Why Muslims Shouldn’t Be Asked to Condemn Terror Attacks
Chuck Todd interviewed Dalia Mogahed, an American Muslim who is an expert on Muslim attitudes here and abroad.
I think we should take a step back and ask a different question, which is: ‘Is it justified to demand that Muslims condemn terrorism?’ Now that might sound a little radical. The reason I say that is this.
Condoning the killing of civilians is, to me, about the most monstrous thing you can to do. And to be suspected of doing something so monstrous, simply because of your faith, seems very unfair. Now when you look at the majority of terrorist attacks in the United States, according to the FBI, the majority of domestic terror attacks are actually committed by white, male Christians.
Now that’s just the facts. When those things occur, we don’t suspect other people who share their faith and ethnicity of condoning them. We assume that these things outrage them just as much as they do anyone else. And we have to afford this same assumption of innocence to Muslims.
Copyright 2015 Liberaland
93 responses to Why Muslims Shouldn’t Be Asked to Condemn Terror Attacks
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tracey marie November 21st, 2015 at 11:49
Very good.
toncuz . November 21st, 2015 at 11:54
Did anyone call “born again” Christian GW Bush a “Christian terrorist” after he killed half-MILLION Iraqi civilians in a false war?
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 14:13
no, but there were some who openly questioned his ‘god given’ intelligence.
Gina Bousquet November 21st, 2015 at 12:01
Good thinking!
Larry Schmitt November 21st, 2015 at 12:31
Check any right wing site, though, including Fox Not News, and the commenters, and even the interviewers and interviewees, demand that prominent Muslims condemn every terrorist attack by radical Muslims. As if, by not doing so, they are condoning the attacks. They have always done it, and always will.
MyDogsAreSmarterThanYou November 21st, 2015 at 13:10
Prominent Muslims do condemn practically every terrorist attack. Not that RWNJs care to hear it though.
craig7120 November 21st, 2015 at 12:38
If W had mentioned the Iraq war was some type of crusade while justifying the US attack on a sovereign country….oh wait, he walked that one back really quick.
I’m not gonna get into a whole big thing here but shouldn’t we look at motives? Isis is admitting they’re attacking and plotting on killing people for no other reason but a jihad. Now I’m not asking the Muslim community to apologize for being Muslim or denounce the actions of others but if we as a nation denounced W’s choice of words then apparently we realize words matter. Isis is working under the umbrella of their religion, they’re not fighting for better wages, they want and seek an Islamic state. How many players are on Isis? 20/25 thousand? The nations surrounding that little group could squash them like a bug, why don’t they? Because the leaders like their positions in those countries, they don’t want blood shed in their streets it’s best the great satan takes the blunt of anger.
Now the gop has their 9/11 to bad it happened in France, so they will hype more war and blame the liberal pacifists for being weak, and of course the democrats will cave because they like their jobs of being a political millionaire.
What a disgusting and disgraceful place humans have created for themselves in this world.
I ain’t scared of Syrian refugees, hell I was raised in the city and taught by nuns, bring us your poor and hurt, it’s the only thing in this whole affair that would make me feel human.
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 14:10
the original stated cause of ISIS was to create a home state (country) for themselves, being that the original core consisted mostly of displaced Military leaders of Saddam’s Iraq. since al-Maliki (appointed dictator of Iraq through reported and confirmed voter fraud) would have nothing to do with them and would not allow them to be a part of the US Republican directed ‘self determination’ rule of Iraq with al Maliki being the self determinator, who had been an active US backed terrorist against Saddam’s Iraq for 24 some years.
Being that an independent ISIS state (country) was not acceptable, they’ve merely opted to join forces with jihadist -or- in poetic justice terms – terrorist against the current Iraqi government and the world that allowed it to happen.
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 12:51
What a crock. This website is constantly implying that all Republicans and all Christians support the worst things that some Republicans or some Christians say or do. If it’s not okay to generalize about Muslims, then it’s not okay to generalize about Republicans or Christians.
On the other hand, if it’s okay to say that Conservatism is a bunch of crap, then it’s okay to say that Islam is a bunch of crap. Nobody is born Muslim or Christian, Liberal or Conservative. They are systems of belief. People can change their beliefs.
Many Muslims believe that women should be forced to dress a certain way, be prevented from working many types of jobs, be prevented from driving cars, and basically have their lives controlled by men. Many Muslims believe that homosexuals should be punished or killed. I happen to think that’s a bunch of crap, and I don’t want people with those beliefs running our schools and universities or running our country.
