Pantagraph.com | Letters | True Islam does not promote terrorist acts

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Annie Oakley wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:43 PM:

" does anyone here really know what the crusades were about? we didn't pick that fight. we were trying to get the holy land back from islamists. period.

Mr. Lorimor, you mentioned in deuteronomy. is there ANY form of violence in the new testament? NONE. Jesus spoke of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. the qur'an has never changed. Thomas Jefferson did not want islamists in our country. He studied it. He didn't like it. it is a very oppressive religion. sharia = women wearing burkas, little girls not getting educated and their bodies were put there solely for a man to enjoy. her worth is less than a donkey. smite the infidel, an infidel is ANYONE WHO IS NOT A MUSLIM. that is what is in your qur'an. peaceful? where? when? since the inception of islam, it has waged war on every man, woman and child since muhammed created it. "

The Cat wrote on Mar 1, 2008 6:57 PM:

" To: Middle of the road. In both Iraq and Iran (as well as other spots in the Middle East) our involvement just after WW2 was more in response to moves by the USSR than any religious or even economic issues. In addition, this conflict between muslims and other religions well predates the current conflicts and stems from the push to have islam installed as the only acceptable religion by moderates as well as extremists. "

middle of the road wrote on Mar 1, 2008 5:23 PM:

" My point is we have meddled in those countrys lives and politics for decades and now everyone is suprised that the most extreme fanatics of them are out to get us.?
"

The Cat wrote on Mar 1, 2008 3:36 PM:

" To: “Middle of the road”. Be clearer in US involvement with Saddam. He took over 18 months BEFORE Regan took office by a soft coup against his former boss. Prior to that he was a key factor in the 1963 assassination of Abdul Qassim and the 1968 coup that brought the Ba’athist to power and was VP. His CIA involvement began under Eisenhower but he first took office under the Blessed JFK. The Iran war started in 1980 (under Jimmy the Kid) and we helped both sides in that war to bleed two problem countries. Although he flirted with the West, he did have strong ties with the USSR at times during his reign and his armed forces at the time of the Gulf War had mostly Russian weapons. WMDs technology came from Europe (mainly France and Germany). How does that history negate the Gulf War cease-fire violations? You have no examples of political assassinations by Bush and the only prohibition is by Executive Order not statute. How does all this relate to the letter? "

Wat wrote on Mar 1, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Thos Spense makes several mistakles inhis recent post.

Pahlavi was the legitimate head of Iran, Shah, not dictator.

Shah appointed Mossadeq, who wanted to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian oil company, he was planning to use the oil profits to build infrastructure in Iran. Sounds like socialism to me.

Senator Zahedi was retired from the army when he took over

Zahedi was a former Hitler supporter is the same sense Henry Ford was a Hitler supporter. ie he neither fought for Hitler, supported his pogroms or cried when he was beaten.

Mossadeq caused the Iranians to revoke Constitutional Monarchy when he attempted to overthrow the Shah and was taken out with a counter coup. America did not overthrow a democracy.

Mosaddeq is considered a hero of anti-imperialism and victim of imperialist greed by some. But many scholars and historians believe that a major factor in his overthrow was Mossadeq's loss of support among Shia clerics and the traditional middle class, brought on by his increasingly radical and secular policies and by their fear of a communist takeover (frm wikipedia, edited for space) "

middle of the road wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:51 PM:

" go back Little farther Cats. we sprung Saddam out of prison( CIA action according to Reagen's speech on national television) helped him take over Iraq. armed him with wmd's (hoping he would use them on Iran i am sure) help arm him in normal weapons also definitely to fight with Iran(also according to Reagan's speech
AH heck then the low life went rogue on us drats! "

middle of the road wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:43 PM:

" Cats He publicly stated on the news that assassination was a valid tool to use.
"

The Cat wrote on Mar 1, 2008 11:12 AM:

