separate posts. All shall be referenced as much as possible so as not to be taken out of context. There are no right or wrong answers, your faith after all is a personal thing. But be advised, dear follower of Islam, I suspect there can be true or false answers. And a false answer or lying does nothing to advance your cause.

A Brief Note

I have become increasingly concerned with the lack of a Muslim voice or voices coming forward which would condom the excesses of violence and intolerance professed by others claiming to be of the Islamic faith. If this "religion" is (if the figures are correct) being embraced by approximately 1 billion people around the world, surely a large portion of same would rise up to condemn the actions of their more rabid brethren. Sadly (with few exceptions, Dr Wafa Sultan comes to mind) there are no voices of influence coming to the front lines. And so I wonder. And in wondering, the following post, was born.

The post immediately following this was to be a one shot deal. Upon researching information for said post, it became clear to me it was just the tip of the iceberg. As it stands right now it is just "part one" there will be many more to follow.

I feel I am obligated to make clear I do not advocate any acts of violence be taken against any Muslim or follower of Islam in this country. Unless it is known (or suspected) they are singularly or as a group (actively) pursuing the willful destruction of persons or property in this country, then all bets are off. However you would be well advised in alerting local law enforcement or such federal agencies (FBI, Homeland Security) as applicable. Let them do their jobs.

Give it your best shot

Mike, over at The Cigar Intelligence Agency has an old photo up with a twist. It is in dire need of a proper caption. So head over here and give it your best shot.

A follow up to the last post

The NY Times article on Dr Sultan made mention of Annaqed as the website where she initially started posting her views. I have looked at the English version of the site, and they will be added as of today to the blogroll. There is some good reading there, much of which tends to debunk the myth about Islam being a religion of peace. They (the sites contributors) use the Koran (and other sources) to back this up. Take a look around you won't be disappointed.

Sometimes In A War ...

bravery doesn't wear a uniform. I have often pleaded since that black day in September, as to where are the so called "moderate Muslims"? What is preventing them from coming forward and making their voice or voices heard. And have read all of the excuses real and imagined which supposedly prevented them from stepping forward to raise their voices in condemnation of those who have usurped their way of life, their faith, their God.

To be sure there have been half hearted attempts. Mostly apologists who although sorry for what their more "hot headed" brethren have or had done in the name of Allah or Islam, found no fault within their faith or belief system. What many in the west, particularly in America were feeling was, the vast majority who did not either openly support (vocally or by their outward actions) the extremists who appeared to be the current vanguard of their faith, their very silence (if in fact disapproving) was a tacit approval of same. And that in fact the myth of the so called "moderate or legitimately questioning Muslim", was just that, a myth.

I can happily tell you right now, there is hope real hope that this is not a myth. For if one voice can speak directly to the heart of the matter and literally risk all in doing so, can there not be others who will also take up the banner?

Sometimes in a war bravery doesn't wear a uniform ...

Woman: The Clash we are witnessing around the world is not a clash of religions or a clash of civilizations. It is a clash between two opposites, between two eras. It is a clash between a mentality that belongs to the Middle Ages, and another mentality that belongs to the 21st century. It is a clash between civilization and backwardness, between the civilized and the primitive, between barbarity and rationality. It is a clash between freedom and oppression, between democracy and dictatorship. It is a clash between human rights, on one hand, and the violation of these rights, on the other hand. It is a clash between those who treat women like beasts, and those who treat them like human beings. What we seen today is not a clash of civilizations. Civilizations do not clash, but compete.

Moderator: I understand from your words that what is happening today is a clash between the culture of the West, and the backwardness and ignorance of the Muslims?

Woman: Yes, that is what I mean.

Moderator: Who came up the concept of a clash of civilizations? Was it not Samuel Huntington? It was not Bin Laden. I would like to discuss this issue, if you don’t mind.

Woman: The Muslims are the ones who began using this expression. The Muslims are the ones who began the clash of civilizations. The Prophet of Islam said: “I was ordered to fight the people until they believe in Allah and His Messenger.� When the Muslims divided the people into Muslims and non-Muslims, and called to fight the others until they believe in what they themselves believe, they started this clash, and began this war. In order to stop this war, they mush reexamine their Islamic books and curricula, which are full of calls for takfir and fighting the infidels. My colleague has said that he never offends other people’s beliefs. What civilization on the face of this earth allows him to call other people by names they did not choose for themselves? Once he calls them Ahi Al-Dhimma, another time he calls them the “People of the Book.� And yet another time he compares them to apes and pigs, or he calls the Christians “those who incur Allah’s wrath.� Who told you they are “People of the Book�? They are not the People of the Book; they are people of many books. All the useful scientific books that you have today are theirs, the fruit of their free and creative thinking. What gives you the right to call them “those who incur Allah’s Wrath.� Or “those who have gone astray.� And then come here and say that your religion commands you to refrain from offending the beliefs of others? I am not a Christian, a Muslim, or a Jew. I am a secular human being. I do not believe in the supernatural, but I respect others’ right to believe in it.

Guy With Hat: Are you a heretic?

Woman: You can say whatever you like. I am a secular human being who does not believe in the supernatural…

Guy with Hat: If you are a heretic, there is no point in rebuking you, since you have blasphemed against Islam, the Prophet, and the Koran…

Woman: These are personal matters, which do not concern you. Brother, you can believe in stones, as long as you don’t throw them at me. You are free to worship whoever you want, but other people’s beliefs are not your concern, whether they believe that the Messiah is God, son of Mary, or that of Satan is God, son of Mary. Let people have their beliefs. The Jews have come from the tragedy (of the Holocaust), and forced the world to respect them, with their knowledge, not with their terror, with their work, not their crying and yelling. Humanity owes most f the discoveries and science of the 19th and 20th centuries to Jewish Scientists. 15 million people, scattered throughout the world, united and won their rights through work and knowledge. We have not seen a single Jew blow himself up in a German restaurant. We have not seen a single Jew destroy a church. We have not seen a single Jew protest by killing people. The Muslims have turned three Buddha statues into rubble. We have not seen a single Buddhist burn down a Mosque, kill a Muslim, or burn down and embassy. Only the Muslims defend their beliefs by burning down churches, killing people, and destroying embassies. This path will not yield any results. The Muslims must ask themselves what they can do for humankind, before they demand that humankind respect them.

from al-jazeera transcript

"The Woman" indicated above is Dr. Wafa Sultan. She did say the above on a Feb 21, 2006 interview on al-jazeera television. In doing so she has not only put her life in jeopardy but the lives of her husband, children, and relatives who still live outside the United States.

Dr. Sultan said the world was not witnessing a clash of religions or cultures, but a battle between modernity and barbarism, a battle that the forces of violent, reactionary Islam are destined to lose.

In response, clerics throughout the Muslim world have condemned her, and her telephone answering machine has filled with dark threats. But Islamic reformers have praised her for saying out loud, in Arabic and on the most widely seen television network in the Arab world, what few Muslims dare to say even in private.

from March 11, 2006 NY TImes Saturday Profile article

The 47 year old, who lives in California is working on an as of yet unpublished book tentatively titled "The Escaped Prisoner: When God Is a Monster.".

Little more can be said about the obvious display of courage and the steel this brave woman must have in her heart and soul. However what needs to be said and is not (at least not that I know of), is this ...