tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post112008977475495609..comments2024-02-20T21:48:16.978-05:00Comments on The Beak Speaks: A Reluctant Post . What is terror and terrorism ?beakerkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06088967209404588378noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1128130695675913232005-09-30T20:38:00.000-05:002005-09-30T20:38:00.000-05:00I removed my previous post because I made a mistak...I removed my previous post because I made a mistake. I said: I didn't have much left to comment on because everyone here has already said it for me, and I agree with everyone's comments on this post! Correction: I agree with most comments on this post, but not all. <BR/><BR/>Someone commented that the media refers to Terrorists as "Insurgents" and that's all too true. But I think "Terrorists" is to good for them. It implies they set terror in everyone's hearts and gives them too much power. I believe "murderers" would be a better word, because that's what they are specializing in: the murdering of civilians.<BR/><BR/>When I was a teenager in the 50's, the movies were full of these people being romaticized as dashing, heroic, and romantic. What a crock! Of course, as a teenager I believed the myth too. But I grew out of it. Evidently many people haven't done so.<BR/><BR/>Great post!Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02540710405153666843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1128129931599976312005-09-30T20:25:00.000-05:002005-09-30T20:25:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02540710405153666843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120489405740845412005-07-04T10:03:00.000-05:002005-07-04T10:03:00.000-05:00Mr. B,A little clarification here...I don't actual...Mr. B,<BR/>A little clarification here...I don't actually live in D.C. I live in the Virginia suburbs, where, in select locations, one can fly--but at the peril of getting a ticket. I got mine in Great Falls, on Springvale Road.<BR/>If you really want to move, go to Tennessee, where they drive "like a house afire." <BR/><BR/>I don't drive the Mustang into D.C. Instead, I drive my Crown Vic, which used to be an undercover police interceptor. I've rounded corners and busted up ongoing drug deals. And I try not to drive at all into D.C., provided the subway has a station near the attraction I'm visiting. The D.C. roads are in terrible disrepair, and the downtown traffic is usually gridlocked.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01216119321836479641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120462452675077182005-07-04T02:34:00.000-05:002005-07-04T02:34:00.000-05:00I'm gonna cry foul on AOW. I've driven in DC rush ...I'm gonna cry foul on AOW. I've driven in DC rush hour traffic before. I don't care what kind of car you have, you're not gonna go fast. ;-P(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120393924732065582005-07-03T07:32:00.000-05:002005-07-03T07:32:00.000-05:00^5 AOW have a good 4th as well.^5 AOW have a good 4th as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120392893944726962005-07-03T07:14:00.000-05:002005-07-03T07:14:00.000-05:00Okay, guys. Come to D.C. any time, and enjoy a ri...Okay, guys. Come to D.C. any time, and enjoy a ride in my Mustang GT convertible. Bring the CD's of your choice, and we'll go for a cruise. Mustang, with the right name, gets the first ride. <BR/><BR/>Justin, I'm not such a "bad, bad girl"--only one speeding ticket in the four years that I've owned the Mustang. My husband, on the other hand, has racked up ticket after ticket. Guess flying along the drag strip doesn't get the desire for speed out of his system.<BR/><BR/>BTW, yesterday, July 2, we did a cruise-in at the Tastee Freeze out in Berryville, VA. Good music, good times. My Mustang was the newest car there. The oldest was a 1929 Hudson.<BR/>However, two of the attendees were dead ringers for the dentally challenged fellows from the movie "Deliverance."<BR/>There's nothing like driving through the VA countryside--top down, moon shining, CD system cranked up, with occasional bursts of fireworks (which are legal in the western counties of the state). During times like last night's, I can forget the seriousness of the world situation.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01216119321836479641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120334977198636292005-07-02T15:09:00.000-05:002005-07-02T15:09:00.000-05:00ok Im back from riding in AOW's convertible (ooopp...ok Im back from riding in AOW's convertible (ooopppps) sorry Mustang. Shes a bad bad girl :-p<BR/><BR/>No, I think as Americans we must be vigilant. As was said, "Had the strong man of the house been on watch he would not have been bound and robbed"<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure about where you live but here it is not wahabist. Most of the muslims in our area are Sunii. <BR/><BR/>No America will not take it lying down the next time. I do have one major concern much more of a concern than what is being spoken of in the U.S. Mosques. Until our Government finally wakes up and does something about our borders we will continually be at risk.<BR/><BR/>I have heard from several people the same as you their next targets are what are called soft targets. As long as they can come across our borders unchallenged as they can now that is where our real danger lies.