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The attempt on Christmas to bring down a Northwest flight as it approached Detroit is a reminder. The reminder, however, appears to be, in the main, a shallow one. Media coverage focuses on the TSA, what new security measures might be enacted, watch lists; who are on those lists, security in foreign airports and who knew what when. Was the bomber an “official” member of al Qaeda? Official, as if al Qaeda handed out membership cards as opposed to propagating an ideological point of view.
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey in an interview with CNN, incomprehensibly, referred to the bomber as an infidel, twice. Clearly, Mr. Pascrell has been sucked in by the “Islam is a religion of peace” apologists. He apparently enjoys little if any understanding of the ideology or of the threat. None of these points of focus address the realities of Jihadist thinking, the hotbeds for its dissemination or what must be done to combat a growing ideology of intolerance and hate.
We are no longer engaged in a War on Terror, we comfortably apply Orwellian subterfuge; Overseas Contingency Operations. Senior administration officials will not allow the words war on terror to escape their lips. We apologize for the application and promotion of our values and our confidence in those values. We shrink from overt pride in what America is and what America has accomplished. We apply the Geneva Conventions to those not covered by those Conventions. We grant the security of Constitutional protections to the masterminds of horrific acts of terror. We look on meekly as American lawyers engage in “Lawfare” on behalf of those that would end our history of prosperity, freedom and common sense; those same lawyers are now employed by our own Justice Department. We argue that to actually fight back is wrong, as it will simply result in more Jihadists.
We need look to our English brethren as an example. England has apologized for radical Islamist movements for decades. They have funded schools and organizations that view Western thinking and culture as a horrendous enemy to be defeated. England offers extreme protections to radical Islamic mosques and organizations, demanding that nothing be uttered that might offend frail Islamic sensibilities. Political correctness in England has run amok and the England of Churchill and Thatcher is rapidly fading to a distant memory. Our own Homeland Security Department has opined that the most significant Jihadist threat to America will likely originate in England. Why? Organized British Jihadists are protected under the rubric of political correctness and moral relativism.
England is deep in the malaise of their political correctness and moral blindness. We move in that direction.
The Cold War was, in its essence, a war of ideas; liberal Democracy versus Communism. A war of ideas based on individual freedoms versus the needs of the state; the rule of law versus rule of the elite, individual achievement versus central planning. Without a moment’s hesitation, it is not difficult to declare that the ideology of freedom and individual rights won that decade’s long struggle!
We are once again engaged in a war of ideas, if only we could achieve the clarity to see it as such. We do not! Our leadership engages in effortless relativism contending all religions are equal, all ideas are equal and all ideologies have value. We see a President quote selected verses of the Koran in speaking to the Muslim world when the immediately following verses tell a very different story and define a very different context for the predominant interpretation of Islam. We ignore growing movements in Islam that define domination, subjugation of unbelievers and holy war as dogma, the word of God, not to be questioned by mortal man. We acquiesce to the idea that a medieval interpretation of Islam, set in stone a thousand years ago is a perfectly acceptable militant ideology for the modern world.
The Christmas plot should be a reminder that to mitigate radical Islam we must aggressively engage the war of ideas. There has been, in all of history, no more successful set of ideas than the ones that founded the great Western democracies. We have no reason to apologize for those ideas or the results of those ideas. We have not reason to accept a substitution based on relativism. We can and should take unmitigated pride in what we have accomplished and who we are.
We must, as Australia has done, say NO! No, we will not cast away our culture, our values or our founding ideals to accommodate you. Come to these shores to be an American or an Englishman or a Swede. Come to these shores to better yourself and your children as have generations before you. Practice your beliefs in peace and leave others to their faith, also in peace. Do not come to these shores to bend us to your will! Australia has said by way of two Prime Ministers from different political parties, welcome to our country, but if you despise our culture and our ways, you are also welcome to leave and please do so with haste! Come to Australia to be an Australian or go home!
The war of ideas cannot be fought as an apology. The war of ideas cannot be fought with appeasement. The war of ideas cannot be fought on a foundation of cultural or ideological guilt. The war of ideas must say to Muslims, as it has said to Eastern Europe, Central and South America, India, Japan, Germany and the former Russian Republics; there is another path, a better path. There is a path to achievement and prosperity. This path requires that you abandon your own war on the ideas and beliefs of others you must also abandon those that would lead you to a path of violence and domination.
