Let's Make 2015 A Better Year Than 2014

As we reflect on 2014, we are left with a sadness about a world in conflict in so many countries. Now there is nothing new in that, except now, the impact of those conflicts are much closer to home than many of us have ever experienced.  As a result, new hostilities and hatreds have become more evident on our own shores. Our political divide became more hostile as well. Further fracturing us as a society, as the community of Australia.  

But as we look ahead to the new year, we are presented with a completely blank canvas.  It's a chance to reflect on the failures of the year gone by and to commit to making changes to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

Life is a gift. It's the greatest gift that is given to all of us, regardless of our colour, our race or our beliefs. For most of us, living in our country, we have so much to be thankful for. Our health, our surroundings, our family, our friends and most of all, our freedom.

It's so easy to become desensitised and to some degree isolated from what is happening in other parts of the world. And, to condone, reject or simply ignore the atrocities that we see, based on our own biases, prejudices or interest.  We have the good fortune to live in a developed country. Many don't. Many are faced with a daily battle to simply survive as they fight against others (including western governments and businesses) for control of their lands, their resources and their rights to follow their chosen paths.

These people have different beliefs, customs and practices to us, but are they really any different?  In truth, they are not. We all have the same genetic code and origins. Our needs for survival are the same; clean air to breath, food to nourish and sustain us and shelter from the elements.

For many who live in our country and who have called this their home, they also have family and friends who are still living in countries in conflict. Where death and destruction is an everyday event. To fear for ones loved ones must be dreadful.

So as we enter 2015 we have the opportunity to show we care about our fellow humankind. That means people in all countries and with a special place for those who are fighting to survive against tyranny and injustice. It also means those people should care about me and my well being.

If we all start to care a bit more about others than we do about ourselves, the world would be a much better place. We can't change the whole world, but we can start here, at home. We can start by judging people on who they are and what they do rather than on where they came from, what they believe or what party they support. It's not the total solution, but it's a start and what better place to start than the beginning of a new year. All the planetary alignments are positive, as we come out of years of conflict to move into a period of harmony. The rest is up to us.

Happy New Year.

Self-interest Serving Self-Interest

Poll results, highlighting that a majority now prefers a man who has a record of moral failures as long as your arm as their preferred Prime Minister over a family man, with solid religious principles got me thinking about moral decline. 

The Moral decline in business started when Human Resources Professionals convinced management to brand people as "Human Capital"..

People then became overheads not assets to be traded and discarded at will. When business sacrificed their community obligation and made, the shareholder the priority over keeping people in work. Even worse is when businesses fail despite the efforts of the workers and those leading the business (and who presided over the failure) walks away with massive handouts and the employees a pittance.   

The moral decline in democracies started when politicians realised that people would vote for those who gave them the most with little regard for the cost or long term viability. And, when people realized they could manipulate politicians into keep giving them more and more, or they would lose their jobs, even if that means voting for politicians with low values and no interest in the long term viability and prosperity of the country.

The moral decline in society started when people realised they could get whatever they wanted now, (on credit) despite their inability to pay and when they could no longer pay off their debt, someone else would pick-up the tab.

And, more and more people discovered they could manipulate the system, not work and someone else would pay for them. 

When people had children and put their hands out for more and expected others to help pay for them. 

Just a small sample of self-interest, serving self-interest!!!

   

Fake Sheik Haron & the Litany of Failures

Fake Sheik Haron (Haroon): Governments (past and present) and the courts have questions to answer over their action or non action over hostage taker Haron. We have a right to be angry and we have a right to answers. As a community, both have failed us and as a result three people are dead (including Haron's ex-wife). And, whilst I don't wish to cause alarm, we have a need to know how many potential Sheik Haron's are walking free within our community as a result of similar failures.

As has been reported in our local papers Iran warned our Govt's about fake Sheik Haron. As you would expect 'Iran' has been critical of Australia in light of the events of this week (see attached report) They should be. As a country we've failed them as well.

In 2007 our local Muslim community asked the then Govt to investigate Haron, who had caused concern within the community here. "The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has urged Sheik Haron - who ambiguously claims on his website to be a "small soldier" - to identify himself and stop exploiting freedom of speech to attack mainstream Australia under the banner of Islam." (From The Australian 28, January 2008)

The courts added to the litany of failures in allowing this man out on bail not once, but multi times despite the seriousness of the crimes he committed. And despite the requests by police and prosecutors to keep the lunatic behind bars. Our police, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are also victims of the court failures.  

It appears multiple requests for action have been ignored and despite the evidence and requests from Iran a con-artist and fraudster was granted asylum in this country. A con-artist and a fraudster who went on to become a fake Sheik, an accessory to murder and a rapist is given license to walk free in our streets.

I have no idea why repeated warnings and requests were ignored. It's hard to comprehend that a person with such a dubious background can be afforded so many liberties despite the evidence against him.  On all counts this is a collective ultimate betrayal of us as a nation, of the families left to grieve and of the Muslim community. It must never be allowed to happen again. And we must continue to demand answers.

Iran News:

http://217.25.54.55/en/News/81430222/
http://217.25.54.55/en/News/81428520/

Some earlier local articles on Haron: (copy and paste to read)
2007 - http://austrolabe.com/2007/12/06/the-fake-sheikh-haron/
2007 - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/sheik-faked-to-stir-up-ill-feeling/story-e6frg8yo-1111115203676
2008 - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/call-to-probe-mystery-shia-cleric/story-e6frg8yx-1111115413357
2009 - http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/10/23/give-us-a-break-the-fake-sheiks-not-worth-the-effort/

University Reform Policy

I can see nothing wrong with the Government paying for ads to tell the electorate what they are doing.  It would be preferable not to have to spend the money, but it isn't an election year and given the following, what's the alternative?

We have a media who fail to tell the truth and appear to have a campaign to deliberately muddy the waters. We have an opposition who have lied about the impact of the proposal, and who have stuck their heads in the sand for years with regards to our inability to keep funding from the public purse. We have people like Senator Lazarus, who won't even meet with the Education Minister to discuss the proposal including amendments!!! And, we have an overwhelming plea from the university sector  to support the proposal because without the necessary change they are in deep trouble.

The Government has a responsibility to inform. They haven't been able to get their message across because of the above. We have opposition parties who just block regardless and we now have a stalemate.  Something had to give to get common sense back on the table and if advertising is the best option, go for it I say.  As for the naysayers in the media, opposition and independent groups, if you had done your job, rather than politicking, lying and obstructing the Government wouldn't be forced into going down the advertising path. So if you want to blame anyone for the money being spent on this activity blame yourselves.

Well Done Mr President - I Think Not

Was Obama's grandiose climate announcement really inspirational? Is it really the deal of the century? I believe the answer is no. I believe the Chinese have pulled a swift one again. And I think Stuart Varney at Fox summed it up perfectly with this statement.

