How dreadful are the curses which Mohammedanism lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live. A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property - either as a child, a wife, or a concubine - must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men.
Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen; all know how to die; but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it. No stronger retrograde force exists in the world. Far from being moribund, Mohammedanism is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science - the science against which it had vainly struggled - the civilization of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilization of ancient Rome.
Churchill understood the relationship of Western culture, liberty and economic prosperity. If big government leads to prosperity, we would all be admiring Cuba and Zimbabwe. North Korea has roads and bridges but no business, and their people are starving.
Churchill among a great many other qualities was most prescient. I think his observations were intended to be more than just commentary but also meant as warnings. At least they can now be read that way. Here he asserted what Romney was essentially saying re: Palestinians; and which an earlier Arab council paper stated in much harsher terms that stirred such a manufactured ruckus among media critics last week. Happens when you espouse hard truths which OFFEND protected groups. Some things never change. Ha ha