August 11, 2006
The use of these terms-- "Islamic fascism" and "totalitarianism"-- is most interesting. Unlike many previous Administration statements that characterized the enemy merely as "terrorists," these statements indicate an effort to describe both a brand of ideology and a method of imposing that ideology-- I take totalitarianism to be a method of imposing the ideology. As some level, the use of these terms seems to be a theoretical advance. . . .These are excellent points, though I'm not sure that "totalitarianism" is only a method. It certainly seems that sharia law is, itself, a brand of totalitarianism, and the imposition of sharia law on the world is the goal of the Islamic fascists. In other words, totalitarianism--i.e., acceptance of total control, by the ulema, of all aspects of personal, economic and political life--is the ultimate end sought. I have a bit of difficulty with the idea that totalitarianism is merely a method.Moreover, the use of "Islamic fascism " and "totalitarianism" also seems to have a significant public relations component. It reminds me of the Second World War. At that time, the United States and its allies were often portrayed as fighting a war against "fascism" or "totalitarianism." By using these words, Bush seems to be connecting the current conflict with what is often seen as the epic battle between good and evil that played itself our in World War II.
At any rate, it's critical that the people understand that we're not at war with an emotion (terror), an unsavory tactic (terrorism) or the adherents of that tactic (terrorists). Although many of our enemies are terrorists, our enemies could cease the use of terrorism tomorrow and not end this conflict. If Hizb'Allah stopped shooting unguided rockets at cities (i.e., terrorism) and started firing guided missiles at Israeli military bases (not terrorism), this would not end the conflict. The conflict in Lebanon is a perfect illustration of the fact that we're not at war with "terror" (i.e., an emotion), "terrorism" (i.e., a tactic) or even "terrorists" (i.e., political militants that employ that particular tactic). We can quibble over whether "fascists" is the perfect word, but I'm willing to accept it as a fairly reasonable approximation of what we're facing in this struggle. The sooner we all understand that, the better.
Props to Prof. Bainbridge.
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Posted by: greyrooster at August 11, 2006 12:04 PM (AG5IC)
The Problem is religious fanaticism from Islamic extremists. Call the f-ing duck a duck. I was raised a Methodist. If it were "Methodist Extremists" (makes me giggle a bit when I see it) doing this, I would be protesting very loudly out in the streets, PC-be-damned.
Posted by: EricInTexas at August 11, 2006 12:33 PM (UtF+A)
We are not alone in our struggles as country in getting to the fight. It seems our parents, parents, struggled a bit despite the fact they are considered the Greatest Generation. They too needed guidance and some gentle persuasion.
Posted by: Cmunk at August 11, 2006 12:52 PM (7teJ9)
But, my point - check out the old WWII posters from back then. There was no PC police around to interfere, and the "Huns", and "Japs" (sorry to my Japanese friends, I'm making a point here) were depicted as animals, and it contributed to our resolve as a nation. The enemy did the same thing then......
...and our enemy does the same thing now.
Do we really think the "Islamic ACLU" is censoring propaganda over there?
FOCUS. Now More Than Ever.
Posted by: EricInTexas at August 11, 2006 01:19 PM (UtF+A)
The good old days, when a kraut was a kraut, a nip was a nip. We all love each other now though, right?
CAIR needs to do more to show why we should be tolerant while they attack us (us being anyone not following their strict rules).
And you're right our enemies do the same thing. Funny thing is, they can hire American born actors to star in their hate-ertainment.
Haywood wants everyone to have a great weekend.
p.s. If anybody needs some shampoo, toothpaste, aftershave, or lotion, Haywood can run over to Midway and hit the dumpster, let me know. Good pickin's this weekend! Gonna be some sweet smellin' sout' siders!
Posted by: haywood jablowmi at August 11, 2006 01:32 PM (VUmVc)
Posted by: Eric J at August 11, 2006 01:36 PM (hrQvk)
Needs a definition, I suppose, but I like the concept. Draws a much clearer line between the two sides.
Posted by: The All-Seeing Eye at August 11, 2006 01:53 PM (c/4ax)
Posted by: Cmunk at August 11, 2006 02:06 PM (7teJ9)
I've been thinking that we should say "Iranian Jihadists" and "Saudi Wahhabis" because in this way, we identify the actual state supports on which this movement feeds. And by clearly identifying the states supporting these movements, maybe we can stop them.
