69 million page views

The "Special Interest" We Dont Know

Reader comment on item: When Conservatives Argue about Islam
in response to reader comment: The special interest groups are the problem not the solution

Submitted by SS (United States), Jul 23, 2007 at 20:12

Homefront,

Interesting comments, what you are describing is similar to what Donald Sensing was stating in an article I have posted below.

Donald Sensing on how the Western Left's ideological eschatology led it to romanticize Communism and Militant Islam and become the defender of fascism.

"The American Left, rejecting as a basic tenet of its faith the major features of Western societies, came to romanticize heavily non-Western, non-capitalist cultures, especially those of the Third World. The village society became idealized, always assumed to be populated by selfless, caring people whose spirits (never souls, which might need saving!) were uninfected by the crass materialism of capitalism. This was their Eden, the Ideal Time from humankind had sprung; Marxism-Leninism provided the framework for transforming Western societies into a New Jerusalem. Over time, and not a very long time, the Left idealized anyone who opposed the West, no matter how cruel, oppressive or personally repulsive he might be: Castro, Che, Mao, Saddam and others. And now Osama."

The romantic thrall much of the Left has today with Islamism is little different than its swoon over Stalin, and no more moral. The Left never had the chance to enjoy the benefits of Stalin's rule and so never really understood that he considered them "useful idiots" to be eliminated if the Soviets ever occupied their countries. Likewise today, the Left, convinced of its own moral purity, fails to understand that al Qaeda views them with contempt equal to Stalin's, and considers them nothing more than infidels to be dealt with when the time comes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bottom line with the women's groups and gay's is they are blindly attracted to the left on the subject of Islam. You may be right that it is not possible to separate them from the left on this issue - but there is no doubt that if they could be made to see that light - they could be of assistance.

I should point out that I mentioned in my original writings "If today's special interests groups - for whatever reason - won't do it. We need to create ones that will." The special interest in this case would take a position on the right - much like the Daniel Pipes website does - but - it cannot lead with right wing politics - it should be Human Rights driven - against Islam. If it appears partisan - it will not work.

When it comes to universities in the US - you are correct - leftist principals are exposed - but their is resistance. Hollywood is great at making movies - but most people view actors and others in Hollywood as just that - and do not generally care about their political ranting. If you want to get into the game of social influence in the west - you need to get elected - so you can help make law. If it wasn't for the war in Iraq - the Right would still be in the drivers seat with the public at large. Despite that fact the left in Congress did well in the last election - their current approval rating is lower than President Bush's ratings - which are very low right now - due specifically to the war - Americans have a short attention span - so do Canadians for that matter.

The leftist media is an interesting one. On the specialty cable tv type channels in the US the left lags behind FOX NEWS which is clearly on the Right. Network based TV has a poor following for NEWS as their ratings are not very good - seems people are more interested in Reality TV - than they are worldly affairs. While Conservative Radio is booming in the US Lefty Radio is dead - Air America (a lefty radio network) could not make it - not enough interest to keep it alive.

It is my view that the extremists on the left - currently - do not reflect what the large majority of Americans and Canadians want. Intellectuals - ideologs - and radicals of all kinds are in the minority in the west - most people in the west are focused on a more traditional capitalist lifestyle - including the lefty types like Rosie O'Donnel - they just do not realize it - as they fly across the country in their private jets.

I said it before - "If North Americans are guilty of anything, it is ignorance, open your eyes and see the evil that is coming at you head on." If we can help clear away the clouds from the average persons eyes - it just might work. It will not be accomplished with "Intellectual Fancy Speak" it needs to be entertainment oriented for the public at large - but it cannot appear to be coming from the right - must be non-partisan, based on human rights. Get info out to all media outlets in print, radio and TV. Make the content "Current Events" oriented - so it is not really a direct attack on Islam - but the slam against Islam is their, Similar to the way the US is indirectly slamming imports from CHINA right now - with all their "dangerously defective" exports of food and medicine.

Last Thought:

Initially use You-Tube to launch a clever socially political anit-Islamic cartoon series with a serious edge - using high tech Flash. Sort of South Park Like - only it hammers away at Islam in very obvious - yet funny ways. People should be able to download it at will for free - and post em as they like on their own sites or free web space. Kind of like the concept of the Terminator 3 Movie - it cannot be stopped - it is a Video Series in cyberspace - it has no central core - it is distributed on virtually thousands and thousands of personal computers around the world by supporters of the Human Rights cause. This campaign would likely seriously piss off the Radical Islamists (remember what happened with the Mohammed cartoon) - but that is good - when they get mad - they will makes mistakes - and public opinion will turn against them - worldwide. Outcome - USA and Canada decide to reduce or eliminate Muslim Immigration due to National Security. Job Done.