" To MRD: Who did Bush have assassinated? I seemed to have missed that action. Somehow fraternity hazing pranks and waterboarding (that we do to our own troops in training) do not rise to the level of “torture” when compared to beheadings, cooking kids to serve to their parents as an intimidation tool, and suicide bombings of weddings and funerals. To “AndYaddaBecameTheCat”: Blackwater has less powerful weapons than either the various military forces or the militias and your buddies in al-Qaeda. You missed our “invasion” of Afghanistan in your list of Christian “sins”. To both of you: Since your grasp of current events is limited let me remind you Iraq invaded Kuwait (as well as Iran) and the Gulf War ended with a cease-fire that Saddam violated repeatedly. That allowed us with some allies to enforce the cease-fire and depose him. Of course, it was a shame that we ended that régime of islamic peace, brotherhood, and enlightenment. You know sort of like the ones in Syria, Iran, Libya, Palestine, and Afghanistan under the Taliban. "

middle of the road wrote on Mar 1, 2008 9:18 AM:

" to Showme:
look around this country Muslims in every city, living peacefully with their neighbors

to Carl: they have spoke out against this violence.. you just refuse to hear them (fox news dosn't carry it. don't blame the moderates in muslim, blame your media)

"

AndYadaBecameTheCat wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:28 PM:

" Right about Buddhism and Hinduism, but wrong on Islam and Christianity, two Old Testament based religions which have long had elements of violence. The Chritisian invasion of Iraq was violent, and only you would surmise that Islam enjoys these peaceful troops in their heart. And then there is the ultra Christian Blackwater, highly paid mercenaries who drive around Iraq with high powered automatic weapons. Quite peaceful there. Neither Islam or Christianity is by nature meant to be violent, but both are manipulated by politics of the day and the whims of mortals. "

to Cat from MRD wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:53 PM:

" We have a leader who says he is a Christian. he feels assassination of opposing political leaders is a valid tool. as long as we are not on the receiving end( you see then it is terrorism) he defends torture as long AS WE do it and its not done unto us (unless of course its our gov. doing it to our people then some how its OK) yet we use the very same thing as extra justification to invading Sovereign country's)
And Millions of Americans follow blindly. "

I agree wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:08 PM:

" true Islam does not support terrorist attacks. However they do keep their women submissive and promote terrorism on them if they step out of line. The reason that Islam is a problem is because when the extremists attack others, the moderate muslims do not criticize them or say it is wrong in any way. Silence tends to equal agreement. And they are always silent. Also, they worry more about their Bible than they do human beings. I don't think that is too admirable. "

To ThosSpence wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:33 PM:

" Well you would know all about pushing the boundaries of ignorance to all new levels! I'm glad you're able to speak for "all patriotic Iranians". I know several living right here in BN who would disagree that the current dictatorship is better than the Shah. They didn't bargain for a lifetime of oppression from the Mullahs. I'm sure you would argue that their prisons & torture rooms are more compassionate than the Shah's. "

Anchor wrote on Feb 29, 2008 3:22 PM:

" I hear what you are saying....but I see what many Islamic (extremists) are doing. Which am I to trust? While Islam in its purest form may not be violent and may not promote terrorism...BUT Many bad things are being done in THE NAME of Islam. Simply saying that bad things have (or do) happened in other religions does not make Islam any less (or more) brutal. "

CC wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Hey if you really think Islam is so peaceful go live in Iran or Iraq for six months and then write a letter to the editor. Why do you think so many Muslims choose to come to the USA?
By the way I have had a few Muslim friends here in America and found them to be very kind but have no desire to ever convert to their faith. "

ThosSpence wrote on Feb 29, 2008 2:42 PM:

" With his comments on Iran Wat Tyler has pushed the boundaries of his ignorance to all new levels. Contrary to his nonsensical assertions, the Mossadegh government was not socialist. His governing coalition, the National Front, was a broad church that included secular and religious nationalists. All patriotic Iranians, insisted on nationalizing AIOC's holdings, the ill-gotten product of British crime and colonialism. General Zahedi, the strongman who came to power after the coup, was a former Hitler supporter. Tyler's description of Iran's former blood-drenched dictator, Reza Pahlavi, is revolting. Tyler might assume that the U.S. has the right to overthrow foreign governments, even those that are democratically elected. Such arrogance is well known to the Iranian people. "

That's nice wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:44 PM:

" Completely discount the everyday actions of muslims against the west.......The complete subjugation of women and disallowment of any rights in the name of Islam pretty much kills your statement. The every day practices of Islam make the 'religion of peace' claim the biggest joke in all the world. But keep claiming it and we'll keep laughing; or cry in the name of actual peace. "

to: To No wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:36 PM:

" Yeh, Northern Ireland is part of Great Britain and for centuries there has been ethno-political conflicts between the Irish Republic and Great Britain. That is not a religious war. For a real religious war, see: Islamo-facists vs. unbelievers. "

Wat Tyler wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:09 PM:

" to: What makes a true Muslim is repeating a factual inaccuracy that many anti-Americans make regarding 1954 and the failed revolution. The Shah of Iran (Pahlavi) was established in 1925, suceeding the Quajar dynasty. America didn't put Pahlavi on the Throne, we did prevent a socialist revolution from taking a pro-American leader off the throne. Most spreaders of this pervasive canard fail utterly to take into consideration the Cold War goals of the USSR, Iranian revolutionaries or the USA. We lost an ally when Jimmy Carter failed to assist America's friend, Shah Pahlavi, in his time of troubles. And we are still paying for that imbecilic gesture 30 years later. "

to: Mattheis S. Lorimor wrote on Feb 29, 2008 1:03 PM:

" I accepted your challenge to read a little of the Qur'an. I opened it to Sura (5:51) and it said,

"O you who believe! do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah does not guide the unjust people."

Thanks for the advice, Mattheis!
"

CC wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:56 AM:

" To Matt You failed to mention what led up to the death of the King and his people. 1. First of all Isreal sent messengers to King Sihon asking to pass through the land in peace. The King refused and gathered all his people and fought them. 2. God had forwarned Moses not to have anything to do with these people,( the Amorites ) as were know to practice all forms of witchcraft, which is an abomination in the eyes of God.
************************************************
If you want to know the real truth about Islam Read why I left Jihad by Walid Shoebat.
It is a real eye opener to what really goes on in Islam. "

:) wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:52 AM:

" True Muslim, Radical Muslim, Fundamentalist...the curry powder stench from every one of them is enough to kill me! "

Showme wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:38 AM:

" Action speaks louder than words. The actions or more correctly the inaction of Muslims toward Radical Islam and Islamic Terrorist reflects on all Muslims. Amina Lawal, Hani Ramadan, Fawza Falih, Abdul Rahman, Mahmoud Awad, Abdelnasser Eid Youssef Ibrahim, “Qatif girl” and the controversial Danish cartoons of Muhammad are recent examples of a peaceful religion? Peaceful actions of Muslims will speak louder than an opinion letter. "

The Cat wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:54 AM:

" To mrd: Throughout islamic history there has been a push for dominance over others that has been rooted in force. This has not been true of Christianity and some other religions like Buddhism and Hinduism where non-violence have been religious tenets during parts of their religious history. Whether this is due to the teachings of islam or the push from those leading islam is the crux of the argument, but the results have been a series of attempts to control all peoples under islamic religious code. This is not always done with violence as the attempts of muslims in the US and Europe to impose their doctrine via separate islamic courts, push for accepting polygamy, special treatment in schools or work environments, or refusal to perform work duties that conflict with islamic teachings (cab drivers not taking blind passengers with guide dogs), but resorting to violence or the threat of violence (newspaper cartoons) has been a constant pattern. Since both the current terror threats and cultural threats are coming from islam, why is pointing that out “Fanatical”?

"

To No wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:20 AM:

" Have you heard of Northern Ireland? "

to: What is a True Muslim wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:56 AM:

" You mention the "free world" but when people are occupied and their governments artificially overthrown they will react. What gave the "free world" the right to go in and install the Sha of Iran in 1954, and then why scratch your head when the Sha is overthrown and a segment of Islam becomes radical? Politics becomes an extension of religion, and vice versa, but always, people are interested in their own freedom. "

to cat from mrd wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:40 AM:

" you post would carry allot more weight if all these other posters where not blaming all Islamics, instead of the Fanatical Islamics. Fanatical people are dangerous no matter what language they say God in. Oops i guess you are in that group too. "

T wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:24 AM:

" Yep same religious nuts that elected GWB Yep you right! "

To Sam & Carl wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:17 AM:

