🚀 go-pugleaf

Bill <nomail@nomail.net> wrote:

> Second, now we are getting somewhere in this discussion. The above makes me
> feel better. What worries me is that I think some Islamics might place
> their religion first and America second. 

If they "place their religion first" then we have nothing to worry
about from the vast majority, since their religion tells them that
what the terrorists are doing is wrong.

> But, did any American Islamics contribute financially to terrorist actions
> or assist them in any way?

Unfortunately, this is a very tricky question, and considerably more
involved than what we've been talking about here.  Is supporting
Palestinian independence supporting terrorists, since many of the
terrorists are also supporting that cause?  I think guilt by
association is wrong.  But what if they gave to a group who in turn
gave directly to terrorists?  Knowingly?  Unknowingly?

Directly supporting terrorists is wrong.  And yet our own government
has done that, many times over.  They supported bin Laden when he was
a terrorists against Russians invading Afghanistan, because we (or
those in government) could apparently justify that by their hatred of
the Russians at that time.  Our government also supported the Contras,
which was also clearly a terrorist organization.  I think we as a
country need to take an honest look in the mirror when we declare this
war on terrorism.  We should never have done some of the things we've
done in the past, and should own up to that, and take this opportunity
to make a clear, moral start.

> Also, is bin Laden a religious leader?

Not really -- more a "cult hero" to certain extremists, I think.

> Are the clerics more of a religious leader than bin Laden?

Yes, like the ones who have visited the White House to give
condolences to Pres. Bush.  Like the one at the "National Day of
Rememberence" service in Washington.  Like the many, many who have
condemned the terrorist action.

> i.e. Are Islamics living in America more likely to listen to a cleric than
> to bin Laden? What worries me is that I am NOT seeing Islamics living in
> America denouncing bin Laden publicly. Actions speak louder than words.
> Anyway I have an open mind and will listen to what people have to say. I
> think we all need to learn more about Islamics and their culture.

Many, many, MANY Muslims in America (and all over the world) have
publicly denounced what bin Laden has done.  They've been all over the
news lately if you are looking for it.  If you're looking for
something more virulent than "we condemn the actions" however, you're
asking for a lot.  Don't expect them to be out there raving (as many
other Americans are) to go "kill all the Arabs" -- obviously, that's
something they aren't say (and shouldn't, nor should anyone else give
that kind of carpet condemnation).

-- 
Steve Tate --- srt[At]cs.unt.edu | Gratuitously stolen quote:
Dept. of Computer Sciences       | "The box said 'Requires Windows 95, NT, 
University of North Texas        |  or better,' so I installed Linux."
Denton, TX  76201                |