[x-factor]

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

So we agree all nazis are bad, now lets clear up a few things for our readers:

Again your analogy is not only misleading it lacks substance. I never said all Iraqis are all bad as I've little doubt not all are not muslims, just as all Germans were NOT all nazies. I clearly stated that problem is with the muslim/islamic ideology and unlike the nazi situation the islamic concern is global.

You know, I thought about this while I was in the shower before I read your post. You're right it is an incongruous analogy. It should have been:

Nazis : Socialists :: Wahabbists : Muslims

I've got no interest in being a socialist of any kind, much less a Nazi. I don't think socialism is particularly wise, but not all breeds of socialism are malignant. Some are just dumb. Thats my point about Islam. Some followers of Islam you just don't agree with and you go on with your life, some you have to kill.

Let me tell you, honor killings, stoning, beheading, public whippings, religious Police and little-no rights for women send a pretty clear message to those living in these areas. Here in America we can still call islam an oppressive, stupid and sham religion and not leave in fear of islamic retribution, well some don’t.

Thats fine if you're describing Saudi Arabia, or parts of Pakistan and Somalia, etc, but its just not a fair description for large parts of the Islamic world...much less Muslim-American communities.

There are plenty of Muslims that don't live under the yoke of a Wahhabist government, including right here in America, that do choose Islam of their own free will and lead happy, productive, and peaceful lives.

They’re not all Wahabbists you say? OK, here’s a little islamic tolerance test, YOU go into ten countries I choose and write a news/internet column denouncing islam as a sham religion, now I’m sure the governments of those countries are not Wahabbists and they will protect you, just as those same governments will NOT allow thousands marching in the streets cheering the slaughter of peaceful and innocent civilians.

The NY Times had a great article tangentially supporting your position:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/wo...=1&oref=slogin

Nevertheless...

First, as you say, the moderates have plenty of reason to be afraid of the Wahabbists and for that reason to cater to their agendas.

Second, I'm not arguing that Islam is a perfect religion. If I thought it was I'd be a Muslim, but I'm decidedly not. There is an insular and xenophobic streak in Islam, but it doesn't necessarily translate to aggressive, violent, and expansionism.

Don’t patronize me as I am also a student of history.

You asked for examples, I gave them.

Let me narrow your focus, lets try the last 25 years.
Make your case based on recent history or shut up.

Not the last 25 minutes? Suit yourself. Do we need to talk about the Serbs or Rwanda? Lots of happy slaughter in both places. Both by nominally Christian populations.

Spare me your academic understanding of islam.

Spare me your characiture of Islam.