theoldwolf

Ayatollah Umatillah Panatellah Havaslabah Ahrmahr Stahr Bahloni, a month after saying that his instructions should have the same impact as those of Mohammed, has now said that although music is halal (permitted by Islam), it's not really. According to the supreme dictator-for-life and number one of Iran, "music is "not compatible" with the values of the Islamic republic, and should not be practised or taught in the country."

My heart goes out to the Iranians who want to be free from this kind of tyrranical nonsense.

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.