Reason #148 why the impending Muslim take over and subsequent imposition of Shariah law is a good thing:
At least shit will be open during Christmas.
Showing posts with label Muslims. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muslims. Show all posts
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Odds of Attack
U.S. Presidents continually tell us that the United States is not at war with Islam. Yet, both Bush and Obama have attacked Muslim countries. None of the invasions have been for the sake of national security. But it's like they can't help themselves.
With that in mind, it's difficult to see a scenario where the U.S. doesn't keep up its streak of attacking more Muslim countries. So, here are the odds that these Muslim countries will be the next one attacked. Remember, this is not a list as to whether the U.S. will attack these countries- the U.S. will, because they're Muslim countries- it's merely who will be next.
Syria 8/3
Yemen 2/1
Somalia 4/1
Iran 6/1
Algeria 8/1
Pakistan 9/1
Lebanon 10/1
Egypt 13/1
Bahrain 15/1
Oman 25/1
Qatar 30/1
Morocco 33/1
Djibouti 36/1
Kuwait 38/1
Jordan 42/1
Tunisia 46/1
Uzbekistan 51/1
UAE 54/1
Tajikistan 56/1
Turkmenistan 59/1
Kazakhstan 62/1
Kyrgyzstan 66/1
Azerbaijan 77/1
Malaysia 83/1
Niger 88/1
Mauritania 91/1
Indonesia 95/1
Turkey 110/1
Sudan 250/1
Saudi Arabia 500/1
With that in mind, it's difficult to see a scenario where the U.S. doesn't keep up its streak of attacking more Muslim countries. So, here are the odds that these Muslim countries will be the next one attacked. Remember, this is not a list as to whether the U.S. will attack these countries- the U.S. will, because they're Muslim countries- it's merely who will be next.
Syria 8/3
Yemen 2/1
Somalia 4/1
Iran 6/1
Algeria 8/1
Pakistan 9/1
Lebanon 10/1
Egypt 13/1
Bahrain 15/1
Oman 25/1
Qatar 30/1
Morocco 33/1
Djibouti 36/1
Kuwait 38/1
Jordan 42/1
Tunisia 46/1
Uzbekistan 51/1
UAE 54/1
Tajikistan 56/1
Turkmenistan 59/1
Kazakhstan 62/1
Kyrgyzstan 66/1
Azerbaijan 77/1
Malaysia 83/1
Niger 88/1
Mauritania 91/1
Indonesia 95/1
Turkey 110/1
Sudan 250/1
Saudi Arabia 500/1
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Difference Between Jews and Muslims
Jews and Muslims are totally different. Jews have been persecuted and deserve empathy. Muslims have persecuted and deserve enmity. Jews have gracefully enmeshed into American society. Muslims are trying to take over American society. Let's look at the differences.
1) Beards - Wait? Never mind.
2) Dietary restrictions - Um, nope.
3) Those funny hats - Uh, whoops.
4) Phlegmy holy languages - Well, I guess not.
Alright, so maybe Jews and Muslims are pretty similar after all. In that case, I surmise that it is essential for every fellow Jew to guard the rights of Muslims as if they're their own.
1) Beards - Wait? Never mind.
2) Dietary restrictions - Um, nope.
3) Those funny hats - Uh, whoops.
4) Phlegmy holy languages - Well, I guess not.
Alright, so maybe Jews and Muslims are pretty similar after all. In that case, I surmise that it is essential for every fellow Jew to guard the rights of Muslims as if they're their own.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Juan Williams Was Wrong
I have a signed book by Juan Williams. Unfortunately for Juan Williams, that doesn't prevent him from being dead wrong about his comments implying Muslim culpability for the attacks on 9/11/01.
If Juan Williams had said, "I am afraid when I see people in Muslim garb on my flight. I am wrong. It is a prejudice that I am struggling to overcome," he should be commended. Again, unfortunately for Juan Williams, he related this fear to the fact that the hijackers who committed the 9/11 attacks were Muslim and that somehow a person was shackled by political correctness if they didn't admit to the same fear.
Yes, all of the hijackers were Muslims. Unfortunately for Juan Williams, they numbered only 19 out of a global Muslim population of over a billion. So to conflate all Muslims with the hijackers is utterly disrespectful to all precepts of logic. He may not have explicitly said "Muslims were responsible for 9/11" as Bill O'Reilly has, but the implication of his comment was very clear. I am scared of Muslims because Muslims committed 9/11.
The part of Juan Williams's quote that struck me as additionally illogical was the reference to "Muslim garb." None of the hijackers on 9/11 wore Muslim garb that day. It would be more accurate (though still incredibly illogical) to say, "I fear dark skin men wearing western clothes when I get on a plane because of 9/11." But, imagine you're a Muslim terrorist about to embark on your mission; would you wear Muslim garb? That's just bad terroristing. Let's now turn to a portion of the preeminent guide for terrorists.
If Juan Williams had said, "I am afraid when I see people in Muslim garb on my flight. I am wrong. It is a prejudice that I am struggling to overcome," he should be commended. Again, unfortunately for Juan Williams, he related this fear to the fact that the hijackers who committed the 9/11 attacks were Muslim and that somehow a person was shackled by political correctness if they didn't admit to the same fear.
