I don't agree with everything Sam and Bill said, but their underlying logic is that the texts that form the basis of these religions are deeply flawed. That moderates ignore the bad passages so that they can function in modern societies is laudable, I suppose. Simply pointing out that a straight reading of the "Holy" texts of these religions reveals a laundry list of horrors is not "phobic" or "bigoted".
I'm not religious, but my family is - and I can understand the pressures on people to identify with a religion. But at some point words should have meaning - and if you choose to be Christian or Muslim, these religions hold their texts to be inspired by God - and therefore all the bad ideas they contain are OK in God's eyes. You can claim to be a Muslim or Christian, and NOT hold that the texts are God-given, but then your outside the common usage of these words and Sam and Bill really aren't talking about that kind of belief (and Sam has said this clearly). And, really, why? If you don't believe the Koran is God's word, then why call yourself Muslim... it's like being anti-choice, anti-gun and pro-gay, but calling yourself a Republican.
I read you religiously, Dr. Cole - and this is the first time I've felt your analysis far off base. Far less than being a return to legitimacy, Obama's policies are simply bowing to reality. He is a pragmatist, but his foreign policy vis-a-vis indefinite detention, rendition, etc, show that he has no special desire to follow the law.
Re-classifying troops, keeping an army of mercenaries, and building a new army for the State Dept. is simply carrying on business as usual while giving our illegal policies a new polish. Please don't allow him that cover of legitimacy.
I don't agree with everything Sam and Bill said, but their underlying logic is that the texts that form the basis of these religions are deeply flawed. That moderates ignore the bad passages so that they can function in modern societies is laudable, I suppose. Simply pointing out that a straight reading of the "Holy" texts of these religions reveals a laundry list of horrors is not "phobic" or "bigoted".
I'm not religious, but my family is - and I can understand the pressures on people to identify with a religion. But at some point words should have meaning - and if you choose to be Christian or Muslim, these religions hold their texts to be inspired by God - and therefore all the bad ideas they contain are OK in God's eyes. You can claim to be a Muslim or Christian, and NOT hold that the texts are God-given, but then your outside the common usage of these words and Sam and Bill really aren't talking about that kind of belief (and Sam has said this clearly). And, really, why? If you don't believe the Koran is God's word, then why call yourself Muslim... it's like being anti-choice, anti-gun and pro-gay, but calling yourself a Republican.
I read you religiously, Dr. Cole - and this is the first time I've felt your analysis far off base. Far less than being a return to legitimacy, Obama's policies are simply bowing to reality. He is a pragmatist, but his foreign policy vis-a-vis indefinite detention, rendition, etc, show that he has no special desire to follow the law.
Re-classifying troops, keeping an army of mercenaries, and building a new army for the State Dept. is simply carrying on business as usual while giving our illegal policies a new polish. Please don't allow him that cover of legitimacy.