<BR/><BR/>Most of the muslims living in this country now realize the same as you that God forbid it happen again. <BR/><BR/>We should be pressing our government to absolutely close the borders. Its not just the arab terroist that are crossing our borders it is also the drug rings using the same tactics they have learned from these people. All along the southwestern border both groups have easy access to this country and our Government knows they are criss crossing the borders daily yet it is as if they sit by waiting and doing nothing. Im not talking about just the president I am talking about republican and democratic leaders in this country. <BR/><BR/>Most of the muslims here came here to escape the tyranny of their homelands. I think you will not find as much of the same wahabist rethoric being preached in their mosques here as you would in Saudi Arabia. <BR/><BR/>Mustang we do have our own home grown terrorist that worry me just as much as any muslim. Terry McViegh was no fluke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120322031826243642005-07-02T11:33:00.000-05:002005-07-02T11:33:00.000-05:00Yes, there are different sects in Islam. But all ...Yes, there are different sects in Islam. But all those sects meet in the same mosque. Most different denominiations in Christianity meet in different houses of worship.<BR/><BR/>The above is my last thought for today. I'm getting out in the convertible to enjoy the nice change in the weather.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01216119321836479641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120315385387178032005-07-02T09:43:00.000-05:002005-07-02T09:43:00.000-05:00You’re pulling the old bait-and-switch, Justin. I’...You’re pulling the old bait-and-switch, Justin. I’ve talked about this before. I make a distinction between, on the one hand, the demographic group called Muslims (and I agree with you about the vast differences), and, on the other hand the religious philosophy of Islam. <BR/><BR/>There is no bait and switch here Jason that is a good right or wing term however,since both sides say it when people do not agree with your stand.<BR/><BR/>And based on your theroy here then I would have to base all Christianity on what I see in the media. Is that correct and depending on what authors I read.<BR/><BR/>As for intellectual bias against books I dont think so Jason.<BR/><BR/>I know you do not want to accept that there are different sects and beliefs in Islam just as there are different sects in Christianity or any other religion of the world but that is where you and I will agree to disagree.<BR/><BR/>Happy 4th of July JasonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120314567561695002005-07-02T09:29:00.000-05:002005-07-02T09:29:00.000-05:00Sorry Mr. B you didnt blow my socks off I even sti...Sorry Mr. B you didnt blow my socks off I even still have my boots on. I respect your belief however I will not judge a whole race of people simply based on what their archaic belief system says when I see many trying to change it. <BR/><BR/>I do believe that Har Megiddo will be brought on not just by a secttion of the muslim world but by a very select section of that world. Iran and will be backed by Russia. <BR/><BR/>My comment was in reply to your saying of trees talking etc. <BR/><BR/>Did not God speak to Moses through a burning bush? <BR/><BR/>Did he not instruct the Children of Israel when taking the promised land to Kill every man woman and child and even the beast of the field but not touch the trees or take any booty. <BR/><BR/>What I am simply saying is we cannot judge a people strictly on their teachings because those teachings change over time. Many in the muslim world are trying to affect change in their belief system and to their credit they are doing it in the face of death for trying. <BR/><BR/>There is still however a strong anti Jewish and anti American hatred in that part of the world. And I am sorry to say not just in that part of the world. As it has been since the beginning so it shall be until the end.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120313576155439192005-07-02T09:12:00.000-05:002005-07-02T09:12:00.000-05:00Mustang, you are correct I stand corrected and apo...Mustang, you are correct I stand corrected and apologize for my cheap shot. I am after all human and subject to error as well. <BR/><BR/>I agree with you that mainstream muslims need to disassociate themselves from these groups. Many are doing that. They are begining to see for the first time they can stand up to these people. But change does not come on our time tables. I cannot agree however that we lump them all together. <BR/><BR/>In Iraq we are seeing for the first time muslims rising up and casting off the yoke of their belief system and actually helping American Soldiers. You will never see this in the news or read it in the papers unless it is buried in the back pages somewhere.<BR/><BR/>What I am saying is if I based my whole opinion of the muslim people by the actions of the terrorist that I see daily in the media knowing what I know for fact having been there I would be a poorer person for it. <BR/><BR/>Mustang you are correct in one aspect of suspecting their motives. There is a old Ronald Reagan saying trust but verify. <BR/><BR/>I cannot fault you for your suspicion I too fall prey to suspicion of all muslims but then I remember all the ones I met who were not of this ilk. <BR/><BR/>Not all muslims are terrorist and not all muslims believe in the Wahhabist teachings of Mohammad either.