Another idea is for ALL in the west to stop buying OIL FROM THE MIDDLE EAST - but I do not think that is a likely scenario as the west is addicted to the black juice - and if we do not buy it - China and Europe will - OK forget that one.

Submitting....

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".

Submit a comment on this item

<< Previous Comment      Next Comment >>

Reader comments (86) on this item

Title Commenter Date Thread
Where are the letters? [116 words]jennifer solisMay 6, 2008 02:57127845
truth is truth and every country should look into this [207 words]john howardOct 17, 2007 14:48111704
1Conservatives neutered by Political Correctness [142 words]guy leven-torres (agricola)Aug 29, 2007 06:29107164
1Radical Islamists Trump Moderate Muslims [230 words]Bob JackAug 1, 2007 00:43105207
Faith and Reason [188 words]Lactantius JrJul 25, 2007 07:24104700
1Special Interest to the Rescue [1450 words]SSJul 17, 2007 03:05103832
1The special interest groups are the problem not the solution [639 words]HomefrontJul 23, 2007 04:56103832
1The "Special Interest" We Dont Know [1108 words]SSJul 23, 2007 20:12103832
THE MUSLIMS ARE COMING [46 words]tabingins911Aug 19, 2007 21:01103832
Stopping the invasion. [14 words]Paul.Sep 20, 2007 13:45103832
The Political Process - Make Your Voice Heard [829 words]SSSep 24, 2007 16:36103832
American Muslims must fight Usama Bin Laden [150 words]poor sinnerFeb 7, 2008 23:19103832
what is the defination of radicals moderate and liberal muslims? [234 words]syed mohammad aliJul 16, 2007 13:05103798
1There is Nothing Like a Moderate Islam- Qoran and Mohammad Personally testifies [1980 words]beststarsignNov 8, 2007 02:30103798
i would think you bring some thing new ...you use same old islamophobes [639 words]syed mohammad aliNov 12, 2007 03:58103798
1Malapropism [74 words]GodotJul 10, 2007 11:56103353
1Non violent ISLAMISTS? [117 words]donvanJul 10, 2007 11:35103351
1When Conservatives argue about Islam: A reply to donovan [298 words]Jaisingh ThakurJul 29, 2007 02:43103351
A Rational Approach to Middle East Peace and Islamic Relations [612 words]MarciJul 9, 2007 12:39103296
right on, Marci! [33 words]Bob JenksMay 4, 2008 14:56103296
1Moderates More Dangerous than Al Qaeda [616 words]Linda KeayJul 8, 2007 22:02103267
2Indian Question - Recommended Approach [1406 words]SinghaJul 8, 2007 12:21103243
Hindus and Greeks both polytheists [149 words]Lonely in KabulJul 11, 2007 23:24103243
1Western Civilisation is based not just on Judeo Christian Morality [76 words]SinghaJul 17, 2007 12:08103243
3How does the ordinary citizen fight Islam ? contd.. [1498 words]Steven SehgalJul 18, 2007 05:55103243
1So what is wrong with polytheism? [4 words]dhimmi no moreJul 21, 2007 21:07103243
1Our dear Lonely in Kabul aka drano rabina ya3tihu zawjatun! [20 words]dhimmi no moreJul 21, 2007 21:11103243
1Every Muslim is a Jehadi ..............We need to counter their Jehad agressively on every level in every field [113 words]TakatJul 22, 2007 03:22103243
Confused??? [162 words]Arius the PriestJul 22, 2007 23:57103243
1Good thought....Arius [201 words]Steven SehgalJul 26, 2007 09:15103243
False blame on the muslim religion [75 words]FaizSep 27, 2007 12:20103243
Non-muslim [217 words]ChrisJan 14, 2008 12:34103243
1Moderate Muslims are a far greater threat than the terrorists [111 words]Roosevelt's DiscipleJul 7, 2007 22:05103216
Please do not do that [128 words]Yuval Brandstetter MDJul 14, 2007 16:12103216
Question about French communists [67 words]HarrakJul 7, 2007 19:03103203
silence is the sign of consent [23 words]MAMAMIA TONTERIYAJul 27, 2007 11:12103203
The New Enemy [2821 words]Bob JackJul 7, 2007 18:32103200
Bravo [95 words]JBKJan 8, 2008 09:44103200
WWIII Against Radical Islam is in Progress [36 words]Bob JackJan 8, 2008 20:37103200
But where does Islamism come from? [147 words]David W. LincolnJul 7, 2007 13:39103187
Muhammed's alter ego? [79 words]Linda HaslamJul 12, 2007 11:29103187