I would assume that there are many Muslims who do NOT support those things. But those who DO support them are constantly claiming that they are major tenets of the faith. If the Muslims who do NOT support those things do not speak up, how are we supposed to know what Muslims believe? I don’t have time to study the Koran and the history of Islamic thought. So yes, I think it is reasonable to expect leaders of a faith community to speak up when they strongly disagree with something that is being said or done in their name.
OldLefty November 21st, 2015 at 13:01
This website is constantly implying that all Republicans and all Christians support the worst things that some Republicans or some Christians say or do
_______
No it doesn’t. It DOES give them too much ink, though, but many of them are in Congress or presidential candidates.
There are Christians who believe the same things.
And there are many Muslims who DO speak out and have issued Fatwas opposing this stuff.
Carla Akins November 21st, 2015 at 13:05
You could remove the word Muslim and insert Christian and it would read exactly the same. I find it telling that you can’t see the duplicity.
StoneyCurtisll November 21st, 2015 at 13:37
Bingo~!
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 14:19
Sometimes it seems as though people are responding without actually reading what I write. My whole point was about duplicity. How can I make it any clearer? Why is it okay to bash Conservatives but not okay to bash Muslims? I am not arguing for or against bashing. I am arguing for consistency. If you want to play rough and tumble, then that’s fine. But why make an exception for Muslims? On the other hand, if you want to be a peacemaker and be polite to everybody, then why not be polite to conservatives? Just be consistent. That’s all I’m saying.
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 14:33
ever hear of the scripture
… ” sow into the wind, reap a whirlwind”
the konservative kristian krowd has a cat. 6 heading straight at them.
Carla Akins November 21st, 2015 at 15:12
Because of institutional racism. Those with the greatest privilege require the greatest scrutiny. These wealthy, white conservative men have all the power. The power to purchase a good defense, the money and privilege to get the benefit of the doubt, the money to secure an elected office – giving them more power.
I’ll go out on a limb and assume that you’re white. Has anyone asked you to apologize for Dylan Roof’s actions?
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 15:31
Psychologists and anthropologists use the terms “in group” and “out group”. When someone inside your culture does something bad, it doesn’t change your perception of the group because you are inside the group and you are well-acquainted with the group’s cultural norms. But when a member of your group does something bad to someone OUTSIDE your group, it is not reasonable to expect members of that group to be well-acquainted with your group’s cultural norms. If you want to promote cultural understanding, then you need to be an ambassador for your group. You need to make a conscious effort to dispel the doubts and fears that others may have about your group.
I live in a mostly-white, rural community with an interstate passing through. I see all kinds of people at the filling station. I am always conscious of the fact that I am a reflection of my community. I know that there are some in my community who are not friendly to non-white, non-rural folks. So I always go out of my way to be friendly and courteous to everyone. And in order to be fair, I am equally friendly to everyone – old, young, black, white, male, female.
I can’t control what other members of my community do. But I do feel a personal responsibility to interact with these visitors in a positive, welcoming manner, and I usually find that people are quick to reciprocate. But I am also well aware that if someone has a few bad experiences while traveling through rural America, they might start to generalize and feel a sense of distrust for rural folks. That is just human nature. There is nothing like a warm handshake, a smile, and a genuine willingness to be helpful to dispel stereotypes.
Carla Akins November 21st, 2015 at 15:56
and millions and millions of Muslims have denounced the actions of the Daesh – although I am not sure why because other Muslims are their biggest target, not us. Why should a terrorists (intended) victim be apologizing to anyone?
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 16:35
I’m not looking for an apology. I’m just looking for reassurance that this isn’t something that is widely supported by people of the Muslim faith.
I have become pretty well acquainted with a Guatemalan immigrant named Rosa who works at her cousin’s pizza shop. There is a chain of pizza shops that are all staffed by Guatemalan immigrants, so I asked Rosa how they go about getting new people. She said that her cousin paid all of her expenses (about $2K) to come to America legally. At first she could not work for him because she was here on a visa. Now that she has been granted citizenship, she works for her cousin. But she is not required to do so. She is not beholden to him. She could go elsewhere to work. But I think she feels a sense of loyalty to him. I asked her about the citizenship process. Did she really have to raise her right hand and take an oath? She turned around and picked up a small American flag that had a little wooden or plastic base. The flag was given to her at the citizenship ceremony. She had written the date of that ceremony in one corner of the flag. She keeps that flag on the shelf directly above the food prep counter at the front of the restaurant. I kind of got a lump in my throat.
The point is that I am happy to see people like Rosa coming to America. And if I ever see anyone giving her grief about being an immigrant, I am going to be in that person’s face.
But Rosa has told me that there are some pretty rough characters in Guatemala. Crime is rampant. Her mother stays in Guatemala because she is afraid that if she leaves, her son (Rosa’s brother) might fall in with a gang and get into trouble. Her brother is in his thirties!