<BR/><BR/>Just as there were good people in Germany who helped Jews to escape when the rest of the world was turning a blind eye to what was going on. There are good muslims who are trying to throw off the yoke of Wahhabism and its tyranny and are truely grateful for our help to be able to do it. <BR/><BR/>I dont want anyone to think I support the terrorist simply because I choose to not to judge the many by the few. That would make me a racist.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120313209280293682005-07-02T09:06:00.000-05:002005-07-02T09:06:00.000-05:00You’re pulling the old bait-and-switch, Justin. I’...You’re pulling the old bait-and-switch, Justin. I’ve talked about this <A HREF="http://libertyandculture.blogspot.com/2005/03/three-card-mohammad.html" REL="nofollow">before</A>. I make a distinction between, on the one hand, the demographic group called Muslims (and I agree with you about the vast differences), and, on the other hand the religious philosophy of Islam. <BR/><BR/>You seem to have this anti-intellectual bias against books. However, good authors have spent decades studying the religion and its history. No matter how much time I spend I just can’t duplicate that rigorous study. But I can judge the experts – we all must. This is not just a problem for non-Muslims but for Muslims as well. They have to ask themselves who to believe about the religion. There are ways to approach this.<BR/><BR/>The religion is easier to understand than the sociology. That’s why I find it odd that you and I disagree about the religion. But so be it.<BR/><BR/>Have a good 4th AOW and everyone!Jason Pappashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18233796281520274898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120312196311331282005-07-02T08:49:00.000-05:002005-07-02T08:49:00.000-05:00Jason said: "Basically, Justin, it sounds like you...Jason said: <BR/>"Basically, Justin, it sounds like you’ve not very informed about Islam. Talking to Muslims about Islam is like talking to Communists about communism – of course, they make it sound wonderful. There’s not much critical thinking involved here."<BR/><BR/>You learn a great deal more about people by talking to them. Did I ever say Islam was wonderful? No, I dont think so, I think I said not all Islamic belief is the same. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps had you ever traveled to the USSR, I dont know if you are old enough to have traveled to Nazi Germany you would have found out that not all the people subscribed to the teachings of either of those. It doesnt make the belief system correct it gives you the understanding of the people. I have read Mohammds teachings jason and my travels in the middle east showed me that a great many muslims find the harsher teachings of Mohammad rupugnant. <BR/><BR/>You admit freely you never have been in the middle east so all you know is what you have read or seen on television. How do you then discerne what is truth and what is not. <BR/><BR/>If I were to judge a entire race of people based soley on what I have read or seen that would I am sorry to say make me a racisit. <BR/><BR/>New Yorkers are not the only ones who lost some-one on 9-11 many of us had friends in the towers that day. Many of us sat and watched in horror with the absolute feeling of frustration and disgust that there was nothing we could do.<BR/><BR/>Jason it is very easy to say well I read it so that is the way it is. But, is it really?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120308719449514622005-07-02T07:51:00.000-05:002005-07-02T07:51:00.000-05:00Jason,Another of your pithy and pointed comments. ...Jason,<BR/>Another of your pithy and pointed comments. <BR/><BR/>The actions of leader of a religion, particularly those actions which embody the connotations of the faith, speak volumes.<BR/><BR/>Have a safe 4th!Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01216119321836479641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120305176077062072005-07-02T06:52:00.000-05:002005-07-02T06:52:00.000-05:00Basically, Justin, it sounds like you’ve not very ...Basically, Justin, it sounds like you’ve not very informed about Islam. Talking to Muslims about Islam is like talking to Communists about communism – of course, they make it sound wonderful. There’s not much critical thinking involved here. But I’ll answer your question anyway:<BR/><BR/><I> How many trips have you made to the middle east jason?</I><BR/>None. I don’t have to. I live in New York City; the Middle East comes to me. By the way, I never made trips to the USSR or Nazi Germany. Was I unfair in being critical of those “secular religions”?