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.