Yes, all of the hijackers were Muslims. Unfortunately for Juan Williams, they numbered only 19 out of a global Muslim population of over a billion. So to conflate all Muslims with the hijackers is utterly disrespectful to all precepts of logic. He may not have explicitly said "Muslims were responsible for 9/11" as Bill O'Reilly has, but the implication of his comment was very clear. I am scared of Muslims because Muslims committed 9/11.
The part of Juan Williams's quote that struck me as additionally illogical was the reference to "Muslim garb." None of the hijackers on 9/11 wore Muslim garb that day. It would be more accurate (though still incredibly illogical) to say, "I fear dark skin men wearing western clothes when I get on a plane because of 9/11." But, imagine you're a Muslim terrorist about to embark on your mission; would you wear Muslim garb? That's just bad terroristing. Let's now turn to a portion of the preeminent guide for terrorists.
The al Qaeda Guide to Becoming a Terrorist
1. Blend in...
Further more, can you think of any potential terrorists who attempted to attack the U.S. in Muslim garb? The shoe bomber, the Christmas day bomber, the dirty bomber, the Times Square bomber, none of them were wearing Muslim garb. Incidentally, anyone else think it's weird that they all got "bomber" in their nickname despite not actually bombing anything. By that logic, I'm going to take up the nickname of "Successful and Handsome." In any event, racial profiling is illogical, especially when it's based on obvious inaccuracies.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Mosque/Gap Offensive
It is disrespectful that white people are allowed to roam around the Oklahoma City Federal Building after a terrorist, who was a white man, blew it up 15 years ago. There should be no (white) churches nearby, no Waffle Houses, no Gaps, no Cracker Barrels, no places in which white people frequent so close to such an awful tragedy that was their responsibility.
The Federal Building was blown up because this man, Tim McVeigh, had a corrupt and radical view of what it means to be white. Then we are going to allow other white people to pray near where this horror took place? It just seems offensive.
For the above reasons, I also believe that putting a mosque four blocks away from the former sight of the Twin Towers is offensive. Some may argue that white people were also victimized in the Oklahoma City bombing, so it's wrong to deprive them of the right to pray near the building. Well, Muslims were also victimized in the attacks of September 11, but you don't hear anyone making that point.
Some may argue that the white people now near the Oklahoma City Bombing sight had nothing to do with Tim McVeigh. They don't espouse McVeigh's neo-nazi outlook, so why should they be punished? But the same could be said for Muslims near the where the World Trade Center stood with regards to al Qaeda, so it's not a valid point.
As you can see, I totally respect the victims of both tragedies. To honor them, I say no mosque near the World Trade Center and no white people near the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
The Federal Building was blown up because this man, Tim McVeigh, had a corrupt and radical view of what it means to be white. Then we are going to allow other white people to pray near where this horror took place? It just seems offensive.
For the above reasons, I also believe that putting a mosque four blocks away from the former sight of the Twin Towers is offensive. Some may argue that white people were also victimized in the Oklahoma City bombing, so it's wrong to deprive them of the right to pray near the building. Well, Muslims were also victimized in the attacks of September 11, but you don't hear anyone making that point.
Some may argue that the white people now near the Oklahoma City Bombing sight had nothing to do with Tim McVeigh. They don't espouse McVeigh's neo-nazi outlook, so why should they be punished? But the same could be said for Muslims near the where the World Trade Center stood with regards to al Qaeda, so it's not a valid point.
As you can see, I totally respect the victims of both tragedies. To honor them, I say no mosque near the World Trade Center and no white people near the Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
The Qu'ran Burning
I fully support the upcoming Qur'an burning to be held in Florida on September 11 by Christian fundamentalists. But not because I am in favor of defiling the holy books of others. I find that bigotry reprehensible. I just happen to be a pyromaniac.
I've been going to therapy for my pyromania for years, but there's something about a good ole fashion hateful book burning that sparks my urge to start fires again (pun intended!). So, if you're a disgusting bigot and heading down to the Qur'an burning this Saturday, look for me. I'll be the one with the upside-down fu manchu and matches.
I've been going to therapy for my pyromania for years, but there's something about a good ole fashion hateful book burning that sparks my urge to start fires again (pun intended!). So, if you're a disgusting bigot and heading down to the Qur'an burning this Saturday, look for me. I'll be the one with the upside-down fu manchu and matches.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Mosques, America, and You
All over America people are protesting the proposed building of mosques. It's the newest wave of anti-Islamic bigotry sweeping the country. There's really no adequate justification for this hatred. Contentions of a clash of civilizations are exaggerated and nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophesy.
The fact is that Islam is not a more violent religion than any other. Christianity likely takes that crown. I should know, much of family was killed in Holocaust. Now, many Christians will resent linking the tragedy of the Holocaust to Christianity, but that is what these protestors are doing with Islam. Sure, fanatics have killed in the name of Islam, just as fanatics have killed in the name of Christianity (and Judaism). It doesn't mean that churches and synagogues should be banned. That's ridiculous.
