Why Is It Only Terror If A Muslim Does It?

The morning news began today with reports that eight (later nine) had been arrested for plotting to kidnap and behead a Muslim soldier. In the early reports, at least, it was not reported that those arrested were Muslims. But the assumption was there. I made it also. Even though I know the large majority of Muslims are peace-loving, I have been brain-washed, along with everyone else, to immediately associate Muslims with terrorism. The propaganda in this area has been extremely succesful.

Of course, the story has many troubling points. First, why would Muslims choose to kidnap a Muslim soldier. And second, what's with all the beheading? I've studied Islamic history, and I have never found cases where beheading was used. In fact, Muslims are commanded not to dismember or disfigure the bodies of our enemies. It may have occured in isolated incidents, but I never heard of it until three or four years ago. It simply is not part of the Islamic way of life.

A second story was also troubling. Someone planted boxes with wires exposed throughout Boston and, I've heard, in other major cities. Terrorism--meaning an attack by Muslims--was immediately suspected. Instead, it was a stunt to advertise a new adult cartoon. I don't understand the connection, or the reasoning behind the prank. I do know, though, that if Muslims had pulled such a stunt, they would not have been released with a slap on the wrist.

So what, exactly, is terrorism? Doesn't spreading fear and disrupting normal operations in a major city count? Or does it only count if you wear a beard, use an Arabic name, and pray five times a day?

The Same Mistakes

Muhammad said, "The believer is not bitten by the same hole twice." It was a reminder that if we are paying attention, we won't make the same mistakes. We won't go twice to the home of the snake or scorpion. We'll learn from the past.

There's not a whole lot of that going on these days. In fact I am very afraid that we are heading into another war, which will have more disastrous results than the war against Iraq.

The Decider warned that Iranians in Iraq will be killed. The media is now claiming that the recent attack against troops in Karbala was initiated by Iran. The White House wants to fight Iran. So does Israel. And, like Iraq, it looks like it will probably happen.

I also noticed a bit of Islamophobia in the news. At this time of year, according to the lunar calendar, Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the death of Hussein, who was the grandson of Muhammad. This commemoration does include whipping and some degree of self-mutilation as a sign of grief. CNN carried a "wonderful" story about how Shi'ite fathers were cutting their own children, making the tots part of the ritual.

I am not a Shi'ite. I define myself as "simply a Muslim." No ohter designation is necessary. But I am sick and tired of all the crude jokes against Shi'ites. And I wonder about the veracity of this story, which portrays a very extreme practice. I also wonder about the motivation for printing it. Is it made to make Shi'ites look less than human?

We are daily confronted with reports about the civil war between Sunnis and Shi'ites in Iraq. I don't believe all of these reports. And I respect my Shi'ite brothers and sisters as fellow Muslims. We do have some different beliefs and practices, but it's not my job to judge. I will leave that to our Creator.

The White House is determined to make the same mistakes. Except that a war against Iran will have much more disastrous results because Iran is a stronger society. When the U.S. attacked Iraq, that country had suffered from 13 years of economic sanctions. Iran has not been weakened, and of course the Iranians will fight to defend their country. Who wouldn't?

I ask our Creator to deliver us from the evil and stupidity of those who don't learn the first time.

Rallying for Change

There were anti-war protests throughout the country this past weekend. I wish I could have been part of the activities, but it wasn't possible. Not this time.

I've read that the protesters also called for the impeachment of the Decider and his vice-president. Considering the grounds for Clinton's impeachment, I think we can safely say that this administration has done far worse. Willfully eroding our constitutional rights. Invading another country on a false pretext. Holding prisoners of war without granting them the rights of the Geneva Convention. And we all know there's more.

I don't know how realistic impeachment is. I know it should be done, but the Decider has beat Reagan as the "Teflon" president. He actually seems to be above the law. He expects that right. The media pushes for that right. And, sadly, the American people accept this.

What I pray for is an end to the occupation of Iraq and the abandonment of war plans against Iran and Syria. And, in 2008, I hope we have fair elections and Democratic leaders who are smart enough to give us a viable candidate.

Where there's life, there's always hope.

Tempted to Surrender

Are there any more words to say? The war in Afghanistan is wrong. The war in Iraq is wrong. History wiill vindicate those of us who oppose these military incursions. But government policy cares little for history.

