Posted on 09/16/2012 7:21:29 PM PDT by Squawk 8888
I know it’s still popular in some circles to say different cultures have different values, but all cultures are equal. I also know why people say this and it’s not because it’s obviously true, quite the contrary. They say it to avoid conflict.
It might even make sense in a sad way to dismiss the murder of the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans as a “cultural difference” if we knew it would appease our enemies. “No, I’m sorry dear, daddy won’t ever come home again because a different but equal culture killed him. But in their equally valid culture he had it coming so put on your burka and be quiet.”
Yes, asserting that some cultures are superior to others can lead to conflict, but appeasing is not the way out. The jihadists don’t care if we suck up to them. If you’re not one of them, they’ll dispose of you the moment you quit being useful to them.
In the case of the murders in Libya, the murderers would argue they were following orders. Given that the orders were issued in the year 632, you would think there might be some question as to whether they are still relevant.
After all, most of the world has moved on from then. There’s been a little reflection and critical thinking over the last millennium and things have changed.
In the West it took a while, but we finally figured out that it is self-evident we should all have equal rights. That’s why we oppose stoning women to death, even if they do show off an ankle.
The problem here isn’t freedom of expression in the West. In fact, the only alternative to violence is to debate ideas, which requires free expression and an open mind.
Unfortunately, jihadist minds closed 1,400 years ago and show no signs of reopening. They are still partying like it’s 999.
There are several lessons here.
First, if the Arab Spring ever actually existed, it has now yielded to jihadist winter. Let’s also not equate casting a ballot with real democracy. Permitting the vote without a commitment to universal human rights only legitimizes the tyranny of the majority. It’s democracy but it’s not liberal democracy.
Second, too many people in the West think the correct response to Muslim violence is to tiptoe around extreme Islam. Yes, some people have set out to inflame the Muslim street, but better a few free-speech provocateurs than a nation of sheep, afraid to call baloney on a way of thinking that is based on hate, repression and violence.
Third, let’s recognize that Israel is the only country the West can count on in the Middle East, precisely because it shares our values. How many times do we need to learn this lesson?
The U.S. embassy’s initial grovelling response to the violence in Cairo actually blamed American free expression for causing the violence. It was a futile and embarrassing attempt to appease the jihadists, an attitude I fear runs up the chain of command.
Forget the apologies. What U.S. foreign policy needs is tough talk and more Marines.
Ping.
Okay, I’ll stop appeasing jihadists. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.
“Freedom is the freedom to discipline yourself so others don’t have to do it for you.”
The antithesis to Islam.
Pakistan DEMANDING PUBLIC HANGINGS IN AMERICA!
Ultamatum or won’t get consulates work done...
Arrest of director, not enough..
Hafiz Saeed alleged that the film, Innocence of Muslims, had been produced with the backing of US establishment.
He said the director, the producer and ALL THOSE INVOLVED in the production and release of the movie must be HANGED PUBLICLY.
“The US must make a law against blasphemy – or we will not let the US consulates in Pakistan function,” he said.
A resolution condemning the movie is not enough..
got this info at americanpower .blogspot. com
Ultimatum to U.S.: ‘Criminalise blasphemy or lose consulate’”:
One word: Quarantine.
Behead jihadists.
Seriously? With those bad special effects please. Tell you what, lets remake it. :p
Or one massive simultaneous strike...with nukes if needed...on all Muslim held military/research facilities.
Quarantine is the only strategy that makes sense. It worked with Communism when it was called Containment.
Does Monte Solberg always write like this? Fantastic! I wish more would write like articles like this but maybe with a few standing up, others will find their courage to stand.
This is one of his better column but most are quite good. He normally writes about the goings-on in Ottawa.
Oh, no. Maybe I shouldn’t have posted MOHAMMED’S GIRL song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQagzS3NYSI&feature=youtu.be
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