"This is not a lopsided deal.  This is a total cave on the part of President Obama to his Chinese counterpart.  We are going to accelerate the cutting of our emissions.  We've got even bolder targets.  China doesn't have to do anything.  They can keep on polluting at this current level, even increase their emissions for another 15 years.  All they've agreed to do is peak their emissions in the year 2030.  We cut; they don't.  And then when you come to the money, we're gonna pay for this.  Our utility bills are going to go up, and it's gonna cost us jobs.  It doesn't cost the Chinese anything.  They pay nothing extra for this so-called agreement."

The Chinese are the biggest polluters in the world and they are not going to do anything that will hinder their economic growth. They plan to continue building coal fired power stations because that is crucial to their growth. In fact, for the next 15 years they will be increasing their emissions. The Chinese are the smart ones not Obama. China are the ones who can leave the G20 stating they are committed to Tony Abbott's inspirational vision of growth and jobs. Obama, on the other hand has just simply tightened the noose on growth.

So, to recap, China will continue to develop and grow, to lift more people out of poverty and increase their standard of living as a result of the provision of power. For it is this power that enables factories to be built, to provide jobs and to increase exports and to contribute to overall economic growth.

The US on the other hand under Obama's grandiose vision face higher costs of doing business, increases in people's power bills and therefore a negative impact on their cost of living.  They face the likely prospect of more business closures, more people in poverty, stymied job growth with the resultant impact of effectively slamming the brakes on what modest economic growth there is. And for this taxpayers fork out $3billion.

So well done, Mr President you have proved yet again that you are not only the World Bully but you are Enemy Number One of the American People. Let's hope the Republicans can put a stop to this before you do any more damage.

The China Live Animal Exports Debate

I find the current debate about live cattle export to China fascinating.  And I will declare I am not a supporter of live animal transport be it cattle, pigs or sheep. 

No one with any heart can view images of cattle; sheep or pigs stuck in the bowels of transport ships for weeks and not be moved to tears. Or watch some of the practices in slaughterhouses overseas and not feel revolted.  I feel exactly the same about animals stuck in feed lots on our shores. Pigs confined to pig stalls where they can’t move and most can barely stand-up. They never see the sun on their faces and they live a life of misery until they are transported to slaughterhouses to face even more terror.  Let’s not forget about chickens and battery farms. Once again, live creatures subjected to misery cramped together in the most awful environments and then rammed into cages and off to be killed.   

People tend to focus on slaughtering and forget about what comes before. They hide behind the ‘cry’ that we kill humanely. I personally fail to see how being stunned before having your throat cut is humane. It’s less barbaric arguably but it’s not and never was humane. Perhaps it’s just a little less stressful and a slightly ‘easier’ death than some other practices we read about.  For what it is worth it’s even worse for chickens. Whilst I’m on this topic being corralled in a pen waiting for their turn to be murdered isn’t pleasant for any animal. They smell death and they suffer extreme anxiety. Before anyone jumps to the conclusion that I’m an inner city greenie, I will point out I was born and raised in the country. My father was a farmer so I have witnessed practices first hand.

By all means we should speak up about cruel practices but in all conscious we can’t condemn others and then conveniently turn a blind-eye to what happens on our own doorsteps. Some of the most vocal never ever utter a word about pig pens, feed lots or battery farms. I would be on a safe bet in saying that many of those ‘shouting their mouths off’ about the deal with China have tucked into their bacon and eggs this morning with nary a thought for what happened before their food hit their plates. 

As with so many things in life money will continue to drive our live export industry. It’s big business. We can only hope to minimise the impact on animals.  It’s the same for the less than desirable practices on our own shores (depending on your view of course). But please let’s cease the hypocrisy of the faux outrage over live exports and continue to ignore what happens here. The argument about its less cruel doesn’t overcome the fact that raising animals for human consumption involves a level of cruelty. Some people can accept that which is their right of course. But if you do have an issue with it, do what I did and become a vegetarian.

 

We Are Stealing Our Children's Innocence

We have witnessed some shocking footage, this week, of radical Islamist preachers, in Australia, teaching children the mantras of hate. It's both incredibly sad and alarming.

It's sad for a number of reasons. First and foremost because their childhood and their innocence is being stolen. Children are meant to be enjoying their lives. Playing with their friends. Learning, and being opened up to the wonders of the world. They should not be, being brainwashed and taught to hate and taught that killing innocent people is noble. Is the worst sort of child abuse. It's sad because these children will grow up to feel as though they are victims. Their only goal is to go and fight the 'unbelievers'. What type of future is that? They in turn should they marry and have children will teach the same to their team.

And so the vicious circle will continue.

On the outside, we we have the anti-Muslim, anti-Jew, anti-left or right adults. They are equally as culpable as the radical preachers. One can safely assume from some of the comments we see from these adults, that they are also teaching their children to hate and to vilify. We bear witness to that, with some of the comments that the young make on social media. In their defacing of places of worship. In their abuse of innocent people. We see this with children holding up wicked signs at protest rallies. These children have also been brainwashed, but I expect the anti-brigade would deny that. They can deny all they like, it's true.

So, it is equally sad that the children of the 'anti-brigade' will also grow up to hate people based purely on what they are, and not who they are. The only difference being these children are not likely to take up arms and kill those they oppose. Although we can never guarantee that at some point this might not change.

And so once again the vicious circle will continue.

I have always subscribed to the theory that we are a product of our environment. I know I certainly am and the environment being created for so many is disturbing to say the least.

Was Jedidiah Morse Right?

Jedidiah Morse, father of Samuel Morse (the inventor of the Morse Code) said this about the importance of Christianity to the culture and the administration of government: “To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys. In proportion as the genuine effects of Christianity are diminished in any nation, either through unbelief, or the corruption of its doctrines, or the neglect of its institutions; in the same proportion will the people of that nation recede from the blessings of genuine freedom, and approximate the miseries of complete despotism… Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government, and all the blessings that flow from them, must fall with them.” Was Jedidiah Morse right about this? Asked another way: How is this multiculturalism working out for our culture? Looking at the degrading of western Christian society and those western countries who are sanitising their Christian foundations you would have to think; yes he was right and that multiculturalism is starting to erode the framework of social happiness and therefore cultures of peace and freedom in our society. Source of Morse quote: politicaloutcast.com

FGM and MGM

People who seek to promote #FGM as a single group, single ideology/religious problem, not only highlight their gross lack of knowledge, but they also completely denigrate a large section of society whilst ignoring the fact that the practice cuts across a number of religious, cultural and tribal groups.

The elimination of this practice is extremely complex.  It requires different approaches in a number of areas (not necessarily in order of importance or priority) to deal with; cultural, legal, tribal, religious, educational, patriarchal and economic challenges (as examples). These vary in importance depending on what country & often regions within the country that we are working with. Progress is slow, painstaking and as mentioned complex.