So based on what Rosa has told me, I think it is reasonable to be careful about who we admit into this country from Guatemala. In every society, there are bad actors. These people’s actions cause people to be concerned about the society as a whole. The way to overcome those concerns is through outreach and dialogue. It is simply not realistic to expect people to give the benefit of the doubt. People need reassurance.
My friendship with Rosa has done far more to reassure me about Guatemalans than all of the articles and panel discussions by academics put together. I don’t care what people outside the culture think. I want to know how somebody inside the culture thinks. We are all ambassadors for our respective cultures and subcultures. We all have the ability to reach out and do something positive.
Wow, wouldn’t it be great to see Muslim charities in the US that operated homeless shelters or hospitals? If they already exist, then why aren’t we hearing about them? That’s the kind of thing that would help to change hearts and minds.
Carla Akins November 21st, 2015 at 17:07
I think you may be confused about refugees. By definition they come to us fleeing crime/war/persecution….it’s unrealistic to think they are doing anything but fleeing for their lives, not searching to setup or continue a criminal or terrorist enterprise. It would be an incredibly ineffective means. There is already a lengthy vetting process for the individual/family that outside the odd anomaly has been incredibly successful for a century.
You could have always made yourself familiar with another culture. I agree that knowing someone personally from another region culture provides a much better perspective but there is travel, community courses, volunteering at local charities that deal with other cultures……it is not the responsibility of the Syrians or Guatemalans to educate you on their culture.
We live in a time where information is at our very fingertips. There are approximately 1300 Muslim run charities in this country. Since they are a small percentage of the population it seems impressive.The wiki list on the most well known is below.
At the end of the day, we are a country of immigrants with a bill of rights that expressly states all religions are welcome. Why should we expect to be spoon-fed the information you’re looking for. It’s out there and remarkable easy to get.
Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is one of the leading Muslim charity organizations in the United States. According to the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, IMAN seeks “to utilize the tremendous possibilities and opportunities that are present in the community to build a dynamic and vibrant alternative to the difficult conditions of inner city life.” IMAN sees understanding Islam as part of a larger process to empower individuals and communities to work for the betterment of humanity.[153]
Islamic Relief USA is the American branch of Islamic Relief Worldwide, an international relief and development organization. Its stated goal is “to alleviate the suffering, hunger, illiteracy and diseases worldwide without regard to color, race or creed.” They focus of development projects; emergency relief projects, such as providing aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina; orphans projects; and seasonal projects, such as food distributions during the month of Ramadan. They provide aid internationally and in the United States.[154]
Project Downtown is a non profit organization originated in Miami Fl. From what started as two men giving away a few sandwiches eventually turned into an array of chapters all over the United States giving away thousands of packets of food, hygiene bags, clothes, and other necessities of life to those who cannot afford it. The motto of Project Downtown is “We feed you for the sake of God alone, no reward do we seek, nor thanks.” (Quran 76:9)
Compassionate Care Network, Chicago, CCNchicago was formed 14 years ago to offer basic health screening for the uninsured population in the community. It offers health screening for obesity,hypertension,diabetes and health awarenss for the indigent people. It has formed a network of 200 providers and enrolled several thousand patients. In 2014 CCN’s work was recognized with honors from the Governor of Illinois and also by President Obama at the White House. In 2015 CCN was invited to participate in White House policy recommendation discussions with the US Dept of Health and Human Services Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 17:23
he won’t read it. and it’s too bad.
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 19:19
Thank you for the detailed and thoughtful response. I did not know about any of those outreach organizations. I watch CNN and MSNBC regularly, and PBS less often. I can’t recall ever hearing about any Muslim outreach groups. So thanks for the info. It’s good to know.
MyDogsAreSmarterThanYou November 21st, 2015 at 13:07
Lots of Christians believe the same sort of things. If the Christians that don’t believe them don’t speak up, how am I to tell the difference?
As for you not having time to study the Koran and the history of Islamic thought, if you want to know about the faith and its beliefs, then how about you make the time instead of working off of assumptions. Why would you expect a Muslim to simply approach you and tell you about their beliefs? Do you think Muslims have that kind of time?
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 14:32
“As for you not having time to study the Koran and the history of Islamic thought, if you want to know about the faith and its beliefs, then how about you make the time instead of working off of assumptions”
If someone attacks your community in the name of some organization, are you going to take the time to study the history of that organization in order to figure out what portion of its members are similarly inclined? Wouldn’t you expect someone from that organization to say “He doesn’t represent us!”?
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 14:42
sorry, robert, but I’m from the southern US, what was that you were saying about white folks saying they were sorry about the Klan’s activities?
