Posted on 02/13/2003 6:01:27 AM PST by JohnHuang2
If bin Laden's latest audiotape is indeed the precursor to another horrific terror attack on the United States, then American Muslims had best decide quickly to whom and what they are loyal.
The first rule of wartime survival is to know your enemy. That's a lesson America learned the hard way at Pearl Harbor. To their credit, the politicians of that day only needed one horrific lesson – the result, regrettably, was Japanese internment camps:
"From 1942 to 1946, the United States government imprisoned more than 110,000 Japanese Americans, including more than 70,000 U.S. citizens, in camps called internment camps. The United States and Japan were at war, and U.S. officials believed, with little evidence, that Japanese Americans threatened national security." – World Book Encyclopedia
Whether or not we agree with World Book's characterization, we should all note well the words "with little evidence." Mr. bin Laden's terror missives have repeatedly made it clear that Muslims worldwide – including those living inside the United States – have a duty to overthrow violently the American government. Internationally, that is the goal of such warfare.
Domestically, it is the textbook definition of treason.
American Muslims have raised barely a whimper of protest to bin Laden's call for their participation in terrorism and treason against their homeland. I'm not talking here about phony front groups and their paid public-relations mouthpieces. I'm talking about real Muslim leaders – like the Rev. Louis Farrakhan – or like the imam down the street leading prayers and religious studies at your local mosque.
Where is the anger against bin Laden among American Muslims? Where are the protests? Where are the fiery sermons in local mosques urging believers to denounce terrorists hiding in their midst or to expose them to the FBI or the police? Where is the religious rage against those who have murdered the innocent in pursuit of personal political power? Where are America's Muslims in America's time of need?
America echoed in its deeds the words of Jesus Christ toward Muslim immigrants who came to this country: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." America gave food, shelter and safety from the despotic Islamic hell many had fled. We gave respect to their culture and honored their traditions and holy days. We did this because it was the right thing to do.
What has been America's reward? Egotistical, empty words spoken by religious bigots and racial conmen who claim – without grassroots refutation – to speak for America's Muslims. Worldwide hatred by despotic Arab regimes and murderous, profiteering dictators – many of whom rely on American consumers for their oil dollars. Cowardice and loathing by our European "allies" profiting in the arms trade. Self-serving smear campaigns by greedy, mindless celebrities who actually believe that lying for a living – for what else is acting? – qualifies them to conduct world affairs. Self-serving political grandstanding by domestic politicians so eager for power that they would sell out the nation to govern during its dying days.
It is a testament to America's intrinsic goodness and greatness that we have shrugged off this treatment by our enemies. Only a great nation, secure in itself and basking in peace, could quietly endure such treatment. It is frequently said that the terror attack of 9-11 "changed everything." It did not – it merely confused everything. It is the next terror attack – whether in days, weeks, or months – that will change everything. That is the point at which confusion will coalesce into anger. America's eyes will be opened and we will clearly see our enemies.
Confusion about the World War II coalesced into anger at Pearl Harbor. That is what will happen in post 9-11 America. The current generation and its leaders are not smarter, more ethically pure, or more secure than Americans who experienced Pearl Harbor. We are their children and grandchildren. When the war begins in earnest, we will do what they did: We will fight to survive, and we will act preemptively against our enemies.
This is not a threat toward or a call for violence against American Muslims. It is a courtesy wake-up call. Every four years Americans pause to watch our president take a solemn oath to "preserve, protect and defend the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." In fact, every American takes this same oath by virtue of citizenship in this great land. Bin Laden has cast American Muslims' duty toward Allah, and that may well be. But in the trenches, American soldiers still sing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The time of decision for America's enemies has arrived.
Choose well.
The US had broken Japanese codes, and knew that there were a bunch of Japanese agents in the US who were ready to commit acts of sabotage. Arresting just the known agents would have tipped off the Japanese that their communications were compromised, so we just interred all the japs.
At another point in the war, Churchill allowed the Germans to bomb the English town of Coventry, because to intercept the bombing mission would have tipped off the Germans that we had broken their codes
Most sensible statement thus far.
I pray that you are right.
Other than the public demand for the violation of the First Amendment?
Much has been made about inflaming the "Arab Street". What the world needs to be concern about is inflaming the American Street.
At this point I would qualify our mood as irritated, determined and resolute and we have already invaded Afghanistan and moving on to Iraqi. This country is capable of great compassion and tenderness. We are also capable of unleashing unspeakable destruction. We have done it before and if the situation calls for it we will not hesitate to protect ourselves again.
If this country gets hit again, and I mean hit hard and the Americal street gets really mad, even I fear of what we could do. The world would be wise to consider this.
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