Free Dr Mohammed Saeed

I Pity the Fool...

So many things to say and many to write about. Yet, when I open my mouth words choke me and when I start to type reality frustrates me. It seems my beloved has once again played a cruel joke on me. The fool that I am, believed in her hopes and dreams. Hoped and dreamed right along. Cheered for her and her people. But once again, my beloved has shown me her true colors. My beloved has shown me how her faith has become a commodity in the hands of the highest bidder, and how easily money talks and corruption rules.

I pity the fool that is me....

Open Letter to Mohammed Khalid

An open letter by Bahraini journalist Lamees Dhaif to parliament member Mohammed Khalid. (click on image to view and read the column).

على الوتر‮ - ‬لميس ضيف

رسالة إلى محمد خالد

لسبب ما أحفظ بشيئ ما للنائب محمد خالد رغم رعونته وطيشه وما‮ ‬يخرج به بين الحين والآخر من تصرفات‮ ‬غير مسؤولة ولا محسوبة‮.. ‬وذلك لأني‮ ‬لا أرى فيه اللؤم الذي‮ ‬أراه في‮ ‬الآخرين بقدر ما ارى فيه شخصية انفعالية تهيمن فيها العواطف والانفعالات على صوت العقل وأخال أن تلك صفة‮ ‬يعرفها تمام المعرفة عن نفسه‮.. ‬ولا ادل على ذلك من ان هناك من بين الرموز والنواب والمشايخ من‮ ‬يحمل في‮ ‬قلبه جبلاً‮ ‬من الحقد لخصومه ورغم ذلك فلا‮ ‬ينطق بربع ما‮ ‬ينطق به محمد خالد من ترهات وتصريحات عدائية‮..‬ولأن الدين نصيحة‮.. ‬فليسمح لي‮ ‬هنا بكلمة ـ لا تنسحب عليه فحسب ـ بل على كل متشدد سيدخل البرلمان حاملاً‮ ‬معه فكرا تسقيطيا تكفيريا‮..‬ قد‮ ‬يكون انتماؤك الإخواني‮ ‬يا شيخ خالد هو ما أوصلك لهذه المكانة التي‮ ‬أنت عليها اليوم‮.. ‬ولكنك بقبولك الدخول في‮ ‬البرلمان‮ »‬البحريني‮« ‬تحولت كنائب لشعب البحرين بأكمله لا لأبناء مذهبك فحسب‮.. ‬وشعب البحرين‮ -‬سواء أشئت أم أبيت‮- ‬لا‮ ‬يقتصر ولن‮ ‬يقتصر‮ ‬يوماً‮ ‬على السلفيين والأخوان بل هو أيضاً‮ ‬مكون من ذاك المزيج الذي‮ ‬تراه من‮ »‬علمانيين وروافض ويساريين‮« ‬على حد تعبيرك في‮ ‬خطبة الجمعة التي‮ ‬مضت‮.. ‬وكنائب تمثل كل بحريني‮ ‬في‮ ‬الداخل والخارج‮ - ‬بما فيهم من أسميتهم بأبناء السلندرات‮- ‬لا‮ ‬يليق بك التطاول على فئة والهجوم على أخرى‮.. ‬وعليك ان تدرك أن تسقيطك لفئة وتقزيمك لجمعية وتخوينك لجماعة أمر لا‮ ‬يتماشى مع المكان والدور الذي‮ ‬ارتضيته لنفسك‮. ‬هنالك بحر من التسجيلات المنتشرة لمشايخ عدة‮ ‬يتطاولون فيها على أبناء طائفة بعينها،‮ ‬ولكنها تسجيلات لا قيمة لها ولا نسمعها إلا للتندر والسخرية إذ أن من الطريف حقاً‮ ‬أن‮ ‬يظل لليوم من‮ ‬يتكلم بهذه العقلية‮. ‬ولكن لسماعها من نائب للشعب وقع مختلف‮.. ‬وقع مخيف‮.. ‬فهي‮ ‬تثير في‮ ‬نفوسنا الرعب من مستقبل ملغم بالإصطدامات والمواجهات الخطرة التي‮ ‬تؤجج سعار الطائفية في‮ ‬المجتمع،‮ ‬السعار الذي‮ ‬أحرق بلهبه دولاً‮ ‬عدة آلت للدمار من جراء تأجيج نعرات كهذه‮.. ‬ ويبقى لك أن تعرف أنك اليوم في‮ ‬موقع هام وحساس تأتي‮ ‬معه التزامات وطنية‮ ‬يجب أن تتقيد بها‮.. ‬التحشيد لجماعة والتنفير من أخرى لمجرد إختلافها معك ليس مما‮ ‬يأتي‮ ‬على قائمة تلك الإلتزامات‮.. ‬ونحن ننتظر منك أن تكون الوحدة همك و إنجاح تجربة التعايش هاجسك،‮ ‬وتحريض الناس على الوفاق‮ »‬كمبدأ لا جمعية‮« ‬منهجك‮.. ‬ننتظر منك اليوم ترميم الشروخ وتطهير النفوس من جيف الطائفية لا تعميقها من على منبرك‮.. ‬ ونذكرك هنا بأن الله نهى في‮ ‬محكم كتابه عن سب حتى آلهة المشركين لأن لا‮ ‬يفعلوا هم المثل‮.. ‬فكيف بل وانت تسئ لمذهب أخوة لك في‮ ‬الدين وتصفهم بأبشع النعوت‮.. ‬ولا أدرى كيف تقبل ان تكون معولاً‮ ‬لحفر خندق بين المسلمين عوضاً‮ ‬عن أن تبني‮ ‬بينهم الجسور‮..‬؟‮! ‬أشُيِّمْتَ‮ ‬لتفعل ما فعلته الجمعة في‮ ‬بيت من بيوت الله؟‮! ‬أم دفعت لزرع تلك الفتنة لأهداف انتخابية دنيوية؟‮!‬ إنني‮ ‬أطلب منك‮.. ‬وأطالبك كفرد من هذا الشعب أنت نائبه أن تترفع عن الخوض في‮ ‬عقائد الآخرين‮.. ‬أنت سني‮ ‬لأنك ولدت كذلك ولو ولدت شيعياً‮ ‬لما بدلت مذهبك بمال الدنيا‮.. ‬وأفضلية كل مذهب أمر لن‮ ‬يُحسم إلا‮ ‬يوم الحشر‮. ‬وحتى ذلك اليوم لا نطالب سوى بشيئ من الاحترام للآخر‮.. ‬الاحترام الذي‮ ‬عشنا في‮ ‬ظله لليوم شعباً‮ ‬مسالماً‮ ‬سالماً‮.. ‬ولا نريد من المجلس ولا من شخوصه أن‮ ‬يفقدونا ما عشنا عليه طوال حياتنا من تسامح وتقبل‮.. ‬

