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"Why the equivocation on the Saudis?? They pay for martyrs."

"Martyrs."

One of the things that upset me is the way muslim extremists are trying to wrest control of the language (English!) by radically re-defining the term "martyr."

In the western understanding of the term, "martyr" is permeated with ideas of holiness, purity, non-violence and forgiveness. While soldiers in our military might be termed "courageous," "brave," "faithful," "valiant," or "self-sacrificial," they are rarely called "martyrs."

The first Christian martyr was Stephen, who was stoned to death by his enemies for speaking out according to his conscience. As he fell, his last words were, "LORD, do not count this sin against them." The rest of the christian martyrs fall in line behind Stephen,. They lifted their hand against no one. They did no violence. Living the ideal of forgiveness, their last dying act was often to pronounce a blessing on those doing the killing.

What a contrast with an Islamic "shaheed!"

With the muslims, the last act is to curse one's enemies and to kill not only them, but any innocent children or babies or elderly associated with them. This behavior is the complete and total opposite of the meaning of "martyrdom."

It's time the abuse of the word "martyr" stopped. They can use "suicide-killer" or "blood-seeker" or "baby-hacker" or "grandma-smasher," but that "shaheed" should be translated "martyr" is utterly ludicrous. I'm sick of the press morons, and can't quite bring myself to say "forgive them, they know not what they do,"

It's time the abuse of the word "martyr" stopped. They can use "suicide-killer" or "blood-seeker" or "baby-hacker" or "grandma-smasher," but that "shaheed" should be translated "martyr" is utterly ludicrous.

You know, you're absolutely correct. I have a problem with "Suicide-bombers" because their primary goal is not suicide but the mass murder of civilians. So I use homicidal-bombers. But since a "martyr" is not necessarily a bomber, I suppose a more encompassing and accurate term is needed. How about "homicidal-maniacs" or "islamo-killers" or...

I agree whole heartedly with your disgust of the use of the term "martyr". I hate the perversion of language. But it does illuminate the demonic nature of those with which we are contending.

After all, who is the Father of Lies ?