The TEACHER is in! Sorry you have to keep repeating this but some people still do not get it!As Feral Finster said in his comment above, the fearful ones (republicans) must find the latest "scary" people to demonize - now it is Muslims. Shall I forward a copy of this to all the "scaredy cats"???
Some time ago I came to the conclusion that all organized (corporate?) religion was a snare and delusion. I am still learning that even the most "Spiritually" oriented religion is likely to morph into a corporate religion and begin its descent into the purgatory of rules, regulations, corruption and greed. Generally always driven by the survival imperative and the the power lust of those with the most to lose (the leadership?) Most humans are not born religious, nor are we automatically in direct communication with any god or gods. We have to be herded into belief systems or sometimes led into them through education and socialization.
The global plethora of religions and/or belief systems suggests that there is some innate search for organizing principles within humanity. Just as there is a universal search for our origins, our personal drive for belonging.
Every individual at some point in their lives must take responsibility for the choices they make during these searches.
The irony is that these politicians (many of whom are Nat-C’s, my name for Nationalist ‘christians’) pushing for legislation to “ban Shariah law” to supposedly protect Western values are simultaneously trying to impose their version of religion into every aspect of American life, thereby completely disregarding the Western value of religious freedom.
Not only does the First Amendment guarantee the free practice of one’s religion, it also guarantees one’s freedom FROM religion. In other words, each is free to practice any or no faith.
Thanks so much for this. I was adopted into a wonderful Turkish family as a daughter in my teens. They are my second family. And my birth family adopted them. My second father is a conservative Imam, and despite my being a progressive white Texan woman we have a rich supportive relationship with each other. I say "despite" because our respect and love for each other might sound strange to people who don't understand Islam, but for us there was no conflict to overcome. Of course we support each other as family. I know he will always be there for me and he knows I will always be there for his family. Shariah guides him to love and support his family, neighbors, and country. I haven't even mentioned how incredible my Turkish mom and all their children are. I've been with them through persecution by their home country in Europe and seen the Islamophobia and racism they experience since I was a young. Their government took everything they built in a racist motivated lawsuit. And through all of that they've never questioned the importance of being great citizens and continuing to be wonderful people. This article helps me explain that story to others around me and I can't thank you enough for it.
Thank you for this piece. I appreciate you educating me. I did not know what that meant. I really appreciate learning new information and your perspectives. Thank you, be safe out there. 😊
Once upon a time, not so long ago, it was "Jews". Then it was "Russians". Now it's Muslims.
A Scary Enemy is always needed:
1. To justify why we can't have nice things. Healthcare? Infrastructure? Education? We don't have time for that now, don't you know we gotta fight Saddam/Milosevic/Bin Laden/Saddam again/Ghadaffi/Assad/ISIS/Putin/Hamas/Houthis/Iran ad nauseam.
2. To give the rubes a cause to rally around, rather than ask awkward questions.
3. To unify political factions around a common enemy, justify the division of spoils and explain why we can't have nirvana right at the moment, we'd really like to but the Scary Enemy is stopping us and don't you know we gotta focus on this fight, right now!
4. To justify crackdowns on civil liberties. You and your namby-pamby Bill of Rights, you hate our freedom! What, are you on the side of the fascists/communists/Islamicists/Russians/ Iranians ad nauseam?
We must ban the Ghost Dance! Rock and roll will destroy our country. Long-haired hippies need not apply. Why do we keep giving in to this appalling prejudice?
Although I am no fan of any religion, I have no quarrel with people practicing their religious principles peacefully, not harming others. The anti-Sharia movement in the United States is nasty, but is just symbolic bluster, political theater. There is no danger that Sharia law is going to be imposed on anyone in the US, so there is no need for anti-Sharia laws. And if such anti-Sharia laws were passed, they would not prevent Muslims from practicing Islam, which is protected by the first amendment.
I do have a question about Shaiia law as practiced since 1979 in Iran. Is it not the basis for the entire legal system there? And does it not prescribe stoning to death for adultery and amputation for stealing? Not that such practices justify bombing a sovereign country, but they seem overly harsh to me.
Thank you so much for this article. Please address what the Muslim counties whose governments do not understand that Sharia Law cannot be imposed...please address what their version of Sharia Law is. Isn't that how Sharia Law is understood in the West? I'm wondering what proportion of Muslims embrace what you see as the false view of Sharia Law espoused by repressive governments. Also, I believe sometimes Patriarchy speaks louder than the religion laid on top of it, whether Islam, Christianity or Judaism.
I truly appreciate your work and am a paid subscriber.
I live in New York City, where the 'Enemy Within The Gates" now runs things. Apparently, Sharia requires the government to fill in thousands of potholes. Terrifying!!
What recently illustrates this straight line from ignorance to hatred (to killing) is the attacks against the Vatican and, especially, Pope Leo. I can't imagine a Pope more in tune with the people and more kind than Leo (or Bob, as I jokingly call him). And yet here he is being declared Public Enemy by the likes of Pete Hegseth. This is so hard to live with. Thank you for your wise words, Qasim.
You are sharing life or death news and information about whats really happening to human beings NOW, and how evil people in government are putting up new unlawful barriers when they should be building bridges. Dogmas of all kinds, religious, conspiratorial, national fundamentalist are dividing to conquer…themselves! Diabolically idiotic. Now, that's a plan straight from hell. How long has it been in effect?
Maybe, evolution hasn't yet put those traits in the dust bin.
The TEACHER is in! Sorry you have to keep repeating this but some people still do not get it!As Feral Finster said in his comment above, the fearful ones (republicans) must find the latest "scary" people to demonize - now it is Muslims. Shall I forward a copy of this to all the "scaredy cats"???
