Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Islam: The Catalyst Europe Needs to Become United?

The unity of Europe has been, and is, the dream of many a European politician. The EU spends its time devising new ways to break down the barriers hindering integration; though often times to the annoyance of the citizens of Europe.

Now, however, we have Muslims baying for blood, and this phenomenon, if used wisely, could truly act as the catalyst that unites Europeans!

There is no doubt about it that European, and all Western, values are being undermined by the Muslims within our borders, and are under constant attack from the Muslims without, too. Again, only in the past few days, it has come to light that another furore is building because a group of young right-wingers in Denmark took part in a competition to draw more cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. Their remit: to draw him in the most degrading manner they could think of! Muhammad was drawn as a urinating camel and another drew him as an intoxicated, beer-drinking camel. Yet another cartoon shows Muhammad as a drunken terrorist attacking Copenhagen.

How shocking! How truly shocking! Or is it? Just about all other gods and religious symbols have been attacked over the years in the West; it is part of our cultural freedom, however distasteful it might be to many, especially to those outside our borders. Most people found Piss Christ by the artist Andres Serrano in 1989 to be highly offensive; but the world didn’t go up in flames over it, though, all the same.

Unfortunately, it’s a price we have to pay if we want freedom of expression, democracy, and liberty. Freedom of expression is totally and utterly indivisible. Either you have it, or you don’t. There is no such thing as partial freedom of expression. If some freedoms of expression are taken away from us, then we shall end up with no freedom of expression at all!

I dare say that the sensibilities of many Muslims have been offended. But that is no reason for our politicians to apologize for any offence caused. On the contrary, our politicians need to stick to our own values. Muslims, if allowed to do so, will take such freedoms away from us. We must not, under any circumstances, allow them to achieve their goal.

How many times could Westerners have felt offended by Muslims in recent years? They call us filthy infidels, burn our churches, behead people, kill Westerners in terrorist attacks, and much else besides. But we take these things on the chin, we take them in a mature manner. We turn the other cheek in the time-honoured tradition of the Christian. This contrast in behaviour shows the Western world’s maturity and the converse behaviour of the Islamic world.

As much as we don’t wish to offend others and their religious sensibilities, that we sometimes do so is the price that has to be paid for freedom of expression. This right is one which tens of thousands, nay millions, have died for in previous generations. This right must be defended to the hilt. As Mrs Thatcher once said to George Bush Sr: “This is no time to go all wobbly!”

We need to be firm and strong and resolute and determined, because we have our way of life, our values, and our freedoms to defend. It is also no time to apologize to all and sundry in the Islamic world. If they don’t like it, then let them lump it. If you politicians want to tell them anything, then tell them to grow up! Welcome to the real world!

There is no doubt about it that the West is under siege by Muslims worldwide. They are ‘trying it on' here, there, and everywhere. They are trying to get us to cower into submission. They want us to kow tow to them. They are also buying up our businesses and corporations, buying up our properties and land, building mosques all around the globe, building madrassahs where their religious values can be instilled into the young who are eager to be brainwashed, and they build propagation centres by the dozen to practise their da’wah, or proselytize.

They are able to afford all this, of course, because we are financing the operations through our insatiable desire for oil. Had we found and implemented a sensible replacement for this substance, their activities would have been severely curtailed through lack of funds. Alas, Western politicians have not been far-seeing enough to solve this problem.

The phase we are in here in the West at the moment is redolent of the phase I went through when I first went to work in the Arab world. When I first went to work in Saudi Arabia it was like an assault on the senses! My whole value system was turned upside down, and put out of equilibrium. Why? Because I was put into a situation in which all the values I had been raised to hold dear, all the values I had based my life on, were drawn into question. It took me several years to re-gain my equilibrium, several years to find myself again.

You see, a Muslim’s values are diametrically-opposed to our own. They do everything differently, and see everything differently. They dress differently, they write differently, they pray differently, they eat differently, they live their lives differently. In fact, their lives are totally different from ours, because their values are totally different.

When two peoples come together like this, peoples with a totally different Weltanschauung, then there are bound to be problems and clashes of values. This is what we are experiencing here in the West today. We saw it with the original cartoon furore earlier this year, we saw it with the Pope’s lecture at Regensburg, and we have seen it recently in the States when a company used the term jihad in a car sales campaign. In the past few days, we are seeing it again with a replay of the cartoon fiasco in Denmark.