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 15:05
Apples and oranges. Muslims don’t need to convince other Muslims that the radicals don’t represent the entire group. When someone in group commits violent acts in the name of the group, then someone in that group needs to speak up to help the people outside the group to understand that the group condemns that sort of thing.
Remember when the Dixie Chicks denounced George Bush in front of a European audience? They caught a lot of flak here in the US. I guess that’s why many Muslims might be reluctant to speak up. But why did the Dixie Chicks catch flak? Because a LOT of Americans SUPPORTED George Bush.
So the fact that Americans were divided on the Iraq war only reinforces the concept that Muslims might be divided on the appropriateness of the Paris attacks or other acts of violence against Western targets. Americans certainly do not all think alike. It is silly to assume that all Muslims think alike, and it is reasonable to ask what percentage of Muslims are actually happy to see Western targets being attacked.
OldLefty November 21st, 2015 at 15:10
But why did the Dixie Chicks catch flak?
_______
Because Tom, Hicks, Clear Channel’s former vice-chairman, a Bush associate and Bush pioneer, admitted to the Commerce Committee that the Pro War, anti Dixie Chicks rallies were a top down, corporate endeavor.
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 15:17
I shave every day with Occam’s razor. I think people had a gut-level reaction. Even if some corporate forces were at work, the flak came from the grass roots. There were lots of conversations around lots of water coolers by people who were simply expressing their own disgust, and then making an independent decision not to buy any more Dixie Chicks music. The rallies didn’t directly hurt music sales, and the sales would have suffered just as much without the rallies.
Richard Banville November 21st, 2015 at 15:37
You don’t think that it’s disgusting that so many American conservatives supported the illegitimate authoritarian criminal B#$h regime? Don’t you think American conservatives owe the world an apology for aiding and abetting their bloodthirsty warmongering torture and war crimes?
If you insist that Muslims have some apologizing to do for the actions of a few, when are YOU going to start apologizing for the mass murder and the horrors that you were voting and cheering for?
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 15:52
“If you insist that Muslims have some apologizing to do for the actions of a few, when are YOU going to start apologizing for the mass murder and the horrors that you were voting and cheering for?”
Do you remember when the UN reported that over 100,000 Syrians had been killed by the Assad regime? Now Putin is bombing Syrian targets with Obama’s blessing.
OldLefty November 21st, 2015 at 15:39
It was invented by corporate.
And there were lots of OTHER conversations around lots of OTHER water coolers by people who were simply expressing THEIR own disgust at the media/government complex chilling dissent and then making THEIR independent decisions not to buy any more Dixie Chicks
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 17:22
it’s not oranges and apples. they consider themselves “christians.” own them.
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 17:22
boom!
MyDogsAreSmarterThanYou November 22nd, 2015 at 04:29
I would study the organization in order to see if the attackers were truly representing the group they claim to be fighting in the name of.
Prominent Muslims and leaders of Islamic organizations publically condemn terrorist activities quite consistently. And what does it accomplish? Precisely nothing.
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 17:21
THANK YOU!!!!!!!! you and the rest of us can say that until our eyes bleed and he still won’t get it.
rg9rts November 21st, 2015 at 13:27
Dope of the week speaks
StoneyCurtisll November 21st, 2015 at 13:36
Some of your types..
Daylan Roof..
http://images.christianpost.com/full/84449/dylan-roof.jpg
Frasier Glenn Cross
http://kctv.images.worldnow.com/images/8699357_G.jpg
Anders Behring Breivik
http://aattp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Untitled-176.jpg
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 14:30
I’m sure Robert is very apologetic for the ‘misbehavior’ of these fine examples of konservative kristians , except it should be pointed out that even though the dumbass Miller (cross) murdered the wrong people, his heartfelt intent was to kill Jews. (big + on Robert’s compound).
and
Daylan was a poor misguided youth whose attack on a black religious center wasn’t so much against their beliefs as it was the color of the attacked. (big + on Robert’s compound)
as for
Breivik
hell, he ain’t even ameriKan kristian, his sieg heil is all f’d up so no need for an apology there, only Obama is not allowing WHITE kristians like him in and opening the doors to who knows how many terrorist disguised as hungry, cold, homeless 3 year old Syrian children.
