Johnj: couldn't have said it better myself. Very well articulated post.

Following on from my previous post, I'm a little alarmed that this blog has turned into a critique and indeed clash of religious views. In my view, Christian fundamentalists are just as threatening to mainstream culture as Muslim fundamentalists. Quoting passages from the Koran that are filled with hate, can easily be matched by doing the same from the bible etc.

The only difference between Christian fundamentalists and their Muslim counterparts is that the former lacks any credibility amongst more moderate Christians. While I am certainly not a 'bleeding heart lefty', it seems obvious to me that the reason radical sheikhs have such power over Muslim youth, is because much of that youth (especially outside Australia) has been neglected and exploited by the 1st world. For instance when Bin Laden says that America want's to steal arab oil, kill arab children and occupy arab nations, is it any wonder that the impressionable arab youth believe him?

Having said that, I firmly believe that military action is warranted in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq. However this should only be sanctioned after the 1st world establishes effective aid programmes that benefit the population (not sanctions that punish it). The battle for hearts and minds isnt going to be won by converting muslims-its going to be won by appreciating the moderates and alienating the fundamentalists.

Interesting to read the 'debate' that's transpired while I've been off in the bush with the kids. Boazy and co are still the foaming at the textual mouth while a couple of brave adherents to reason persist in trying to introduce some rationality into the discussion.

I particularly like JohnJ's most recent contribution. How dumb would anybody be to establish a hate site with their own name on it - and then whine about feeling thretened?

As far as I'm concerned, one religious nutter's as bad as another.

I like JohnJ's post too. Blimey, am I the illiterate one? ;>

I don't use correct grammar online and I'm quite aware of it. How else do you compact words? What else can a 'saint' do? (lol)

I was just curious about BOAZ's quote. I don't think action should be based on religion but rather laws protecting us from the behavior of these men.

OK, the use of the word "witchcraft" to the describe coaching of children to their suicide for violence was a bad choice of words, but I think you get the drift. Criminal is a better word.

I have just posted a comment on "expanding" child protection laws in the general discussion section of OLO, re-terrorist influence over children. It will be interesting to see the responses.

For politicians or community leaders to reject punitive measures against any individual who abuses free speech is unpopular in a society that thrives on praising the just punishment of criminals. Punishing free speech abusers might win community approval but it does no justice to the privilege of free speech that any freedom loving society should be upholding and protecting. Free speech by definition means an acceptance of all ideas and opinions, even those that can be deemed reprehensible or an abuse of free speech itself. Seeking to have reprehensible views or ideologies suppressed by punishing their advocates does nothing to expose why they are reprehsible or should be condemned. Suppression of free speech drives dangerous ideologies out of public scrutiny and into private gatherings where they can grow unchallenged and followers can find justification in seeing their leaders' persecuted. Suppression is one step closer to oppression that characterises totalitarian states where freedom loving people are desperate to leave. Our politicians and community leaders should swallow their pride and stand up for free speech over and above public adoration and voter approval. They should not be seeking to imprison racists, bigots or those inciting violence, but to explain why these and other intolerant ideas are unacceptable in a freedom loving society.

Crusader

This is real.

The old phsycological trick of looking down and waving off the less moral will only promote more hatred and extremism for ignoring it.

The ability for common sense, is not understood and shared by every individual, as you would, rationally debate.