Five questions non-Muslims would like answered

[Foxmulder]

Hey this is a thought provoking opinion piece published yesterday in the LA Times. I know some of it may come across as more bashing than critical analysis but I do believe the writer has some valid points.

November 13, 2005 latimes.com : Print Edition : Editorials, Op-Ed


Five questions non-Muslims would like answered
By Dennis Prager, Dennis Prager's nationally syndicated radio show is heard daily in Los Angeles on KRLA-AM (870). He may be contacted through his website: www.dennisprager.com.

THE RIOTING IN France by primarily Muslim youths and the hotel bombings in Jordan are the latest events to prompt sincere questions that law-abiding Muslims need to answer for Islam's sake, as well as for the sake of worried non-Muslims.

Here are five of them:
(1) Why are you so quiet?

Since the first Israelis were targeted for death by Muslim terrorists blowing themselves up in the name of your religion and Palestinian nationalism, I have been praying to see Muslim demonstrations against these atrocities. Last week's protests in Jordan against the bombings, while welcome, were a rarity. What I have seen more often is mainstream Muslim spokesmen implicitly defending this terror on the grounds that Israel occupies Palestinian lands. We see torture and murder in the name of Allah, but we see no anti-torture and anti-murder demonstrations in the name of Allah.

There are a billion Muslims in the world. How is it possible that essentially none have demonstrated against evils perpetrated by Muslims in the name of Islam? This is true even of the millions of Muslims living in free Western societies. What are non-Muslims of goodwill supposed to conclude? When the Israeli government did not stop a Lebanese massacre of Palestinians in the Sabra and Chatilla refugee camps in Lebanon in 1982, great crowds of Israeli Jews gathered to protest their country's moral failing. Why has there been no comparable public demonstration by Palestinians or other Muslims to morally condemn Palestinian or other Muslim-committed terror?

(2) Why are none of the Palestinian terrorists Christian?

If Israeli occupation is the reason for Muslim terror in Israel, why do no Christian Palestinians engage in terror? They are just as nationalistic and just as occupied as Muslim Palestinians.

(3) Why is only one of the 47 Muslim-majority countries a free country?

According to Freedom House, a Washington-based group that promotes democracy, of the world's 47 Muslim countries, only Mali is free. Sixty percent are not free, and 38% are partly free. Muslim-majority states account for a majority of the world's "not free" states. And of the 10 "worst of the worst," seven are Islamic states. Why is this?

(4) Why are so many atrocities committed and threatened by Muslims in the name of Islam?

Young girls in Indonesia were recently beheaded by Muslim murderers. Last year, Muslims — in the name of Islam — murdered hundreds of schoolchildren in Russia. While reciting Muslim prayers, Islamic terrorists take foreigners working to make Iraq free and slaughter them. Muslim daughters are murdered by their own families in the thousands in "honor killings." And the Muslim government in Iran has publicly called for the extermination of Israel.

(5) Why do countries governed by religious Muslims persecute other religions?

No church or synagogue is allowed in Saudi Arabia. The Taliban destroyed some of the greatest sculptures of the ancient world because they were Buddhist. Sudan's Islamic regime has murdered great numbers of Christians.

Instead of confronting these problems, too many of you deny them. Muslims call my radio show to tell me that even speaking of Muslim or Islamic terrorists is wrong. After all, they argue, Timothy McVeigh is never labeled a "Christian terrorist." As if McVeigh committed his terror as a churchgoing Christian and in the name of Christ, and as if there were Christian-based terror groups around the world.

As a member of the media for nearly 25 years, I have a long record of reaching out to Muslims. Muslim leaders have invited me to speak at major mosques. In addition, I have studied Arabic and Islam, have visited most Arab and many other Muslim countries and conducted interfaith dialogues with Muslims in the United Arab Emirates as well as in the U.S. Politically, I have supported creation of a Palestinian state and supported (mistakenly, I now believe) the Oslo accords.

Hundreds of millions of non-Muslims want honest answers to these questions, even if the only answer you offer is, "Yes, we have real problems in Islam." Such an acknowledgment is infinitely better — for you and for the world — than dismissing us as anti-Muslim.

We await your response.

 

[Jurhum]

Clearly, he's anti-Muslim.

 

[DrugBa11ad]

Hahaha... wow. I can't even believe this bullshit was published.

 

[Illuminattile]

Don't dismiss it, respond to it. If it's wrong, explain why.

 

[Jurhum]

For one he's a Jew.

 

[DrugBa11ad]

Don't dismiss it, respond to it. If it's wrong, explain why.

I'll dismiss what I feel like dismissing, thanks .

 

[Illuminattile]

For one he's a Jew.

That's not a response.

I'll dismiss what I feel like dismissing, thanks .