I read that Saudi Arabia has spent more than 75 billion dollars on the Wahhabi sect of Islam that inspires jihadists world-wide, through schools and mosques.
Posted by: Heroic Dreamer at August 11, 2006 02:16 PM (up9HT)
Posted by: RepJ at August 11, 2006 03:13 PM (rqlgb)
Posted by: Leatherneck at August 11, 2006 04:37 PM (D2g/j)
To discuss "Saudi Wahabists," "Egyption Qutbists" and "Iranian 12th Imam Cultists" sounds as if we are discussing three separate and different things. In one way, we are. In many ways, however, these are all brands of the same ideology.
Similarly, we could get into a deep discussion of the fine distinctions between, for example, "Maoists," "Stalinists" and "Trotskyists," but I'm happy to call them all "Communists" and be done with it.
Posted by: All-Seeing Eye at August 11, 2006 05:24 PM (c/4ax)
Nearly four in 10 Americans admit having feelings of prejudice against Muslims living in the U.S. and are in favor of having Muslims carrying a special ID
22 percent of those surveyed said they would not like to have a Muslim as a neighbor.
31 percent of respondents said they would feel nervous if they noticed a Muslim man on their airplane flight
18 percent would feel nervous about a Muslim woman flying with them.
49 percent feel that Muslims living in the U.S. are loyal to this country.
34 percent believe American Muslims are sympathetic to the al-Qaida terrorist organization.
40 percent of respondents said they believe Muslims in the U.S. are not respectful of other religions
44 percent said Muslims are too extreme in their religious beliefs.
52 percent believe Muslims are not respectful of women.
39 percent said the U.S. should require Muslims to carry a special ID
57 percent believe Muslims should undergo more intensive security checks at airports.
39 percent said they "have at least some feelings of prejudice against Muslims.
59 percent said they did not, and 2 percent had no opinion.
Opinions are different, however, among Americans who are personally acquainted with a Muslim, the poll disclosed.
For example:
10 percent of those who know a Muslim said they would not want one as a neighbor.
24 percent believe Muslims should carry a special ID – compared to 50 percent among those who don’t know a Muslim.
Are these results MY fault? Are they the fault of other sites like Little Green Footballs or Jihad Watch?
I think it it’s the fault of C.A.I.R and the speeches, rallies and public statements NOT made that are the cause of the feelings shown in this poll. Personally I think the vast majority of Americans want to live well and harmoniously with their American moslem brothers its just that we never see the American moslem community trying to reach out to us. They didn’t attend that rally held in Washington specifically for them (you recall the one I am talking about...it was a flop).
C.A.I.R. will say this poll shows Americans are bigots…BULL! It’s up to American Moslems to prove us wrong.
We want you too, really.
What do you think? Please comment.
-Steve
Posted by: massachusetts republican at August 11, 2006 05:57 PM (TiKv7)
Nearly four in 10 Americans admit having feelings of prejudice against Muslims living in the U.S. and are in favor of having Muslims carrying a special ID
22 percent of those surveyed said they would not like to have a Muslim as a neighbor.
31 percent of respondents said they would feel nervous if they noticed a Muslim man on their airplane flight
18 percent would feel nervous about a Muslim woman flying with them.
49 percent feel that Muslims living in the U.S. are loyal to this country.
34 percent believe American Muslims are sympathetic to the al-Qaida terrorist organization.
40 percent of respondents said they believe Muslims in the U.S. are not respectful of other religions
44 percent said Muslims are too extreme in their religious beliefs.
52 percent believe Muslims are not respectful of women.
39 percent said the U.S. should require Muslims to carry a special ID
57 percent believe Muslims should undergo more intensive security checks at airports.
39 percent said they "have at least some feelings of prejudice against Muslims.
59 percent said they did not, and 2 percent had no opinion.
Opinions are different, however, among Americans who are personally acquainted with a Muslim, the poll disclosed.
For example:
10 percent of those who know a Muslim said they would not want one as a neighbor.
