Bush Aims at the Religious Right

I only wish he had been more pointed

Of course I'll remind the Secretary General that our war against terror is a war against individuals whose hearts are full of hate. We do not fight a religion. As a matter of fact, by far, the vast majority of American citizens respect the Islamic people and the Muslim faith. After all, there are millions of peaceful-loving Muslim Americans.

Some of the comments that have been uttered about Islam do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans. Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country based upon tolerance, Mr. Secretary General, and we respect the faith and we welcome people of all faiths in America. And we're not going to let the war on terror or terrorists cause us to change our values.

Subtle, but crystal clear. Jerry Falwell's and Pat Robertson's remarks, to put it as some do, aren't helpful in the debate about Islam, it's future, and the incarnations it is going through now. Powell also weighed in with Bush.

Falwell, Robertson, etc can say what they want about who they want. I believe that some of what they've said probably has factual basis, but I believe they did it to troll the Muslim world, knowing full well that shocked outrage would result. I do believe it is completely irrational to react in such a way (riots resulted in dozens dead...what the fuck, man?) and especially irrational to channel that outrage into collective hatred of an entire country.

Religion. How messed up.

Posted by Drizzten at November 14, 2002 09:45 PM