Obewon November 21st, 2015 at 13:37
Education & population density causes people to “change their beliefs.” As U.S. population density rises to 800 people per square mile there is a 66% likelihood of voting for Democrats. Nobody informed wants GOP delusions today. https://donperlgut.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/the-democratic-republican-divide-the-closer-you-live-together-the-more-democratic-you-are/
Conserving only functionally illiteracy: “Conservatism is a bunch of crap”-True! Science denier Robert Snyder incinerated by Papal edict condemning Greedy Oil Polluters and Climate deniers to eternal damnation in Hell! http://www.alan.com/2014/12/12/pope-time-to-tackle-global-warming/
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 13:56
WTF Robert – can you not read english?
what Dalai said was: you constantly bark about Muslims having to speak out and denounce acts of terrorism when it’s committed in their name (or they become suspect themselves) but not WHITE RACIST MALES (who are the much GREATER THREAT to US domestic tranquility) when they commit terrorist acts then sheepishly claim it’s for God and Jesus, yet no one expects US to go around apologizing for such dastardly acts.
I happen to agree with her, and would go another step.
DISARM ALL WHITE MALES
DEPORT THEM TO A DETENTION CENTER on the Iraq/Saudi border
and vet them 1 @ a time.
seems to be sound logic to me after the brew haw FAILED overthrow of the Government of the United States of America in Nevada.
and perfectly legal under the patriot act.
StoneyCurtisll November 21st, 2015 at 14:05
Robert M. Snyder says…(with a single adjustment)
“Many Christians believe that women should be forced to dress a certain way,
be prevented from working many types of jobs, be prevented from driving
cars, and basically have their lives controlled by men. Many Christians
believe that homosexuals should be punished or killed. I happen to think that’s a bunch of crap, and I don’t want people with
those beliefs, (Christian) running our schools and universities or running our
country.”
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 14:26
Yes, by all means substitute Christian and I agree it’s still a bunch of crap. But everybody in America knows that this is not mainstream Christian thought. I have no idea what mainstream Muslim thought is like. I would like to assume that the majority of Muslims are basically nice people. But every day there are people committing violent acts “in the name of Islam”. It would certainly be reassuring to hear other Muslims speak out and say “not in our name”.
arc99 November 21st, 2015 at 16:48
I am so tired of this right wing talking point. Like all the others, the notion that Muslims do not speak out against the violence is well-aged horse-sh*t dating back to 2001.
Your lack of knowledge is not the fault of the Muslim community.
http://kurzman.unc.edu/islamic-statements-against-terrorism/
Islamic Statements Against Terrorism
trees November 21st, 2015 at 22:10
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/427444/hillary-clinton-islam-comments-terrorism
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 22:23
you’ve been told about posting without a meaning behind the post. so, why are you doing it again? that’s because you refuse to do what makes sense.
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 17:20
when roof the self proclaimed “christian” and race hater, murdered 9 people in their house, fox did not speak out to say that all “christians” behave that way so don’t condemn all “christians” when the so called “christian” shot an abortion doctor in his house of worship, fox did not, and neither did you, speak out against their behavior as it’s not the “christian” way. mcveigh was also a “christian” again they did not speak out! hitler was a “christian” does he too speak for you? i’d say since you adore tRump he does, because tRump wants to mimic him. and muslims have spoken out. just because they don’t go on fox, since you’ve chosen not to expand your base, you assume they haven’t.
Tommie November 21st, 2015 at 14:07
“Fake news”, always generalize that all Blacks are bad since they only show when Blacks mess up but hardly show when Whites mess up! That’s why a lot of people hate us and act surprised when they see how i act since i am NOT a thug! So as long as minorities continue to be generalized, expect Whites to be generalized, i wish that wasn’t the case but that’s America!
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 14:55
I was exposed to generalizations about blacks (and Catholics, and Puerto Ricans, and Jews, and Asians) long before Fox News even existed.
Jerry Sandusky got a lot of press coverage when he messed up. Nobody swept that under the rug. One of my white neighbors is serving 8 to 32 for bilking his employees out of $300K in pension funds. 32 years seems pretty severe to me. I happen to think he should be made to work and pay restitution instead of sitting in jail. I don’t understand why the justice system works the way it does.
People in Group A will always generalize about people in Group B. It is human nature. It is part of our DNA. It is pointless to wish for the day when it will no longer happen. That day will never come, because every child is born completely ignorant. They have no knowledge of these things, but they have all of the instincts given to us by evolution.
Humans are mammals. Think about how mammals behave. Baby animals have a natural instinct to trust members of their own group and to distrust members of other groups who look different or act differently. That’s a survival instinct. As humans we have the ability to behave differently, but it requires introspection and effort. Racism and prejudice are the natural state of mankind. Rising above that sort of thing doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a sustained, conscious effort.
When my son was a baby, he cried every time someone with white hair held him. Nobody taught him to fear white hair. He just did. The human mind is a complicated thing. We all have irrational fears and we all make generalizations.