Whilst many on social media in particular raise FGM (regardless of how ill informed some are) it keeps the practice front of mind, but they completely ignore the plight of hundreds of young boys subjected to horrific practices as part of the initiation to manhood ceremonies.  If people are genuinely concerned about genital mutilation then there needs to be a focus on both.

The subject is too important to be used as a tool in the global Muslim bashing frenzy that we are currently witnessing.

Our Experiences Play a Major Role....

Our experiences play a major role in shaping who and what we are. Whilst most people like to think they are 'worldly' people, many are in fact not. They haven't had the wonderful opportunity that some of us have had to travel the world and to learn from scholars. Or indeed the opportunity to work and socialize with people in other countries of different backgrounds, religions and cultures. And many, if they are afforded the opportunity don't bother to engage with locals anyway. I've witnessed that hundreds of times through both recreational travel and business travel. It's such a shame. Such a waste of the opportunity to learn.

When situations arise like we are witnessing now with radical Muslims seeking revenge, one of the first responses from the 'unworldly' people, the closed minded people are to tar everyone with the same brush. They are Muslim, all of them want to kill us. Did every German want to kill the Jews? Of course not. So why in heaven's name would every Muslim want to kill us. There is no question thousands do, but millions don't; not that some people will acknowledge this fact or indeed accept it as fact. Fear, distrust, bigotry, lead to that reaction. For some it's fear. For some distrust and others bigotry. And it's fair to say for some it's a combination of all three.

When you have the temerity to question the attack on and to defend the majority you are accused of being naive; easily fooled. Or, as happened today, you're branded a leftie (which I'm not) and it's hurled at you as though that makes you subhuman. I can say with some conviction I'm not naive, easily fooled or a raging leftie. I'm a middle of the road conservative; on some issues strongly to the right on others tilting to the left.  I actually find the accusations infuriating, but generally manage to hold my tongue in check; just.

I've asked a few who've taken shots at me how many actual Muslim's have they met. A fair percentage has said none. A bit like our Ms Lambie, their inspiration and knowledge source I suspect is Google and social media.

We have every right to be wary. But the question was asked on radio today do you feel less secure after the events of yesterday? The answer is no, I don't. Will I be a little bit more aware of what's happening around me, absolutely. I think we've probably been a little too complacent for too long. Will I stop standing up for what it in my heart. Absolutely not.

When Circumstances Change

Almost as soon as Hitler came to power the systematic persecution of Jews began. The Nazis introduced many anti-Jewish laws. History tells us that the civilian population had little or any knowledge of the extent of those laws.

Got me thinking about what we are witnessing now as it relates to the attacks on Muslims.  I'm not talking about the bad guys here, ISIS & their ilk. I'm taking about ordinary Muslims.  The difference of course is, that in this circumstance the 'attacks' are led by citizens, not the elected leaders (Senator Lambie being the exception). We should also reflect on the point that Lambie wants to be Prime Minister. There are people who both support her and will vote for her.

Some of the similarities..

1933 - Random attacks on Jews & Jewish property started. Attacks on Muslims by and large haven't started here YET, but they are common occurrences in UK and other parts.

1933 - Kosher - ritual slaughter of animals banned. There are constant calls here to do the same as this relates to Halal. Halal has been banned in some European countries.  As a non meat eat I hate all slaughter but those advocating banning Halal never mention Kosher. Why not?

1935/36 - Jews no longer allowed to vote. There has been a cacophony of calls here to ban Muslims from voting if they support Sharia Law.
1935/36 - Benefits payments stopped. Same call here for Muslims who support Sharia Law.

1938 - Some Jews have passports removed and prevented from leaving the country. Muslims are having their passports removed and being stopped from leaving. I acknowledge the circumstances are different but innocent people are being caught up in this now.

1941 - Jews forced to wear a yellow star. We have the reverse call here to prevent Muslims from wearing certain items of clothing.

I find this all a tad concerning. History shows us how quickly circumstances can change. If they did and if more people like Lambie got into parliament, how many would turn on the Muslim community just as they did against the Jews.

The Sharia Debate - A Perspective

The debate about sharia law is highly emotive. Sharia is complex but I suspect many only consider the most extreme aspects. Given the current situation that's understandable,  but are we being fair in doing so.  I don't claim to be an expert, even Muslim Scholars differ however I think I can apply reason and fairness.

In reality, Sharia is personal religious law and moral guidance for the vast majority of Muslims. Moreover, these particular values are in harmony with the core values at the heart of Australia and the very vast majority of Australians. I guess a simplistic comparison would be Christians using the 10 Commandments as their guide with some extras. 

·       educating the individual; 

·       Upholding morality in public and private;

·       preventing hardship, on individuals and society;

·       establishment of justice;

·       preventing oppression. 

One of the more contentious examples in Australia is that Sharia law decrees that men and women should dress modestly, although Countries vary in how they interpret this.  It’s fair to say that in some countries like Saudi Arabia and Taliban controlled parts of Afghanistan the application of this, as it this applies to women is repressive. On the other hand most women in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia (except for Aceh) and western countries as an example choose how they dress in compliance with their religious law. That is their decision, not ours to demand. This is also at the heart of one of the emotive debates in Australia.    

If I’m honest I find women ‘modesty’ dressed less offensive than many of the immodesty dressed women on our streets. I am not intimidated by women covering (anymore). I say anymore because when I was first confronted by large numbers of women in niqabs my first reaction was sorrow and my second was slight intimidation. After years of mixing with these women it doesn’t bother me anymore.  I do however respect the fact that many in this country are intimidated and distrustful.  

Other areas of daily life where Muslims may turn to Sharia for guidance include family law, finance and business.

Sharia is extremely complex as there are five different schools of Sharia law.  There are 4 Sunni doctrines; Hanbali, Maliki and Hanafi. There is one Shia doctrine; Shia Jaafari.  Where it becomes complex is the five doctrines differ in how literally they interpret the texts from which Sharia Law is derived.

For the majority of Muslims, those we like to refer to as 'ordinary' Muslims they just want to live their lives in peace and consider an interpretation of Sharia to be valid so long as it protects and advocates for life, property, family, faith, and intellect. So when people call for Sharia to be banned and those who follow Sharia to be deported or have any government support removed they are essentially including all Muslims. That’s where problems arise in my opinion.

I found this recently. I'll post unedited because it's interesting to review in the context of how the majority of Muslims live their lives and how we live our lives.

"The scholars explain that the welfare of humans is based on the fulfilment of necessities, needs, and comforts.

Necessities

Necessities are matters that worldly and religious life depends upon. Their omission leads to unbearable hardship in this life, or punishment in the next. There are five necessities: preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage, and wealth. These ensure individual and social welfare (added NOT to be interpretation as welfare payments) in this life and the hereafter.

The Sharia protects these necessities in two ways: firstly by ensuring their establishment and then by preserving them.

Religion: To ensure the establishment of religion, Allah Most High has made belief and worship obligatory. To ensure its preservation, the rulings relating to the obligation of learning and conveying the religion were legislated.

