Islam is, and always has been a system that is propagated by force. This was so in the days when Mohammed was centralizing his power among the tribes, and it continues to this day. Force is central to its teaching. When Tariq Ramadan denies this, he is simply lying. He knows differently.

Judaism may consider all gentiles to be dogs, but nowhere in their writings do they call for forced conversion. Christianity may consider all non-adherents heathen, but nowhere does Jesus create followers through violence.

"Jihad means to war against non-Muslims, and is etymologically derived from the word mujahada, signifying warfare to establish the religion."

Umdat al-Salik (o9.0), a legal manual endorsed by the most respected authority in Sunni Islam, Al-Azhar University in Cairo.

So warm

"Iran today is still very much a Shiite country and a source of inspiration to Shiites everywhere. In Yazd, for example, self-flagellation ceremonies at the Hazireh Mosque included large organized groups of Afghans and Iraqis, who beat themselves with chains with as much vigor as, if not more than, the locals."

"One former Revolutionary Guard told me, with absolutely no animosity, that Americans could not be so foolish as to attack a country where 10-year-olds have been willing to strap grenades to their waists and run under enemy tanks (referring to the Iran-Iraq war)."

"...the Bush administration would do well to remember that a prideful Shiite Iran will choose martyrdom over humiliation any day of the week."

It appears that statements like this are made with no indication of just how bizarre they are.

Is there any hope for these people?

Poco

that the left propagates is that Webb et al won the election due to some massive effort of the blogosphere, grass roots, brilliant campaigning, etc. Continue believing this fantasy if you wish. It will be the rapid undoing of the recent gains that democrats have received.

The reason Webb won the election is because people like myself can no longer stomach voting for republicans that have become so blatantly socialist. Rest assured that the more socialist (income redistribution, wage controls, entitlements, taxation, egalitarianism, disregard for the constitution) the measures passed by the government, the greater the backlash will be.

Concerning Webb in particular, I think we have seen just how much the democratic voters are willing to disregard their own philosophies to get their man elected. Much like the republicans have done in the past. I predict you will regret that decision. Webb is truly a monster of your own making.

In the meantime, enjoy watching Murtha and Pelosi. Shining examples of how little difference actually exists between the parties.

Poco

Shut up and drink your kool-aid.

Love,

Hillary

You drank the kool-aid (second time I've used that phrase today), get used to the results. You believed the lie that work and money and things are more fulfilling to humans than what those stupid "breeders" have. I'll bet you drive a nicer car than they do, so there. You got what you wanted. What? You want more?

Don't worry. We all make mistakes. It's just that the more arrogant and selfish ones usually cost more in the long run. You want to do something useful in your solitary years? Go back to New York and tell every young woman you can that you were wrong, and so are they. But you won't do that. You will escalate your errors, and hump your misery on to an innocent baby. In the end you will both suffer all the more.

The most egocentric and indecent thing you can do is intentionally forego a whole and necessary family structure "in favor of a few vials of sperm". After all, it is all about you, isn't it? To hell with the psyche of a child as long as you get your new puppy, or fashion statement, or security blanket, or whatever having a baby means to you.

You messed up. Live with it.

Poco

Yes, I do take issue with those who drag innocents into their misery, and it is happening all too frequently. I am well aware that there are many one parent families that find themselves in that condition through no fault of their own (though I do not include the majority of divorces in this category). Those whose spouses have died, or who have been forced to flee an abusive relationship cannot be faulted. I think that their children, though they will suffer along with their parent, will understand and admire them all the more.

The ones that make me (literally) sick are those monstrously egocentric individuals who intentionally disregard biology, history, sociology, psychology, and decency just to get the object of their desire. Children are not a fashion statement or the latest toy. Children are precious, and are not to be abused in any way. Sorry if that offends you. I guarantee you, offending the child is inescapable, and of much greater consequence.

Do married couples have children because they want to? Because they want one? Because it will fulfill their desire for a family? Perhaps so, but this is the way it has been designed. This is the way it works. This is the way and the opportunity to demonstrate love and true sacrifice. This is the way God made it.

Poco

Right on! That is the best one-liner I have read in a long time.

Poco