Poet, "crusade" is not at all difficult to use in a secular context. Have you never heard references to crusades against crime, crusades against drugs, crusades against drunk driving,etc. In fact, it is used in describing campaigns of all sorts.
Please benefit us by explaining the meaning of jihad, both as described in the dictionary and contemporary usage. What do you think groups like Islamic Jihad mean by it?
Hitler hated Jews. But Hitler did not build military aircraft, tanks, artillery, submarines and such to waste non-armed Jews. He did these things to war with nations with Christian traditions and atheist Russia.
You have not made a case in defense of your position.
As for the IRA, I deplore them along with any terrorists but, frankly believe religious conflicts, while real, are coincidental to the main issue. The objective is not to blow up your protestant neighbor, it is to blow up vestiges of an occupying power. In their view, the north of Ireland is the only place on earth where England has not folded the tent and gone home.
I find it interesting that you do not even mention IRA counterparts in citing this history. Marching season is provocative, no. |