Life: To ensure the preservation of human life, Allah Most high legislated for marriage, healthy eating and living, and forbid the taking of life and laid down punishments for doing so. 

Intellect: Allah has permitted that sound intellect and knowledge be promoted, and forbidden that which corrupts or weakens it, such as alcohol and drugs. He has also imposed preventative punishments in order that people stay away from them, because a sound intellect is the basis of the moral responsibility that humans were given. 

Lineage: marriage was legislated for the preservation of lineage, and sex outside marriage was forbidden. Punitive laws were put in placed in order to ensure the preservation of lineage and the continuation of human life.

Wealth: Allah has made it obligatory to support oneself and those one is responsible for, and placed laws to regulate the commerce and transactions between people, in order to ensure fair dealing, economic justice, and to prevent oppression and dispute.

Needs and Comforts: Needs and comforts are things people seek in order to ensure a good life, and avoid hardship, even though they are not essential. The spirit of the Sharia with regards to needs and comforts is summed up in the Qur’ān,"

The question then arises how these are applied. 

Religion: I'm not going to focus on the point of religion. I think that is worthy of separate review. I will say this however, when I've asked my Muslim friends both here and overseas about praying so often; why they do and the benefits they gain, they've stated; it helps them to maintain discipline to lead a better and more productive life. It helps them to learn about themselves; how do they become better people and it gives them a release, almost like meditation. That said, I acknowledge it does cause divide with the non-Muslim community.

Life: I don't believe anyone can take issue with the description here apart from the interpretation of punishment. Many people have very strong opinions about the taking of life as punishment for taking another person's life. However let's not forget even the U.S. has the death penalty and they do execute people. The latest was only last week.  It is also prudent to point out that many Muslim states that follow Sharia Law do not have death penalties. In fact the vast majority don't or they are very sparingly applied. Example, the sentence is death but not carried out and the perpetrator jailed instead. 

The other issue relates to the method of execution. We consider, rightly so, the thought of beheading abhorrent. In fact, delivered as capital punishment it's a quicker death than hanging or lethal injection. Note I’m not referring to the barbaric practices of ISIS. On the other hand if you read about recent executions by injection in the US they were nothing short of barbaric in the extreme. 

Interestingly enough many of those who are outspoken in this country on capital punishment in say the ME are the very same ones who are advocating on social media that we should send Christine Milne and the Greens to the Iraq for ISIS to behead them. Now I have little time for Christine Milne but what awful comments. To me it's sickening that people would even consider saying that. 

I consider ALL capital punishment abhorrent.  The same as the chopping of hands etc. and no one in a modern society would entertain something as barbaric. That said given the level of attack we see on social media with reference to ‘medieval’ practices I was somewhat stunned to see the results of a recent survey in the UK on the application of capital punishment. 45% were still in favour. 16% of UKIP supporters said beheadings were acceptable. I found that enlightening given UKIP’s attacks on Muslims and immigration.   

Intellect: Nothing overtly controversial here except alcohol and drugs. But when you consider the impact that drugs and alcohol has on society; the destruction, the violence, the exploitation, the crime and the resultant poverty perhaps we should be debating the pros and cons. If people choose not to drink or take drugs we should be congratulating them, not attacking them. I know a couple of people who have in fact converted to Islam to help them beat their drug and alcohol addiction. They’ve been successful and I admire them greatly. 

Now, the punishment handed out by some hardliner Muslim's to those who do abuse substances is harsh and we find it abhorrent but so are the soft penalties we hand out. The only different is in the Muslim world the perpetrator suffers in 'our' world the victims continue to suffer.  Once again, the issue is one of degrees not necessarily the 'value’ of don't drink or take drugs. 

Lineage: Marriage. This is a very touchy subject. That said I can see some merits in linage and the continuation of human life.  It's sex outside of marriage and adultery that probably causes the greatest divide. We witness almost daily the impact on society of children born out of wedlock. Often, this is due to reports of abuse and far too often today the deaths of innocent little children.

Many also complain about the burdens on the welfare system due to unmarried women and single parents.  It's lamentable that it's far too easy for young girls to have children with limited ability to look after them and to some degree I believe we seeing the manifestation of this over many years in the increase in disenfranchised youth.  Youth who I might add are ideal targets for radical Muslims or radical any other group for that matter.

Remember, many of those globally who are now fighting in ISIS corner the Middle East are converts. The murderers of Lee Rigby were converts.  Some of our worst offenders were converts. So, I have no issue with a group of people who say marriage is sacred and should be preserved. 

The other issue which causes eruptions is the practice of stoning of those who commit adultery or have sex outside of marriage. The practice is abhorrent. Thankfully, stoning is practised in few countries and instances are largely due to remote 'tribal' communities handing out punishments. The bible and the Torah in fact talk of stoning but thankfully we've moved on. 

Many Muslim clerics, religious scholars, and political leaders, including those in the countries where stoning is practiced, have condemned stoning as “un-Islamic”. Changes are happening, albeit slowly in some parts. With the exception of idiotic youths and radicals I feel safe in saying 99.99% of Muslims in this country neither want to see or support the practice of stoning or lapidaries as it's also referred to. 

Wealth: Nothing controversial here and I've stated a number of times when it comes to Sharia banking laws I think we could learn a few things about application / non application of fees and charges. Let's face it; there are many people who spend a lot of time complaining about the unfair practices of banks and credit card companies. Perhaps we should be having the debate about whether it would be in our best interests to review of Sharia banking laws.  If they are better than ours, fairer than ours, we'd be a bit silly to just dismiss them because Muslims want that for themselves, don't you think?  That said any law has to be a law for all, not some. 

The other point that is used as a bat to belt up Muslims is the abuse of welfare. Now, we have definitely been made aware of a few Muslim abuses recently. It's also fair to say that many economic refugees have tried to come here because of access to welfare. Some have admitted that. By and large however according to the 2011 Census data the 'ethnic' groups accessing welfare don’t highlight those from Muslim countries as the biggest offenders. Brits, Italians & Greeks are the biggest users of welfare. I suspect given the debacle created by Labor, that this has changed, but it's an interesting fact nevertheless. So I guess if we now have more from the Muslim community accessing welfare due to failed immigration we can blame our political leaders. 

Needs and comforts: Not a lot to say about this. People living in this country want small luxuries however modest to make life easier and more enjoyable. Speak to most Muslim dads and they will tell you (often with a chuckle) about their wife's and their daughters and dresses and shoes. At least my friends have. We all want a comfortable life. I can’t see anything wrong with wishing the same for our fellow man.

So back to the call to Ban Sharia!! All I ask is this, when we condemn Sharia let's be very clear what it is exactly that we are condemning. When ignorant politicians like Jacqui Lambie demand that those who advocate Sharia Law be kicked out or lose access to welfare let's be very specific about EXACTLY what elements we are talking about. Because if we are not specific we (using the royal we) are just merely attacking a whole group of people who by and large follow a set of moral principles in living their lives peacefully, respectfully and ethically. 

