You need to live there

Submitted by Erich W (United States), Dec 14, 2010 at 22:20

I personally agree that Islam itself is the problem, but I must say that there are many versions of Islam that are sufficiently morphed, watered down, transformed by extraneous ideas, etc, so that in an Islamic country or a Muslem populace in a non-Muslim country, there are many who are so out of touch of that dangerous element within their religion, that you might call them "moderate." "Quiescent" fits many, as they may be a latent force that will be activated later by stirring sermons in the mosques that arouse anger toward the Infidels. But "quiescent" does no describe all who live at a distance from the original militancy of their religion. Many will never return to that militancy. On the other hand, ridicule of Islam is understandable, but its over all effect should be observed. It may tend to polarize the uncommitted, and therefore just be an excuse for more radicalism and violence. I think if you live in an Islamic population for long, you will give up any expectation that Islam will be destroyed by rational argument. The rationality of human beings does not work that way. It would be wiser to count on living next to the Islamic world, whatever its faults and dangers, which are many. Policy to minimize Islamic influence upon non-Islamic societies would be very wise. Sober and firm critique, with a readiness to confront the violent responses to it, is the best option for living with Muslim minorities in our midst. Ridicule on the one side and reactive barbarity on the other might produce a backlash in which people on both sides of the argument cave and decide to limit freedom of speech. That would be a tragedy.

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