Some time ago I came to the conclusion that all organized (corporate?) religion was a snare and delusion. I am still learning that even the most "Spiritually" oriented religion is likely to morph into a corporate religion and begin its descent into the purgatory of rules, regulations, corruption and greed. Generally always driven by the survival imperative and the the power lust of those with the most to lose (the leadership?) Most humans are not born religious, nor are we automatically in direct communication with any god or gods. We have to be herded into belief systems or sometimes led into them through education and socialization.
The global plethora of religions and/or belief systems suggests that there is some innate search for organizing principles within humanity. Just as there is a universal search for our origins, our personal drive for belonging.
Every individual at some point in their lives must take responsibility for the choices they make during these searches.
The irony is that these politicians (many of whom are Nat-C’s, my name for Nationalist ‘christians’) pushing for legislation to “ban Shariah law” to supposedly protect Western values are simultaneously trying to impose their version of religion into every aspect of American life, thereby completely disregarding the Western value of religious freedom.
Not only does the First Amendment guarantee the free practice of one’s religion, it also guarantees one’s freedom FROM religion. In other words, each is free to practice any or no faith.
Thanks so much for this. I was adopted into a wonderful Turkish family as a daughter in my teens. They are my second family. And my birth family adopted them. My second father is a conservative Imam, and despite my being a progressive white Texan woman we have a rich supportive relationship with each other. I say "despite" because our respect and love for each other might sound strange to people who don't understand Islam, but for us there was no conflict to overcome. Of course we support each other as family. I know he will always be there for me and he knows I will always be there for his family. Shariah guides him to love and support his family, neighbors, and country. I haven't even mentioned how incredible my Turkish mom and all their children are. I've been with them through persecution by their home country in Europe and seen the Islamophobia and racism they experience since I was a young. Their government took everything they built in a racist motivated lawsuit. And through all of that they've never questioned the importance of being great citizens and continuing to be wonderful people. This article helps me explain that story to others around me and I can't thank you enough for it.
Thank you for explaining what it really means. I never quite knew what it meant but knew these bigots were claiming it was evil.
Thank you for this piece. I appreciate you educating me. I did not know what that meant. I really appreciate learning new information and your perspectives. Thank you, be safe out there. 😊
Once upon a time, not so long ago, it was "Jews". Then it was "Russians". Now it's Muslims.
A Scary Enemy is always needed:
1. To justify why we can't have nice things. Healthcare? Infrastructure? Education? We don't have time for that now, don't you know we gotta fight Saddam/Milosevic/Bin Laden/Saddam again/Ghadaffi/Assad/ISIS/Putin/Hamas/Houthis/Iran ad nauseam.
2. To give the rubes a cause to rally around, rather than ask awkward questions.
3. To unify political factions around a common enemy, justify the division of spoils and explain why we can't have nirvana right at the moment, we'd really like to but the Scary Enemy is stopping us and don't you know we gotta focus on this fight, right now!
4. To justify crackdowns on civil liberties. You and your namby-pamby Bill of Rights, you hate our freedom! What, are you on the side of the fascists/communists/Islamicists/Russians/ Iranians ad nauseam?
We must ban the Ghost Dance! Rock and roll will destroy our country. Long-haired hippies need not apply. Why do we keep giving in to this appalling prejudice?
Although I am no fan of any religion, I have no quarrel with people practicing their religious principles peacefully, not harming others. The anti-Sharia movement in the United States is nasty, but is just symbolic bluster, political theater. There is no danger that Sharia law is going to be imposed on anyone in the US, so there is no need for anti-Sharia laws. And if such anti-Sharia laws were passed, they would not prevent Muslims from practicing Islam, which is protected by the first amendment.
I do have a question about Shaiia law as practiced since 1979 in Iran. Is it not the basis for the entire legal system there? And does it not prescribe stoning to death for adultery and amputation for stealing? Not that such practices justify bombing a sovereign country, but they seem overly harsh to me.
I’m more concerned with Christian Nationalism. That is the true threat.
This should be part of the social studies in every high school in America. Also, more importantly, a compulsory read by the members of congress.
Thank you so much for this article. Please address what the Muslim counties whose governments do not understand that Sharia Law cannot be imposed...please address what their version of Sharia Law is. Isn't that how Sharia Law is understood in the West? I'm wondering what proportion of Muslims embrace what you see as the false view of Sharia Law espoused by repressive governments. Also, I believe sometimes Patriarchy speaks louder than the religion laid on top of it, whether Islam, Christianity or Judaism.
I truly appreciate your work and am a paid subscriber.
I live in New York City, where the 'Enemy Within The Gates" now runs things. Apparently, Sharia requires the government to fill in thousands of potholes. Terrifying!!
What recently illustrates this straight line from ignorance to hatred (to killing) is the attacks against the Vatican and, especially, Pope Leo. I can't imagine a Pope more in tune with the people and more kind than Leo (or Bob, as I jokingly call him). And yet here he is being declared Public Enemy by the likes of Pete Hegseth. This is so hard to live with. Thank you for your wise words, Qasim.
Thank you. This is an excellent piece that I plan to share widely.
Thank You, Sir.
You are sharing life or death news and information about whats really happening to human beings NOW, and how evil people in government are putting up new unlawful barriers when they should be building bridges. Dogmas of all kinds, religious, conspiratorial, national fundamentalist are dividing to conquer…themselves! Diabolically idiotic. Now, that's a plan straight from hell. How long has it been in effect?
Maybe, evolution hasn't yet put those traits in the dust bin.