Quote of the Day

He who can make you believe absurdities can also make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire-

I Dunno How to Link!!!

I dunno how to link. There I said it. I can't. I tried and I failed miserabley. Several times. I tried and tried. I even joined a google help group. I read the blogger help. I even improvised. NOTHING works. It doesn't help that everyone's blog looks great, links, gr8 banners, pictures, videos, audio files the works. Mine, well I can't even get the stupid link thingie to work.

Oh well, who says a blog has to be all fancy like. Some like mine can be simple. Back to basics kinda blog. No links, no fancy shmancy banners or funny videos. It can perform its purpose: to have posts.

Yup! maybe if I repeat this enough I will believe it. Meanwhile, feel free to drop me any tips or hints!

Acts of Desperation

Mobile phones being tapped with operatives listening to every word this family utters, from its parents all the way down to their preteen child…. Individuals working with the family under surveillance, their every move scrutinized, watched and recorded…. Payoffs and bribes, deals and promises are made in exchange of cooperation… a smear campaign carried out in places of worship and covertly behind closed doors… Coercion and threats are made to the members of the team working with the family…When this fails, arrests are made to put pressure on the big fish to give in…

Sounds like the cops staking out a mafia family in a movie or a TV show. Unfortunately, this is not the case… this stuff is going on right under your nose! Yes YOUR own nose, right HERE in WONDERLAND!!!

But in this case the family that is being watched and harassed is your average Bahraini, working to get by, family. The big fish that they are trying to defeat is none other than a candidate running against a powerful, corrupt, backed incumbent… Who is playing the role of the cops, well I will let you guess that for yourself, although I am confident you have a good guess who they are. I will give you a hint to help you come up with a name.. think southern governate, think payoffs and a big ugly beard.

It nice to see (yes I am being very sarcastic) that despite all this mumbo jumbo of democracy and reform, things are still what they used to be in Wonderland.

GRE SUCKS!