<BR/><BR/>As for terrorism, I suggest you read about Mohammad’s rule when he came to power in Medina. Jesus never did anything like that. Turning over the tables in the temple just doesn’t compare. Need references?Jason Pappashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18233796281520274898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120304182605909432005-07-02T06:36:00.000-05:002005-07-02T06:36:00.000-05:00The book of Revelation is open to several interpre...The book of Revelation is open to several interpretations. Therefore, there are different eschatologies within Christianity. LaHaye's popular novels present the Rapture interpretation, but that is not the only view within Christianity. <BR/><BR/>As long as we're talking about Christianity here...I have seen the case made for Islam's being Satanic in origin because, at one point, the voice of the angel came from MTP's mouth. Some Christians call that phenomenon 'possession' and believe that a demon, which used to be an angel before the fall of Lucifer, was the being who revealed itself to MTP. <BR/><BR/>I have to address the often-heard comment "I know several Muslims, and they are nice people." Don't we hear the same sort of comment about criminals? Something like "He was a good neighbor. Very quiet. I can't believe he's done this." Not every dangerous person is foaming at the mouth. Furthermore, I believe that many so-called Muslims don't really subscribe to Islam {such as "Muslims in name only"); they were born to that faith and had no real choice to opt for anything else--at least, not publicly. In fact, I know a few immigrant Muslims who came to this country and never again attended mosque.<BR/><BR/>Lots of people point to the Crusades as an accusation of Christianity. While I'm not proud of that portion of the history of Christianity, I wonder if those medieval Christians weren't driven to such a step--both politically and in reaction to events previously perpetrated by Muslims. Doesn't Robert Spencer have a book on that topic? If the book is not yet released, it will be soon. <BR/>Besides, the Crusades occurred centuries ago. Over that vast expanse of time, it's difficult to understand the mindset of the times. I'm more interested in what's happening today.<BR/><BR/>In addition, I don't hear Christians speaking much about the Old Testament, in which we find that Jehovah instructed the Israelites to annihilate pagan Canaanites, the descendants of which today are Muslims. The OT is filled with the history of tribal warfare of all types; Islam is still rife with such tribal warfare (as in the Sudan).<BR/><BR/>I'm with Mustang on this: separate government from state religion. Theocracy leaves a nation wide open to extremism in the name of religion and makes the government infallible because it serves as the direct arm of the deity. Theocracy is the chosen form of government in Muslim countries. Dangerous! I don't believe that any "holy book" should be the de facto constitution of any nation.<BR/><BR/>One last point...When the only sure way to the best part of Paradise is to be a jihadist, I don't want any part of that religion.Always On Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01216119321836479641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120281188579539902005-07-02T00:13:00.000-05:002005-07-02T00:13:00.000-05:00As for your question of the Day of Resurection. Wh...<I>As for your question of the Day of Resurection. What does the Bible say must happen before the day of resurection. Does it not say all those who are not Christian will be condemend to a burning lake of fire with Satan and his followers.</I><BR/><BR/>Actually it does not. My Bible says heaven is filled will multitudes from every nation, tribe, and language. The only ethnic group in heaven specifically named as being present there are Jews.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, it does not specifically say "The day of ressurection shall not arrive until the Moslems make war against the Jews and kill them, and until a Jew hiding behind a rock and a tree, and the rock and tree will say, "Oh Moslem, oh servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him!" as Sahih Bukhari reports Muhammad as saying.<BR/><BR/>If we accept both Christian and Muslim visions of the Judgement Day / Day of Ressurection as accurate prophecies, we can only conclude Islam is the false global theocratic system brought about by the Antichrist prior to his involvement in leading a genocidal war upon Israel culminating in a battle at Har Megiddo. <BR/><BR/>You may now put your socks back on (sorry if I knocked them off)(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120275333632249252005-07-01T22:35:00.000-05:002005-07-01T22:35:00.000-05:00jason i am not going to argue with your stupid sym...jason i am not going to argue with your stupid symantics. I answered your question. let me repeat it ok <BR/><BR/>Jason being a former Priest I have studied most religions out there. <BR/><BR/>now i will say this very slowly so you can understand. I even have studied islam and the history of islam. <BR/><BR/>if you had read my post you would have seen i have traveled the middle east ie: Jordan,Iraq,Saudia Arabia, UAE and Egypt so I would very strongly suspect those people are muslim and therefore would know what islam is and what it is not.<BR/><BR/>and to clarify for you I never said all religions are the same. I said all religions are the same in the aspect that they all have their extremist and their moderates. if you dont understand that then there is nothing more i can do to help you. <BR/><BR/>now you never answered my question. when was the last time you were in the middle east or any middle eastern country.<BR/><BR/>You said<BR/>"If you meet someone who says they are a Muslim, how do you know if they correctly understand Islam? On what basis?" <BR/><BR/>I guess that could apply to your man from Jakarta hmmmmm. And I guess you overlooked the fact that my boss is chinese and muslim. <BR/><BR/>shakes head.