ignorance and idealism

Submitted by Sidda (United States), Mar 24, 2006 at 17:57

San, just to clarify, the death sentence is for anyone leaving Islam, regardless of what religion they convert to or no religion at all (atheist).

Just to refresh, if you remember in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 a choice was given to the Taliban: close down the al qaeda terrorist training camps and turn over bin Laden or face the consequences. They refused to do that and the rest is history. Then we were told that the reason the terrorists were allowed to operate with impunity within Afghanistan is because the country had fallen into chaos after the Soviets withdrew in 1989 and America "abandoned" it. So, we pledged that we would not allow that to happen again, that we would rebuild Afghanistan. We were assured that the Afghanis were "moderate" Muslims and not "extremists" like the Taliban.

Now, in the new Afghani constitution is this phrase: "no law can be contrary to the beliefs and provisions of the sacred religion of Islam." This was signed off on by our government (State Department I believe). Now are you surprised? Do you really believe that this government had one iota of knowledge of the particular tenets of Islam? This government is totally ignorant of even the most basic tenets of Islam. Do you really think they took the time to find out that the penalty for a person leaving Islam is death under Islamic Law? All they know is the PC drivel that they've been told, "Islam is a noble religion hijacked by a minority of extremists. Islam is a religion of peace, etc." This administration is so unbelievably ignorant and that is what is frustrating people. And believe you me I don't have much more faith in the Democrats.

Now listen to this one, it gets even better: we, of course, are spending billions upon billions rebuilding Iraq trying to create a stable "democracy." Ok, fine. Here is what Ayatolla Sistani has said in answer to a question on how gays and lesbians should be treated: gays and lesbians should be put to death "in the worst manner possible." It is right on his website. This is the man who some suggest should be recommended for the Nobel Peace Prize. Granted, he has kept things calm among his followers, but I think some of his pronouncements should be looked into before he gets the Nobel Peace Prize!

I am the typical idealistic, optimistic American. We had noble intentions. I am more realistic now, especially after learning more and more about Islam. I now doubt that this belief system is compatible with modern Western culture unless it undergoes a serious reform. I'm sorry if I sound upset--it takes a lot to crank me up, but this thing in Afghanistan has really done it.

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