Focus is the key to just about any successful endeavor. Life, in general takes focus, or we continually lose our way. So it is with great struggles, too. Had Hercules lost focus, his god-like virility would not have been enough to sustain him during his labors. Had Mozart, or da Vinci, or Galileo lacked focus, our world would have had its store of beauty and knowledge incomprehensibly diminished. And had Moses or Christ lost their focus during their trials, what then?
The same is true for politics. There is no doubt that Pastor Jones, the self-proclaimed defender of Christianity and Constitutionalism, is a fool, a whack-job, a nut-case, an extremist (pick your appropriate pejorative). I do not condone his intentions, belief system, or actions. He is a disgrace to mankind in general and Christianity in particular. I stand with true peace-loving Muslims in their outright condemnation of his intent and character.
However, let’s not lose our focus as a country. The assertion that Jones and his ilk are responsible for the animus directed at the U.S. is a pathetic and weak argument. While his action would no doubt stir up animosity and resentment in the Muslim world (and possibly put our troops in peril), the hatred itself was already there, and has been for a very long time. Nor should we take our eyes off Imam Rauf, the controversial Imam of the proposed Park51 project. In comparison to Rauf, an extremist disguised as a “moderate,” Jones is insignificant, a proverbial “blip” on the radar screen of history. Rauf, with his ties to the Moslem Brotherhood and The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is part of a larger stealth network of extremists who underhandedly promote political Islam while simultaneously pretending to be interested in peace and the advancement of democracy. In this context, Jones merely plays a hapless puppet Islamic extremists can use as an excuse to foment terror. However, they would do this regardless of Jones, or Bush, or anyone, in reality, because this is their belief system and their commandment to do so. By preying on our need to undeniably demonstrate tolerance, people such as Rauf and his underground associates create the synergy and façade needed to dupe both their Muslim counterparts as well as liberal Americans bent on proving their need to pay penance for being descendants of “oppressors.”
Unfortunately, you only get the surface level from the media. Radicals, again posing “compassionate moderates” now rule this country, and their figurehead is Obama. If this sound far fetched, consider this: When was the last time we as a country passed nearly 5,000 pages of legislation, but didn’t know its contents, or spent nearly one trillion dollars with absolute no ability to pay for it without enslaving our children and grandchildren with crushing debt? When was the last time we openly prosecuted a state for enforcing border security while turning our back on citizens whose very lives are in danger? Is that radical enough, or do we need more evidence?
Here is the reality:
We are at war with two ideas: one, based on the principles of individual freedom as enshrined in the Constitution, and the other on collective salvation, as enshrined in Das Kapital. There is little compromise here; they are incompatible for the most part.
One path leads to liberty and prosperity, the other to tyranny and oppression. Democracy and capitalism are by no means a perfect system, but therein lies the folly of those who espouse a utopian view of mankind, for neither mankind, nor the political structures he creates, are perfectible, and attempts to fashion such perfection lead to corruption, depravity, and untold suffering. The road of history is littered with the detritus of failed utopian attempts and paved with the bones of its subjects. From Marx and Lenin, to Mao and Castro, to Chavez, how many innocent people must give their lives and liberties to assuage the appetite of dictators promoting "social justice" and "equality" while perpetrating death and mayhem before we understand this system, no matter how noble its aim, is inherently evil in its consequences?
Rauf will gladly trod this path to supremacy, and use our institutions of democracy to achieve his ultimate objective. Jones’s skull and the skeletons of the academic elite will serve as stepping stones to this altar, though they are too blind to see how they are being used. Ironically, Muslim extremists, who have hijacked a religion and are using it to propel their own nightmarish vision, are incompatible with the liberal networks they are manipulating. Religion by its essence is about God and his relationship to his people, and God is antithetical to those who believe government should fill this void. So in the end, those who are bending over backwards to accommodate will put the nails in their own coffins. This is what happens when you focus on the wrong things.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Park 51: A Battle for the Future of Islam
Let me get this out there right from the start: I have serious misgivings about the nature and intentions of the people behind the proposed mosque and cultural center, known as Park 51, to be built near ground zero. Still, as a conservative, I find myself asking for this establishment to be given the green light.
Constitutionally speaking, there is no doubt that a denial of permission to build would be a direct violation of our founding principles of freedom of expression and religious tolerance. Anyone taking this tact is historically, legally, and foundationally under water—it’s simply indefensible. Sensitivity has also been cited as a moral or ethical underpinning. There is some merit here. Families and friends of those who lost their lives in 9-11 should have their voices heard. And if we’re honest, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has shown little evidence of sensitivity thus far on this issue. One cannot both argue vociferously for sensitivity and understanding while demonstrating neither.
However, the argument with the most merit raises questions about ties Rauf has to shadowy individuals and terrorist organizations. This is no small matter. Despite protestations that overall, Islam is a peaceful religion, we are left with the reality that the overwhelming majority of terroristic events have been perpetrated by people acting directly in the name of Islam and in accordance with jihadist creeds. This does not make all Muslims guilty by association; but it is an undeniable correlation we must come to grips with as a society.