Fellow Europeans! It is time to unite! It is time to come together and defend our values. We have a golden opportunity to finally show that we are truly one people! We must not tolerate the excesses of these backward people. We must be firm, we must stand united, we must be resolute, and we must take this opportunity for all European countries to work together in unison. We must put aside our petty differences, for petty they truly are. Instead of seeing our small differences, we must all work together to defeat the common enemy, to defeat this assault on our superior way of life, a way of life which guarantees rights to all people, regardless of colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, and so on and so forth. Islam offers none of these things. It is truly a backward political system (clothed in a deity) for the mediæval mindset. There should be no place for this backward thinking in Europe. We are already far too advanced to be taken back to a bygone age.

Hold firm! Be confident! Be determined! Be resolute! Be sure of your own superiority! Europe is based on a Judeo-Christian culture. We must be proud of that heritage, for that heritage allows all of us, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, and even Muslims rights which so many in many backward countries can only dream of.

We must not allow Muslims to succeed in their quest to take our freedoms away from us; and we must not allow Muslims to drive a wedge between us and the United States of America, our greatest and most dependable ally. We need America; and America needs us. We must remember this at all times; and we must endeavour to co-operate with each other. For united we stand, but divided we shall surely fall!

©Mark Alexander

All rights reserved

21 comments:

Unknown said...

"For united we stand, divided we shall surely fall"

Yes Mark, you nailed it right on the head there. The seeds of division are being actively sown as we speak. I cannot believe the foolishness of so, so many shortsighted people. The danger is transparent for all those who care to see, but alas, so many prefer denial and so are willing dupes in the denigration of any attempts at a rational defense. I have often wondered as to the horror of the Roman world, when the realisation of the total catastrophe which befell them hit home, if things continue as they are, we shall ourselves experience just what they went through. Unbelievable.

While I am in agreement with your sentiment, that a united Europe and America, would indeed be unassailable, the reality as it is now, is that the powers that be in control of Europe, are busy selling us all out as fast as possible, before their little multicultural utopian dream comes crashing down around their spurious moral high ground, some one could have warned them that mole hills are extremely unstable structures, but then again, would they have listened. As currently constituted, the one organisation trying to fashion a united Europe, is actually the greatest threat to the continued survival of Europe. Religious dogma always, but always trumps rationality, for the simple reason, that the rational mind requires fortitude and resolution, where the irrational mind requires little effort and no courage for it is always easier just to go with the flow. The marriage of the fearful with the Postmodernist has given birth to an illegitimate mindset, adrift in a sea of confusion, desperate for safe anchorage while the storms waves gain ever more force, and threaten to smash everything onto the rocks. Far easier to take sweet solace in denial, for then the fear can be put behind you, the need to stop and consider unpleasant thoughts cannot intrude and once again, you will be able to just enjoy those wonderful emmotions, so beloved and saught after by the pure of heart - phew! The stench of moral turpitude is enough to choke the sane, but alas, has no effect on the faithful. Denial is one strong drug, that's all I can say.

spanish diplomat has a great point, that our strength lies in our diffusion, and in that our common cause will unit us, as we put aside our petty differences.

The legitimate concerns of the European peoples will not be denied for much longer, though we have not turned the corner yet, we will soon. The only thing which could prevent that is if the political elites and the forces of Islamic imperialism can reach accomodation, and thereby still the restless hordes of the faithful, somehow I don't see that happening any time soon, as they have the bit between their teeth, and can taste the sweet sent of fear, and like sharks, they are drawn to the blood. Patience is a virtue and has its just rewards.

Mark said...

Welcome, Spanish Diplomat!

... I believe we Europeans truly share enough things to be able to stick together and fight the Enemy (Islam).

So do I.

When we talk to each other as normal people we recognize similarities and compatible differences. It is true we could find European unity in this way: by identifying an enemy, and this time not the US, but Islam.

The US has never been our enemy. I think that concept has been born in France.

... what make us feel so close to each other is not limited only to the European continent. Israel is part of this "togetherness", as it is Australia or New Zealand. And, of course, the Americas (in plural, not only the USA) and a few other countries.

Oh, I couldn't agree with you more. I didn't intend to be exclusive when I wrote what I did. The US, Australia, and New Zealand, and many other countries besides, e.g. countries in South America, are our TRUE friends. We all need to stick TOGETHER.

That´s why I believe the concept of the West is more useful and flexible. And it is less prone to national manipulation by any of the included countries, as there is an obvious leader (USA), and the others may feel less controlled by any centralized power (Brussels)

In no way did I wish to imply that Europe should unite to the exclusion of the rest of the West. That's NOT what I meant at all.