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120272652543454162005-07-01T21:50:00.000-05:002005-07-01T21:50:00.000-05:00You haven't answered my question, what have you re...You haven't answered my question, what have you read? On what grounds do you believe the moderates are correct about Islam? I'm not religious but I never start with the assumption that all religions are the same anymore than all philosophies are the same. What's you basis for your belief? If you meet someone who says they are a Muslim, how do you know if they correctly understand Islam? On what basis?Jason Pappashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18233796281520274898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120271564853358022005-07-01T21:32:00.000-05:002005-07-01T21:32:00.000-05:00that should read justin said not jason said hmmmmm...that should read justin said not jason said hmmmmmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120271424385019222005-07-01T21:30:00.000-05:002005-07-01T21:30:00.000-05:00oh and jason I now work for a muslim from China. ...oh and jason I now work for a muslim from China. Wowwwwwwwwwww imagine that. How many trips have you made to the middle east jason.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120271259312988402005-07-01T21:27:00.000-05:002005-07-01T21:27:00.000-05:00Ummmmm Jason being a former Priest I have studied ...Ummmmm Jason being a former Priest I have studied most religions out there. <BR/><BR/>Now my question to you how do you know its not the moderates that distort christianity and not the extreme evangelical. That makes about as much sense as your question jason. There are difference in all religions including islam. What you choose to believe is up to you no matter how misguided it might be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120268342188532732005-07-01T20:39:00.000-05:002005-07-01T20:39:00.000-05:00The problem, Justin, is that there are not really ...The problem, Justin, is that there are not really different sects in Islam <I>like</I> there are in Christianity. I once had a conversation with a Muslim from Jakarta and asked him the following question: Why should I assume that the different Islamic groups are as different as Catholics and Baptists? Why isn’t the appropriate analogy Dominicans and Franciscans? Are the Muslim groups as different as Christian sects or Christian orders? He was very honest and said there is <I>very little difference</I> in the beliefs of the various Islamic groups. <BR/><BR/>You can't just assume a priori that all religions are alike. There is no law of nature that makes this so. You have to study the doctrines. What have you read?<BR/><BR/>Let me ask you and Robert one question: <B>How do you know it is the jihadists that distort the doctrines of Islam and not the moderates?</B>Jason Pappashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18233796281520274898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120259523836988612005-07-01T18:12:00.000-05:002005-07-01T18:12:00.000-05:00mr beamish said:If "Islam is the religion of peace...mr beamish said:<BR/>If "Islam is the religion of peace" then would it not follow that an "Islamic extremist" would be a pacifist? <BR/><BR/>mr beamish as one who has traveled extensively in the middle east I would ask which sect of the Islamic faith are you speaking.<BR/><BR/>Whabist?<BR/>Suni?<BR/>Sheite?<BR/><BR/>Just as in christianity and judaism there are different sects. <BR/><BR/>The extermist we are fighting follow the Whabist form of Islam which is totally stuck in the 12th century. Saudia Arabia's national religion is Whabist. They consider even other muslims that are not whabist to be infidels.<BR/><BR/>In my travels I never felt uncomfortable in Suni or Sheite dominated parts of the middle east only in Saudia Arabia where you are kept segregated from the population and where the hatred for the west is taught daily in the mosques and schools. Now they are trying to change this but it will take a long time. <BR/><BR/>I was welcomed into strangers homes and treated as a specail guest that is the custom in the middle east but not in Saudia Arabia. Doesnt anyone find it just a little strange the terrorist of 9-11 were Saudi's not Sunis or Sheites. Sure you have some extremist in all groups but that goes world wide with any religion. <BR/><BR/>As for your question of the Day of Resurection. What does the Bible say must happen before the day of resurection. Does it not say all those who are not Christian will be condemend to a burning lake of fire with Satan and his followers. <BR/><BR/>Does the old testament not show a God of anger and hate? <BR/><BR/>Before we level a charge that all who practice Islam are bad we had best look to our own religions and what the true underlying teachings are.<BR/><BR/>You have bad apples in every barrel and they have to be rooted out. <BR/><BR/>When Christian Churches teach hate against any one segment of society are you going to be suprised when some one acts on that hate. It does happen daily in this country just because the media does not report it doesnt mean it doesnt happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11044955.post-1120253026503390812005-07-01T16:23:00.000-05:002005-07-01T16:23:00.000-05:00Pop quiz for those who have studied Islam:What doe...Pop quiz for those who have studied Islam:<BR/><BR/>What does Islam say must occur before the "Day of Ressurection" will come?<BR/><BR/>Hint: It involves talking trees and Jews fleeing for their lives.(((Thought Criminal)))https://www.blogger.com/profile/17311656184275255223noreply@blogger.com