This debate appears like walking in a mine field...

Submitted by Rick House (United States), Mar 5, 2007 at 21:26

Dr. Pipes,

I applaud your explanation in answer to the accusation of lying. It is complete and provides timely and accurate references to verify its validity...

With that said, I have to comment on this debate in general. This debate appears like walking in a mine field. Each and every comment by a Western voice is met with an accusation of some sort. Remember what happened to the Pope? It's the same here. It's part of their debate (and terror) strategy...

The West says something, they shout insult or accusation, and our press runs to report it -- and in doing so, they illuminate the Islamist as victim or freedom fighter depending on whether the press is Western or Eastern.

No wonder we're losing the debate. How can we compete when we grant their side final say on all matters discussed? (Daniel, this debate is very much like our presidential debates. The winner is the one who gets the most camera time. I'm sorry to say this, but you need to be much more public. Have you thought about hiring a media consultant? Perhaps you should color and trim the beard too. You need to look more like Kennedy and less like Nixon. This debate will not be won by an academic. It needs a celebrity. Think about it. Our opponents are all seen as celebrity icons of their side.)

Keep up the fight,

Rick House

Denton, TX

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