So I go for Western unity, both against its enemies, and as a way to celebrate the bond we have with each other.

You and me both!

Mark said...

Just Another Richard:

Thank you for your very thoughtful and insightful comment. I agree with you that division is being sown, even as we speak. This is absolutely true. But what I mean to say is that having Islam as our enemy really does have the potential to unite a Europe that has, hitherto, remained difficult to unite. But this can only happen if the threat is used wisely. Whether it will be, or not, remains to be seen.

leelion said...

To properly unite we need people to make judgements about Islam.

But in multi-culti land, judgements are forbidden and ordinary folk are made to feel guilty for doing so.

Liberals, leftists and some libertarians are often offended, not so much by the content of value judgements, but more by the fact that someone has actually had the temerity to make a one.

Unknown said...

Always On Watch said...

"Just Another Richard,
I so enjoy your comments here. I don't often comment on your comments, but I do read them."

Thank you Always, it is nice of you to say so, and from a teacher no less, I am flattered. I do occasionally pop on over to your blog, but so far, have not commented. I don't think I would be able to contain my patience with some of the, shall we say, more extreme denialists, who frequently come to argue their positions; though I must say, Mr Beamish, the Beak, and one or two others, can bring a smile to my face with their witty put downs. I fear if I joined in, I'd soon be reduced to anger, and so to incoherent rage, which is of course, the sole purpose of many of the more extreme posters. Maybe one day, when I'm feeling reckless.

By the way, as someone who has endured bach pains, serious back pains, for many years; I fell off of a ladder and landed on my spine some time ago; I can empathize with your predicament. You have my deepest sympathy and understanding. I wish you well.

George Mason said...

Mark,

Another Spot-On essay.Some of my favorite lines:

o Freedom of expression is totally and utterly indivisible. Either you have it, or you don’t. There is no such thing as partial freedom of expression.

o They [Muslims] are ‘trying it on' here, there, and everywhere. They are trying to get us to cower into submission.

o In fact, their [Muslims'] lives are totally different from ours, because their values are totally different.

o And, your final paragraph.

More and more I am watching the pot coming to a boil on the blogs, website, and commentaries. I for one have had more than ENOUGH of being put on the defensive by Muslims. When enough of the rest of us reach this point, we will save ourselves.

Average Family Guy said...

Yup.....I know that there is greatness lurking in the spirit of Europe. I pray that it awakens the masses and enlightenment abounds.

The drunken stupor of "communism is dead" has got to wear off. Something more insidious is percolating in the schools, homes, businesses, and halls of government. It is contempt. Contempt for our freedom. Contempt for our joy. Contempt for our very existence.

Thanks for the great insight Mark. But again, great writing needs to be transformed into great action. How can we conquer our foe? How can we mobilize?

Bubba's Pravda
bubbaspravda.blogspot.com

L said...

One of your very best, Mark!

An inspiration.

Mark said...

Always:

LIVING IN A FREE SOCIETY DOESN'T GIVE ANYONE THE RIGHT NOT TO BE OFFENDED.

Right on! It certainly doesn't. Such fragile egos don't belong in a free society. Such people need cradle-to-grave protection.

BTW, this resurgence of poking fun at MTP coincides with the release of Robert Spencer's new book The Truth about Muhammad. Please excuse me, Mark, for mentioning another author's book, but my copy just arrived the other day. Muslims are, once again, incensed.

Yes, funny that! Though I doubt that there's too much of a connection there, somehow.

No need to be excused. I have already sent Robert my good wishes for the launch of his new book.

That Muslims are once again incensed is no surprise at all. Is there anything they don't get incensed about?

Mark said...

Yes, Leelion, but keep on making them all the same, and just shrug off the left-oriented multiculti types.

Mark said...

Quisabelle:

Yet again a well structured argument for the validity of the "West" and all it's ups and downs, it's warts and all.

Thank you so much.

Every day in Britain, in the supermarket, in the Town Hall, in the Government Office, we must meet and interact with Muslims who have taken advantage of our open Society and settled to improve the lot of themselves and their families.

Yes, alas this is so, so true.

Mark said...

Quisabelle:

Mark, what do you make of the UK New Laborite politicians who have suddenly posed as no longer wobbly jellies, and have begun to make noises on just this subject, ie, the veil and "extremism?"
Do you think they hope to pre-emt the rise of the Right, or do they see the need to make these comments to protect their tarnished multi-culti dreams, and hence their jobs at the next elections?


It's very surprising, isn't it? Have they woken up to the reality all of a sudden? It's hard to believe they couldn't see these things before, somehow.

