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Is the ground Zero Mosque an Arab/Islamic Coupe de Grace or is it the next Christian Crusade? I will honestly tell you that at this point I do not know which it is, but either one is not only scary, but extremely dangerous as well. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is a seriously emotional issue and that both sides of this issue are running on emotional highs too. I for one have mixed emotions about the notion of placing any mosque so close to Ground Zero, but I also do not have as much of a connection to the site compared to those people who live there and have lost loved ones on 9/11.
I for one have very serious views and beliefs with regard to the free practice of religion. I believe in the freedom of religion, because religion, the Judeo Christian ethic in particular, and the freedom to practice our religion without persecution are a large part of why we fought for our independence. The freedom to practice religion without persecution is also one of the main reasons that so many have immigrated to our shores too, and I cannot say freedom for me, but not for them in this matter, because I am not a hypocrite. I am however, a true red, white, and blue born and bred American.
Because of my American heritage, and ultra patriotic beliefs I do have a very real problem with the idea of putting this particular Mosque, sponsored by Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who believes that we as a nation should be Sharia Law compliant, rather than secular with regard to the law of our land. I also understand that he has beliefs about certain elements within Islam that run counter to our national security interests as well. Now I want you to know that I weep for the loss of Muslim life on 9/11 the same as I do for all of the lives lost on that dreadful day, and I mean all of those lost souls.
I am sure that whoever reads this post is going to have their own ideas and beliefs about whether or not there should be a Mosque built at Ground Zero. Whatever you do just don’t use the argument that Muslims do not have enough space in New York to pray, because there are many Mosques there as well as one near Ground Zero already. One more thing and that is that we should not grant the Muslim Islamofascists any thing that they can represent to their followers as a victory against the west and Christianity. If I have to choose between a Muslim Coupe de Grace and a Christian crusade I choose the Crusade.
Well that is about all I have to say about this subject for now, but I am sure that I will be back here Simple Man Politics again soon with something else to talk about and my own opinion on whatever it is too. If you feel like commenting about this on my blog site, feel free to do so as long as there is no vulgarity, hate, or ignorance in your comment it will be posted regardless of whether or not we agree. I hope you all have a wonderful, happy, and prosperous week and until next time my friends CIAO4NOW!!!!!
Today instead of talking about US politics I want to talk to talk about Ireland, the UK, and the politics of colonialism. I know that this is not my usual bailiwick, but I do believe that it deserves some attention. There are many problems over there and there have been for years. These problems include British colonialism, religion, politics, and good old fashioned hate, and today we are going to take a look at all of them.
Colonialism:
Back in its day Britain was what you would call a colonial power. They fought, conquered, and colonized many different nations around the world from India, Australia, and South Africa, to Scotland, and Ireland.
The royal families that ruled Britain believed that it was their destiny to rule the whole of the world and attempted to do so very violently. With their exceptionally well trained military and navy they were very successful at colonization for hundreds of years.
Religion:
Religion was one of the tools that Britain used in its attempted conquests of the nations it sought to occupy and colonize. They supported the Protestants in Ireland against their Catholic opposition. The used the Church of England as a tool of enforcement against their own people who eventually came to the Americas and formed the colonies. They even forced people in countries like China’s Hong Kong, the Aborigines in Australia, and the African tribes to accept Christianity or be subject to ridicule and cruelty.
Politics:
Politics was often the driving force behind Britain’s war-like colonial ways. If a country or location didn’t subscribe to Britain’s political beliefs then they were more often than not the target of conquest and colonization.
The British were historically unhappy with any nation who didn’t view their geo-political beliefs and sought to beat them into submission. Just look at how long and how many times France and England have been at war for the last thousand years.
Hate:
Hate is the very basic emotion that ultimately doomed the British Colonial Empire to fail with very few exceptions. In the case of the United States it was taxation without representation that caused the war that ended English rule here, we hated it. It ultimately led to their defeat and removal from virtually all of its former colonies. Unfortunately hate is what still drives certain factions within Ireland and Northern Ireland in particular and until that issue can be resolved there will never really be a complete peace there.