We must deliver the message that the wrong path is expensive. I recall a West Wing episode where Toby, in an argument with his Congressperson ex-wife over a speech that decried radical Islamic terror ended the argument nearly screaming “They’ll like us when we win”. That simple insight is a reality we have yet to fully understand or embrace.
We must also, unfortunately, punish those that embrace the path of violence and the ideology of religious domination. During the peak of the Roman Empire a Roman citizen was safe, without escort, nearly anywhere in the empire. The regions under Roman control knew that if a single Roman citizen was injured or killed, hundreds would die as penance. The Romans, typically, needed to apply that punishment only a very few times before the message was clear, we may need to do the same
It’s not the TSA or the various watch lists that will enhance our security. It’s not a new requirement that will keep you in your seat for the last hour of international flights that will defeat terror. It’s not improving security at the airport in Lagos Nigeria that will make us safe. It’s not any number of reactive activities that will create the conditions for security.
Only an unfettered, all out, war of ideas will move the needle. A war fought on the air waves, in the media, by diplomats, by American political figures, in newspapers, leaflets and debates on Al Jazerra. We don’t need to improve security in Lagos Nigeria we need to ban American air carriers from doing business there and anywhere else where the threat is clear, as it is in Nigeria. We need to gather allies to do the same, deliver the Roman message economically.
The enemy views this as a generation conflict, we do not. The enemy is patient, we are not. The enemy maintains an ideological motivation that we do not. The enemy is unrepentant, we apologize.
The enemy is at its most basic, a set of ideas. Last I checked TSA was ill equipped to fight a war of ideas.
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Excellent article…
Yep, nice article, outside of the bashing of Islam based on idiotic terrorists. I rather like Islam as it is written in the Qur’an, though I admit, it is a bit outdated and does not fit 2010.
Bill, Kendale,
Thanks. Kendale, while we can agree to disagree, my time with the Qur’an, Qur’anic scholarship and clerical interpertation leads me to believe that the Qur’an is a major part of the problem. The discovery of Yemeni texts that date back to the time of Mohammed and are written in the dialect of the region where Mohammed originaly introduced Islam tend to give lie to the “unadultrated”, “straight from God” nature of the Qur’an as many of the suras vary. The discovery and later supression of the texts makes for interesting reading.
Is it similar to the way the current accepted biblical cannon was compiled. A comittee of people sat around analyzing texts and finally came to an agreement on which books/suras were allowed into the final edition?
Kendale,
I believe that it is safe to say that the dogmatic approach to islam represents a significant difference to other major religious belief systems. It is also a case of violence being an accepted part of that dogma in the modern world.
BUSH’S FAULT
Yes he gets blame for Christmas Day near terrorist attack. Ask obama, he will tell you that. I should not say terrorist. According to obama was a “isolated extremist.”
All these terms. This guy was “wealthy, well educated son of a banjer — Islam.””
If he goes through Court system, then he must be given Miranda rights and free lawyer. If he is a terrorist different story (heard this before ?). Might be able to get information to save lives. Heaven forbid water boarding occurred. We’ve killed so many doing that. No worry, obama outlawed that ?
While obama blamed Bush for doing too much, now obama says Bush didn’t do enough. Like a perfect system exist somewhere in this Universe. Why didn’t obama take care of the holes. Nope Bush’s fault.
Well appears obama will be eating his words “isolated extremist.” Maybe not so much on liberal media. For full story must watch Fox News
Some of the Bush released terrorist may be involved with resent incident here, from Yemen.
Since closing Gitmo is a political matter, our political president got problems.
Going to be hard times for obama to earn his Nobel Peace Prize.
………………..
“Sunday, December 27, 2009”
“DHS Chief Napolitano on Ball Bomber: “The System Worked”
“Fire this maroon! The Muslim terrorist was on a terror watch list. He had more liquid than my confiscated perfume bottles. The head of homeland security said “the system worked”. Who is she working for, al qaeda? Or Obama? Uh, never mind.”
“They failed. Obama is failing, so what’s the plan? Punish the American people.”
“It take a serious form of delusion to draw these nonsensical conclusions. This is what is protecting us. She cannot even bring herself to speak of the motivation behind this wealthy, well educated son of a banjer — Islam. She can’t even say it.”