However, to fully grasp this situation, we have to understand there is an internal war within the Moslem religion itself. Two faces of Islam are vying for the future of Islamic society, and the outcome of this conflict will decide not only the fate of the Muslim people, but the overall prospects for relative global peace and prosperity. According to Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D., president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), “until anti-Islamist Muslims wage the intellectual battle against Islamism within the Muslim consciousness, we will make no headway against ‘the narrative.’” The narrative Dr. Jasser is referring to is the assumption that the U.S. and its allies are waging war against the Muslim world in general, rather than fighting the same radical elements that have made life unbearable not just in the free world, but for Muslim people in nations such as Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan, where the Taliban, has a track record of intimidation and violence amongst it own populace.
The other face of the Muslim people, the traditions and tenets that Jasser grew up with, is the genuine deal, a truly tolerant religion that promotes love and the brotherhood of man, much like its modern counterparts: Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Our failure to grasp this struggle is tantamount to ultimately sticking the proverbial knife in the back of the Muslims who struggle against this tyranny. Rauf may proclaim he is “moderate” or “tolerant,” but this is nothing but a façade, a clever, yet apparently effective amalgamation of Constitutional principles and political correctness designed to stifle dissent and paint opposition with the broad brush of racism, or more succinctly, Islamaphobia. But as Jasser points out, the term “moderate” has become synonymous with being “non-violent” or anti-terrorism.” Jasser asserts this gross oversimplification blinds people to the very political ideologies — which he identifies as “Islamism” — that are the mechanisms that propel and expand terrorism.
This theme is echoed by Rauf in his advocacy for and promulgation of Shariah law as set forth in his Shariah Index project. The idea that Shariah law somehow dovetails with the American Constitution is preposterous at best, and outright dangerous at worst. Although there are tenants of Sharia theology that aspire to equality and justice, the overall thrust is one of submission to Allah, a fact that is irreconcilable with principle of separation of church and state, so conveniently abandoned by those who are ardently advocating for this building. Moreover, whatever the intent of Shariah law may be, its interpretation has often been malicious, time and again resulting in systematic repression of women’s and children’s rights, domestic brutality, and even honor killings. No, these acts are not the global norm for Muslims; but neither are they an isolated dynamic. They are, however, another indicator of the spiritual and political schism facing Muslims.
Americans would be wise to examine our own history to discover similar themes, for this was the same dynamic the United States found itself in during the late 1940’s and early 1950s, as exemplified by Walter Reuther. Despite being labeled as soft on communism, Reuther worked tirelessly to expunge radical communist elements from American labor unions, and was supportive of America’s role in labor movement specifically, and the Democratic Party in genral. While one path was genuinely concerned with civil rights and creating opportunity for all Americans, the other was moving toward towards full-out Marxism. This same tension, a dichotomy between true moderation and tolerance on one hand, and extremism cloaked in pretentious piety on the other, is now pressing Americans, including our Muslim brothers and sisters, to see the forest beyond the trees.
Moreover, a crucial factor has been left out of the debate. Conservatives need to understand that Muslims, in general, are traditional in their philosophy and behavior. They value family, worship, and are grateful patriotic citizens, many whom have served with honor in our armed forces. Their children tend to be respectful, top-notch students, and parents are typically unabashed supporters of teachers. What they do object to is the same thing non-Muslim conservatives find fault with: the tawdry, selfish, and superficial traits of popular culture that result in, or at the very least are reflective of, broken families, drug addiction, gangs, and the general malaise that colors much of our youth.
Yet, the plans to build Park 51 must go forward. If plans to derail the mosque are successful and our darker beliefs about Rauf are true, then we will end up driving him and his network underground. This portends badly for all of us, especially Muslim Americans who want to assimilate and take part of the American dream. To know the truth means there must be transparency and accountability, and the best guarantee of these democratic principles as well the public good is the vigilance of We the People. It is New Yorkers who must hold Raufe and his associates responsible. They can do this by taking his invitation to multiculturalism seriously. They should gather in masses at the proposed center for fellowship, take classes and attend seminars, actively attend meetings, and even pray in the mosque during regular and inter-faith services. If, as he has stated, he is about bridge building, than Rauf and his colleagues should embrace this approach. Nothing bad can come as a result. Over time, either we will learn that that we have been induced by a consuming and ill-conceived paranoia, or the Imam and his co-leaders will be exposed as the frauds many believe them to be. Regardless, justice will be served, and truth will be known. Our future depends on it.
G.L.
Constitutionally speaking, there is no doubt that a denial of permission to build would be a direct violation of our founding principles of freedom of expression and religious tolerance. Anyone taking this tact is historically, legally, and foundationally under water—it’s simply indefensible. Sensitivity has also been cited as a moral or ethical underpinning. There is some merit here. Families and friends of those who lost their lives in 9-11 should have their voices heard. And if we’re honest, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has shown little evidence of sensitivity thus far on this issue. One cannot both argue vociferously for sensitivity and understanding while demonstrating neither.