I expect there are many who will read this and brand me a Muslim apologist. Jackie Lambie would brand me a Sharia terrorist. I'm neither; Muslims don't need me, an 'infidel' to apologise for them. They're more than capable of expressing their own views. As for Ms Lambie her opinion is totally irrelevant to anyone with an ounce of decency or intelligence. My only objective is to try and bring some balance and to be fair to those who are 'assaulted' merely because of who they are and the values they choose to live by.  

So let’s try and be clear about what is we are railing against as this relates to Sharia Law; religious law, common law as opposed to statutory law. For that matter, the radical Muslim element can shout all they like for Sharia Statutory Law, it won’t happen.

Religious law refers to ethical and moral codes taught by various religious traditions. Examples include Christian canon law, Jewish halakha and Hindu law as well as Sharia Law 

The Impact of Social Media & Society

I'm not the most patient of people, but that does depend on circumstance; what whom & why. I'm not prone to violent outbursts or screaming matches. I enjoy friendships with people of all persuasions; religious, ethnic backgrounds, political leaning, general interests. I respect their views, although we often share differing views and I hope they respect mine. Whilst I'm far from being a pushover, I do prefer to discuss differences than fight and argue. That said, even I wouldn't like to be on the receiving end when I do launch forth. I'm not proud of the odd times I 'have lost it'; it wasn't a pretty sight.

Having rationalized this, I now admit I'm finding it harder and harder to stay calm, focused and polite on social media. I think social media has many benefits. It's an outlet for us to express ourselves. We make contact with people all over the world who share common interests and we are often exposed to things we would have never considered before. If used properly, we can learn a lot. All good and now for the downside.

It's a forum that also exposes you to the worst of mankind. At least in thought and word. The lack of humanity, the cruelty, the bullying.  The ignorance, the fear, the racial attacks, the bigotry. The lack of respect, the hate, the bias, the inability to compromise, the double-standards. The anger.  The foul language. There are times I wish I could use a 60point font and just scream - WAKE-UP and listen to yourselves. People attack others without recognising they are no better.  They're doing exactly what they accuse others of doing. I guess the shocking realisation for me is that more and more 'ordinary' people (not meant in a derogative manner, just the men and women in the street) are becoming more aggressive. At least that's my gauge having followed some people for years. It saddens me. If we can't be civil to each other, if we can no longer recognise the impact we have on others through our thought and word then I fear for our future. If we keep it up, the society we end up with isn't a society I want to be part of anymore.

Who Needs ISIL - We're Destroying Our Society...

We don't have to have ISIL on our shores to destroy our society. We're doing a pretty good job of it without their help. As the fear level increases the hate level increases along with it. People turning on each other not because they've actually harmed each other, but simply because they are different. They dress differently, they follow a different religion, they support a different political party or simply a different cause.

The assault at this point is mainly verbal, via platforms like social media. Although, that verbal assault is becoming more extreme. There have been instances of the assault spilling out into the streets. Thankfully for us more frequently overseas than here.  But it's a smoldering tinderbox ready to ignite. It's only a matter of time before someone will be badly injured or even killed here. It just takes one nutter with an axe to grind.

It's alarming, it's distressing, it's senseless and it's certainly dangerous. I pray common sense prevails and we as a collective wake-up before it's too late.

Until We Walk in Their Shoes...

I’m rendered speechless at times when I read comments such “just blast them off the face of the earth, just kick them out.” In other words the only response to those ‘you’ don’t like, or don’t understand is to address it with brute force.  I fear what our attitude and behaviour will become when we so easily fall into such a violent way of thinking.

We never really know what motives people to do certain things until we have experienced the same motivators or drives. 

In thinking about this it prompted to recall an experience I had some years back.  I was working for a very large, well known multi-national. At times items of value were returned to the company for a refund.  Some of those items started to go missing as did food items; taken from the fridges around the building.  One in question was a valuable diamond ring.  We searched high and low, called in the police to no avail.  Things settled down for a while and then a couple more things went missing.  Investigations were launched. Security and police once again investigated.  We struck a blank.   About three weeks after that event I received a phone call from one of the merchants in the local shopping centre.  One of my employees had been caught shop lifting.  He’d stolen a sweatshirt and a tie.  The merchant didn’t call the police which was very generous of him.  I went and collected the young man in question and we went back to the office.

As you would image the discussion about his behaviour was rather tense. Not only had he committed a crime (for which he was very lucky not be charged) but as an employee any negative reflection on the company could not be tolerated.  Then the penny dropped. Could this young man be the one stealing from the company?  I along with my head of security asked the question. He admitted he had.  Then it all came out. 

This young man had arrived in Australia as a refugee (thought the front door) from the ME; we were aware of this when we hired him.  He had been a very good employee. Hard working, punctual and whilst a little shy he had work friends.  Until the stealing emerged we had no reason to council him or even suspect him. When we pressed him on the question of stealing he told us that from a very early age he had to take what he could to survive in a war torn country.  He had been forced to do that from about five years of age. His family never knew where their next meal, item of clothing etc. was coming from. Often they went without food for days.  So as the opportunity presented he stole things, food, valuables and clothing.  Some of these things were kept to sell for food (at times shelter) when they had no money.  Whilst he now lived in a country that was peaceful, where he had a job and a roof over his head he found it hard to settle and to break his old habit.  He never trusted that at some time things wouldn’t change here. As he said, he lived in a peaceful country once and then things changed so from the age of five he was conditioned to survive.  We had no option but to dismiss him.  As you would appreciate we couldn’t simply overlook theft. Like the merchant we didn’t call the police and I also organised to get him some help.  I’m not sure where the young man is now. We kept in touch for a while but I moved on and so did he. But I will never forget that experience.  It taught me that until we walk in someone else’s shoes we never know what drives their behaviour and whilst we may not condone it, we could and should try to understand it.  If we did, perhaps our responses might soften, not be so encouraging of violence as the first and only option.

Quote: “Judge not lest ye be judged” “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

It's Who I Am That Should Matter Not What I Believe

Judge me on my deeds and my actions; please don't judge me on my beliefs. 

 

Sadly, I feel as a society we have pushed deeds and actions to a secondary consideration and far too often we jump on a person’s beliefs as a signal to attack them.
 

The one thing social media has exposed is people's bias. It's scary at times. To some, every LNP voter is scum. To others, every Labor or Greens voter is a terrorist supporter or raging socialists. To some, if you condemn the killing of innocent people in Gaza, you are a Hamas sympathiser. To others, if you support Israel you are condoning genocide. To some, if you follow Catholic teaching you are part of the paedophilia cover-up. To others, if you follow Islam you must be lying in wait for the signal to slaughter the infidels; us. To some, if you voice concern about raping and polluting of the planet, you are immediately branded a raving Greenie or Climate Change champion, when in fact your only interest and concern is protecting the environment.  Having concern for the environment does not automatically mean you support the Climate Change con!!!  To some, if you were born in certain countries you are not worthy of living in this country. To some, if you follow certain religious festivals you are scum, but if you follow those they 'approve' you are must be a good egg. It just goes on and on and on.
 

