I had plans for this blog. It was supposed to be my corner for conversation on random world events and things I see in the news that interest me for good or for ill.
But, since the debacle that is our presidential election, it has turned into my corner to develop as a conscious voter.
Recently, my mother and I were talking about the candidates, foreign policy, terrorism, and Islam. My mother is two things: 1. The most knowledgeable about Islam as a religion, culture, and way of life than anyone who hasn't earned their degree in such studies, and 2. very opinionated.
She is, I think, going to vote for Senator McCain in November. Her reasoning for this comes down to security:
1. Nothing else matters if America is, as she will likely be, attacked again.
2. This future attack will come from the hands of Islamic fundamentalists who want to watch the West burn.
3. This attack will be better orchestrated and more powerful and more lethal than those of 9/11.
She believes that Senator Obama is naive and does not fully appreciate the threat posed by Islamic followers and states. She believes that Senator McCain has a better understanding, and will take those threats more seriously, and will be more likely to do whatever it takes to ensure America's safety.
I am torn. I want to elect a president who will take care of Americans first by improving health care, by improving chances for education, by reducing our foreign debt, by promoting green initiatives, etc.
But what good is all this if there are forces out there hell bent on destroying or subverting our way of life and very existence?
Threat to behead Canadian Prime Minister
60 Hindu's Killed in train fire
Homeless man beaten for eating during Ramadan
Father stabs daughter and crushes her head with a rock for seeing her husband
What do I do?
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7 comments:
I feel like that thinking is so pessimistic. Yes, internationally we aren't well respected, but I feel that is our current way of diplomacy that gets in the way. The world will be looking at either new president (although they want Obama for the most part) to change the US image.
We have to have faith in a change in our political dealings. I dont mean a Barack Obama hype "change" but in general, in how we look at the world, America needs to get its act together.
BTW, the hatred of America by fundamentalists is more our outsourcing of our culture. Capitalism if you will.
Oh and we are actually aware of groups planning against us this time (we meaning the general public and not just say, the president), so if we get our act together, we can change it. I believe it.
McCain is also a little too war hungry for me PS. Quickest way to make sure we are attacked? Go after Iran. Unlike Iraq, which has been hated for a long time in the middle east for being too western, Iran is admired for being like, hey US, you cant half nuclear weapons and say we can't. screw you.
Hey Eric, thanks for commenting.
I agree with some of what you say.
The hatred of fundamentalists is due in part to the US outsourcing Western culture, values, and way of life. But is it also due to the fact that, Islam as a religion, strictly forbids "friendly" or equal dealings with Christians and Jews.
How are we supposed to "work with" nations who believe that it is their duty (whether they act on this duty or not) to kill Jews and Christians? How do we trust a people whose book of faith tells them, "thou shall not suffer a Jew or Christian to live"?
And as for "exporting" our "wicked Western ways," what exactly is wrong with promoting gender equality, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and other "Western cultural values?" These are only the sorts of things that can flourish in a democracy—a religious state does not allow for this type of development (at least not easily).
Do I think we should have gone to war in Iraq? God no. But now that we are there and have really given Eastern nations a target, I'm not so ready to believe that a fresh-faced, new-way-of-thinking president is going to be the solution to all our ills.
I don't know, in general, I'm a pessimist/realist. I have my ideals and know what I'd like the future to be like, but I also accept reality.
I don't think what we are outsourcing are our values though. For example, Saudi Arabia is one of the US' closest allies, and according to the UN, one of the most oppressive regimes and we do nothing about their human rights abuses.
Strict interpretation of all religions have equally harsh norms and rules. The Muslim nations are fine with other western nations after all, and African muslim countries are very tolerant of Christians.
Are we outsourcing all our more positive values (McDonald's certainly doesn't count)? Heavens no. Could we do a better job of walking the walk when dealing with nations like Saudi Arabia? God yes.
I will say this though: Yes, it's great to export better values, but it's also nice to have allies. At some point the US decided it was more important to have an ally and to slowly work on influencing Saudi culture, than to take the "high ground" not have any allies in the East. I can kinda see that point of view.
As for "Strict interpretation of all religions have equally harsh norms and rules," I'm gonna have to disagree with that. Yes, many started perhaps with harsh rules/norms, but many evolved over time.
Old Testament Christianity is a great example. New Testament, far less angry lol. Take the Ten Commandments: The basic premise is to love, respect, and forgive. That is a strict interpretation. Whatever it is people like to drum up and call "Biblically supported" is really just one mans interpretation of the facts.
I'm thinking, given how long Islam has been around, they should have evolved to a more peaceful and accepting doctrine.
Hell, Mormonism is a great deal newer than Islam, and even they figured out plural marriages and excluding minorities from the Priesthood was a bad thing.
I disagree with you totally on Islam. And for the record, just like mormonism, most Muslim people disagree with polygamy.
I dont think we are trying to influence anyone. The American government just wants money. This has been going on for far too long for it to be a bipartisan issue i.e. democrat or republican. its a problem with the way we do business.
we also have many other allies in the east, our problem is we cycle them in and out. For Example, Iran was our biggest ally for a long time. It ended when we took India's side during Iran vs India conflict in 01 and 02. Both sides were in the wrong, and we took a side. Same thing with Israel and Palestine. Both deserve holy lands. We take sides with one.
We can disagree and still be civil, which I appreciate. One request though, can you at least spell Barack's name correctly? The only request.
Will try to respond to the rest of what you said later, but two things:
1. Don't see the point in making this a major blow out. I have my opinions, you have yours, and we're two intelligent people.
2. Huh. And here I always thought I was spelling it right. I checked it on Google once and nothing popped out and said it was wrong.
Still, you sound like some love-struck groupie with that "request." :-) Just let me know I'm misspelling his name. 'salll good.
I dont think it should be a blow out either. All to often with people it is, it was more complimenting us.
I actually am somewhat of a groupie. Ive been a fan of his since 2004. my freshmen year I had an Obama wall.
I did however, vote for Biden in the primaries.
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