moderation is a virture, and a moderate Moslem is a virtuous Moslem

Submitted by trans-parere (Canada), May 7, 2008 at 08:41

Dear Jennifer,

Perhaps when "moderate Moslem's" tire from being used by the violent Islamists amongst them, and come to understand that it is themselves who facilitate the violence and destruction of their own communities.

That it is their acceptance of a negative interpretation of the Koranic verses, both literal and figurative, that has them as moderate Moslem's subjugated to the fear and oppression of those who care not for Islam but to use Islam and select Koranic verses to justify living and acting according to their interpretation of Muhammad's rise to power. It is that idolisation of Muhammad that drives the violent and hatefulness of these Islamist not only against the West and democracy but, also against their own devout Moslem's.

If it was possible to show you a picture of what I'm talking about I would include a photo taken by a British correspondent in Afghanistan. More precisely, the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan where those living in that region live unprotected by the governments on both sides, and who were rounded up and trucked to a open field where they were divested of their meagre wealth. The joy of such piracy, that travesty of generosity , was evident on the faces of the Taleban observers and the Clan leaders. The people worn and haggard, coerced into giving away their little savings or few items of value had no such expression of joy.

I am scouring BBC pictures hoping to locate that image. It reminded me of those poor German civilians who by 1944 had nothing of value left just before the fall of Berlin, being told to scavenge the last pot or pan and even the plumbing in their homes for the war effort. So much futile waste. In the end good always triumphs over evil. To our shame as human beings we must occasionally be driven to the brink of hell before we react in defence of our natural inclination to do good in this world.

Cheers

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