It's hard to judge why, but it could well be that they fear the rise of the far right. People will, after all, only put up with this nonsense for so long before they rebel.

Mark said...

George (Peace be upon you!):

Another Spot-On essay.

Thank you so much. Your compliment is very much appreciated.

Some of my favorite lines:

o Freedom of expression is totally and utterly indivisible. Either you have it, or you don’t. There is no such thing as partial freedom of expression.

o They [Muslims] are ‘trying it on' here, there, and everywhere. They are trying to get us to cower into submission.

o In fact, their [Muslims'] lives are totally different from ours, because their values are totally different.

o And, your final paragraph.


Well, these things, as you know, happen to be true.

More and more I am watching the pot coming to a boil on the blogs, website, and commentaries. I for one have had more than ENOUGH of being put on the defensive by Muslims. When enough of the rest of us reach this point, we will save ourselves.

I couldn't agree with you more. By the way, there are signs that even Europe is beginning to wake up. The far right is making gains across Europe. Not that I am for the far right, I am not, but who else is going to shake the main parties out of their reveries?

Mark said...

The Call To Sense:

That is why we do not in fact have freedom of speech in this country, because anything that is non-PC cannot be said. And it'll get worse this time next year, you mark my words.

Say what you want to anyway. Don't let the bastards grind you down!

Mark said...

Bubba:

Thanks for the great insight Mark. But again, great writing needs to be transformed into great action. How can we conquer our foe? How can we mobilize?

Thank you; and I agree. How can we mobilize? We must unite! Only together, with united, concerted action, can this monster be slain.

Mark said...

Rockmother:

One of your very best, Mark!

An inspiration.


Thank you so very much. I am going to sleep soundly tonight! :-)

carson2556 said...

Thanks, I just ran across this entry today. I was wondering if you might elaborate on your comments regarding your experience in arabia. How old were you? How confident and settled in your own values and world view? Why exactly were you "put out of equilibrium"? What was different in your work-a-day routine? What were you doing there? What kind of people were you interacting with daily? I'd bet this would be a post of its own or a book. Thanks,

carson2556 said...

Thanks, I just ran across this entry today. I was wondering if you might elaborate on your comments regarding your experience in arabia. How old were you? How confident and settled in your own values and world view? Why exactly were you "put out of equilibrium"? What was different in your work-a-day routine? What were you doing there? What kind of people were you interacting with daily? I'd bet this would be a post of its own or a book. Thanks,

Christian in Texas said...

Thanks, I just ran across this entry today. I was wondering if you might elaborate on your comments regarding your experience in arabia. How old were you? How confident and settled in your own values and world view? Why exactly were you "put out of equilibrium"? What was different in your work-a-day routine? What were you doing there? What kind of people were you interacting with daily? I'd bet this would be a post of its own or a book. Thanks,

Christian in Texas said...

Thanks, I just ran across this entry today. I was wondering if you might elaborate on your comments regarding your experience in arabia. How old were you? How confident and settled in your own values and world view? Why exactly were you "put out of equilibrium"? What was different in your work-a-day routine? What were you doing there? What kind of people were you interacting with daily? I'd bet this would be a post of its own or a book. Thanks,

Mark said...

Christian in Texas (or Carson):

Thanks, I just ran across this entry today. I was wondering if you might elaborate on your comments regarding your experience in arabia. How old were you?

About 31 years old.

How confident and settled in your own values and world view?

I was quite confident and certainly very settled in my values.

Why exactly were you "put out of equilibrium"?

When a person is placed in a completely new environment, an environment which is so alien from what one is used to, and when all the people around you go on and on about the verity of their religion - the air in Saudi Arabia is infused with Islam! You simply cannot get away from it - and how theirs is the right religion and yours the wrong one, theirs is the only true path to eternal life, etc, then you begin to understand that it makes any thinking person sit back and re-evaluate his life. One begins to ask oneself questions. Many people have no idea how sure these people are that their faith is the right one. If only Western politicians were to sit up and take more notice.

Ultimately, of course, I didn't buy into it; but it did make one start to think very deeply about the values and verities one had been raised with.

What was different in your work-a-day routine?

The work-a-day routine was not the issuel. That was, except for the times, largely the same.

What were you doing there?

I was in education.



What kind of people were you interacting with daily?

Educated ones, mostly Saudis and other Middle Easterners.

I'd bet this would be a post of its own or a book. Thanks

Yes, one day I shall probably write a book about it.

By the way, thank you for the post. And welcome!