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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: one_less who wrote (40340)	12/4/2001 1:31:27 PM
From: J. C. Dithers	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

Hi, Jewel- I would never try to engage you in a debate about Islam, as I believe you would blow me away quickly and I would not be a worthy "opponent." As you took note, I am only speaking of what I see with my eyes. This does have certain advantages, such as being more representative of the commoners' viewpoint. I have no axe to grind with the people of Afghanistan or any other Islamic nation. I believe that ordinary people everywhere aspire to pretty much the same conditions of life, including freedom, peace, justice, and opportunity. I well understand the subjugation of whole populations to despots, historically or contemporaneously. I always think of Japan a half-century ago in this context. With a militarist government in control, Japanese citizens gave every appearance of vigorously supporting aggression and conquest. Troops were sent off to China with masses cheering them on. Newsreels of victories were met with frenzied "Banzais!" ... even the rape (and murders) of Nanking. Returning troops were greeted with cheering in the streets. Anyone would have concluded that the Japanese were a bloodthirsty race. The true nature of the Japanese people was quickly, astonishingly so, revealed no sooner had the war ended and the military cabal been deposed. People everywhere do what they have to do to survive. Perhaps there can also be some measure of temporary national psychosis, as a result of relentless propagandizing or brainwashing. I admire that the United States exemplified the best traditions of Christianity in holding no grudge against the Japanese citizenry. I am sure those same traditions will be applied when (if?) the current conflicts come to an end. Concerning Islam, and whether a peaceful religion has been hijacked by certain despotic leaders to create a cause, there are some disturbing questions that need to be answered. For example, why neighboring Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia or Egypt have been guarded in their objections to terrorism. Or why Islamic believers in this country have been less than forceful in their condemnation of it. Until such questions are answered, doubt will linger over the claims that the teachings of Islam inspire peacefulness, non-violence, and good will. JC