" There have been a number of Islamic groups protesting against the acts of terrorists. The stories just don't get very much press, probably because they don't sell as many ads as the inflammatory "angry mob" stories do. Heck, several Islamic groups and spiritual leaders tried to contribute funds to the post-9/11 funds, only to be turned away. Besides, I'd imagine a lot of Muslims are just sick and tired of trying to explain things to people who already have their minds made up and won't listen to reason or rational discourse. "

No wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Peaceful religion? I don't see Christians attaching bombs to themselves and blowing up a van full of kids. Sorry Islam, you made your bed, it's time to lie in it. "

The Cat wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:59 AM:

" Some observations on this letter: Although there have been some violent periods in Christian history there have been none of a religious nature for well over a century and some cited (the Crusades and witch burnings) were in response to provocation or the state of civilization at the time. The Crusades followed by more than 300 years the islamic invasion of Europe. Unlike the college educated muslim terrorist of 9/11, witch burning was done at times of great disruptions and ignorance in Europe and early North America. For those who wish to bring up the Irish issue, remember the conflict was more a ethnic than a religious fight with the native Irish fighting the English and Scots settlers/invaders from Britain. Religion was more a cover than a cause and the last gasp IRA groups were more marxist than either religious or Irish. In contrast, islamic violence and aggression has been on going since its inception and has been directed at all other religions, the non-religious, and even internally between islamic sects or power structures. "

Carl wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:47 AM:

" I don't hear any Muslim's coming out against terrorism. Even those who were raised Muslim and have since supposedly converted to something else seem to have no or a very week stand against the terrorists. Since this is the case, their motives and beliefs must always be questioned. "

sam wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:42 AM:

" Ok. Then where is the outrage of "true muslims" against the acts being committed by people that are staking claims to the same faith? What is being done by "true muslims" to root out the false prophets of their faith who bring shame to all Muslims? If the extent is writing an editorial to the pantagraph, I think your efforts are lacking. "

W wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:41 AM:

" I knew a Muslim family in my former neighborhood - They were very nice people. I agree that there are people in every religion that pervert the teachings. "

to What is A True Muslim? wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:28 AM:

" You obviously never took college level science classes or worked at a place that employs scientists. There are a lot of Muslims in the Sciences and they are as honest, dediciated, and caring as any other people. "

Wat Tyler wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Good point Matt. Radical Muslims are trying to create a holocaust, where christians and muslims fight to the death and victor gets the spoils. Fortunately there are many voices, muslim and christian and atheist (and other religious affiliations) who are constantly pointing this fact out, your voice included.

While it is important to note that most muslims do not support terrorism, it is also important to note that most terrorists are muslims. Let me qualify that, most terrorists that are attcking us. To say that true Islam isn't violent fails to explain why Islam worshippers are being led down the path of terrorism.

We have a responsibility to protect the helpless and innocent among us from terrorists inspired by a religion that requires them to kill infidels, as they are taught in their terrorism camps, and if that means targetting muslims, then that is the hard task before us. "

joe wrote on Feb 29, 2008 8:02 AM:

" There is no such thing as "true Islam"! "

this is 2008 wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:45 AM:

" I would hope that we could agree that mankind is not the same today as it was at the time of the crusade or the spanish inquisition. Many great documents representing the cumalitive thought of man, such as the Bill of rights have become a part of the ethical and moral codes we adhere to. My problem with the Islam religion is its inabliity to live within the 21st century in peace. Yes the christian past is not the peace that you read in the bible, but that was hundreds of years ago. The terrorisim we are forced to deal with is taking place today. I do not live in a time and manner as described in the old testament. To do so would deney the life of Jesus in the new testament. "

24%ers wrote on Feb 29, 2008 6:25 AM:

" Tromp, tromp, tromp... tromp, tromp, tromp... here come the 24% trolls to tell you all about Islam, from Rush's point of view! "

What is A True Muslim? wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:57 AM:

" Matt you say a true Muslim, where do we find one? I don't know any. The ones I do know are anti-American yet they live here or are natives of America. I have a problem with anyone who tries to sell me on their religious beliefs. I have my own Thank You and I do not attempt to explain, extend, or share those beliefs with others. It is apparent you feel the need to explain your religion to the readers in this area, it is your right to do that. At the same time when you consider how many violent acts are committed against the free world in the name of Islam, I am sure you wont be disappointed if people prefer not to hear your message. "

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