The Long Hard Road

Submitted by Steve R (United States), Oct 3, 2005 at 00:04

Only by looking at the history of the past few decades can one see where all this is leading. In many Muslim nations, oppression and poverty are the order of the day. Hence, many Muslims have emigrated to western nations. Those emigrating are seeking greater economic opportunity and freedom of expression. It is ironic that once many have found a new nation, they seek to revise that nation to more resemble their previous home.
In the end, many in western nations whose ancestors accepted and blended into the culture of that nation, will rise up against those who would destroy the peace and unity that have existed in those western nations, for as much as two hundred years. While there have been oppressions of some, those issues have been or are dealt with by society and most are becoming acclimated to the idea that these bold western nations have a unique culture that is neither religious, nor oppressive and they are electing to join in. Up until the past two hundred or so years, ordinary man had no other option but some sort of king, or queen, or other monarch. Now that freedom and prosperity for all has found its way into mans life, none will extinguish it. It may not be perfect, but it sure beats all else out there to choose from.
Those who resist acclimation into these western nations will find themselves ostracized by the rest. And that is as it should be. If you refuse to accept the nation and the culture of the nation that you sought refuge in, then you need to return to where you feel comfortable or sit alone and be miserable. It is not the job of peoples in these western nations to change or to accept a way of life you feel is proper. Proper is in the opinion of the individual.
I do not advocate violence, but I do fear that so long as religious zealots seek to push their ideal of religion on others, there will end up being violent resistance to that religion. In the west, we have come so far from the early days and the days of european rulers, asian dictators, or mid-eastern caliphates. Here, we see individuals as fallible and we see no monarch as omnipotent. We elect people to represent us & if they fail, we vote them out!
I guess it boils down to this. In the west, most seek peace and prosperity. However, make no mistake that if forced into a confrontation, the west will fight to win unconditionally. It may take a while before western types get up their hackles, but again, make no mistake, the time will come and the result will be a victory for those who seek peace, prosperity, liberty, freedom, &
equality for all, with malice towards none.
It may be a long hard road, and we may experience losses, but again, in the end, only those on the side of freedom will stand as victors.

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