However, the argument with the most merit raises questions about ties Rauf has to shadowy individuals and terrorist organizations. This is no small matter. Despite protestations that overall, Islam is a peaceful religion, we are left with the reality that the overwhelming majority of terroristic events have been perpetrated by people acting directly in the name of Islam and in accordance with jihadist creeds. This does not make all Muslims guilty by association; but it is an undeniable correlation we must come to grips with as a society.
However, to fully grasp this situation, we have to understand there is an internal war within the Moslem religion itself. Two faces of Islam are vying for the future of Islamic society, and the outcome of this conflict will decide not only the fate of the Muslim people, but the overall prospects for relative global peace and prosperity. According to Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, M.D., president and founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy (AIFD), “until anti-Islamist Muslims wage the intellectual battle against Islamism within the Muslim consciousness, we will make no headway against ‘the narrative.’” The narrative Dr. Jasser is referring to is the assumption that the U.S. and its allies are waging war against the Muslim world in general, rather than fighting the same radical elements that have made life unbearable not just in the free world, but for Muslim people in nations such as Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan, where the Taliban, has a track record of intimidation and violence amongst it own populace.
The other face of the Muslim people, the traditions and tenets that Jasser grew up with, is the genuine deal, a truly tolerant religion that promotes love and the brotherhood of man, much like its modern counterparts: Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism. Our failure to grasp this struggle is tantamount to ultimately sticking the proverbial knife in the back of the Muslims who struggle against this tyranny. Rauf may proclaim he is “moderate” or “tolerant,” but this is nothing but a façade, a clever, yet apparently effective amalgamation of Constitutional principles and political correctness designed to stifle dissent and paint opposition with the broad brush of racism, or more succinctly, Islamaphobia. But as Jasser points out, the term “moderate” has become synonymous with being “non-violent” or anti-terrorism.” Jasser asserts this gross oversimplification blinds people to the very political ideologies — which he identifies as “Islamism” — that are the mechanisms that propel and expand terrorism.
This theme is echoed by Rauf in his advocacy for and promulgation of Shariah law as set forth in his Shariah Index project. The idea that Shariah law somehow dovetails with the American Constitution is preposterous at best, and outright dangerous at worst. Although there are tenants of Sharia theology that aspire to equality and justice, the overall thrust is one of submission to Allah, a fact that is irreconcilable with principle of separation of church and state, so conveniently abandoned by those who are ardently advocating for this building. Moreover, whatever the intent of Shariah law may be, its interpretation has often been malicious, time and again resulting in systematic repression of women’s and children’s rights, domestic brutality, and even honor killings. No, these acts are not the global norm for Muslims; but neither are they an isolated dynamic. They are, however, another indicator of the spiritual and political schism facing Muslims.
Americans would be wise to examine our own history to discover similar themes, for this was the same dynamic the United States found itself in during the late 1940’s and early 1950s, as exemplified by Walter Reuther. Despite being labeled as soft on communism, Reuther worked tirelessly to expunge radical communist elements from American labor unions, and was supportive of America’s role in labor movement specifically, and the Democratic Party in genral. While one path was genuinely concerned with civil rights and creating opportunity for all Americans, the other was moving toward towards full-out Marxism. This same tension, a dichotomy between true moderation and tolerance on one hand, and extremism cloaked in pretentious piety on the other, is now pressing Americans, including our Muslim brothers and sisters, to see the forest beyond the trees.
Moreover, a crucial factor has been left out of the debate. Conservatives need to understand that Muslims, in general, are traditional in their philosophy and behavior. They value family, worship, and are grateful patriotic citizens, many whom have served with honor in our armed forces. Their children tend to be respectful, top-notch students, and parents are typically unabashed supporters of teachers. What they do object to is the same thing non-Muslim conservatives find fault with: the tawdry, selfish, and superficial traits of popular culture that result in, or at the very least are reflective of, broken families, drug addiction, gangs, and the general malaise that colors much of our youth.
Yet, the plans to build Park 51 must go forward. If plans to derail the mosque are successful and our darker beliefs about Rauf are true, then we will end up driving him and his network underground. This portends badly for all of us, especially Muslim Americans who want to assimilate and take part of the American dream. To know the truth means there must be transparency and accountability, and the best guarantee of these democratic principles as well the public good is the vigilance of We the People. It is New Yorkers who must hold Raufe and his associates responsible. They can do this by taking his invitation to multiculturalism seriously. They should gather in masses at the proposed center for fellowship, take classes and attend seminars, actively attend meetings, and even pray in the mosque during regular and inter-faith services. If, as he has stated, he is about bridge building, than Rauf and his colleagues should embrace this approach. Nothing bad can come as a result. Over time, either we will learn that that we have been induced by a consuming and ill-conceived paranoia, or the Imam and his co-leaders will be exposed as the frauds many believe them to be. Regardless, justice will be served, and truth will be known. Our future depends on it.
G.L.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)