[AtLast]

Originally Posted by dreadgeek

Could you clarify what you mean here? There's a lot of different ways to read this and I'm not sure precisely what you mean. Specifically, what do you mean by "transform the basis of what we stand for..."

Cheers
Aj

You bet!

In saying "transform the basis of what we stand for...", I am speaking to the long-term negative, anti-Muslim stance of western nations perceived (and, to me, often, rightly so) by the Muslim world. Our lack of knowledge and down right refusal to become educated about Muslim life and religious perspectives feeds into so much of what fundamentalist Muslim terrorist organizations use to promote strikes agains us and many other western nations.

I in no way can accept the sexist nature of Muslim findamentalism, but also know that we cannot (and should not) be involved in trying to change belief systems of others or their social and political systems.

I honestly feel that in order to get to a place in which we can in part, thwart attacks, respect, knowledge and diplomacy must be utilzed. Having world religion curriculum in our schools is essential in order to combat stereotyping and hatred of Muslims (and other groups, worldwide). Community outreach is essential.

I do believe that we live in a dangerous world concerning terrorism and that taking steps with technology and intelligence gathering is critical. I just don't believe this is the entire answer.

I am riminded of this almost daily as I shop and do other business with Muslim businesses around me (and those with Muslim employees) and witness the obvious hatred of some of the other customers.