“Are you safer now than under Bush?:”
Yes. 6 (1.23%)
No 475 (97.74%)
Equally safe. 5 (1.03%)
http://atlasshrugs2000.ty.....875564970c
She now says it failed. But why fire just her ? Who hired this person ???
Yes…Bush’s fault.
Nearly half of those at Gitmo are from Yemen. 6 have been reeased to Yemen within last 30 days. The ones considered most safe have already been released. And most already released are back to their old ways. Heard on Fox news.
Obama new sub-prime future disaster is up and running full speed. Home owners near default may be saved by F&F. Heard debt of F&F will be covered by tax dollars for 3 years (when his last day as President ends). Requirement to quality is unknown to me. Imagine it will be lax.
Loan companies would not touch these, courts would not require change in term, and home owners not qualified for change of terms. As I guess.
Could these be home owners unfit for loans in the first ? Yes is my guess.
Was said money needed by F&F would skyrocket.
America has had like 8 recessions since WW2. Which cleans the system. Liberism is simple allowing the bubble to expand to bigger and bigger dimensions.
When Republicans take White House in three years I hope Sarah can defuse this time bomb if it has not exploded.
It would be better these homes was foreclosed on and qualified owners could buy. Government is artificially keeping home prices higher than they should be under the circumstances.
As Rush wanted obama to fail, many Governors may join the club. Call your Congress members Governors.
To cheat their way to meet obama’s requirements, health bill lowers requirement to throw many people into medicare and medicad.
Some States are in a uproar. Since medicad is only partial funding the increases. Though government is offering to help more for a few years.
California said it my go bankrupt.
I watched on Fox, will obama’s media carry this ? I would think they would have to. Maybe ???
Obama quote:
“Our troops and our taxpayers deserve better,” he told a national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “If Congress sends me a defense bill loaded with a bunch of pork, I will veto it.”
“Nearly 2,000 pet projects ”
Hey obama_ liar, liar, pants on fire.
Liar, nothing new there.
Updated December 30, 2009
“Tracking Your Taxes: Defense Bill Pays for Prostate Screenings, Sprinkler System”
By William La Jeunesse and Laura Prabucki
- FOXNews.com
“Just last week, Obama broke a promise to veto pork-barrel bills as he signed into law the 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill — a $636 billion behemoth loaded with $4.2 billion dollars of pork.”
“President Obama pledged in August to cut all pork barrel projects from defense spending, threatening to veto any swollen bills that came across his desk — a pledge shattered by nearly 2,000 pet projects that have made their way into the defense budget.”
“If a project doesn’t support our troops, we will not fund it,” he said to a meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Phoenix. “If a system doesn’t perform, we will terminate it. And if Congress sends me a defense bill loaded with that kind of pork, I will veto it. ”
“In all, Congress added in 1,720 pet projects, including:”
?
“-$5 million for a visitors center in San Francisco”
?“$23 million for indigent health care in Hawaii”
“?$18 million for the Edward Kennedy Policy Institute in Massachusetts”
“?$1.6 million to computerize hospital records in Oakland”
?$47 million for anti-drug training centers around the country”
“?$20 million for the World War II Museum in Louisiana”
“?$3.9 million grant to develop an energy-efficient solar film for buildings”
“?$800,000 for minority prostate cancer research”
“?$3.6 million for marijuana eradication in Kentucky”
“?$2.4 million for handicap access and a sprinkler system at a community club in New York”
“Despite the billions in pork, the White House says it’s making progress. The earmarking total is 14 percent lower than it was on last year’s defense bill, and the Obama administration says federal agencies found more than $19 billion in contract savings for 2010. The president has also succeeded in killing funding for the pricy F-22 Joint Strike Fighter and a new presidential helicopter.”
“Members of Congress are also defending their earmarks. Senator John Kerry, D-Mass., who added the Ted Kennedy Institute to the defense budget, says it is a tribute to the late Senator’s leadership on military technology and safety for our troops“.
“Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., says she was “proud” to secure $20 million for a new wing of the National World War II museum in her home state.
But a study by the Center of Defense Information says earmarks like those in this bill — including those for the solar film, prostate cancer research, and the New York sprinkler system — mean less money for pilot training, supplies, repairs and ammunition.”
“Harrison is especially disappointed Congress cut $300 million from a successful counterinsurgency program used by Army field commanders.”
