Reply to Mansoor

Submitted by John G. Spethman MD (United States), Mar 9, 2008 at 23:43

Dear Mansoor,

I would like to respond to two of your comments on this website. The first pertains to this post. You ask some good questions. Liberty does not mean that people will always make the right choices. One definition of liberty is "the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views." This can be religious or governmental. You accuse the West of killing innocent people in weak countries.

When Pakistan was created there was killing of hindus and muslims by each other. I am sure there were innocents killed. When the muslim army invaded India, there were innocents who were killed who did not convert to Islam. Abu Ghraib was an embarrassment. I would point to the fact that now that Iraqi's are running the prison, the treatment is much worst. Also, you have Shia's and Sunni's killing each other there. Let us not forget that the US bombed the Serbs to protect muslims, the US has recognized Kosovo, a muslim country. Yes, the US did drop atomic bombs on Japan. I would suggests you read about BOTH sides and how this decision was arrived at.

I believe Pakistan has nuclear weapons. If you are opposed to the what the US did in WWII, then you would support your country's dismantling it's nuclear weapons. Perpetual unrest in Central America. I believe Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador were on the verge of war and held talks and averted it. The conflict had nothing to do with the US. What is this "perpetual unrest" you accuse the US of fomenting? "Killing millions of children" I would blame Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Pakistani ISI who supported both for suffering and the death of innocent children. Dumping elders into old houses crying, weeping and missing there families.

Where do you get your information? You are not well informed. I am a physician and work with the elderly. Nursing homes, Skilled Nursing Care Facilities, and Assisted Living are some of the most regulated business in the US. The residents I see are well cared for. Many in the latter two have chosen to enter them because it is much easier on them than caring for a home. They have family members visit them. Only 5% if the entire 65 and older population are in nursing homes, others live in their homes. Throwing girls out of the house.

I believe you have heard of honor killings and female genital mutilation. I believe your culture is not without it's sins. The second pertains to the London Mosque. You are in support of it's construction and that it be open to all. In the spirit of ecumenical goodwill, I trust that you and other muslims would be more than supportive and open to a Christian Cultural Center and Church to be built in Lahore and Islamabad. The Center and Church will be close to the size of the proposed Mosque. It will have a steeple and bells will ring on Christmas and Easter. There is a sizable Christian population in Pakistan and this will help to promote solidarity amongst the various Christian denominations. The Center would be open to all faiths so that muslims and others can come to truly understand what Christianity teaches and can help to build better relations with the muslim population. I eagerly look forward to your reply.

I trust that your sincerity in promoting good relations between religions is not a falsehood by opposing the construction of the Christian Cultural Center and Church in Lahore and Islamabad. I have heard numerous times from muslims that I interact with that Islam is a tolerant religion and as such such a construction would be welcomed.

Best regards,

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