Interesting article PING. !The arguments on behalf of freedom, and of America, are not only for the benefit of Muslims in the Arab world; they are also for the benefit of people in America and the West. To help counter the anti-Americanism that we see from Europeans and sometimes even from Americans, we can confidently show our allies, our citizens, and our idealistic young people that America is not simply richer, more varied, and more tolerant, it is also morally superior to the fundamentalists' version of Islamic society. It was Edmund Burke a long time ago who wrote, "To love our country, our country ought to be lovely." Burke's point is that the highest form of patriotism is not based on the dogmatic assertion, "My country, right or wrong." Nor is the highest form of patriotism based on loving your country simply because it is yours. Rather, the highest form of patriotism is based on loving your country because it is good.
In my view America, for all its flaws and weaknesses, can meet Burke's test. America merits a rational patriotism that can confront, and answer, the strongest criticisms of this country. Ultimately America is worthy of our love and sacrifice because, more than any other society, it makes possible for its citizens the good life, and equally important, the life that is good.
This ping list is not author-specific for articles I'd like to share. Some for perfect moral clarity, some for provocative thoughts; or simply interesting articles I'd hate to miss myself. (I don't have to agree with the author 100% to feel the need to share an article.) I will try not to abuse the ping list and not to annoy you too much, but on some days there is more of good stuff that is worthy attention. I keep separate PING lists for my favorite authors Victor Davis Hanson, Lee Harris, David Warren, Orson Scott Card. You are welcome in or out, just freepmail me (and note which PING list you are talking about).
America is good and that is why America deserves to be loved. If more Americans would love her goodness instead of criticizing every flaw and vice she has under the sun, her light would change the world for the benefit of all mankind.
America is the most successful society ever. Any and all Muslim societies are miserable failures, at the bottom of the heap in every way.
I love the profoundness of D'Souza's writing. He always gets and explains one layer deeper than anyone else I've read.
We do not appeal to a religious authority to resolve public policy debates (although our public policy debates are informed by religious values, and religious authorities such as Catholic bishops are free to participate in debate).
We have a strong belief that our lives can be improved by hard work and through science and technology. The tremendous material and technological success of the West is a direct result of this. The Cassini probe that entered Saturn orbit this week is a beautiful reminder of why the West is so powerful -- Islam long ago abandoned the scientific curiousity it had in the late medieval period.
B4L8r
Wow! This goes straight to the heart of the problem like nothing I have read for a long time.
Dinesh D'Souza on Sayyid Qutb ping!
"Salvation for Muslims, no less than for Jews and Christians, is based on the soul choosing freely to follow God."
Some would probably quibble with the above.
If this is the example of a virtuous society, I find it difficult to take seriously. I think the vast majority of Americans would find this grotesque.
It is only by making a choice between life and death, between truth and lies that virtue can be discerned. I have often thought it a lie that muslims have high regard for their women by leaving them covered in public. More likely this is to prevent the male from becoming overcome with the lust in his heart. This is not virtue, it is more like prohibition.
As opposed to what, THE MOSQUE, which has become a place for incitement to murder ???!!!!!