Most studies have determined that American Muslims are far less radical than their European co-religionists. The reason this is believed to be true is because of America's guaranteed freedom of religion. People become more radical when things that they hold close are threatened. Up until this point, there has been little threat, so American Muslims have generally stayed within the American mainstream. Muslims have the right to have their own place of worship. Mosques are not an affront to America; their existence is at the core of American values.
The fact is that Islam is not a more violent religion than any other. Christianity likely takes that crown. I should know, much of family was killed in Holocaust. Now, many Christians will resent linking the tragedy of the Holocaust to Christianity, but that is what these protestors are doing with Islam. Sure, fanatics have killed in the name of Islam, just as fanatics have killed in the name of Christianity (and Judaism). It doesn't mean that churches and synagogues should be banned. That's ridiculous.
Most studies have determined that American Muslims are far less radical than their European co-religionists. The reason this is believed to be true is because of America's guaranteed freedom of religion. People become more radical when things that they hold close are threatened. Up until this point, there has been little threat, so American Muslims have generally stayed within the American mainstream. Muslims have the right to have their own place of worship. Mosques are not an affront to America; their existence is at the core of American values.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Miss Muslim USA
Rima Fakih, a Lebanese-American and a Muslim, became Miss USA this week. Neo-con Daniel Pipes believes that Muslims are benefitting from affirmative action in beauty pageants, a comment spurred on by Fakih's win.
I'd just like to tell Rima Fakih that Daniel Pipes does not represent the views and opinions of myself or the vast majority of Jews. Forgive him. You see, when Daniel was young, his parents invited a Muslim couple over for Passover seder. The couple's little boy happened to find the Afikomen and thus received the dollar that poor Daniel so desperately desired. It was at that point that Daniel Pipes decided to dedicate his life to any and all things anti-Islam.
I'd just like to tell Rima Fakih that Daniel Pipes does not represent the views and opinions of myself or the vast majority of Jews. Forgive him. You see, when Daniel was young, his parents invited a Muslim couple over for Passover seder. The couple's little boy happened to find the Afikomen and thus received the dollar that poor Daniel so desperately desired. It was at that point that Daniel Pipes decided to dedicate his life to any and all things anti-Islam.
Hello!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Islam Karimov Goes After Islam
Islam Karimov is the leader of Uzberkistan. Islam attacks Islam. No, he's not schizophrenic. Islam persecutes people who follow the faith of Islam. It's as if the U.S. Terrorism Czar was named Al Kida. Or if the Under Secretary of Defense was named Taliban Wolfowitz.
Karimov targets any man with a beard, which endangers me and Yakov Smirnoff. It also unfairly imperils your average Muslim man in Uzbekistan. Hopefully, for the sake of his nation, Islam will stop attacking Islam. And hopefully, the United States will stop supporting him.
Karimov targets any man with a beard, which endangers me and Yakov Smirnoff. It also unfairly imperils your average Muslim man in Uzbekistan. Hopefully, for the sake of his nation, Islam will stop attacking Islam. And hopefully, the United States will stop supporting him.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Ramadan & Yom Kippur
Today, Muslims will continue their fast during the month of Ramadan and Jews will be fasting for Yom Kippur. I hope we can all take a moment out of the day to think about the other group and that we are going through the same experience.
Salaam Shalom Peace
Salaam Shalom Peace
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Misdirected Bigotry
In America, we make fun of the way Muslims dress. Some of us give dirty looks to Muslim men and women wearing their traditional cultural garb. This is wrong.
I can't understand why someone would mock a man wearing a salwar kameez when there are people out there with mullets. Get your priorities straight, the mullet is far more hideous. In fact, the salwar kameez is cool. It's just a long fancy shirt over some equally baggy pants. Baggy was the 'in' thing in Karachi several hundred years before it was in Brooklyn. The mullet has never been 'in' and should, and hopefully will, never be.
What's with that stupid pencil-thin porn mustache you people wear? Can't grow a beard like me and many Muslim men? Like a real man. A cowboy hat is stupider looking than a Turkish fez, a turban, a skullcap, and whatever Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah wore. Yes it is. Yes. Listen, I'm not listening to a fucking douche with a mullet like you.
Muslim women are chastised for wearing a headscarf while no one comments on those stupid over-sized sunglasses women here wear. I understand that women wear sunglasses to avoid unwanted attention and accidental eye contact (usually with men sporting the mullet), but did you really have to buy some tinted some clown glasses? You look ridiculous.
I can't understand why someone would mock a man wearing a salwar kameez when there are people out there with mullets. Get your priorities straight, the mullet is far more hideous. In fact, the salwar kameez is cool. It's just a long fancy shirt over some equally baggy pants. Baggy was the 'in' thing in Karachi several hundred years before it was in Brooklyn. The mullet has never been 'in' and should, and hopefully will, never be.
What's with that stupid pencil-thin porn mustache you people wear? Can't grow a beard like me and many Muslim men? Like a real man. A cowboy hat is stupider looking than a Turkish fez, a turban, a skullcap, and whatever Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah wore. Yes it is. Yes. Listen, I'm not listening to a fucking douche with a mullet like you.