“That money is used by commanders on ground in Iraq and Afghanistan to fund small projects that help win over the local population,” he said.”
http://www.foxnews.com/po.....ense-bill/
You know I could see money spent for projects that get Afran people on our side. Or F22, replacing our very old F16 and the like. Or get rid of those flowers they make dope from and paying the farmers.
Community help worked in Iraq. Instead it goes for stuff mentioned in article. Like “Prostate Screenings and Sprinkler System”. Doesn’t help our fighting force.
Way to go prez.
What got me is White House bragging of the money they saved. Live up to your word and veto bill till the pork is out, then you would save money.
Tarp money was suppose to go back to reduce debt. Instead will be spent on something else…big liberal savings.. Ha.
When caught obama, blame Bush.
………………..
“Republican attorneys general in 13 states, including the attorney general in South Dakota, say congressional leaders must remove Nebraska’s political deal from the federal health care reform bill or face legal action, according to a letter provided to The Associated Press Wednesday”
http://www.rapidcityjourn.....03286.html
“GMAC receives 3rd round of bailout funds “
By Hibah Yousuf, staff reporterDecember 30, 2009: 5:30 PM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) –
” GMAC Financial Services will receive a third round of bailout funds from the U.S. Treasury Department and the government will have a controlling stake in the company, according to a government report Wednesday.”
http://money.cnn.com/2009...../index.htm
Buy Ford…
Kendale has shown inability to take criticism of his comments especially when he can not dispute it. Example:
Kindale said:
“Actually non-profit hospitals can NOT go after people for payment”
My reply:
“But in the past decade, some nonprofit hospitals have amassed big cash surpluses, even as they engaged in aggressive bill-collection tactics. Some provide less in charity care than the value of their tax breaks”
http://www.greenchange.or.....hp?id=4641
Kendale is not gracious when confronted with opposing evidence:
“I must attest, thou art a genius Bill. How many hours of research did you put into things surrounding my comment before you found that link, or did you brother help you with that? Lol:
I enjoy writing comments and provide many links. Kendale rarely provides links.
My mistake has been to allow myself to gravel with Kendale, going far off politics. Generally, I can make many points and he answers only ones to his best advantage. Ignoring most each time. Worse part is childish insults.
Below is affirmation of that. In his own words. His purpose is not political discussion. Exchange of views and debate. But fun, entertainment and ridicule. Is acceptable for him to make fun, mock, insult, cuss, demean with diagnoses.
I have warned him. In example, I did so at least twice. Babs blame of less commenter’s here she placed on my shoulder is false. The cause is Kendale. I accept some blame for allowing Kendale to draw me down to his level by his insults and go off purpose of site.
My New year resolution is to not allow that any more. I shall point out his bad deeds, followed by:
Kendale philosophy on this site in his own words:
“Polling The Polling”
“Kendale Sturdivent Dec 27th, 2009 at 1:35 pm”
“I do like to use profane language, not only is it fun, it puts an emphasis on what ever I am discussing. We the people of my kind (insert which ever label you would choose for me THIS time) do it all the time. Those of our kind may be physicians, lawyers, nurses, police officers, ect, we all do it, I’m sorry if it does not meet your standard, but humans do use profanity.”
“I am quite fond of throwing out psycho-social diagnoses as well, they’re fun to pick out, especially when they appear to fit so well, it’s like playing scrabble with symptoms to spell diagnoses. I do love to have fun, it not only keeps me sane, it keeps me from reverting to non-verbal tactics, it’s a way to manage frustrations if you will. And yes when appropriate, if therapeutic communications do not manage symptoms, a medication can be used as an adjunct to therapy, so I must throw in the generally prescribed medications in there with my diagnosis.”
“Oh, and religion, that is a beautiful one. If your faith is not in me, physicians, or medications, religion is quite a wonderful alternative. The bible has nearly every solution imaginable, it is a rather large book. Why I suspect you could find an answer to all of your questions in there Bill. That’s why I implement it in my life and those of my adversaries. “
“Was there something else that you wanted to mention? On, no teasing Billy, by all means lash out at me, it may be therapeutic for you. Don’t hold back for my sake, see I have my various coping mechanisms, I surely shalt not perish via your wrath. Why, I could pray to Jehovah, and all your meaningless dribble shall surely be vanquished. “
“Peace be unto you and your family Bill”
………………..
Hopefully Kendale will be a productive member of this site. Exchanging meaningful political views.
Without personal demeaning.
That should draw more to this site as issues and campaigns heat up. And arguing ceases.