I will tell you that parts of my family has been invested in the troubles in Ireland since they began. Members of my family resided in the north within the five counties, but mostly from Cork. They were Irish, Catholic, and extremely proud. They also wanted Ireland independent and ruled by their own.
Since then the situation has evolved and some of the more radical factions have adopted a more socialist or even fascist idea of a free Ireland. I for one can’t say that I will ever live to see an Ireland free from British occupation and rule. I also cannot say that Ireland would be better without it. The British/Irish peace that was brought about in the late 90’s was a good start, but the struggle is not over.
Until the Irish are treated fairly and equally to all the citizens of the UK, and the violent factions are rooted out and disappear or cease to wage their guerrilla war against the United Kingdom total peace is only a dream. It is still possible but until then it is still an illusion.
I hope you all have a great day my friends, CIAO4NOW!!!!!
Hello all my loyal readers, its time for Wednesdays installment of Simple Man Politics. Today’s subject is religion and politics, and I’m sure it will be very touchy for some people. Please understand that I do not wish to make anyone uncomfortable, but the subject must be addressed. I will try not to be to abrasive.
Like race in politics (see Mondays post), religion in politics has also been around just as long and has been used for everything from the control of governments and people, to waging wars and erasing rival faiths and religious beliefs counter to those of others who which to be viewed as the righteous ones, and who want power. However, it has also been used by governments and different faiths for good as well. We’ve seen evidence of these things throughout recorded history right up till today.
Currently our faith, or should I say the Christian faith, in particular is being challenged everywhere especially in this country. From banning a monument to the Ten Commandment’s in Alabama to removing the pledge of allegiance from our schools because of the phrase one nation under God. It is continually being challenged in the pro life vs. pro choice fights, between the political parties and other groups with interests in that subject, as well as by gay rights advocates, the ACLU, and people of other faiths from around the world who have decided to come here for a better life.
One of this countries greatest beliefs is the in the freedom to practice your own religion with out being persecuted. As a result people have the freedom to worship Allah, Buddha, Krishna, and a whole host of other entities to obscure to mention as well as Satan. But when someone of the Christian faith attempts to worship, or display some sort of symbol glorifying their faith, or voice an opinion about something that states a Christian point of view, they are told they can’t do that because it’s politically incorrect and that it may offend people of a different culture or religious belief.
This country was founded by people who supported, and wanted to live life by Christian principles. However, because we are a nation of immigrants and due to our immigration policies, we have had to accept other people and their beliefs into our country. I personally don’t have anything against different people coming here to better their lives, or to be safe from religious or political persecution. If you are going to come here though, I think you should have to accept us and our Christian beliefs, since we have been forced to accept you and yours - after all, we were here first. By the way, you should have to learn English too, because it is the language most spoken here, and is recognized as the official language of the United States of America. If you don’t want to do these things then I kindly ask you to leave, since it is abundantly clear you have no wish to be an American.
As far as our Presidential candidates are concerned John McCain claims to be Protestant, and attends a North Phoenix Baptist church. Barack Obama, until recently was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ, until he withdrew his membership there because of inflammatory remarks made by his former pastor Jeremiah Wright. However, both of these candidates are not very well received by Evangelicals, and other Christian groups for their views on abortion, and gay rights.
Well folks that is all I have for you today on the subject of politics and religion. I hope I didn’t offend any of you by inserting some of my own views on this subject into the content of this post. Since this is my blog though, I do reserve the right to put in my own two cents worth on any subject I write about. If you were looking for a more statistical analysis I’m sorry I didn’t include any figures this time. I believe this subject should have been discussed more from the heart than from the calculator. I hope you all have a great day, and I’ll see you all on Friday for the last post of the week, CIAO4NOW!!!!!