I have to take the GRE at the end of the month.. This sucks, I don't understand the reason for it. They tell you immediately that the GRE is not a test of your college knowledge or intelligence. SOOO what is it a test for exactly? I hate having to study for it and I hate all the words they include in the verbal section. Words that have not been used in the 21st century.. alacrity, lassitude... are you kidding me?

Well as you can guess my study plans are not going well at all. I have a zillion or so words to memorize, along with their synonyms and antonyms... While everyone will be shopping, stuffing themselves, shopping, hanging out and yes, even more shopping, I will be stuck at home trying to cram for the stupid GRE and failing miserabley. Of course it doesn't help that I need my score to be in the top 10%, no pressure there at all!!

Ok-- rant mode off-- All I can say is IT SUCKS BEING ME.. :'(

The forces that be are at it again!

It seems the forces that be are at it again to influene the outcome of the upcoming elections in their favor. Seems to me they are getting desparate. Illegal naturalization, payoffs just don't seem to be enough.

الرويعي: السعيدي ضالع في توقيف الهاشل
الوسط - علي العليوات تطورت الحوادث الانتخابية في الدائرة الأولى بالمحافظة الجنوبية بشكل متسارع خلال اليومين الماضيين، إذ اتهمت مترشحة الدائرة مريم الرويعي (رئيسة الاتحاد النسائي) منافسها في الدائرة السلفي المستقل جاسم السعيدي بالضلوع وراء توقيف مدير حملتها أحمد الهاشل، وقالت: »إن توقيف الهاشل جاء إثر شكوى تقدم بها السعيدي، يدعي فيها أن الهاشل أحد العسكريين ولا يحق له العمل في الحملات الانتخابية«.
وذكرت الرويعي أن »الهاشل لايزال موقوفاً في سجن القرين العسكري تمهيداً لتقديمه الى المحاكمة العسكرية بتهمة العمل في حملة انتخابية، كما أن أعضاء فريق الحملة الانتخابية تم استدعاؤهم يوم أمس الأول والتحقيق معهم حتى وقت متأخر من الليل، وتم إطلاق سراحهم بعد أخذ توقيعات منهم بعدم الاقتراب من خيمتي الانتخابية«.واستغربت من توقيف مدير حملتها بدعوى أنه تابع للسلك العسكري، وقالت: »نستغرب من هذه الانتقائية في التعامل مع المترشحين، لماذا يتم توقيف الهاشل دون غيره، وعلى الجهات المعنية أن تفتش خيام باقي المترشحين في الدائرة إذ ان غالبية شباب الرفاع هم من العسكريين، وباقي الخيام الانتخابية للمترشحين وحتى خيمة السعيدي تضم أفراداً عسكريين، وفي المقابل لم يتم اتخاذ أي إجراء ضدهم«، وأضافت »الهاشل كان يعمل مديراً للحملة الانتخابية للسعيدي في انتخابات 2002 ولم يتم التعرض له أو إثارة أنه يتبع السلك العسكري، فلماذا يثير السعيدي هذه الأمور في انتخابات 2006؟«، ورأت أن »ما يحدث هو إرهاب، ويستهدف تعطيل حملتي الانتخابية« بحسب قولها. وامتنعت عن التعليق عما إذا كانت تتخوف من تجيير أصوات العسكريين في الدائرة لصالح السعيدي، واكتفت بالقول ان »الناس ضمائرهم حرة، ويجب أن يتركوا بعيدا عن الضغوط«.من جانب آخر، أفاد المترشح المنافس للسعيدي والرويعي، محيي الدين خان أن الجهات المعنية أوقفت العاملين معه في الحملة الانتخابية إثر اتهامهم بالعمل في حملة انتخابية لأحد المترشحين إلى جانب كونهم عسكريين، ولفت خان إلى ان الجهات المعنية أخذت تعهدات من العاملين في الحملة الانتخابية بعدم التعاون معي. وحاولت »الوسط« الاتصال لأكثر من مرة بالسعيدي من اجل الحصول على توضيح منه، غير أنه لم يجب على اتصالات __________________________________________________________________جريدة الوسط - 11 نوفمبر 2006

Why Do I Feel So Sad?