Muslim women are chastised for wearing a headscarf while no one comments on those stupid over-sized sunglasses women here wear. I understand that women wear sunglasses to avoid unwanted attention and accidental eye contact (usually with men sporting the mullet), but did you really have to buy some tinted some clown glasses? You look ridiculous.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
A Whole New World
On September 11, 2001 everything changed. It's been a different world since then. Here is a list proving that:
1) Hmm, well the cable news channels have that ticker on the bottom now.
4) Um, ah. I think I might know the difference between Hindus and Muslims....
5) Well, at least I know that there is a difference between Hindus and Muslims, I think. Maybe not.
It's a whole new world!
1) Hmm, well the cable news channels have that ticker on the bottom now.
2) Because of television, I've realized that I hate Muslims for some reason.
3) Oh! I can now locate the Iraq on a map, probably. Maybe not.4) Um, ah. I think I might know the difference between Hindus and Muslims....
5) Well, at least I know that there is a difference between Hindus and Muslims, I think. Maybe not.
It's a whole new world!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Racial Profiling
Racial profiling just doesn't make any logical sense to me. If O.J. stabs a couple of people to death, what bearring does that have on Fred's propensity to kill? None.
Likewise, if Muhammad A. hijacks a plane, doesn't mean Fareed Z. will do so as well.
Likewise, if Muhammad A. hijacks a plane, doesn't mean Fareed Z. will do so as well.
Friday, September 29, 2006
The Prophet Muhammad, Jew-Okay?
Tonight, I evaluate the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his relationship to Jews.
Sure, Muhammad (pbuh) had his tiffs with the Jews, who hasn't? I know I have and I'm one of them. But he respected the Jews. Originally he prayed towards Jerusalem and attempted to incorporate other Jewish tenets into Islam. Some may cynically claim that he did this in hopes of attracting Jews to Islam. This is probably partly true (and not all that bad), but his devotion to these Jewish-influenced tenets was also genuine. Essentially, Islam is far closer to Judaism as a religion than is Christianity. We truly only worship one G-d, not your little 3 god bullshit (father, son, and holy ghost) and still try to claim that you're monotheist. Wow, what a nonsensical, inappropriate, and unnecessary criticism of Christianity.
Anyway, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is J-okay to me!
Sure, Muhammad (pbuh) had his tiffs with the Jews, who hasn't? I know I have and I'm one of them. But he respected the Jews. Originally he prayed towards Jerusalem and attempted to incorporate other Jewish tenets into Islam. Some may cynically claim that he did this in hopes of attracting Jews to Islam. This is probably partly true (and not all that bad), but his devotion to these Jewish-influenced tenets was also genuine. Essentially, Islam is far closer to Judaism as a religion than is Christianity. We truly only worship one G-d, not your little 3 god bullshit (father, son, and holy ghost) and still try to claim that you're monotheist. Wow, what a nonsensical, inappropriate, and unnecessary criticism of Christianity.
Anyway, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is J-okay to me!
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Sherkhan's Visit to Israel
Editor's note: These are two different emails from Sherkhan combined into one post. I asked him if I could post his account, but take out any harsh language and just give his experience. He asked that I leave everything in, but to explain that he does not mean to offend anyone.
I just came back from Jerusalem... oh man it was awesome. What a wonderful city!
It took 10 hours (literally) for me to get across the border-- the fucking Israeli security were anxious about me being Muslim and why I traveled to Pakistan ect.-- My mom and brother had to wait the whole time why they questioned me. Seriously, Israel is a racist apartheid state like no other. The security were polite, but that doesn't help the fact that you are treated like a prisoner the whole time-- and this is once you've passed the border and walking around the country.
Driving through the West Bank was something else. I saw Jericho--- a prison camp in the desert ringed by the Israeli military. This region is so fucked up. At least the good thing about the surrounding wars was that all the holy places were tourist free.
The Dome of the Rock and the Al Aksa Mosques were bad ass. The Western Wall was really cool too, I got to go up and touch it. I prayed right next to a 3500 year old column from Solomon's temple. You definitely gotta go there sometime and see it for yourself.
I felt legitimately discriminated against because I was Muslim. A person with the same American passport as me was let through because they were Jewish and I was held back and questioned because I am Muslim. And I'm not even Palestinian. Those guys actually have to live in the shit prison camps and don't have any rights while I opine about how rough my 2 day stay was... it just makes me sad.
I just came back from Jerusalem... oh man it was awesome. What a wonderful city!
It took 10 hours (literally) for me to get across the border-- the fucking Israeli security were anxious about me being Muslim and why I traveled to Pakistan ect.-- My mom and brother had to wait the whole time why they questioned me. Seriously, Israel is a racist apartheid state like no other. The security were polite, but that doesn't help the fact that you are treated like a prisoner the whole time-- and this is once you've passed the border and walking around the country.
Driving through the West Bank was something else. I saw Jericho--- a prison camp in the desert ringed by the Israeli military. This region is so fucked up. At least the good thing about the surrounding wars was that all the holy places were tourist free.