I have a wide gap between my top teeth. My dentist says it is the widest gap he has ever seen. I live in an impoverished, rural area where education is not a big priority. When I go in for a job interview, I feel as though I need to work hard to dispel the “gap-toothed white trash” stereotype. Believe me, people don’t automatically assume you’re smart just because you’re white.
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 15:09
…und thus der MASTER RACE ist born!
good antics, robert, but Adolph beat you to it some going on 80+ years ago.
so…..
in der fuhrer’s face!
Tommie November 21st, 2015 at 16:43
But i do not generalize, i type “some” people to be sure not to generalize, i don’t think it’s fair to assume a whole race (of any color) should be blamed for the actions of a few!
Robert M. Snyder November 23rd, 2015 at 10:53
” i don’t think it’s fair to assume a whole race (of any color) should be blamed for the actions of a few!”
Nor should all men be blamed for the actions of a few. I just read about a male college student who is being attacked by fellow students after objecting to a request that he attend a seminar on sexual consent.
http://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/warwick-university-student-george-lawlor-divides-opinion-after-opposing-union-s-sex-consent-lessons-a6694781.html
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 17:12
sandusky was a different ball of wax. it wasn’t political and it wasn’t about racial targeting. “It is part ‘re of our DNA” it’s how you’re raised period. “…but they have all of the instincts given to us by evolution.” that’s stupid. being born ignorant doesn’t mean they are to remain ignorant. they are taught to respect others or not. they are taught to believe that they are superior to others or equal to others. however, being taught to hate others because they are not like you is an ignorance that they choose to engage in. it has nothing to do with evolution unless its you who chooses not to evolve and decidedly chooses to stunt the growth of your off spring. and in my opinion that’s child abuse. because you’re raising them to be miserable and very unhappy people.
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 22:26
“It is part ‘re of our DNA” it’s how you’re raised period.”
Tell you what. Let’s sit you down in a chair and hook you up to a polygraph machine so we can measure your physiological state – blood pressure, perspiration, pulse rate, etc. Then we will bring in a wide variety of people, one by one, and sit them directly in front of you where they will stare directly into your eyes for one minute. We will have a sweet little old lady, a scowling guy who looks like Jesse Ventura, a police officer in full uniform, a 400 pound woman wearing yoga pants, a person with skin grafts all over their face, and so on. And then we will look at your physiological response in each case. I will guarantee that your responses will show marked differences.
You might think that you’re completely unbiased, but your body tells a different story. I am not attempting to justify racism, sexism, fat shaming, or any other type of discrimination. I am just making the case that the human brain is wired (by evolution) to notice and respond to differences in other people’s physical appearance.
bpollen November 21st, 2015 at 22:33
Wow. You realized people are flawed!
I am flabbergasted! Nobody EVER knew this before! Nobel, for sure!
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 23:52
it does not take a rocket scientist or evolution to recognize people look differently. it’s pure observation. what doesn’t have anything to do with evolution is hatred of another. it’s learned behavior. you were taught from birth, to be ignorant and hateful. see, nothing to do with evolution. everything to do with your evil parents.
Mensa Member November 21st, 2015 at 15:01
>> This website is constantly implying that all Republicans and all Christians support the worst things that some Republicans or some Christians say or do
Do you listen to Alan’s show?
He is very careful to not generalize about all Muslims, all Christian, all conservatives, etc.
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 15:11
Yes, I think you are right. When I wrote that, I was thinking of the many, many comments I have received here from people who seem to think that I support everything ever said by a conservative. The more I think about it, the more I think that the author has a point. I don’t think it is fair that I should have to constantly denounce everything Trump says in order to dispel people’s fears that I might actually agree with him.
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 15:19
PRAISE DE LAWD!
finally beginning to see the light..
you tell me
you tell me
you tell me
Robert M. Snyder November 21st, 2015 at 15:45
Does that mean you’ll come to my defense when another commenter accuses me of supporting Trump/Carson/Gingrich/Hitler just because I happen to be a conservative? After all, they’re making the same kind of assumption about my group, where I am assumed to support everything conservatives do or say unless I specifically denounce them. So can I count on you to back me up on that specific point?
trees November 21st, 2015 at 22:04
And yet they, the liberals who post here, continually attempt to paint you with that brush.
“Hey, Robert, when did you stop beating your wife?”
Now, do I expect Muslims to denounce every horrific act of terrorism as not being Islamic? If the perpetrators claim the acts are sanctioned by their Islamic faith, then the silence by supposed “moderates” speaks volumes.
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 15:17
Alan only does that to leave the conservatives less canvas to dance around on. Kinda like being the all time Champion of Verbal Boxing. Make ’em slowly back their own selves into the corner then pound on ’em till they drop.
A TRUE CHAMPION!
