Posted on 12/05/2002 3:37:52 PM PST by TLBSHOW
By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - With Muslims worldwide growing more suspicious of the United States, President Bush (news - web sites) marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with a visit Thursday to a mosque.
"The spirit behind this holiday is a reminder that Islam brings hope and comfort to more than 1 billion people worldwide," Bush said. "Islam affirms God's justice and insists on man's moral responsibility."
Bush left his shoes at the door, in keeping with the practice of the Islamic Center of Washington, a national center for Muslim culture and prayer. He also had visited six days after the terrorist attacks last year.
Back then, with a surge in hate crimes against Muslims in the United States, Bush was trying to defuse Americans' anger against Islam. Today, he has a different problem increased hostility by Muslims around the world against America.
In an international survey released Wednesday, the Pew Global Attitudes Project found the image of the United States is slipping worldwide, and particularly in Middle Eastern countries with large Muslim populations. Large percentages of Muslim respondents in several countries said they believe suicide bomb attacks are a justifiable defense of Islam.
On Wednesday, Bush blamed America's tarnished image among Muslims on "propaganda machines (that) are cranked up in the international community that paints our country in a bad light."
The growing animosity comes at a time when Bush is trying to rally the world against terrorism and gather allies for possible military action against Iraq.
Inside the ornate mosque, Bush offered an explanation of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and renewed his defense of Islam.
Bush's speech was directed to a national and international audience. There was virtually no one inside except journalists and his staff. A few mosque officials stood next to Bush as he spoke.
"Over the past month, Muslims have fasted, taking no food or water during daylight hours, in order to refocus their minds on faith and redirect their hearts to charity," Bush said.
"Muslims worldwide have stretched out a hand of mercy to those in need, charity tables at which the poor can break their fast line the streets of cities and towns, and gifts of food and clothing and money are distributed to ensure that all share in God's abundance," he said.
From the Muslim event, Bush officially opened the Christmas season at the White House by lighting a Christmas tree just outside the gates.
And fear and loathing to the other 5 billion.
None of the Founding Fathers, even the non-Christian ones, would have agreed that political leaders must adhere to this. Christian services were held in various government offices, including the Capitol. As I said before, Congress even appropriated money for the printing of Bibles. States were allowed to have official state-funded churches.
No, no..
By no means.. Equal before the law.
Bad analogy.
Bush is elevating a religion of hate to places it's never been before. He will reap what he sows.
BTW, I doubt if you would have liked early America. But that's what it takes to found a great nation and maintain it.
During the inquisition period, I'm sure there were a lot of people who thought Christianity was evil too since the clergy were responsible for the burning, beating, and torture of thousands and thousands of innocent people. But Christianity underwent a reformation. It's time for a reformation of the muslim religion too. Bush is attempting to help the good guys win.
By condemning the entire religion, you rip hope from the hearts of those who are attempting to bring about a change.
"Moderate half"?? We wish...
And why is it when referring to 'Islam' the only catagories recognized are either 'radical' or 'moderate'? Isn't there a third and thus more innocuous "peace loving" version of Islam? If there indeed is, I would assume that percentage is miniscule.
It's pretty tough to speak out when the media isn't paying any attention to you, and especially hard when the bad guys have the guns and you don't. (Interesting note: England is beginning to understand what happens when the thugs have guns and the people don't)
We are learning that fact by what's happening in Iran right now with the students and the people finally beginning to stand up after 20 years under Islamic rule. If you get the opportunity, read some of the Iran List threads that have been posted here. You will find significant reason for hope.
The White House would be MORE than happy to provide as much a platform as these "moderates" need. Any bigger stage than that? And Dubya himself would be willing set up the mikes personally. Since we have heard little from the so-called Moslem "moderates" thus far, I for one question it's numbers.
"We are learning that fact by what's happening in Iran right now with the students and the people finally beginning to stand up after 20 years under Islamic rule. If you get the opportunity, read some of the Iran List threads that have been posted here. You will find significant reason for hope."
I concur, Iran is the best chance for secular democracy to one day control a traditional Islamic country. There happen to be many who remember the pseudo-freedom they enjoyed under the Shah...
Bush most certainly is. In a new age sort of way, he's saying "I'm okay, you're okay.", which is pure juvenile nonsense.
BTW, everytime Bush eulogizes the religion of hate, a natural disaster takes place in the USA. Look at the chronology of the tornados (88 total in one day) and this last ice storm which caused the worst power outage in Duke Power's history. All immediately after Bush did things to side with islam. Bush had better stop messing with Israel and stop siding with the muslims or we're in for more.
Better write your buddy Bush and ask him to stop it.
Did he go to the mosque after he wihsed everyone a Happy Kwanza?
My 1964 Barry Goldwater Remco Election doll is weeping.
Is the republican party still conservative or just closer than the "other" party?
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