Two heads- one body
Reader comment on item: Why the Left Loves Osama [and Saddam, Explains Lee Harris]

Submitted by Lawrence Ricci (United States), Mar 30, 2003 at 22:13

In his recent essay Why the Left Loves Osama [and Saddam], Dr. Pipes suggest the current wave of Western anti-American rhetoric stems from a from of reconstructed neo-Marxism. While the facts do seem to match, I think there is something different, and deeper at work, something perhaps true for all peoples in all times. Indeed, I think that both the left/liberal and the militant Islamists have a great deal in common.

Let's consider the Militant Islamists first. In general, they are not particularity religious, they are not poor, they tend to be better educated then their countrymen and are often possessed with some charisma, a good work ethic and self discipline. All these properties should mark them for success. But, sadly, many of them never achive the stature they feel they deserve. Indeed, If Muhammad Atta had been able to get a stream of commissions for the design of fine, Islamic-styled buildings; he might today be a prosperous architect. But the reality of his society, its distribution of wealth, its polygamy, was sure to leave him short of what he felt should be his. And so, for everyone with any grievance, perhaps they have two Mercedes and think they should have three, some form of societal realignment seems just and needed. Think how Bin Laden must feel about fat, indolent Saudi princes; think how much he feels he should have that royal power and riches.

See how parallel this is to the situation of our left. Our left is well off, intelligent, articulate. Perhaps properly, they think a great deal of themselves. Imagine how enraged out left they must be to see our current president in a position of power and respect. Imagine how the left boil every time our president breaks grammatic regularity or betrays a bit of Texas naivety.

So- indeed, it seems the ad hoc alliance between the militant Islamic world the intellectual elite of ours may be two heads on the same snake.

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