The Dome of the Rock and the Al Aksa Mosques were bad ass. The Western Wall was really cool too, I got to go up and touch it. I prayed right next to a 3500 year old column from Solomon's temple. You definitely gotta go there sometime and see it for yourself.
I felt legitimately discriminated against because I was Muslim. A person with the same American passport as me was let through because they were Jewish and I was held back and questioned because I am Muslim. And I'm not even Palestinian. Those guys actually have to live in the shit prison camps and don't have any rights while I opine about how rough my 2 day stay was... it just makes me sad.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Mid Eastern Hip Hop
Let's change the world through Hip Hop, shall we?
I don't know how to express my sorrow and regret towards the current situation in the Middle East, so I'm going to do something fun with it. Let me begin by stating up front that I only know English. So I must rely on other sources for most of the lyrical content in these songs. This post does not claim to be a comprehensive account of Hip Hop in this region by any means, just something to start with.
Israeli Hip Hop artists often take pride in Jewish symbols and a culturally Jewish way of life. For Jews that live in Christian countries (I live in America), this is empowering. However, I can understand why this is taken differently in Israel, where Jews have the power. The beats usually are a mixture between Middle Eastern and Western club beats or the same mixture of instrumentation.
artists: T.A.C.T. Family (led by Subliminal); Hadag Nahash; Shabak Samech (rap metal); Mook E (Reggae rap).
Palestinian Hip Hop generally talks about the realities of life in Palestine. Some artists (Da Arab MCs aka DAM) explain that they rap in English and Hebrew (as well as Arabic), because Arabic-speakers understand the predicament of Palestinian life, so DAM purpose is to educate Israelis and others. A personal criticism of some Palestinian Hip Hop is that some of the lyrics are offensive to Jews who would otherwise be sympathetic to their plight. However, these offensive lyrics are rare, but they do represent the frustrations of the Palestinian people. These lyrics symbolize despair more than they represent hate.
artists: Da Arab MCs (DAM); MWR (I believe they're Palestinian, but they might be Egyptian. Sources are often contradictory).
http://www.dam3rap.com/arabrap/
Both Palestinian and Israeli artists strongly advocate peace in their songs. They seem to disagree on how the peace can/should/will be achieved.
The beats from other Arab countries generally are not as dark as Palestinian beats. Some artists have been born and raised in European countries, some have immigrated to Europe, and others live in Arab countries.
artists
Algeria: Intik
Egypt: Pharosan
Lebanon: Clotaire K
Just outside of the Middle East
Iran: Ali Sufi
Morocco: Salah Edin, Raymzter
If anyone has more information, please share.
I don't know how to express my sorrow and regret towards the current situation in the Middle East, so I'm going to do something fun with it. Let me begin by stating up front that I only know English. So I must rely on other sources for most of the lyrical content in these songs. This post does not claim to be a comprehensive account of Hip Hop in this region by any means, just something to start with.
Israeli Hip Hop artists often take pride in Jewish symbols and a culturally Jewish way of life. For Jews that live in Christian countries (I live in America), this is empowering. However, I can understand why this is taken differently in Israel, where Jews have the power. The beats usually are a mixture between Middle Eastern and Western club beats or the same mixture of instrumentation.
artists: T.A.C.T. Family (led by Subliminal); Hadag Nahash; Shabak Samech (rap metal); Mook E (Reggae rap).
Palestinian Hip Hop generally talks about the realities of life in Palestine. Some artists (Da Arab MCs aka DAM) explain that they rap in English and Hebrew (as well as Arabic), because Arabic-speakers understand the predicament of Palestinian life, so DAM purpose is to educate Israelis and others. A personal criticism of some Palestinian Hip Hop is that some of the lyrics are offensive to Jews who would otherwise be sympathetic to their plight. However, these offensive lyrics are rare, but they do represent the frustrations of the Palestinian people. These lyrics symbolize despair more than they represent hate.
artists: Da Arab MCs (DAM); MWR (I believe they're Palestinian, but they might be Egyptian. Sources are often contradictory).
http://www.dam3rap.com/arabrap/
Both Palestinian and Israeli artists strongly advocate peace in their songs. They seem to disagree on how the peace can/should/will be achieved.
The beats from other Arab countries generally are not as dark as Palestinian beats. Some artists have been born and raised in European countries, some have immigrated to Europe, and others live in Arab countries.
artists
Algeria: Intik
Egypt: Pharosan
Lebanon: Clotaire K
Just outside of the Middle East
Iran: Ali Sufi
Morocco: Salah Edin, Raymzter
If anyone has more information, please share.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Ask An Average Muslim
As with most Americans, I've been hearing and reading a lot about Muslims in the news for the last few years. The news has made me want to learn more about this strange and mysterious creature. So I decided to ask an average Muslim named Sherkhan, an American-born son of Pakistani immigrants, (who has been a friend of mine for years, considering he's come over to my house numerous times for Passover and I've observed the fast for the holy month of Ramadan with him, we went to college together and traveled to China since).
Our interview was conducted over email, because he is in Egypt right now.
Q: Are you a terrorist?
