I understand that now. However, since the President referred to millions of AMERICAN Muslims, I think my misunderstanding was justified.
From what I have observed, the minorities are treated poorly. Where they are the minority, they behave similar to the way they do in our country. On the whole, Muslims in the minority, like many others, are not very vocal. There are, of course, the exceptions, which, I believe, are the ones we observe through the media.
You and I observe differently. In India and Israel, the Muslims form a large and violent minority, but not because they are treated differently. In both countries the Muslims have rights, and I know for a fact that in Israel, Muslims are members of the government. Despite that, poll after poll shows that the Muslims citizens support violence against Jews. I believe the situation is similar in India with the local Muslims slaughtering Hindus who happen to wander into their areas. I am curious as to how you come to your conclusions since, as you claim, your main source of perception is the media which is leftist and rather protective of Muslims. For example, in the wake of 9/11, Israeli media showed Muslims celebrating in the streets. This was surpressed by American media.
I am not familiar with the Goldstein incident. Yes, it is evidently part of their culture NOT to denounce violence committed by Muslims against others, theirs is obviously a different culture.
Thank you.
It would appear that you do feel it is 'necessary'.
I would say it is only necessary if they (or you) would like me to consider complaints by Muslims about prejudice against them to be valid.
I also would like to see murders everywhere end. The fact that you would stand up, and others, obviously wouldn't, should be proof enough that there are different cultures involved here.
Yes. Are these different cultures morally equivalent or are they different? Or would you prefer not to make conclusions concerning them? Part of the "problem" I have with Muslim cultures is their apparent necessity to destroy other cultures. Muslim treatment of minorities when they are the dominant culture is a matter of historical record.
What I feel is bigoted and narrow-minded, are those that would condemn an entire belief system, based on the actions of some.
Perhaps the belief system is the reason why "some" commit acts of violence. An unbiased reading of the Koran or study of Muslim history might be valuable in coming to a conclusion. And it might change your perception of those who aren't as committed as you or President Bush to the idea that Muslims are "peace-loving".
My assumption is based on the actions of those not committing violent acts, not on silence.
Tell me, do you support the dictum that all it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing? If so, how "good" would you say those bystanders are?
yes, I would give the benefit of the doubt to the majority.
You can have that luxury. I am a Jew. And since many Jews have suffered at the hands of Muslims, I am less inclined to give them that benefit. I want some positive information before I endorse the belief that the majority are "peace-loving".
Apparently, Muslims aren't the same as the Germans of that era.
Well, some, perhaps most, are the same as some of the Germans of that era...specifically the Nazis and their supporters.
OK, you are the first person that has said any of my statements were politically correct, I didn't realize we were becoming less polite. We obviously have different perspectives of the same thing, that is why, unlike many, I do not find it hard to believe that you do not think the best of people. You may classify me as you wish.
I apologize if you feel I've become less polite. I do not classify you at all. It is just that I could understand your perspective if you were a liberal or Democrat. Since you are a conservative, I have to assume that our value systems are somewhat similar. Which is why the difference in our perspectives is puzzling.
As I said, my reason for not thinking the best of people is based on history. Mankind has tried to destroy itself so often, it is hard for me to believe that, by nature, people are basically good.
I do see those that want to wipe out entire cultures, as bigots.
Muslim leaders have frequently said that they wanted to wipe out the Jews and Israel. Now, I have no doubt you would classify them as bigots. But how would you classify those who would stand by and watch it happen?
This will be my last post for awhile. I will try and get back to this next week. In the meantime, thanks for the exchange and have a nice weekend.