Obama won't say it, so I will

[theoldwolf]

Islam is great. If you enjoy being a Muslim.

But what if you're a "Jack-Muslim", as it were... and enjoy a little Courvoisier after dinner? What if you're Muslim, and a woman - and want to wear the latest Yves St. Laurent number instead of hijab? Or what if you're Muslim, and gay at the same time? Or what if you're Muslim, and decide you'd rather be a Baha'i?

In Iran, or Afghanistan, or Saudi Arabia, or any number of Islamic countries, the above "crimes" can get you beaten, jailed, raped or executed.

And that's just wrong; religion should encourage people to improve their lives, not ruin their lives if they don't.

A good man I know once said, "Religion is designed to make you a better person. If you're still a jerk, it's not working."

I support the right of the people of Iran to elect an Islamic government if they so choose, but any government that fails to respect the inalienable rights of the governed to determine their own destiny will not last.

If we ever want to build a world that works for everyone, we as humans are going to have to get a whole lot smarter about what's important - having power over others, or having power over ourselves.

Comments

[ccdesan.livejournal.com]

I have some good friends in Sweden (http://www.krafto.se/index2.php?option=displaypage&main=76&subid=76&show=82) who are busy making a big difference in that area.

I wish they'd come over to my side of the pond...

[secoh.livejournal.com]

There are noises about similar projects here too. There are drawbacks but any is better than none.

IMHO even if the water isn't getting warmer and the warm water fanatics are wrong - it doesn't mean we should keep pissing in the pool.