(hoping he reads this and is into some quid pro quo) -like starting the radio show off with what shoes Amy is wearing? -maybe?)
dewired4u November 21st, 2015 at 15:44
they do you just won’t see it in the right wing media.
rg9rts November 21st, 2015 at 13:28
That’ll bunch up the reichwings panties
Tommie November 21st, 2015 at 14:11
Some Muslims may not speak up since they may still have family over there and they may be recognized and their families killed!
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 14:55
maybe you could ask Robert to speak up on their behalf?
kinda like he is constantly apologizing for not very nice acts committed by the kristian knight klan krap?
Mensa Member November 21st, 2015 at 15:06
I suppose that is true for small group of Muslims.
But, I think this is just human nature.
The vast majority of Muslims have absolutely no connection to ISIS. They don’t know any more about ISIS than you and I do.
People don’t generally apologize in that situation.
granpa.usthai November 21st, 2015 at 15:24
but –
white people all over the world are constantly apologizing for GW not finding WMD’s (fear premises for Iraqi Invasion/Occupation) -even O’reilly said POTUS GW was ‘misled’.
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 19:17
gw wasn’t misled, he knowingly lied. the people were misled.
Mensa Member November 21st, 2015 at 14:58
People generally don’t apologize for things they have nothing to do with.
Windriven December 15th, 2015 at 10:16
Hmmm … not much in the way of critical thinking for someone who styles himself “Mensa Member.” Who precisely has asked the ulema in general, or any mainstream Muslim group in particular, to apologize? No one. It is a straw man and it deflects attention from the real issues.
Islamic extremism is by definition an Islamic problem. That the problem spills over into western civilization is incidental. The vast number of people dying and displaced are Muslims. Those who say ‘this is not Islam’ or ‘those people are not Muslims’ are simply trotting out the ‘No True Scotsman’ fallacy. In point of fact Islamic jihadists have a good deal of Islamic scripture* on their side.
The solutions to jihadist extremism need to begin with moderate Muslims. The west is certainly complicit in exacerbating some of the tensions that find expression in extremism and the west can aid moderate Muslims in resolving the problem, but Muslims themselves must lead that charge. If they don’t, and if extremism poses systemic threats to the west, the problem will be solved in ways that no one really wants.
*There are, of course, apocalyptic passages in Christian scripture as well but Christianity has for the last couple of hundred years anyway, largely abandoned those passages as calls to action.
tracey marie December 15th, 2015 at 10:41
umm, asshole. All the candidates on the right have demanded an apology, all the rwnj’s have demanded the muslim community to denounce their religion. Hundred years…the hanging, whipping and killing of blacks in this country is not far in our past and the right continues with the actions.
Windriven December 15th, 2015 at 11:00
Nice mouth.
Would you be so kind as to link some of those demands for an apology? I certainly don’t want to identify with right wingers, but let’s try to hew to the facts, shall we?
I’m not sure what your point is in bringing up the horrific treatment of blacks in America. It is and remains unconscionable. But what does that have to do with Islamic extremism in the Middle East or its spillover into Europe and the U.S.?
It would seem from your comment that you have an inchoate loathing of those to your philosophical right. It may interest you to know that I am a Sanders supporter and regular financial contributor to his campaign. So your hair-on-fire, spittle-spewing rage is misdirected.
The issues surrounding Islamic extremism are immensely important and deserving of thoughtful examination. Apparently this is not an appropriate venue for that sort of exploration.
tracey marie December 15th, 2015 at 11:02
OFFS, stop pretending you did not hear them say “god’s law is higher then man’s law”.
Windriven December 15th, 2015 at 11:42
Where is the request for an apology in that?
The assertion that god’s law is higher than man’s law is true of all religions of the Abrahamic tradition and is certainly true of Islam. So what?
tracey marie December 15th, 2015 at 11:46
more stupid from you.
Windriven December 15th, 2015 at 12:57
Bu-bye now. You’ve marked yourself absolutely incapable of rational discourse. I’ll bet your parents are some proud of you, huh?
dewired4u November 21st, 2015 at 15:42
The U.S. has allowed roughly 800,000 refugees to settle in the country
since 2001 — and not one of them has resorted to terrorism.
Elliot J. Stamler November 21st, 2015 at 18:26
What utter Islamic nonsense. This Muslim woman must think we are daft. Islamic terrorists proclaim that their murderous atrocities ARE in the name of Islam; the whit, male Christians do not proclaim that their crimes are in the name of Christianity.
Bunya November 21st, 2015 at 18:33
Wanna bet? Ever hear of the “Army of God”?
bpollen November 21st, 2015 at 18:55
Are you aware that there are CHRISTIAN terrorists?
male Christians do not proclaim that their crimes are in the name of Christianity.