When I am in Bahrain, a feeling of euphoria accompanies me where ever I go for the first few days. I want to embrace every person I see, tell them how much I missed them; I want to kiss every child and feed the ground beneath me my tears of joy. I want to breathe in all the scents, the good, the bad and the ugly. I want to shout of the roof tops, scream out loud that I am home, I have finally come home.
Then the reality of Bahrain, the reality of my homeland and my people set in. The rosy glasses are taken off and I see all the ugliness. I take in the hypocrisy and double standards, the unemployment and poverty, the racism and sectarianism, the obsession some people have with all things trivial and the ignorance that still prevails, the conditional freedom and acceptance, the distorted freedom bestowed upon us and the decades-long struggle of my people for what they may never experience.
I try to reason with myself and others; how can we take one step forward and so many behind? How can we struggle for our freedom and at the same time let sectarianism and racism divide us? How can we think we are better than others when we have been put down all our lives? How can so many of us be ignorant of the plight of my beloved country? To the plight of those who gave up their lives, blood, family and efforts for the dignity of a country? I get mad, I become angry, my blood boils and I get agitated. Then I get jaded. I write off the dream of my beloved being free, a warm and loving embrace that encompasses all of its children.
Now that I am far far away, I hear and read of my beloved’s news, the same old stories that just take on new faces and names. Why am I not angry, why isn’t my blood boiling? Why does my heart ache and tears overflow my eyes? Why is it so difficult to write it all of as the same old story and a dream that turned to be just that: a dream? Why do I still long for a perfect beloved and a warm embrace that exists only in my head? Why do I feel so sad?

Cleric offers reward to kill cartoonist!

Cleric offers reward for killing cartoonist Vow comes as Pakistan arrests 125, including radical Islamic leader
MSNBC News Services
Updated: 9:04 a.m. ET Feb. 17, 2006
PESHAWAR, Pakistan - A Pakistani Muslim cleric said Friday that he and supporters were offering rewards of more than $1 million for killing Danish cartoonists who drew caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.
Maulana Yousef Qureshi, a cleric in the northwestern city of Peshawar, said during Friday prayers that he personally had offered to pay a bounty of 500,000 rupees ($8,400), while a jewelers association was putting up $1 million, and others were offering $17,000 plus a car.
Qureshi repeated the offer at rally later in the city to protest against the cartoons.
"If the West can place a bounty on Osama bin Laden ... we can also announce reward for killing the man who has caused this sacrilege of the holy prophet," Qureshi told Reuters, referring to the $25 million U.S. bounty on the al-Qaida leader's head.

What a BRILLIANT Idea! Why din't I think of this first and put up the $100 that I have. It isn't much but I bet some Luny Bin will rise to the occasion and secure his way to paradise! Seriously though, when will we learn????? Will we ever??? We want the world to stop thinking we are terrorists, so much so that we will terrorize them into not thinking it! Hopefully, a cleric or something will do some damage control.

Yes oh West, we are all for freedom of speech and freedom of every kind, except that not one of us is free, and when we disagree with you, we will go for your throat, so you better not piss us off. SAD.

The loser of a cleric should be fired, but sadly, me thinks he will be revered. Quick someone kill him so he too can go to paradise.

Meet the Winners!

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you.....

President George W. Bush:
At a closed-door meeting with lawmakers Friday at a Republican retreat in eastern Maryland, President Bush warned that "I expect this conversation we're about to have to stay in the room." He quickly added that "I know that's impossible in Washington." It was, even more so than usual. The first few minutes of his comments were being piped inadvertently through an open microphone to reporters who had just been escorted out of the event. In his supposedly off-the-record comments, he offered a defense of his National Security Agency eavesdropping program.

Vice President of the USA, Dick Cheney:
Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot his friend in the face and shoulder while bird hunting on Saturday. A birdshot pellet that hit the friend has migrated to his heart, causing a "minor" heart attack, hospital representatives said on Tuesday outside the hospital where Whittington is being treated.

It would be hilarious if they both weren't so destructively dangerous.

Quote of the Day

"Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith."
- Prophet Muhammed (SAW) as reported by al-Bukhari

Cartoons Reach Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

So, here I am visiting a friend on Friday, when the tired old question came up: Did you see the cartoons? I did not have to ask what cartoons she meant, by now, all of us about THE CARTOONS. So I said yeah and changed the subject. After all, what could I do? So then I come to know through another friend that the Sun News, Myrtle Beach's most circulated (and pathetically boring) newspaper has published the Danish cartoons.

Ok, I was extremely bothered when the Danish newspapers published the offensive cartoons, but now I am past bothered. Infuriated, and surprised. Why on earth would a newspaper in Myrtle Beach publish the cartoons. Here, Muslims are referred to as Mozzlems or the Nation of Izzlam folks. People here don't even know where or even what Denmark is, yet the newspaper thought it fit to publish the cartoons.

