The Islamic Mid Easterners in Question are those like the Al Quieda (I couldn't care less how it's actually spelled if it's wrong) and these other Militant Islamics that have perverted the words of the Koran farther than any Bible-Like material should.
If I remember correctly, christendom did have this thing called the crusades where, if I remember correctly, they went TO the middle east to capture the holy land because it was being held by a civilization of Infidels called the turks, who just happened to be moorish. If I remember correctly as well, that was also in the name of god. hmm... crusade... jihad... I dont see much difference there. And what were these things called the spanish inquisitions...
Just remember that these "Islamic Mid Easterners" are not the first ones to do such things. Righteousness is next to ignorance, which, if I got the gist of this place, is something that bulldrek is completely against. christianity havs committed more atrocities in its time than the entire islamic faith. None of us want to think about that because the bulk of us live in the US, a society built where christianity is a good thing.
Racial Profiling-when used correctly, as a tool, and not a means for terror, can be a very affective tool. But it must be used correctly, and I understand there is a thin line between the two. But until we can come up with a system thats better, or people stop commiting crime, it's a tool that we need to use.
Do any of us actually think that humanity will ever evolve beyond its current point so that tool might be used effectively? Be realistic about this one. And do you think that those profiled against, will be less offended by it even then? "A person is smart. People are dumb, stupid and Panicky." You may realize and accept the generalization, but other, less intelligent people will not. I hate to be so cynical, especially with the handle I carry, but I Accept this society and this world for what it is. I dont like it, and do my damndest to change it, but I know what it is. We are stupid naive romantics to think that we will get anywhere in this world by looking out for anybody else but number one. at least first. if you help those who provide something for you, that may prove beneficial somewhere down the line, but every dollar you give to amnesty international, every red cent you give is one that you will wish you had somewhere later down the line. The trick is to decide where and when you'll accept that, and draw your line there. I saw in one of the other forums or threads or whatever somewhere that somebody said heinlen wrote to a male 15 year old science fiction fan with a streak of naievete. I've met alot of engineers who are ex-military, one of whom, a nam vet, started out as a buck private-retired a LT. colonel cause he didnt want to be promoted, another an ex-corporal 'nam vet who directed artillery and was one of four men who came back from his unit out of the 13 he graduated with. Those and more still read heinlen, and (getting back to my original point) subscribe to his ideals. several in particular stick out in my head regarding this whole thread:
"Never appeal to a man's better nature. he may not have one. Appealing to his self-intrest gives you more leverage."
"Sin lies only in hurting other people unncessarily. All other "sins" are invented nonsense."
"Tilting at windmills hurts you more than the windmill." All the same, would somebody please hand me my lance?
"Does history record _ANY_ case in which the majority was right?"
"There is no such thing as 'Social Gambling'. Either you're there to cut the other blokes heart out and eat it- or your a sucker. If you dont like this choice, dont gamble."
"History does not record anywhere at anytime a religion that has any rational basis. Religion is a crutch for people not strong enough to stand up to the unknown without help. But, like dandruff, most people do have a religion and spend time and money on it and seem to derive considerable pleasure from fiddling with it."
"God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent- says so right here on the label. If you have a mind capable of believing that I have a /wonderful/ bargain for you. no checks please. cash in small bills."
"Political tags -- such as communist, democrat, populist, fascist, liberal, conservative and so on are never basic criteria. The human race devides politically into those who want people to be controlled, and those who have no such desire. The former are idealists acting from highest motives for the greatest good of the greatest number. the latter are surly curmudgeons, suspicious and lacking in altruism. But they are the more comfortable neighbors of the two."
and finally:
"If the universe has any purpose greater than topping a woman you love and making a baby with her hearty help I havent found it."
THank you. and good night.
I leave you to your thoughts.
Paladin[/quote]