Until then, refrain from freeposting.

 

[RaDeK]

Young girls in Indonesia were recently beheaded by Muslim murderers. Last year, Muslims — in the name of Islam — murdered hundreds of schoolchildren in Russia. While reciting Muslim prayers, Islamic terrorists take foreigners working to make Iraq free and slaughter them. Muslim daughters are murdered by their own families in the thousands in "honor killings." And the Muslim government in Iran has publicly called for the extermination of Israel.

 

[Duke]

1, 2 and 3 are pretty good questions.

Don't dismiss it, respond to it. If it's wrong, explain why.

:thumb: :thumb:

 

[PuffnScruff]

lmao @ those of you who call this bullshit, and call this guy anti-muslim.

imo, most of the world are scared of muslims. me personally i have never been scared of the ones i have met. but i have had friends from india who tell me everyone they know are affraid of most muslims because of some of their crazy views on religion. but islam is one of those religions that is easly misinterpreted.

this guy who wrote this article asks some very interesting question. have any of you that dismiss this article ever been to a muslim country or known anyone how has lived there for a period of time? they wont have much of anything good to say.

 

[CoolWaterz]

For one he's a Jew.

Are you salivating with hatred yet

 

[Foxmulder]

islam is one of those religions that is easly misinterpreted.

Yeah I have to agree that this is probably the routinization of how Islamic terrorist can justify acts of inhumanity and how Islamic based governments can justify oppression of its populace.

But to bring the article back into conversation. I believe the most valid point concerning the empirical evidence that the writer has layed out in his argument is that there is a inherit problem in Islam in our present time and day, in that it seems like a mainstream faith that is very easily doctrinally manipulated by individuals in these societies to motivate and direct the most ungodly of human actions.

 

[Kareem]

stupid article if you ask me, guy is making assumptions and generalsations, his question about why arent there any christian palestinian suicide bombers is striaght ridiculous, how do you know there isnt or havent been? its not like they wear dog tags that state there religeon, its just always assumed once again theres that word, when you assume you make an ass outa u and ume! Why does Islam seem so violent? because a select few choose to make us look that way, i believe we as the Muslim community are starting to tire of this, henceforth the protests in Jordan. If we really wanted to debate an rewind time, christainity has been by far the most violent religeon, during the crusades not only were muslims killed but Jews an even fellow christains as well. Him asking muslims why this an why that is like asking one single black man why this an why that, one person nor one group is not the spokesman for the whole lot or cause. salaam

 

[Jokerman]

I don't see interesting questions. I see the same old noise. Let me, a US-supporting atheist give these questions a shot.

1) Why are you so quiet?

Because like most people in the world, the average Muslim is not a political activist. A lot of them--surprise!--are as passive as most Americans. A lot of them are simply trying to get by on a day by day basis. A lot of them live in repressive regimes and do not want to become the victim of terrorist reprisals. Despite all this, some of them do speak out but that doesn't usually make the anti-Muslim West's news.

(2) Why are none of the Palestinian terrorists Christian? If Israeli occupation is the reason for Muslim terror in Israel, why do no Christian Palestinians engage in terror?

He should be bitch-slapped for this question, it's so ingenuous.

Because they are a small minority and they are not exactly down with Islamic Jihad. They're not surrounded by Christan states ready to help them, are they? The Christian British mandated the state to the Jews. The Christian West supports Israel. I could go on. They don't have much to gain and probably more to lose if Israel falls.

(3) Why is only one of the 47 Muslim-majority countries a free country?

Free according to whom?

"According to Freedom House, a Washington-based group..."

Uh-huh. Next question. You mean how come they're not free to gamble and steal and become sexual degenerates like most of the free people in Washington, Deceit? If that's freedom, slavery looks like a good thing. Or do you think it has anything to do with the West's support of these freedom-hating dictators' regimes over the years? Gee, why is the Saudi regime still in power? This stupid-ass guy just doesn't have a clue?

(4) Why are so many atrocities committed and threatened by Muslims in the name of Islam?

I'll answer that with a question of my own. Why are so many Muslims not committing and threatening atrocities in the name of Islam? What is it some kind of peaceful religion or something! Damn pacifist peaceniks, those Muslims. I mean, out a billion people, what percentage are committing and threatening atrocities? 1/5000th of a percent, maybe. So 99.99999 percent are peaceful but the bad ones determine the reputation of the entire religion? Does that make sense? Could the source of the problems be regional rather than religious?

(5) Why do countries governed by religious Muslims persecute other religions?

These are the actions of regimes and dictators supported by the West and not supported by the teachings of Islam.

How come you don't speak out against the West's support of these regimes, Prager? I can think of more than five questions that hundreds of Muslims want honest answers to, even if the only answer you offer is, "Yes, we have real problems in West."