I marched against the Iraq War for months before it started. There was a special spirit of hope at these demonstrations. We agreed the war was a mistake, and every week more passing motorists seemed to agree with us as well. I took my children out in the cold because I wanted to stand up for what was right and I wanted to show them how a democracy works.

But it didn't work. I haven't been able to attend an anti-war demonstration since the invasion of Iraq. It's been four long years, and I can't regain the hope I once had.

There have been rumors of impending war against Syria. More seriously, in geopolitical terms, is the threat of war against Iran. I can't believe anyone truly wishes to bring that level of death and destruction upon the earth. But my credulity has been tested many times in the last seven years. I couldn't believe it today when Supreme Court justices actually justified their intrusion into the electoral process--an intrusion which has had dire consequences for the people of this country as well as those of the world.

Some days I'm tempted to hide under my blanket and wait until it's over. If, in fact, it ever will end. I still believe in justice, both in this life and the next. That's what keeps me going.

We have to keep fighting. But it gets harder every day. We have a Democratic Congress now. Will it really make a difference?

What will?

Road trip?

About a month ago I promised news about a road trip. My mother and I planned to drive from St. Louis to Los Angeles. I imagined writing fascinating bulletins about our travels through Dallas, San Antonio, Santa Fe, Tucson, and L.A. I was packed and ready, and anxious to hit the road.

I got hit by a nasty flu instead. There seem to be two strains this year. My flu experience put me flat on my back for over a week, and I'm still not quite up to full strength. The same thing happened to my 24 year old son. But three other sons--22, 14, and 11--sailed through with just some fever and a nagging cough.

Anyway, I'm nearly recovered. But the road trip is off. This is the second time I've planned to travel to that part of the country. Last summer I was packed and ready to go. The night before we planned to leave, my son was hit by a car. He came out of it with a badly broken leg and needed surgery.

So I don't know about future trips. One of these days, I hope.

Nine Minutes Beats Fifty

The State of the Union address was predictable in its inanity. The constant applause. The pie in the sky. How can anyone promise to balance the budget while maintaining two wars--and counting--and promising to take care of the entire continent of Africa?

The best speech of the night was delivered by James Webb. Republicans may deride him, but I don't understand how they can put down a man who cited his father's service in World War II, as well his own service in Vietnam (along with his brother), and his son's service in Iraq. When a man who has walked the walk talks about the mistakes of Iraq, it's time to listen.

The State of the Union speech was fifty minutes long. Webb spoke for nine minutes only. But his speech had substance. Bush simply made promises. And I didn't hear anything about the actual "state of the union."s

The most disturbing part of that speech was his portrayal of Muslims as extremists who wish to destroy civilization and spread chaos. I agree there are some people who call themselves Muslims and have gone over the edge. But that doesn't describe the majority of us, in any country. And what about the insurgency? Wouldn't Americans rally to fight any invading force in our own country? Why are we surprised when others do the same?

I hope the Republicans take the high road. But they probably won't. Resorting to middle school tactics such as name-calling just shows how desperate they are.

War Culture

How long can we keep up this culture of war?

The vice-president predicts another 30 years of war on terror. Like the war on drugs, this "war" is difficult to define and can mean almost anything the speaker wishes it to mean.

How long will our country survive? Not 30 years. Violence has a trickle-down effect. Like the young boys who died trying to emulate Saddam Hussein's execution. What happens to a generation raised on war? Can they know peace? Are they able to understand?

This country is becoming increasingly violent. For years there have been cities and smaller urban areas of high crime. But it's spreading. More murders. More anger. More violent reactions to simple infractions which used to be solved with words or perhaps fists. Now they are addressed with guns and knives.

In addition, how do the leaders of this country think they can continue to perpetrate violent acts on innocent people of the world and escape unscathed. I don't want to say this, but there will be repercussions for American aggression. The chickens will come home to roost.

Our leaders have failed to study history. Any type of history--American, European, World. If they had, they would know that violence begets violence. And no aggressor escapes punishment. Not Rome. Not Germany--either under Wilhelm or Hitler. And not the United States.

It's time for intelligent leadership. That would be the best result of the 2008 elections. But I won't hold my breath.

Bless the beasts and the children

A major story took place in my hometown last week. Two missing boys were found in an apartment in Kirkwood, Missouri. One had been abducted the previous Monday. The other had been missing for over four years. It's a wonderful story, and practically unbelievable.

Now authorities are looking into possible ties the abductor may have with at least two other missing children. It's said someone who does that sort of thing usually starts early.

