To the Grand Infidel

Submitted by Michel C. Zala (Switzerland), Dec 16, 2010 at 12:17

If you read my various posts, you may have appreciated, that I should be considered as "hardliner" in almost all things concerning Islam, Islamism and/or terror.

I condemn left wing liberals and kumbajahs in our own society as harshly, as I stand against the fanatics on the other side of the topic, as both fringes equally threaten, what our forefathers have bled for. I usually try to navigate this thin line with respect, politeness and tolerance. As there are always two sides to any debate with the ultimate truth somwhere in the greyzone between black and white, my approach is to understand my opponent and mybe learn something.

I went through much trouble to get FNC (Fox News) here in Europe, as I am tired of only hearing or reading about one side of any topic. I want a real balanced debate, hear all arguments, so I can build an informed opinion for myself in all things news related.

Coming to Daniel Pipes. org I welcome the effort or a rare example like Mr. Havas to make a constructive effort to discuss his religion and culture with a vast majority of readers, adamantly negative in all things muslim. That takes courage. The tone here is so brutal, that the rare muslim voices usually resort to aggressive propaganda. While we may disagree with even his "moderate" views, would it be so incredibly hard to acknowledge his effort with minimal respect and politeness? Civility even here leaves the building immediately, and that's what I have a problem with.

What remains is a chorus of voices repeating the same arguments and historical facts again and again. I may as well watch MSNBC or CNN again.

Look at the backlash I got, when I dared to deviate from the general direction here in the context of Turkey. No matter how critical I argue in most other discussions, concerning muslim nations up to and not limited to waterboarding terrorists, if it can save lives, I will immediately be attacked, patronized, condemned or ridiculed by the radical fringe. Does that really lead to interesting exchanges or even a good dialogue with someone from the muslim side, where we may all learn something valuable? I think not.

Whatever Havas will say, it will be torn apart with irony, sarcasm and spite. So, one of the very last muslims who does not just respond emotionally or serves up the usual propaganda, will leave as well, drowned out by the noise of the mob and before people like me were able to actually learn something.

C'est le tone, qui fait la musique. It is not so much the facts and content presented here, but the tone in which it is presented, which disturbs me. Havas discusses politely and never resorted to slandering the opposition. Doesn't he deserve at least some respect in return?

I myself made my case in terms of Turkey in a pragmatic manner and invited readers to debate my arguments, so I can learn and fine tune. I have no problem with anyone of a different opinion, for as long, as the debate remains unemotional and factual. As soon, as it becomes personal however, I draw the line.

Hope that helps.

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