The latest of course is the ISIS debate.  There is no question that this group are murderous criminals who should be rounded up, brought before the International Court to answer charges of crimes against humanity.  We, you and I, have every right to judge them and to voice our opinions based on their proven deeds and their intent which they have openly stated. But that right should be utilised in a constructive manner if in fact we want our voice to be heard. We should be rightly concerned about youths here, who have left the country to fight with these murderous so called freedom fighters. We should be equally concerned about those, who have remained here and who condone the behaviour of a group of lunatics who are slaughtering innocent people based solely on their BELIEF's or their HERITAGE.  
 

In the case of the ISIS debate, what really frightens me, living in Australia, is not the fact that ISIS sympathisers will commit an act of terror here. Although, like many I'm concerned about it, I'm not terrified as some appear to be. I trust our security personal to be on top of extremist activities. I also trust there are many others who keep our security personal apprised of activities within their communities.  

 

 

What concerns me is that innocent people are being subjected to unrelenting attack. Not every Muslim supports ISIS or other form of terrorism and not everyone who voices their concern about the unrelenting attack on a group of people based on their religion is a sympathiser.  We are just advocating balance; judge individuals by how they live their lives not their religion.  And that due to this increasing level of intolerance and the frenzied whip up by the media (which is getting out of control), people will start taking things into their own hands.  We don't want to see the emergence of far-right fascist gangs as they have in the UK and Europe either. They are as bad as many of those on the other side.
 

We've already had a recent report of one young man losing his job due to inflammatory derisive postings on his Facebook page, which he didn’t make because his page had been hacked!!! Despite his statements to that effect, the right-wing ADL swung into action. The young man in question was reported to his employer and he was fired. People in Nazi Germany did things like that.  Remember, it was only a short while ago that a member (since left) of the ADL accused Muslims of trying to shoot him.  It was all over the news and other media. Of course, when the police proved the idiot himself fired the shots; deafening silence.  But of course the damage had been done.
 

A read through the comments on any far-right wing, anti GMO, Climate Change deniers, peace advocates, pro Middle East peace sites etc. highlight the level to which we have generated as a society.  I’m deeply saddened by what I observe and I shudder in horror at times thinking that I am walking the streets with people who think like that about their fellow human beings.  If I owned up to them about being a person who wants to see the world in a healthier state; environment, human rights, religious tolerance, fairness etc. I would be condemned, verbally attacked and possibly beaten-up. That's my greatest concern. That really frightens me. 
 

We desperately need more voices of reason in this world; people who judge others by their actions not by their political or religious leaning. We should also consider that just because others don’t shoot their mouths off on social media doesn’t mean they are supporting particular actions. It simply means they have chosen to deal with it in their own way, or to stay out of it.  
 

 

"If I treat with you and others with kindness and respect, If I do you know harm. Then judge me on that not on not on what I belief."  The same should apply to others. 

 

 

Reflections: A Woman From Iraq

I met a woman and her daughter who were originally from Iraq, when I was in NZ at the end of last year. She and her daughter came into NZ as refugees following the death of her husband, who was murdered. She wanted a better life for her daughter and she feared for their safety as we can appreciate.  She has made a nice life for the two of them in Auckland. She owns a lovely little fashion jewellery business, which is what drew me to her shop. 

We struck up a conversation and I asked her about her family. She told me they were all in Iraq. I asked her how they coped. She said, they just get on with it and that some have known, no other life. I was intrigued as to why they didn't leave as she had. Her comments made some sense. She said it's their home. It's the only thing they have after years of fighting. Their home and each other. Some just wanted to stay in the hope it would improve (sadly it hasn't) and some to keep fighting in the only way they know for a better life. They haven't taken up arms. They were merely being defiant. 

I've been thinking a lot about her and her daughter over recent weeks. I pray her family is safe and I can't imagine the anguish she is feeling right now. Although I only met her briefly, I will remember her always and on reflection I suspect she and her family (in Iraq) will be 'just getting on with' being defiant and believing they will overcome. 

The Silence of Our Muslim Leaders in Australia Isn't Acceptable

Our Muslim neighbours in Asia; Indonesia, India, Malaysia to name but three have been very vocal in their condemnation of extremism and terrorists organisation. They have been joined by the OIC. There have been half a dozen releases in the last week alone. All of which I've posted on here. They recognise the dangers and are rightly concerned about it. Their countries have suffered the impact on their own shores. We on the other hand, thank God have not. 

This is the bit I need to ask forgiveness for saying. Perhaps that's the problem. Perhaps that's why Muslim leaders here are silent. It's all too easy to be remote from the violent happenings elsewhere. Whilst there is no doubt that young people are being radicalised here (apart from the few that have travelled overseas to join terrorists groups) it's just talk; thus far. Like the far, far, rightwing nutters that sprout their hate on social media so do the Muslim Youth. Whilst I'm sure much is said behind closed doors in the Muslim community it is frankly not good enough that Muslim leaders here remain silent. Perhaps they would wake-up and mobilise if something did happen here. Perhaps only then will they realise as our northern neighbours do the real dangers we face. Let's pray it doesn't come to that and that they act soon. Their silence is no longer acceptable.

When Did Ordinary People Become So Vicious?

Social media is an interesting beast. It facilitates the organisation of communities of people around various causes, and interests and ‘slams’ together people who perhaps would never socialise on a personal level. Some of these communities can be enlightening, some are informative and others sadly, are increasingly frightening.


Perhaps I’m being overly simplistic, but I sense, as a result of the ability to communicate quickly, to form ‘mobs’ quickly and to voice our opinions we have lost some of our ability to reason. As a result, I feel (just my opinion) that far too many are migrating into a society of ‘cyber lynch mobs’. What drives this is perhaps fear, the feeling of helplessness (we hear a lot about that these days), maybe even ignorance and maybe simply the desire to ‘shout’ about something; the reactionary cause.


I’ve written before about our selective rage. Something will hit a headline and because it’s about a group the ‘mob’ are currently targeting the ‘internet’ goes into melt down. The kidnapping of the girls in Nigeria is a very good point in case. Social media users, celebrities and even a President’s wife were tweeting about the plight of these poor girls the hashtag #bringhomeourgirls was trending for days. As always however and despite the fact that most of the girls are still in captivity, not a word is uttered now. The reactionary cause ’mob’ moved on.


There was meltdown when ISIS was accused of issuing a fatwa that all women and girls were to be subjected to FGM. I can understand that. FGM can be a brutal practice and much like male circumcision it is an invasion of a person body most often without their consent. As it turned out, the ISIS story appears to have been a fake, thankfully. Every time the word FGM and Muslim comes up we get a similar reaction. It’s largely kneejerk. There’s a lot of ignorance about this subject but that another story.