 

[Foxmulder]

^^^
Hey I do agree with a lot of what you said but I have to disagree with you about the point regarding westerners as being complete sexual degenerates. How can you make this claim when in comparison a liberal country like the US, which has a long history of nonmarital sexuality, cohabitation, and comprehensive sex education has a much lower teenage birth rate and unwanted pregnancy rate in contrast to religious fundamentalist nations that believe sex outside of marriage must be severely punished and that a premarital sexual liaison constitutes a crime against family, state and God.

 

[Jokerman]

^^^
Hey I do agree with a lot of what you said but I have to disagree with you about the point regarding westerners as being complete sexual degenerates. How can you make this claim when in comparison a liberal country like the US, which has a long history of nonmarital sexuality, cohabitation, and comprehensive sex education has a much lower teenage birth rate and unwanted pregnancy rate in contrast to religious fundamentalist nations that believe sex outside of marriage must be severely punished and that a premarital sexual liaison constitutes a crime against family, state and God.

First, I didn't say Westerners were complete sexual degenerates. I said most of the folks (read politicians) in Washington are. No, I said (or implied) that most Westerners are free to become sexual degenerates. Second, what do I mean by sexual degeneracy? Unwanted pregnancies? Not necessarily.

By the way, where'd you hear these statistics on these countries' unwanted pregnancy rates? The United States has by far the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world. Surely, these religious regimes are not going to let that information get out. But if true, then these countries actually make for more freedom than us in this area and so his question is still wrong.

 

[Rukas]

Clearly, he's anti-Muslim.

Why, because he questions Islam? There is no propoganda or anti-Islamic remarks or undertones in his questions at all.

For one he's a Jew.

So? He asked educated and rational questions, you dismiss him simply because he is Jewish, with no explenation, yet think he is the hater? You're obviously anti-Jew, or anti-anyone who questions Islam.

 

[Rukas]

I don't see interesting questions. I see the same old noise. Let me, a US-supporting atheist give these questions a shot.

1) Why are you so quiet?

Because like most people in the world, the average Muslim is not a political activist. A lot of them--surprise!--are as passive as most Americans. A lot of them are simply trying to get by on a day by day basis. A lot of them live in repressive regimes and do not want to become the victim of terrorist reprisals. Despite all this, some of them do speak out but that doesn't usually make the anti-Muslim West's news.

Id like to see examples of Muslims speaking out please, Im not saying they dont or you're lieing, Im just interested to see what Muslims are doing to stop Muslim terrorists.

(2) Why are none of the Palestinian terrorists Christian?

If Israeli occupation is the reason for Muslim terror in Israel, why do no Christian Palestinians engage in terror? They are just as nationalistic and just as occupied as Muslim Palestinians.

Im not an expert on this so I wont get into this. But I will ask this, why is it that you dont see any Christian terrorists attacking Muslim nations? And I dont mean governments, because that is POLITICAL, I mean religious extremists.

And before you mention the crusades, which were political too, Im asking about the present, not the past.

(3) Why is only one of the 47 Muslim-majority countries a free country?

Free according to whom?

"According to Freedom House, a Washington-based group..."

Uh-huh. Next question. You mean how come they're not free to gamble and steal and become sexual degenerates like most of the free people in Washington, Deceit? If that's freedom, slavery looks like a good thing. Or do you think it has anything to do with the West's support of these freedom-hating dictators' regimes over the years? Gee, why is the Saudi regime still in power? This stupid-ass guy just doesn't have a clue?

Yes, those things you mentioned are freedom, freedom of choice. But personally, I would point to the treatment of women in those nations as further example of his point. And your Saudi comparison would make sense if Saudi was the only country guilty of such oppression, it is not.

(4) Why are so many atrocities committed and threatened by Muslims in the name of Islam?

I'll answer that with a question of my own. Why are so many Muslims not committing and threatening atrocities in the name of Islam? What is it some kind of peaceful religion or something! Damn pacifist peaceniks, those Muslims. I mean, out a billion people, what percentage are committing and threatening atrocities? 1/5000th of a percent, maybe. So 99.99999 percent are peaceful but the bad ones determine the reputation of the entire religion? Does that make sense? Could the source of the problems be regional rather than religious?

Answering a question with a question now?

Come on, this is just silly. Its like saying we shouldnt ask why murderers murder, or why pedofiles molest children, because some many people DONT. The fact that so many Muslim's are peace loving has no weight in this discussion. The author did not say that ALL Muslim's commit terrorist acts, therefore there is no point to state how many dont. The fact that many dont, does not excuse the fact that so many do.

(5) Why do countries governed by religious Muslims persecute other religions?

These are the actions of regimes and dictators supported by the West and not supported by the teachings of Islam.

