Manzullo: Islam Is A "Savage Religion"
The rhetoric
offered up by the Illinois GOP in response to the proposal to transfer
detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the Thomson Correctional Center in
Northwest Illinois has so far been irrational and irresponsible. After
all, Illinois already houses 35 inmates arrested ...
The rhetoric offered up by the Illinois GOP in response to the proposal to transfer detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the Thomson Correctional Center in Northwest Illinois has so far been irrational and irresponsible. After all, Illinois already houses 35 inmates arrested on terrorism charges. Since put behind bars here, they have gone "totally unnoticed," writes the Tribune editorial board today. "They have shown there are no special risks from confining suspected terrorists in the Land of Lincoln."
Responding to the rash letter penned by GOP Rep. Mark Kirk and signed by numerous Illinois Republicans, the Sun-Times editorial board adds:
What troubles us is the fear-mongering among those who oppose the plan -- beginning with U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, whom we once viewed (and repeatedly endorsed) as a moderate and thoughtful fellow.
Kirk and other excitable Illinois Republicans are warning that Illinois "will become ground zero for jihadist terrorists plots." Can we get real here?
But none of the comments were more unreal -- and reprehensible -- than those from U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo, whose congressional district includes the Thomson prison. Speaking to WREX about the plan to sell the facility to the federal government, Manzullo said of the detainees, "These are really, really mean people whose job it is to kill people, driven by some savage religion." Watch it:
A "savage religion," Rep. Manzullo? Care to say that to the face of any of the 2.35 million Muslims currently living in America, thousands of whom serve in the military that carries this country's flag into battle? Or how about the 1.57 billion Muslims worldwide, the vast majority of whom practice peacefully and reject Islamic extremism?
Granted, horrible acts have been carried out in the name of Islam. But the same is true of Christianity. Yet somehow we don't think we'll hear Rep. Manzullo using inflammatory generalizations to describe that particular religion.
(H/T commenter "Marcus Agrippa")
Comments
RE: Granted, horrible acts have been carried out in the name of Islam. But the same is true of Christianity.
Whoa there, fellow! Can you name just one event since the founding of America where we've had mass genocide on the American people committed by Christians? And don't cite (which you can count on less than one hand) the slaying of a handful of abortionists as their killers have been disavowed and repudiated as anything but Christians. I can point to you PLENTY of examples of Muslim terrorism - ever hear of 9/11 and Fort Hood. Christian terrorism - it just doesn't exist. Case closed.
Nedd, your comment makes our point for us.
You bring up those Christian fundamentalists who have murdered abortion doctors and suggest that they should be excluded from consideration because their actions have been condemned by peaceful Christians. But the same can be said of the Islamic reaction to 9-11 and Fort Hood. Those acts also spurred condemnation among peaceful Muslims.
The point is that Islam -- like Christianity -- attracts a vast and diverse following, with many conflicting interpretations. Manzullo's generalization is irresponsible and only helps to stoke the flames of anti-Muslim sentiment in this country.
Even if this article didn't refer to Christianity in general, examples from American history abound. See: Native American population declines in the 1800s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocides_in_history#United_States_of_America
Does this idiot realize how many Muslims live in his district??? Is he going to hide under his desk when they visit his office or just what would he do? I'm embarrassed this guy represents me and I really don't see how he gets elected with such a diverse community here in Rockford and the surrounding area. People really need to get the word out what a creep this fool is. We really need to get the vote out next year. If people would just VOTE idiots like this would never get elected.
Manzullo's comments reflect the willingness of some people to say just about anything when it comes to Muslims and Islam without really thinking it through. I am a strong proponent of American Muslims speaking out against extremism and terrorism done in the name of Islam, but at some point the broader American community needs to chime in too. I'm glad Progress Illinois and Adam Doster blogged on this topic.
RE: Granted, horrible acts have been carried out in the name of Islam. But the same is true of Christianity.
Yes, a few hundred years ago we were all guilty of heinous crimes... but we have evolved and moved on.
By contrast, Islam has not evolved, its is STILL the source of henious crimes against humanity. Enjoy your Islam, you seem to like it.
Evolution in the US is subjective. This country has done a lot to one race of people all for the sake of manifest destiny. Many of the population still live in poverty worse than Third World countries and all within our boundaries.
When comparing ourselves to Islam, we should not throw stones. I would agree with Queen Noor and her late husband. True Islam equals peace.
ALISON, MPA
Philosophe Forum
So all the Christian people follow the christianity religion perfectly with no problems!? hmm
One has to have a good understanding of a religion before making a judgement.
Most people from all religions follow their own perspective but not the true religion itself. Others follow their own religion peacefully with one another because that is the true belief of the religion. So, think before you speak ignorant congressman!
Islamic countries will not allow other religions into their nation. Why?
Please research experts who know more than the average american. Brigitte Gabriel, Noonie Darwish, Dr. Robert Morey, and Walid Shoebat just to name a few.
All wars can be traced to some form of religion. What matters is this: "What is their message? What is their doctrine? What does it say, teach, and believe?"
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