After the preamble I’ll get to the point of this story. The situation in Gaza has polarised large parts of our global community. We have the pro-Israel ‘mobs’ the pro-Palestinian ‘mobs’ and those of us in the middle we only want to see the slaughter of innocent people stop. One of the demands of the ‘lynch mobs’ is that non-violent anti-terrorist Muslims need to speak up. Absolutely right, they do. The interesting thing is many do exactly that. However, few get credit or even acknowledgement.


I did a little test last week. I posted four articles where very influential Muslim groups over the past week had condemned terrorist groups. They also condemned the attacks on Christians in Iraq and elsewhere. In one case they called for the ‘reconstruct of contexts’ that breeds extremists group. In other words extremists who take written text and present that in such a way that is anti to the true meaning to promote their vile cause and to suppress. So who were these groups; they were senior Muslim religious leaders in Asia including Indonesia (the country with the largest Muslim population) and more importantly the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental group after the UN. It has a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. In essence, the collective voice of the Muslim world. These are not back yard Imams they are very senior Muslim leaders.


So I posted the articles on twitter with the message to those who are critical of Muslim leaders for not speaking up and condemning acts of violence that here’s ‘hot off the press’ articles that prove they do. I pondered if people would bother reading the articles and if they would help spread the message by retweeting. To be honest, I wasn’t that surprised with the result. Three people retweeted. One person suggested everyone was lying; the usual it’s taqiyya (another indication of ignorance in taking a text and twisting it to suit the agenda). So it became fairly obvious that those shouting and demanding certain actions in fact are not really interested in proof their demands are being met. It’s simply ‘the cyber lynch mob’ and their cause. They are rarely concerned with facts in fact they just ignore them.


We have every right to be concerned about threats that come from global terrorists groups, be they Muslims, Buddhists or Christians. In our country, the possibility of the threat coming from Buddhists (as happens in Burma and Sir Lanka) or Christians (as happens in CAR) is remote; our more immediate threat is from fundamentalists Muslims. We have every right to be vocal about our concerns (I would hope in a constructive manner). I also think that is all the more reason to work with and to support those Muslims who have the courage to speak up and who share the same concerns we do? We won’t win the battle on our own unless we want to turn into the ME and start killing each other regardless of whom or what they are. That is too horrific to even contemplate. And we certainly won’t win the battle in forming quick draw ‘cyber lynch mobs’. We have to be smarter and more inclusive than that.


I expect I’ll be swamped with a rush of twitter ‘unfollows’ as a result of this article. And, no doubt I’ll cop my share of attack; I can just see the ‘you are raving leftie’ (which I’m not) ‘you’re a traitor’ (I’ve already copped that one)’you’re a Muslim sympathiser’ (which I’m not). If that happens it happens.


I made a commitment to speak my truth and to endeavour to be fair. I accept in putting pen to paper I’ll be perceived as attacking ‘my kind’. It’s just that I’ve been so shocked by the viciousness over the past couple of weeks that I’ve ‘heard’ on social media from ordinary people I felt compelled to say something; to share my concern. Which brings me back to my question; when did ordinary people become so vicious. Perhaps ‘we’ always were and now ‘we’ have the forum say what we really think and remain anonymous in doing so. Maybe it's just we react first and we think about it later. Maybe it is fear. Or maybe it's just that we have to hate something to make ourselves feel better. Maybe it is after all ignorance. I'm really no clearer but I feel a lot better having committed my thoughts to paper.


Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality....I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

For what it is worth, I share that view.

We Are So Selective in our Condemnation and our Condoning of Atrocities

This comment was made on a popular Australian site last night, “nobody wants these dirty, filthy pieces of crap in our country no man, woman or child.”  The person who made the statement wasn’t talking about ISIS terrorists. He was talking about normal, run of the mill Muslims many who have been living in this country for years. Of course the fact that many were born here doesn’t enter the equation.

I posted the comment on social media this morning and received a reply that prompted this thinking. The comment was along the lines of, we agree but what about those who cut people’s heads off and hold them up for all to see.

Any atrocity it doesn’t matter what, should be, in fact MUST be, condemned for what it is; an atrocity. Cutting people’s heads off (be it in war zones or as a result of penalties for crimes committed) is an atrocity; it’s not acceptable by any standards of decency and humanity. And, rightly so these acts are condemned by millions daily.  But why aren’t we equally outraged by other atrocities? Is it because we aren’t aware of them? Is it because we aren’t as concerned? Is it because we measure things by degrees, if ‘he’ commits the act it’s OK but if ‘he’ commits it, it’s wrong. Is it because we excuse our own because they are our own? I wish I knew the answer.

Regardless of the atrocities that are committed we can’t condemn every Muslim for the acts some. We don’t condemn every catholic male because of the acts that have been carried out by priests for an example. We don’t condemn every white male for the appalling acts that paedophiles subject children to; many just babies. Acts by sadistic paedophiles are as bad as or not worse than acts carried out by Muslim terrorists. The difference is we are not subjected to a constant stream of news reports and images of these acts. In fact, we are not permitted to see them. Not that you would want to, however perhaps some should. Perhaps it might help them put things into perspective.

Someone said to me once that the atrocities committed by Buddhist Monk terrorists weren’t as bad as Muslim atrocities because not many people were killed by Buddhists. In the case of Burma, the same person said it was OK because the monks were only killing Muslims. I was stunned. 

I signed a petition today to stop the defiling of dogs in Turkey.  Since prostitution was banned in Turkey, men have resorted to using dogs. I’m sorry if this upsets you. It certainly upset me. What these poor animals are subjected to is horrific.  That said, despite it being an atrocity I suspect most people will ignore the call for help.  But if it said Muslims etc., etc., etc. the petition would have gone viral and social media into meltdown. The same person who made the ‘dirty, filthy’ comment would be shouting “I told you”!!!!

Dozens of children, women and the elderly are dying in Gaza as a result of the onslaught by Israel. But many just brush that off because it’s in retaliation to a few pop rockets fired by Hamas. Now, I’m not condoning Hamas’s actions. They should rightly be condemned but equally I don’t condone what Israel is doing either. It’s hardly a fair fight. But there are people all around the world attacking innocent Muslims, attacking innocent Jews because of what Hamas and the Israeli government and military are doing. By any stretch these actions are sheer madness driven by hate, intolerance and bigotry.

So what is the point of all of this? Let’s focus on the ‘crime’ and the perpetrators of the crime, let’s call out all atrocities that we become aware of and let’s not condemn every one of a certain race, religion, country etc. for the sins of some.

The Death of Standards - Jacqui Lambie

Yesterday, during a radio interview, Senator Jacqui Lambie sunk to an all-time low engaging in what can only be described as a smutty exchange with the radio hosts and a young male caller (young enough to be her son). 