Whom do these cartoons address in this little southern town, where most would not even know who the Prophet is, and what do they hope to inspire?

These cartoons and the violent reactions they caused around the world only serve to reaffirm the misconception that Muslims are terrorists to be feared, that I (being normal and peaceful) am the exception to the malignant and dangerous rule. I will continue to get the locks of shock and masked fear when people realize that I am not Hispanic but an Arab and worse, a Muslim.

So what should I do? This time, it hits to close to home for me to be comfortable.

The Ruckus over the Danish Cartoons

When I was younger, my dad used to say that freedom is conditional. You see, with freedom comes responsibilty. You are free to do whatever you please as long as your actions or words do not hurt or limit the freedom of another. Once harm is established, then you have to face the ramifications and may even have your freedom restricted or revoked.

So in the West, people are free and democratic, something we still long for. Yet what is freedom, really, and how do you define it? Muslim girls in France are banned from wearing hijab in schools, a move unanimously backed by the french goverment. People with Muslim, Arab or African names have difficulty finding employment. In the States, there is the Partiot's Act which allows government agencies to spy on people.

On the other hand, the West has freedom of speech. So much so, that often time slander and hateful comments are regarded as the individual's inherent right to free speech. (antisemitic comments and negative remarks about the holocaust are crimes punishable by law in many western countries. These negative remarks include publicly doubting the holocaust.. but of course prophet bashing is free speech and welcomed!)

So this brings me to the Danish cartoons that slander the Prophet (PBUH). The questions that beg to be asked, is a person's freedom limited or unlimited? Shouldn't a person be held responsible for the results of his/her right to practice free speech? In this instance, my dad's words come to my mind, you are only free to do as you wish as long as no one is harmed. In the case of the Danish cartoons, clearly the sensibilities of all Muslims were offended .

So what do we do now? Do we murder him like Theo Van Gogh, the Danish filmaker was? Do we act violently and reinforce the negative image Islam seems to have? Do we act rashly with threats, hateful words and boycotts that would do Muslims more harm than good and create a backlash?

Or do we rise to the occasion? Why not sue the cartoonist for defamation and slander? Why not take the high road and settle this one and for all in courts? Why not establish a clear precedant in their courts and in their lands that makes it clear that slander of religion (whatever it maybe) is not freedom of speech and should not be tolerated? Why not be patient, resourceful and resilent until we have it established that with freedom of speech comes responsibility?

Wasn't the Prophet (PBUH) mocked and ridiculed by his opponents? For that matter, weren't most prophets (PBUT). But the Prophet never waged a war for that reason or incited violence and doled out threats. Why not mimick his actions as we struggle to right the wrong done against him?

Maybe because it is easier to make a ruckus and fuss, instead of being the bigger and better persons, instigating real and lasting change for the better.

So Whacko Jacko is at it AGAIN!

So Michael Jackson has left Neverland to settle for the time present in Bahrain. With big talks of building a mosque, embracing Islam, contributing his efforts and expertise, being a entertainment consultant, MJ seems to have found life in Bahrain quite hassle-free (no one suing him....yet!) and enjoyable. Some might even say he is planting his roots. I wonder how long it will take him to get the citizenship?? Now I am veering off the topic, I will save this thought to another post. Seems too, he has added cross-dressing to the mix.

Quick information, the average Bahraini may not know about the infamous Michael Jackson:
-Michael Jackson was first accused of child sexual abuse in 1993 by the son of MJ's former dentist. A year later, the MJ settled out of court paying the accuser at least US $23 million. The case was dropped. In 2003, child molestation charges were brought against MJ by Gavin Arvizo who appeared with MJ in the documentary 'Living with Michael Jackson' and a civil suit was brought against him. Also, a criminal case was launched but MJ was acquitted of all 10 charges. However, two jury persons asserted that they believed MJ was guilty of the crime but did not have enough evidence to charge him. In 2006, allegations of sexual assualt were brought on MJ. His vet is suing him (or planning to) for having treated MJ's exotic animals at NeverLand yet never receiving payments. There is alot of speculation of MJ being in financial trouble as he still owes alot of ppl alot of money.