A: Well I do get pretty angry when my team loses in the Finals after being up 2-0 (see www.nba/mavericks/)
Q: Do you hate America?
A: No, I just hate pussies who blog about religions they know nothing about and then hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to escape the well deserved condemnation from their fellow Americans.
Q: Do you agree with al-Qaeda's aims?
A: No, they are a nihilistic terrorist organization that targets civilians and uses the banner of Islam to justify their atrocities. The Quran is a very explicit on the subject of suicide and the killing of innocent people. Commit suicide--you go to hell, no exceptions.
Q: What's up with those 72 virgins?
A: Its actually a translation thing. Arabic The Islamic scholar Yusuf Ali defines the word "Houris" in his English interpretation of Qu'ran as "Youths of perpetual freshness." He also described them in his commentary: "The companionship of Beauty and Grace is one of the highest pleasures of life. In this bodily life it takes bodily form. In the higher life it takes a higher form...The pronoun in Arabic is in the feminine gender. It is made clear that these maidens for heavenly society will be of special creation,-of virginal purity, grace, and beauty, inspiring and inspired by love, with the question of time and age eliminated." Women get the same deal.
A more complete explanation can be found at:
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=72%20Virgins%20in%20Paradise
Q: What's your view on Israel?
A: I believe that Israel was created after the atrocities of WWII and that Jews were desperate to create a homeland of their own. I don't think its appropriate for countries to be based on ethnic /religious lines alone, even though that's how almost every country outside the Western Hemisphere is. Still, Israel's been there for 50+ years and time tends to legitimize things (I wouldn't want Pocahontas' ancestors launching a guerrilla war to drive me into the sea.) It's also remarkable how much territory they have returned after military capture (Sinai, Lebanon, Gaza) On the other hand the wall they have been building in the West Bank is turning it into an apartheid state. I could go on for pages, but to sum up: Israel should not be destroyed, Zionism is bad, all people should have freedom to worship in in Jerusalem.
Q: What's your view of Jews?
A: Jews are awesome. Where would we be without Whoopi Goldberg? --She's Jewish right? Actually Muslims revere Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians as peoples of the Book. The messages are generally the same, and Islam sees itself as a continuation of the Jewish and Christian messages. In fact, all Muslims around the world pray towards a house of God built by a Jew (Abraham).
Q: How do you feel about Christians?
A: Christians are great. I am most impressed with the volunteer and community service work that many churches do. Nuns are awesome. Whatever happened to that show where Sally Fields is the nun that can fly with that hat?
Q: Why were some Muslims offended by the Danish cartoons that depicted Prophet Muhammad as a terrorist?
A: There are a few main reasons: First, it is forbidden to show the image of the Prophet Muhammad (be it painting, sculpture, cartoon...) Second, not only was it the image of the Prophet, but it was a derogatory one with a bomb wrapped around his turban etc. Another thing is that most of the people in Muslim countries live under authoritarian governments, so 'freedom of speech' is not really acknowledge there--many people there think that if it got printed in the paper it must have had a government sanction/approval, even though there was nothing that the Danish government could do.
Q: Were you offended?
A: Hell yes I was offended. The cartoons are very derogatory, but what it does is highlight the double standards and thinly veiled racism that exists in Europe towards Muslims. Listen, we have a free press in America too, but just because you have the ability to offend and insult religions, doesn't make it right to do so. Most European countries guard and cultivate their culture, which is one of the reasons why its such a great place to visit. Part of the European identity is Christianity; being Muslim and being European seem to be mutually exclusive at this point (which is not the case in America).
Q: What takes place in a mosque during Friday prayers?
A: People go to the mosque for the middle prayer (Asr) around noontime. You listen to a sermon and then you pray together. The sermon can be given by anyone in the community, and often is coupled with the Imam's speech. The talks vary, from the importance of charity (zakat) or education, or chastity, or anything else you can think of.
Q: Do you still think Dirk Nowitzki is a good defensive player?
A: Yes, he is a good team defender. Rebounds and blocks are part of team defense.
So there you have it. While I did describe Sherkhan as "an average Muslim," he is only one person, not over one billion (the number of Muslims in the world). There are plenty of Muslims who know good defense when they see it.
Our interview was conducted over email, because he is in Egypt right now.
Q: Are you a terrorist?
A: Well I do get pretty angry when my team loses in the Finals after being up 2-0 (see www.nba/mavericks/)
Q: Do you hate America?
A: No, I just hate pussies who blog about religions they know nothing about and then hide behind the anonymity of the Internet to escape the well deserved condemnation from their fellow Americans.
Q: Do you agree with al-Qaeda's aims?
A: No, they are a nihilistic terrorist organization that targets civilians and uses the banner of Islam to justify their atrocities. The Quran is a very explicit on the subject of suicide and the killing of innocent people. Commit suicide--you go to hell, no exceptions.
Q: What's up with those 72 virgins?
