I’m taking notes on this great article!
Well, I read this article in the NYT about another way to counter the terror of ISIS, and found it most interesting. There has always been great worth in knowing one’s enemy, and I think I am really going to have to take a look at the Quran and see for myself what it says.
Then again, even in the Bible, there are passages of violence and every handbook of every religion can be interpreted in any way the reader sees fit. Sometimes what looks like rules writ in stone (the 10 commandments, for example) are completely bent out of shape by those trying to use these tenets for their own personal gain or for controling others.
I think it would be wise of us all to be like our friends in Missouri who have befriended an Iraqui family, owners of a very successful interrnational market in Columbia, and at whose home our friends share a meal every year on Christmas day. The father, who has four lovely, talented sons, spent three years in Leavenworth prison for sending aid to his beleaguered and endangered parents and sisters in Baghdad….an action that is no longer illegal.
Thank heaven for that. But I ask myself often, “What do I really know about the middle east, about Iraquis, about Syrians, about Muslims, about Islam, about those who are just trying to have peace for their families and friends and somehow get out from under ISIS control and terrorism? And why haven’t I read more about these things so that I understand my neighbors in America or Europe who want to have a better life than the one they managed to escape from?”
Well, at least, having asked the question, perhaps I’ll take the next step and find out just what it is that I am so afraid of…
*****
Franz Eugen Kohler–Holly
On a lighter note, mama made cinghiale with polenta last night–yes, the very same cinghiale that she and papa ate on their stay in Montisi with friends, the very same stew that a young man from the neighbourhood made for them because he is a hunter. So, vegetarians, don’t keep reading, but it was really, really good, even if it had been frozen, and there is nothing like nice warm polenta (corn meal mush, no?) in the winter to warm your tummy.
Go wrap those presents and plug in those lights on the tree and get ready for the BIG day!!!
Me, I’m always ready for a celebration, even if I don’t look it…
But this guy’s ready.
I worked at a small Catholic college several years ago. Not all were Catholics, and I enjoyed talking with our Muslim students. And yes, I did read the Koran, and it is a beautiful and loving Book. So were the Muslims! Across the hall from me was another department’s classroom–all Muslim women! And all in the medical field! Lovely women!
Read the Book. It is beautiful.They even call Jesus one of their Prophets.
Then ask a few good Muslims about what you read. Very different than the evil way you hear most Muslims are portrayed.
Wish more people were more intelligently curious about others. The world would be much safer and sane.
I wish more people had an interest in finding out more about what important issues are entwined in our lives now days.
When will we learn that we are all citizens of this planet all equal and all deserving.
To think any one group is superior to all or any others is what keeps us divided and isolated and that is what causes hate and fear and wars…
Please have a wonderful holiday season full of peace and love.
Noodle and crew
I understand completely and yes what on EARTH makes anyone think he or she is superior to another? So much to learn….of course, kitties may be exempt from this….
Oh Lou Lou, you are so wise. Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours
Well, I’m just thinking about things and trying to open my kitty mind to new ideas.
We hope you do read da quoran and discover it fur yourself. Passages of violence in wars is not da same as kill da infidel.
But enuff of dat. Yous lookin’ just gawjus and oh so ready fur Christmas. We purray yous Christmas is blest.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
You two are so right and I hope your holidays were wonderful and loving without too much stress in them.