The abductor's family didn't realize that the boy he took four years ago had been abducted. I dlon't know how they missed it. He wasn't married, but he had close relatives in the area. How could they not have been suspicious?

As the evidence came out, some of his coworkers began to talk about strange behaviors. But initially, from coworkers and neighbors, he was basically an all-around guy. He just had a short fuse.

This is what scares me the most. The Decider talks about "evil doers" as if they have a special mark on their faces to distinguish them from the rest of us. But "evil doers" are among us. And many don't become "evil doers" until reaching a certain point in their lives.

I have children. I have always worried about them. Now I worry more. It's not safe for a boy to ride his bike in his neighborhood. And we're worried about shadowy terrorists on the other side of the world? Let's take care of the terrorism in our own back yards.

Blocked?

I tried to post last night but I wasn't allowed to access my blog. In fact, I was told it was shut down.

In the pre-Bush days I would have simply attributed this to a technical error somewhere along the way. But times have changed. I tried to remember exactly what I had written which someone would find so offensive.

Of course I offended. I attacked the Christian far right at a time when they are working to increase their political power. John McCain, Republican senator and presidential hopeful, is actively courting the favor of James Dobson. And the Decider regularly looks to his evagelical friends on the far right to help bring him support.

If I were still a Christian, I would be deeply offended at the way my religion is being used for political gain. And yes, as a Muslim I am sometimes deeply offended by those who use the pretext of religion to support their own political agendas.

This used to be a free country. Freedom of speech was taken for granted. Now it is becoming a much rarer and more precious commodity.

Seeking Armageddon

Some fundamentalist Christians, I've heard, have the perverse idea that they need to take action to hurry along the final showdown. They're anxious to wipe out the heathens once and for all and ascend to the right hand of God.

Muslims believe otherwise. We are told not to wish for the Day of Judgment. It will be a terrible day. And there will be no second chances. Unlike the fundamentalist Christians, we're n.ot confident on our entrance into heaven. It will depend mostly on God's mercy.

At any rate, the Christains--fundamentalists, that is--feel they must have a final victorious battle in which they completely wipe out Islam. I can tell, with confidence, that that won't happen.

It has become a battle of the religions. And innocent civilians are caught in the cross fire. Children in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine whose only crime was to have been born into Muslim families. The newest battleground is Somalia, where nomads are being picked off by American forces. It's always Muslims.

Now they're talking about a war against Iran. In fact, it's been on the table for quite isome time. As stupid as the warmongering neocons appear to be, I believe they know exactly what they're doing. Iran is a strong country and will fight back hard. Possibly China and Russia will come to Iran's aid. We're talking about world war. And leaders in the White House couldn't be happier.

I don't understand the lust for blood and war, no matter what rationale is used to support it. The religious argument is the most offensive of all. God did not create us so we can kill each other.

I pray several times a day that God-Allah will stop the plan of an Iranian invasion. He's the only One who can.

War is peace

I've decided to join the millions of other bloggers commenting on the speech tonight. Let's see, what were those high points?

Hmm. Freedom. Democracy. 9-11. Radical Islam. Yes, I think that about covers it.

It's time for the Decider to get some new material.

It makes me sick

I'm feeling better, but I still don't think I'm strong enough to handle the news out of Washington. In November, voters elected a Congress to get us out of Iraq. This Congress gives the lip service, but I'm not holding my breath.

Today Sen. Kennedy sponsored a motion to halt the proposed increase in troops. But it's a non-binding resolution. Doesn't the Constitution say something about Congress having the right to declare war? Not the president.

Every time I hear about terrorist organizations, the names Hamas and Hezbullah thrown out. I haven't taken the time to thoroughly study either group. But weren't they both democratically elected? Which is more than we can say about our own dear leader, who was chosen by a vote of five to four.

I don't want to hear about how the U.S. stands for democracy and freedom. Most of the people do, I think, but not the government. It's just a line to placate the masses.

I remember when this country stood for something besides greed.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can. . .

When I wrote, last Monday, that I may not be able to post during the week, I wasn't kidding I lived through a very strong dose of the flu. But I survived. and I'm starting to regain my strength. Now that I'm through it, I'm sort of happy for the experiecne. They say whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. This flu definitely made me stronger.

I have had the presence of mind these last few days to follow the shenanigans in Washington D. C. I look forward to start writing about them tomorrow.

Take care.

Not today

There is so much to write about, but I have the flu and can barely put two sentences together. I'll be back soon.