His hand against everyone, and everyone against him [135 words]David W. LincolnJul 14, 2007 09:50103187
Where Islamism comes from [726 words]Lactantius JrJul 26, 2007 07:53103187
Well put [82 words]David W. LincolnJul 27, 2007 10:56103187
advise to israelis [115 words]skydiverJul 7, 2007 12:04103177
stuff and nonsense [162 words]yuval brandstetter MDJul 11, 2007 10:23103177
The thorny question of what is Islam [152 words]Rebecca MouldsJul 7, 2007 09:51103170
too few critical thinkers - on both sides.. [96 words]DarrenJul 7, 2007 09:44103169
There is an information gap [424 words]Denis MacEoinJul 7, 2007 09:21103168
What to do with these moderates? [157 words]Richard B.Jul 7, 2007 01:15103148
re Pipes on Islamism's "moderates" and his comments on Muravchik' [684 words]Jascha KesslerJul 6, 2007 23:46103145
Is Pipes A Shachtmanite? [102 words]
w/response from Daniel Pipes
Barry MillerJul 6, 2007 22:05103141
Attitudes of conservatives and liberals [91 words]Egil UlateigJul 6, 2007 19:57103132
#2 [208 words]dfwhite19438Jul 6, 2007 19:05103130
This is a message to Dr. Pipes (not related to any article) [300 words]
w/response from Daniel Pipes
Leonid Kaplun-LeonovJul 6, 2007 14:58103129
To Sum Up [51 words]Monte GardnerJul 6, 2007 14:48103126
Thank you Dr. Pipes. [153 words]YnnatchkahJul 6, 2007 14:16103121
The nature of religion including Christianity and Islam [273 words]Ralph C Whaley MDJul 6, 2007 13:23103119
Clash of Cultures II [362 words]M. ToveyJul 7, 2007 18:40103119
the faith of reason [328 words]yuval Brandstetter MDJul 8, 2007 04:25103119
Not so Forceful ... [314 words]OliverJul 8, 2007 23:56103119
What is needed is a combination of Faith and Reason not just more Reason [1534 words]HomefrontJul 9, 2007 04:01103119
We can agree on one point [228 words]Abu NudnikJul 10, 2007 11:20103119
Get over this whole Reason vs Faith thing [1530 words]HomefrontJul 11, 2007 21:54103119
"Not so, Dr Whaley" [1182 words]Lactantius Jr.Jul 12, 2007 16:04103119
FAITH AND REASON.... [187 words]DONVANJul 19, 2007 16:39103119
resonable political step 1 [139 words]Donald OJul 21, 2007 20:05103119
not at all harsh.... [145 words]donvanJul 23, 2007 09:00103119
The Destruction of Radical Islam [75 words]Bob JackAug 1, 2007 05:48103119
Left and Islam [58 words]Burton J. DeFrenJul 6, 2007 11:18103113
Moderate Muslims? [95 words]KennyJul 6, 2007 10:41103110
Agree with you, Kenny. [253 words]YnnatchkahJul 7, 2007 16:12103110
Don't Destroy America YOU Conservatives. [32 words]free beeJul 10, 2007 00:49103110
Reply to Kenny -- no entry of muslims at all in any democratic country [411 words]Romesh ChanderJul 11, 2007 07:43103110
Islam is incompatable with democracy [123 words]KennyJul 14, 2007 11:41103110
America will be here with blessing of God forever [31 words]johnAug 1, 2007 05:52103110
Analogy [283 words]Bill StoreyJul 6, 2007 10:27103108
The conflict between "Faith" and "Reason". [262 words]Seamus MacNemiJul 7, 2007 09:15103108
Stopping muslims coming to the West -- reply to Bill Storey [319 words]Romesh ChanderJul 7, 2007 13:18103108
Not Enough Time [81 words]BlackspeareJul 8, 2007 21:32103108
The silent radicals are called "moderates" [205 words]JaladhiJul 9, 2007 13:16103108
Even Jews, eh? [4 words]Abu NudnikJul 10, 2007 13:47103108
Islam in 600 Years [377 words]Bill StoreyJul 13, 2007 18:20103108
RE: Islam in 600 years [43 words]JBKJan 13, 2008 02:44103108
Abandon concept of 'moderate muslim' and 'moderate islam' [31 words]Romesh ChanderJul 6, 2007 09:26103104
Another Difference [81 words]Edward HalperJul 6, 2007 08:46103098

Follow Daniel Pipes

Facebook   Twitter   RSS   Join Mailing List

All materials by Daniel Pipes on this site: © 1968-2024 Daniel Pipes. daniel.pipes@gmail.com and @DanielPipes

Support Daniel Pipes' work with a tax-deductible donation to the Middle East Forum.Daniel J. Pipes

(The MEF is a publicly supported, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Tax-ID 23-774-9796, approved Apr. 27, 1998.

For more information, view our IRS letter of determination.)