24 percent believe Muslims should carry a special ID – compared to 50 percent among those who don’t know a Muslim.
Are these results MY fault? Are they the fault of other sites like Little Green Footballs or Jihad Watch?
I think it it’s the fault of C.A.I.R and the speeches, rallies and public statements NOT made that are the cause of the feelings shown in this poll. Personally I think the vast majority of Americans want to live well and harmoniously with their American moslem brothers its just that we never see the American moslem community trying to reach out to us. They didn’t attend that rally held in Washington specifically for them (you recall the one I am talking about...it was a flop).
C.A.I.R. will say this poll shows Americans are bigots…BULL! It’s up to American Moslems to prove us wrong.
We want you too, really.
What do you think? Please comment.
-Steve
Posted by: massachusetts republican at August 11, 2006 05:59 PM (TiKv7)
Nearly four in 10 Americans admit having feelings of prejudice against Muslims living in the U.S. and are in favor of having Muslims carrying a special ID
22 percent of those surveyed said they would not like to have a Muslim as a neighbor.
31 percent of respondents said they would feel nervous if they noticed a Muslim man on their airplane flight
18 percent would feel nervous about a Muslim woman flying with them.
49 percent feel that Muslims living in the U.S. are loyal to this country.
34 percent believe American Muslims are sympathetic to the al-Qaida terrorist organization.
40 percent of respondents said they believe Muslims in the U.S. are not respectful of other religions
44 percent said Muslims are too extreme in their religious beliefs.
52 percent believe Muslims are not respectful of women.
39 percent said the U.S. should require Muslims to carry a special ID
57 percent believe Muslims should undergo more intensive security checks at airports.
39 percent said they "have at least some feelings of prejudice against Muslims.
59 percent said they did not, and 2 percent had no opinion.
Opinions are different, however, among Americans who are personally acquainted with a Muslim, the poll disclosed.
For example:
10 percent of those who know a Muslim said they would not want one as a neighbor.
24 percent believe Muslims should carry a special ID – compared to 50 percent among those who don’t know a Muslim.
Are these results MY fault? Are they the fault of other sites like Little Green Footballs or Jihad Watch?
I think it it’s the fault of C.A.I.R and the speeches, rallies and public statements NOT made that are the cause of the feelings shown in this poll. Personally I think the vast majority of Americans want to live well and harmoniously with their American moslem brothers its just that we never see the American moslem community trying to reach out to us. They didn’t attend that rally held in Washington specifically for them (you recall the one I am talking about...it was a flop).
C.A.I.R. will say this poll shows Americans are bigots…BULL! It’s up to American Moslems to prove us wrong.
We want you too, really.
What do you think? Please comment.
-Steve
Posted by: massachusetts republican at August 11, 2006 05:59 PM (TiKv7)
This is called freedom of speech. If you do not like it, or want to cut my head off for writing it, please get the bloody hell out of this country, and get back to the 3rd world shit hole you are from.
Thank you, and have a great American day.
Posted by: Leatherneck at August 11, 2006 06:46 PM (D2g/j)
Posted by: jesusland joe at August 11, 2006 07:01 PM (rUyw4)
The "Religion of Peace" lie doesn't even pass for a joke anymore. I know something of your language; the word Islam does NOT mean peace, it means "subjugation", or "coerced submission".
Haven't you yet understood that the world judges you by your conduct and NOT by your philosophizing?!?!?!!?
Let's look at your Qoran to see just how peaceful Islam is, shall we?
Qoran 9:29 Fight against those to whom the scriptures were given as ... until they pay tribute out of their hand and are utterly subdued.
In other words, your "peaceful" pseudo-religion orders Muslims to subjugate Christians and Jews and to extort "humilation tax" from them which you call "Jizyya'h".
Posted by: Garduneh Mehr at August 11, 2006 08:01 PM (Bp6wV)
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at August 11, 2006 09:14 PM (v3I+x)
Posted by: Garduneh Mehr at August 11, 2006 09:18 PM (Bp6wV)
If I live to be a thousand, I'll never figure these ROP asshats out...
Posted by: EricInTexas at August 12, 2006 08:26 AM (UtF+A)
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at August 12, 2006 09:39 AM (v3I+x)
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