A: Its actually a translation thing. Arabic The Islamic scholar Yusuf Ali defines the word "Houris" in his English interpretation of Qu'ran as "Youths of perpetual freshness." He also described them in his commentary: "The companionship of Beauty and Grace is one of the highest pleasures of life. In this bodily life it takes bodily form. In the higher life it takes a higher form...The pronoun in Arabic is in the feminine gender. It is made clear that these maidens for heavenly society will be of special creation,-of virginal purity, grace, and beauty, inspiring and inspired by love, with the question of time and age eliminated." Women get the same deal.
A more complete explanation can be found at:
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=72%20Virgins%20in%20Paradise
Q: What's your view on Israel?
A: I believe that Israel was created after the atrocities of WWII and that Jews were desperate to create a homeland of their own. I don't think its appropriate for countries to be based on ethnic /religious lines alone, even though that's how almost every country outside the Western Hemisphere is. Still, Israel's been there for 50+ years and time tends to legitimize things (I wouldn't want Pocahontas' ancestors launching a guerrilla war to drive me into the sea.) It's also remarkable how much territory they have returned after military capture (Sinai, Lebanon, Gaza) On the other hand the wall they have been building in the West Bank is turning it into an apartheid state. I could go on for pages, but to sum up: Israel should not be destroyed, Zionism is bad, all people should have freedom to worship in in Jerusalem.
Q: What's your view of Jews?
A: Jews are awesome. Where would we be without Whoopi Goldberg? --She's Jewish right? Actually Muslims revere Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians as peoples of the Book. The messages are generally the same, and Islam sees itself as a continuation of the Jewish and Christian messages. In fact, all Muslims around the world pray towards a house of God built by a Jew (Abraham).
Q: How do you feel about Christians?
A: Christians are great. I am most impressed with the volunteer and community service work that many churches do. Nuns are awesome. Whatever happened to that show where Sally Fields is the nun that can fly with that hat?
Q: Why were some Muslims offended by the Danish cartoons that depicted Prophet Muhammad as a terrorist?
A: There are a few main reasons: First, it is forbidden to show the image of the Prophet Muhammad (be it painting, sculpture, cartoon...) Second, not only was it the image of the Prophet, but it was a derogatory one with a bomb wrapped around his turban etc. Another thing is that most of the people in Muslim countries live under authoritarian governments, so 'freedom of speech' is not really acknowledge there--many people there think that if it got printed in the paper it must have had a government sanction/approval, even though there was nothing that the Danish government could do.
Q: Were you offended?
A: Hell yes I was offended. The cartoons are very derogatory, but what it does is highlight the double standards and thinly veiled racism that exists in Europe towards Muslims. Listen, we have a free press in America too, but just because you have the ability to offend and insult religions, doesn't make it right to do so. Most European countries guard and cultivate their culture, which is one of the reasons why its such a great place to visit. Part of the European identity is Christianity; being Muslim and being European seem to be mutually exclusive at this point (which is not the case in America).
Q: What takes place in a mosque during Friday prayers?
A: People go to the mosque for the middle prayer (Asr) around noontime. You listen to a sermon and then you pray together. The sermon can be given by anyone in the community, and often is coupled with the Imam's speech. The talks vary, from the importance of charity (zakat) or education, or chastity, or anything else you can think of.
Q: Do you still think Dirk Nowitzki is a good defensive player?
A: Yes, he is a good team defender. Rebounds and blocks are part of team defense.
So there you have it. While I did describe Sherkhan as "an average Muslim," he is only one person, not over one billion (the number of Muslims in the world). There are plenty of Muslims who know good defense when they see it.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Gas Station Surprises
I just got back from filling up my car at a gas station in Rockville at 2 am, my usual time. An immigrant taxi driver was also filling up his car at the same moment.
Not only did he not steal my job (which is teaching English to immigrants), but he was very nice. He approached me and told me in a heavily accented English that a dam had overflowed in Rockville and there was flooding near the river. (It's been raining like crazy here, Jesus must be pissed at the US soccer team). I thanked him for the news, although it didn't impact me.
It was actually a very American thing to do on his part (our ideal anyway). Can you believe that, from an immigrant, a Muslim no-less? Could America's demonization of Muslims and immigrants have been misguided? Has Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity mislead me for the purpose of furthering their own political agenda? My world has turned upside down. I'm gonna go sit in the corner, naked, in a cold sweat, crying, with my finger in my penis hole.
Not only did he not steal my job (which is teaching English to immigrants), but he was very nice. He approached me and told me in a heavily accented English that a dam had overflowed in Rockville and there was flooding near the river. (It's been raining like crazy here, Jesus must be pissed at the US soccer team). I thanked him for the news, although it didn't impact me.
It was actually a very American thing to do on his part (our ideal anyway). Can you believe that, from an immigrant, a Muslim no-less? Could America's demonization of Muslims and immigrants have been misguided? Has Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity mislead me for the purpose of furthering their own political agenda? My world has turned upside down. I'm gonna go sit in the corner, naked, in a cold sweat, crying, with my finger in my penis hole.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Aid For Starving People
Denying aid to the Palestinian territory because Hamas is the party in government is causing starvation and poverty among the Palestinian people. All this does is fuel extremism. If the people's lives improve, Hamas will come around. Then they won't have any reason to endanger the lives of its citizens. The Palestinians wouldn't have any of it, because they would would have hope. Hamas will eventually recognize Israel if the fortunes of its citizns improve.