Given Ms Lambie is a senator and given her history of vile comments and her thirst to seek notoriety, I like many others, was outraged by the comments. That prompted me to take to twitter with a series of comments.  Those comments varied from questioning double-standards, the inappropriateness of the comments and the slight against men which was largely condoned by the media. In one of my tweets I included a meme comparing the performances of the two Australian female politicians making headlines yesterday; FM Julie Bishop and Senator Jacqui Lambie. In that meme I referred to Ms Lambie as “Trailer Trash”.  On one hand we have Ms Bishop performing on the world stage, achieving the admiration of global leaders and working on achieving an outcome for the families of those who lost loved ones on flight MH17. Then we have Ms Lambie making smutty comments on radio. No comparison.

Back to my comment about trailer trash the definition of which is lower class white people.  I feel very strongly that Ms Lambie’s behaviour to date and her history fits very well with that description. Yes, it is a harsh comment but vile behaviour warrants harsh comment and Ms Lambie isn’t backwards in making some very harsh and deeming comments about others.

As a result of the meme in question I encountered a tweep using the handle @swbeeton.  Mr Beeton had the temerity to call me vulgar for suggesting Ms Lambie was trailer trash.  Then Mr Beeton attempted to justify it in saying that he didn’t call me vulgar just my meme. It’s much in the same thing as far as I am concerned. Mr Beeton had not made one comment about Ms Lambie and her interview so it appears that;

·       Asking a young man half her age if is he is ‘well hung’ is OK

·       Asking the same young man if is he is diseased is OK

·       Stating that a man doesn’t need to speak if he has money and is well hung is OK

·       Talking about your sons genitals is OK http://www.2gb.com/article/jacqui-lambie-said-what-about-her-son#.U878oWIaySM

Well I stand by what I said and if in the mind of Mr Beeton it makes me vulgar so be it, but I seriously think it says a lot more about him and those who condone the behaviour of this woman than me.  I will persist in my demands for decent standards of behaviour from our elected leaders and in particular women.  I will no longer accept excuses made for Ms Lambie she is 43 years old not a child.  She is an elected (if somewhat rigged) politician and her comments have made news across the world. How appalling is that.  Yet the media and others continue justify her performances with comments such as;

·       She isn’t media savvy

·       She’s learning and inexperienced

·       It’s all a bit of a joke

NOT GOOD ENOUGH.  You don’t need to be media savvy to have high standards; you don’t need to be experienced to act with grace and class and you don’t need to learn how to act in public at 43.  If you do, then you are not suitable to be a leader in this country and if Ms Lambie doesn't have the intelligence to understand that then she has two options;

1. Change her behaviour now and start acting like an elected leader
2. Or resign

 

 

 

The Folly of Labelling Muslims Moderate

I read an interesting article on the folly of branding Islam or Muslims 'moderate'. I'm certainly guilty of that, but no more. Although I don't know how to refer to them to be honest. Perhaps, just everyday Muslims. 

The article resonated because of my loathing of being put into neat boxes and the reason why people do that; largely an attempt to control and bully.  I guess when you think about it, it's the same as putting Muslims into 'boxes'. Carving up the Muslim world into either "good Muslims" or "bad Muslims".  Until "we" have decided they are moderate = good they all remain bad and in mainly cases perceived as extreme. Granted some are but certainly not the vast majority. 

It's certainly true that "we" don't spend the same amount of time searching out "good" and "bad" Christians (like Westbro Baptists, the Lords Resistance Army and those other Christians slaughtering people in Central Africa) or Jews (like the Jewish Defence League and those slaughtering Palestinians) or Buddhists (like those murdering people in Burma and Sri Lanka). We can deny all we like but they certainly exist and when this is pointed out it is explained away by the deniers as they are aberrations. The usual answer is "there aren't many of them compared to Muslims". So in the heads of some it's OK because there's "not too many" and they don't threaten us.  That is not only wrong but unbelievable thinking in justifying wicked deeds. 

The Muslims 'bashers' argue that 15-25 percent of world's Muslims are extremists and that the remaining so called "moderates" are irrelevant.  As was pointed out recently it's usually the MAJORITY of a given group that makes the minority irrelevant, not vice versa. That aside, if the assertion was correct (note no one knows what the number is) and based on the lower end of that range, that’s 240 million of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims are extremists. That's the equivalent of every single Muslim in Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, nearly six times the number of all Muslims on the entire continent of Europe. What utter rubbish. Where are the examples of such supposedly widespread extremism? Sure there a trouble spots and there have been incidents reported outside of the Middle East and Central Africa but even if a mere 1 percent of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims is committed to violence, why is it that we haven’t seen 16 million individual violent attacks? Another minor detail which is glossed over or ignored. 

As was pointed out and to quote, "Proving one’s “moderation” is a trap, anyway. The only way to do it is to meet the criteria set fort by the person making the demand." For the anti-Muslim brigade and others, you do that by supporting Western foreign policies in the Middle East, cheering continued military aid to Israel, and rejecting certain Islamic tenets." Valid points indeed  and I would add agreeing with the views and the opinions of the anti-Muslim warriors.  

So back to the problem of the  “moderate Muslim”. The writer went on to say, "It empowers anti-Muslim activists by implying that the degree to which a Muslim digests their religious faith is indicative of their status as a potential terrorist. Thus, “moderately” subscribing to the teachings of the Quran is OK, but should they cross over into the world of daily prayers, Friday afternoons at the mosque, and, God forbid, Ramadan, they’re suddenly flirting with extremism. That way of thinking is predicated on the unfounded notion that pious religious orthodoxy necessarily entails Muslims behaving badly. It also implies that religious “moderation” involves swallowing up one particular political narrative." Hear, hear. 

"Moderate Muslims” are continually berated for not condemning violence or other abhorrent acts (when in fact many do including religious leaders if people bothered to look). Because most people don't look (preferring to reply on social media and right-wing media reports) those doing the attacking presume that every Muslim who doesn’t is a terrorist lying in wait. Those of us who do point out that Muslims speak up are equally berated. I can not tell you the number of times I've had "it's taqiyya" thrown back at me. I've been called naive and an apologist, I've been accused of being easily fooled and they are the soft accusations.  It appears therefore that only those Muslims who jump to the beck and call of Islam’s so called 'experts' police are the peaceful ones. What an absurd position is that. 

In order to create a more equitable and peaceful place in our world we have to stop pretending we are the authorities on the faith traditions of others and as such entitled to dictate how they must interpret their faith in order for them to be welcomed and accepted. This certainly applies to those who's only point of reference is internet Q & A's, or who are part of the massive get-rich-quick industry riding on the back of islamophobia. Make no mistake this industry is almost as profitable as the climate scam industry it just has fewer players. Putting Muslims (and other faith believers for that matter into 'boxes') to fit our idea of what they should be doing, how they should be acting (even what they should be wearing) is not going to solve anything. If anything, it only serves to create a bigger divide and provides those who do with the opportunity to harass and bully. 

We really have to stop trying to put people into little boxes and stop dictating how others should react and respond.