Sectarian tensions simmer over a pig in Cotabato City

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | Dec 5, 2008 | Jonathan Adams

[forkinsocket]

To understand the culture clash wracking the southern Philippines, consider the lechon.

That's the name for the roast pig that's a Philippines' signature dish. Sold by the kilo in public markets, it's a must-have at any Filipino celebration.

But pork is taboo for Muslims, now a majority in this city (about 60 percent, compared with 40 percent Christian), and who see this part of the southern Philippines island of Mindanao as their ancestral homeland.

Eating pork is a no-no, and even smelling or seeing it is offensive to some.

So what to do about the street lechon sellers?

In Cotabato City last year, shop-owners were ordered to cover their lechon, says Flordeliza Cavite. I found her selling her swine at a stall downtown. Vendors had to use curtains, paint over windows, or move their pork inside to avoid offending passersby and to comply with the ordinance.

This year, rules were relaxed, she said – possibly the result of a power struggle between the Muslim mayor and the city council (mostly Christians).

In a region that's seen bloody, on-and-off warfare between the Philippines military and Muslim rebels, the lechon problem may seem trivial. But it highlights the tricky compromises needed in order for Christians and Muslims to live here in peace as neighbors.

For the fundamental question now is how to expand and enhance an already-existing, nearby, Muslim autonomous region, while respecting the Christian neighbors' rights and way of life.

The stakes are higher than dead pig displays. Get the balance right, and peace could finally come to Mindanao. Get it wrong, and the insurgency that's racked the island for some 40 years will grind on.

That conflict has drained Manila's coffers, killed thousands, displaced more, and caused a refugee problem in Malaysia.

[forkinsocket]

.

[2banana]

I am sure Christians are offended with the 5 times a day islamic call to prayer - wonder how the muslims will compromise...</s>

[Lent]

Exactly. Muslim tolerance on display again.

[Conservative Vermont Vet]

That is the primary reason why the Islamic Jihadist will NEVER conquer the US.

Between the prohibition of eating pork (IS THERE ANYTHING ANY BETTER TO EAT, EXCEPT MAYBE A JUICY STEAK?) as well as those nut-jobs banning adult beverages, even many far left, loony, moonbats would take up arms to defend against these 2 sacred enjoyments.

[Joe Boucher]

Oscar Meyer Center Cut Bacon.
Only thing better is maybe manatee steaks with bacon around the outside on the bar-b-que.

[rogue yam]

In a region that's seen bloody, on-and-off warfare between the Philippines military and Muslim rebels, the lechon problem may seem trivial. But it highlights the tricky compromises needed in order for Christians and Muslims to live here in peace as neighbors.

For the fundamental question now is how to expand and enhance an already-existing, nearby, Muslim autonomous region, while respecting the Christian neighbors' rights and way of life.

The stakes are higher than dead pig displays. Get the balance right, and peace could finally come to Mindanao. Get it wrong, and the insurgency that's racked the island for some 40 years will grind on.

This is the lie that might get us all killed. The Islamists do not seek, nor will they accept "balance" or "compromise". They demand total domination and their "insurgency" (i.e. "jihad") will continue until either they achieve it or they are utterly defeated. Expanding and enhancing a Muslim autonomous region is exactly the wrong step to take. This will inevitably lead to greater and greater demands by the jihadis.

[XR7]

So what to do about the street lechon sellers?

Let's send them all the pork they can bbq.
Maybe send 'em a bunch of Texas smokers, the big ones, with tall stacks,
to allow that smoke to swirl through the air so folks can breathe in the divine aroma.

[Rhetorical pi2]

This is one of those Gordian Knots that can only be solved by having some Muslims (through trickery or persuasion) come to America and taste our barbecue baby back pork ribs (preferably dry rub). As part of the ceremony, these should be washed down with cold beer.

My suggestion would be to do this in Memphis, since, as I recall, the dry ribs there were the best I ever had.

The Muslims would swear off all other gods, and worship the god of pork.

Peace would reign on earth.

[Louis Foxwell]

Only thing better is maybe manatee steaks with bacon around the outside on the bar-b-que.
Green sea turtle feet wrapped in sea otter ribs roasted over a slab of walrus fat is fit for a king, or a committed carnivore.

[Bigg Red]

Eating pork is a no-no, and even smelling or seeing it is offensive to some

&&&
And the same may be said about the mohammedans.
Compromise? The Christians are being forced to give in to the mohammedans. That is not compromise, and it’s merely the camel’s nose under the tent. Mohammedans do not compromise; they demand.

[Joe Boucher]

Any wine suggestions?

[Oatka]

The tip-off: But pork is taboo for Muslims, now a majority in this city

They whine for equality when they are in the minority, but as soon as they get on top, LOOK OUT!