After all, China is helping the cause. They've urged Hamas to recognize Israel. Zhai Jun, director-general of West Asian and North African Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, said that "If you don't recognise a democratically elected government, what kind of democracy is that?"
Um, who said that?
Zhai continued, "Our minister Li (Zhaoxing) says democracy is a beautiful mother which gives birth to an ugly child. We don't necessarily agree with Hamas policies, but we respect the people's choice."
Uh, does Zhai realize that China doesn't have a democracy?
Anyway, it is equally hypocritical when Western countries vigorously promote democracy in places such as Palestine and then chastise them for the party that they elect.
After all, China is helping the cause. They've urged Hamas to recognize Israel. Zhai Jun, director-general of West Asian and North African Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry, said that "If you don't recognise a democratically elected government, what kind of democracy is that?"
Um, who said that?
Zhai continued, "Our minister Li (Zhaoxing) says democracy is a beautiful mother which gives birth to an ugly child. We don't necessarily agree with Hamas policies, but we respect the people's choice."
Uh, does Zhai realize that China doesn't have a democracy?
Anyway, it is equally hypocritical when Western countries vigorously promote democracy in places such as Palestine and then chastise them for the party that they elect.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Even Hip Hop Is Divisive In The Middle East
I have given you political commentary and offensiveness for over a year, all without discussing the Israeli-Palestinian situation. 'But David, you have a big mouth, you rant on current events, you're Jewish, why not?' you might ask.
I have nothing to say. And I have everything to say.
As with everyone else I have my theories; I have my hopes; I have my suggestions. However, to be honest, I just don't know what to think or believe. This ignorance has resulted in despair.
Perhaps an example will help to clarify. I went on the internet (much as you are doing right now) searching for Israeli Hip Hop, Arab, Jew, whatever I could find.
What I found were articles with polar opposite descriptions of artists' motives and impact. American articles considered Israeli emcees to be changing the Star of David into a proud symbol representing Jews over the last 60 years. The star was used in Nazi Germany to denote one's Jewishness. It was a stain. Now, Israeli emcees are making it a symbol of pride again. However, a British article considered the same Israeli emcees the purveyors of colonialism, because of insensitive remarks and the unequal power situation. I find it quite ironic that the British are talking about another country being a colonial power. But that shouldn't take away from the claim that these Israeli emcees are right-wing nationalists.
Palestinian emcees are viewed as the voice for an otherwise voiceless people. They speak against injustices. But others consider them to be advocating terrorism.
These dual views are disheartening. Especially since these are American and British journalists writing about Hip Hop. If there is not even a chance in hell for agreement on Hip Hop emcees between two countries that are not even involved in the conflict, what hope is there?
Two last things that really piss me off about this:
Do not compare Israeli actions to the Nazis. The Nazis worked towards exterminating a group of people, the state of Israel, as wrong as many of its actions have been, is not attempting to exterminate anyone.
Do not compare the fear of suicide bombings to the predicament of the Palestinians. This is an issue of power, and for a change, Jews have the power in this instance. These are not equal injustices. In addition, comparing suicide bombings to the Holocaust is unbelievably offensive. No matter the sentiment, these suicide bombers cannot possibly exterminate Jews, because they do not have the resources or the power to do so.
I have nothing to say. And I have everything to say.
As with everyone else I have my theories; I have my hopes; I have my suggestions. However, to be honest, I just don't know what to think or believe. This ignorance has resulted in despair.
Perhaps an example will help to clarify. I went on the internet (much as you are doing right now) searching for Israeli Hip Hop, Arab, Jew, whatever I could find.
What I found were articles with polar opposite descriptions of artists' motives and impact. American articles considered Israeli emcees to be changing the Star of David into a proud symbol representing Jews over the last 60 years. The star was used in Nazi Germany to denote one's Jewishness. It was a stain. Now, Israeli emcees are making it a symbol of pride again. However, a British article considered the same Israeli emcees the purveyors of colonialism, because of insensitive remarks and the unequal power situation. I find it quite ironic that the British are talking about another country being a colonial power. But that shouldn't take away from the claim that these Israeli emcees are right-wing nationalists.
Palestinian emcees are viewed as the voice for an otherwise voiceless people. They speak against injustices. But others consider them to be advocating terrorism.
These dual views are disheartening. Especially since these are American and British journalists writing about Hip Hop. If there is not even a chance in hell for agreement on Hip Hop emcees between two countries that are not even involved in the conflict, what hope is there?
Two last things that really piss me off about this:
Do not compare Israeli actions to the Nazis. The Nazis worked towards exterminating a group of people, the state of Israel, as wrong as many of its actions have been, is not attempting to exterminate anyone.
Do not compare the fear of suicide bombings to the predicament of the Palestinians. This is an issue of power, and for a change, Jews have the power in this instance. These are not equal injustices. In addition, comparing suicide bombings to the Holocaust is unbelievably offensive. No matter the sentiment, these suicide bombers cannot possibly exterminate Jews, because they do not have the resources or the power to do so.
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