Lord’s Resistance Army, Uganda. Extant. Proves you wrong.
The Inquisition
Salem Witch Trials.
The Crusades
The Sack of Madgeburg
All in the name of Faux-ianity.
Elliot J. Stamler November 21st, 2015 at 20:29
You are a certified idiot to write such a retort. The only current (?) example you cite is the insane and tiny Ugandan “Lord’s Resistance Army” which is so unrepresentative of Christianity as to be absurd…it is a drug-filled collection of teen agers led by a mental case. Your other examples are from centuries ago.
We are concerned about decades-long Islamist terrorism RIGHT NOW including in our own country….which of course means nothing to you because you and your ilk have no conscience nor brains.
As for “whatthe46” – I only hope some day you get an Islamist bullet right in your disloyal body.
Obewon November 21st, 2015 at 20:41
Domestic U.S. right-wing Anarchists strike nearly everyday now.
Partial list of FBI Crime Data linked Terrorism Directed At ‘Liberal’ And ‘Government’ Targets July 2008-2011. http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/violence-directed-liberal-and-govern
USA “right-wing extremists averaged 337 attacks per year (domestic U.S. terrorists attack nearly everyday now) in the decade after 9/11, causing a total of 254 fatalities” http://www.alan.com/2015/06/18/we-were-warned-right-wing-extremists-bigger-threat-than-muslims/ Just 32% of U.S. households own guns but commit 2/3 of Homicides in America.
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 22:08
he really shouldn’t have challenged you. he asked for it.
bpollen November 21st, 2015 at 22:22
Tripura, Nagaland, Operation Rescue, Marionite Christians in Lebanon, and I CAN go on.
The certified idiot? You see HIM in the mirror.
The only current (?) example you cite is the insane and tiny Ugandan “Lord’s Resistance Army” which is so unrepresentative of Christianity as to be absurd…
Funny, that is EX-FRICKIN’-CACTLY what Muslims say about ISIS. Obviously, your rebuttal is based on a double standard – like most bigoted fools.
Oh, and thank you SO much for wishing me dead. There is no more telling sign of the emptiness of your position that saying “I hope you die.”
I don’t hope you die. I hope you get help.
Elliot J. Stamler November 22nd, 2015 at 12:54
If in your froth and fury you were able to read you would see my comment about dying were NOT directed at you, Mr/Ms Pollen.
bpollen November 22nd, 2015 at 15:54
Oh, that makes it better. “I was wishing somebody else would die, not you.” The froth (santorum) and fury (I hope you get an Islamist bullet) was coming from YOUR keyboard, bigot. If, in your blind hatred and insult laden idiotic excuse for discussion, you would read, you would see that I didn’t SAY you were wishing MY death. But, frankly, it wouldn’t matter. Whether you wish my death, or the death of another, the very fact that you resort to such tactics shows you have lost the argument before you even post it.
If you can support your position with facts and logic, go for it. So far, all I have seen is a monumental failure to support your position, and the massive intellectual vacuum of insults and death wishes. You get rabid in the face of dissent and show you don’t have the ability to rationally present your position.
Insults and death wishes – this is how you represent believers?
Bunya November 21st, 2015 at 22:37
“… which is so unrepresentative of Christianity as to be absurd…”
Funny you should say that, because ISIS is so unrepresentative of Islam. You just don’t see that because, in your mind, Christians are always good, and Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus and everyone else who doesn’t believe as you do, are bad. That’s very indicative of your ignorance.
Elliot J. Stamler November 22nd, 2015 at 13:21
And you are more ignorant than Homer Simpson and Peter Griffin combined. Nowhere did I write that Christians are aways good and that all other religious adherents are bad. If you had any education and a functioning brain so you could read the English language you would see that. And for what it’s worth, dimwit, I happen not to to be a Christian.
Bunya November 23rd, 2015 at 10:03
I see you’re resorting to ad hominem attacks, so you obviously have nothing of value to add to the conversation. And for you to wish death on another person is abhorrent. There is something seriously mentally wrong with you.
tracey marie November 23rd, 2015 at 10:37
kkk, republican party, trump, cruz
whatthe46 November 21st, 2015 at 19:15
you are daft. you and all your hate mongering ilk. disgusting ignorant dafts.
William November 23rd, 2015 at 10:24
” the whit, male Christians do not proclaim that their crimes are in the name of Christianity”
Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.
tracey marie November 23rd, 2015 at 10:36
awwww, hit a nerve didn’t she.
maggie November 21st, 2015 at 22:03
right wing christians condone domestic terrorism….tim mcveigh apologists on hate radio as example