Dont blame the West, they do not control all Muslims.

Seriously, this is such a lame excuse. So the US supported what happened in Bali? Come on, you're not that blind. This really is a ridiculas excuse, and its getting old. Why is it you're so quick to blame everyone else BUT Muslims?

How come you don't speak out against the West's support of these regimes, Prager? I can think of more than five questions that hundreds of Muslims want honest answers to, even if the only answer you offer is, "Yes, we have real problems in West."

So? Once again, thats answering questions with questions and blaming OTHER people. Just because he doesnt question, although Im not sure if he does Ill take your word for it, the US, doesnt mean these five questions arent valid. Just because there are five questions Muslim's would like asked of the US or the West, doesnt mean these five questions arent valid.

Stop passing the blame.

 

[DrugBa11ad]

1) Why are you so quiet?

Because like most people in the world, the average Muslim is not a political activist. A lot of them--surprise!--are as passive as most Americans. A lot of them are simply trying to get by on a day by day basis. A lot of them live in repressive regimes and do not want to become the victim of terrorist reprisals. Despite all this, some of them do speak out but that doesn't usually make the anti-Muslim West's news.

Exactly, Jokerman makes a valid point. That would have been like asking back in the 1800's why didn't black and indian slaves speak out? Why would they? What purpose would that serve? They want to live peacefully with thier families. Not every muslim is a god damn revolutionary, you know?

Jokerman answered question 2 quite well also.

(4) Why are so many atrocities committed and threatened by Muslims in the name of Islam?

What!? Did I hear this correctly? Terrorist actions performed by muslims!?!? Have you forgotton the terrorist actions that have PLAGUED christianity? Have you forgotton the crusades? Have you forgotton when we gouged out indian eye balls for not converting to christianity? Do you not remember the witch burnings? ALL in the name of GOD and CHRISTIANITY. September 11th is nothing compared to all that. A few bombings and overzealous muslim terrorists all combined has not scraped near what terrorist christian acts have been committed.

(5) Why do countries governed by religious Muslims persecute other religions?

Like Jokerman said, it is not the main section of muslims that persecute christians and those of differing religious views.

Not only that, the SAME could be answered for many christian governed countries. Maybe not the direct attack by the government, but look how we have molded many of our citizens into hate-mongering beasts that display often racist remarks and acts of terror on muslims in OUR own communities, simply for being muslim. Look at the stereotypes muslims have been given because of OUR media and OUR country. Islam is being painted as this anti-christian religion harboring generic criminal terrorists. That is not the case, the WESTERN society has destroyed the image of this religion, and you ask why? Because western society is prodominatly christian, so why not? The government in America is prodominatly christian, so why not? This man should focus on introspection as opposed to finding the flaws in others religions and cultures.


Thier Illuminattle, are you happy now?


I am not saying muslims are NOT guilty of terrorist actions, taht is not my aim. Muslims are guilty, just like christians, just like other every sin commited in an overzealous, religious fashion. But he is proposing questions that would appear to demoralize muslims and attack them. Religion in general causes so much turmoil it seems almost ludicrous to even believe. Men take beautiful things and corrupt them.

Oh and Rukas, I'm curious, what religion are you?

 

[Foxmulder]

First, I didn't say Westerners were complete sexual degenerates. I said most of the folks (read politicians) in Washington are. No, I said (or implied) that most Westerners are free to become sexual degenerates. Second, what do I mean by sexual degeneracy? Unwanted pregnancies? Not necessarily.

By the way, where'd you hear these statistics on these countries' unwanted pregnancy rates? The United States has by far the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world. Surely, these religious regimes are not going to let that information get out. But if true, then these countries actually make for more freedom than us in this area and so his question is still wrong.

I take in your point about the United States having the highest margin of teen pregnancies among industrialized countries because it’s true. But my point is that the more liberal a country is the less teen and unwanted pregnancy that will occur with in it, take for example the trend among youth in Scandinavian counties like Sweden, like the US it is very liberal but with out the conservative wave. Its teen birthrate is even lower than the US and it is much much more liberal in terms of sexual control.

As far as the definition of sexual degeneracy goes, how do you define it then if not in terms of unwanted pregnancies and rapes? Is it a cultural thing where women in the US are deemed as degenerates because they dress like mall goers who shop at the Abercomibe and Fitch and the Forever 21 and where guys are horn dog frat boys?

This in comparison to Islamic countries where the fact that they’re mortality superior to the US in terms of sexual composure is based on the fact that men exhibit complete domination over females to the point where women must walk outside in dark drapes of cloth known as chadors covering them from head to toe preventing others form seeing in some cases even their eyes?

So what are you implying that the US should enact the above into action so that we can be like them and become apart of the moral greater good in terms of sexuality.