-In 'Living with Michael Jackson' a documentary by Martin Bashir, MJ appeared with a 12 year old boy (later his accuser), holding hands and the boy resting on MJ's shoulder. They both said that they slept on the same bed (platonically) and MJ asserted that he has shared his bed many a times with pre-adolescent boys who need plenty of love and affection. It also showed MJ speaking of being Peter Pan, never growing old. There was also talk of how the parents of the boys stayed in a different building than that which housed MJ's bedroom, while the boys hung out unsupervised with MJ. In response to the show, MJ accused Bashir of distoring MJ's words and images. MJ said a lot of weird stuff in that interview about his likes and dislikes, his family. Very dysfunctional to say the least.

Ppl seem to have mixed feelings about MJ's stay in Bahrain. Some are enthralled with the King of Pop being in their piece of the world, estatic to get a pic of him on their camera phone. Others are disgruntled, ready to rally and who knows, maybe even start a riot. But isn't freedom what we are vying for in Bahrain? So why not allow MJ to be free, without hassling him. Let him talk the big talk (I am convinced this is all it is). Bahrain certainly does not need any favors or mosques from MJ, but if he wishes to do so, well, let him. Let him cross dress if he wishes, he is the one looking like a fool. (which brings in another thought for a later post: what effect does MJ's public cross dressing have on Bahrain's Muslim society?).

So why did I post the above info? Just an FYI to all that may read it. All his antics are just that: antics. In a way, he provides a comical relief in a much tense environment. He is an adult and should be free to do whatever crazy thing that comes to mind, as long as no one is harmed in the process. That's why, keep your kids, esp. boys away from Whacko Jacko and let it be known to him and others in our society, that child molestors and pedophilia will not be tolerated.

PS: It irks me that he is the only reason ppl here in the US know of my Bahrain!

Happy New Year!

Wishing the entire world a happy 1427! For those who do not know what this date signifies, Jan 31, 2006 marks the Hijri (Islamic) New Year.

I can't help but wonder if we Muslims celebrated our new year with the same enthusiasim as we did the gregorian calendar new year ( Jan 1, 2006)? Did we come up new year resolutions for this new hijri year? Did we wish anyone a happy and blessed new year? Did we celebrate or acknowledge this day in any way?

For me, I knew this day was coming.. I even marked it on my calendar so I can remember it. You see, this is not Bahrain and here in the USA, I did not have the day off from work/school to remind me of it. How did people in the Muslim countries celebrate (I am guessing most slept!).

So what did I do? Well I ate at a Mexican restaurant during my lunch break to celebrate the coming of my new year (not very holy I know). I am guilty of not doing anything special. But to my defense, I stayed home and watched TV on the other (more popular) new year.

It would be nice if we could celebrate the hijri new year with something fun and exciting that everyone, especially kids can look forward to. Oh well, me thinks its just me wishful thinking.

I knew of a lady that hosted a huge dinner party (clean and fun) to mark the occasion. Would that I be more like her.

Tolerance and Respect

Found this article online while looking up information on diversity. It was posted for teens (in high schools) on a kids website. You would think adults would know to tolerate diversity, respect others' rights and not be prejudices. Unfortunately, they do not and in most cases, young ones learn to hate and discriminate from their family. So I post this article, to remind everyone what respect and tolerance are. Once you're done with the article, ask yourself, are we as a society tolerant and respect diversity? More importantly, examine yourself and answer if you are indeed tolerant.

Diversity, Prejudice, Tolerance, and Respect
Terri sat nervously waiting for the bell to ring, signaling the beginning of her first class. She looked around. The room was full of all kinds of faces: faces with freckles like hers, darker-skinned faces, faces of many colors. She was looking forward to getting to know the people behind the faces and making some friends. "I guess I'll be less nervous when I get to know people," she thought. She looked down at her smaller left hand, which had been injured years ago in a car accident. "I hope they'll like me when they get to know me."
Yusef's father was a diplomat from Tunisia, and his family had just moved to the United States. At first, Yusef missed his friends and school back home, but he was curious about all the new things he would see and learn - and the new friends he would make. He wondered, though, whether the traditional knit skullcap that he wore, like many Muslims, would set him apart from his new classmates.
Diversity means variety - and it doesn't take much looking around to see that America is a diverse land, with many people, religions, beliefs, and languages. You can see that in a classroom, at the mall, on TV, or just walking down some streets. That diversity has been part of American culture since its very beginning as a nation - and even before with the hundreds of Native American groups who lived across the land. In fact, much of America's strength, creativity, and energy comes from this diversity.
What Is Prejudice?
Have you ever felt that someone judged you before even taking the opportunity to get to know you? The word prejudice is the noun form of prejudge, which means making judgments or forming negative opinions before getting all the facts. Terri and Yusef both worried that other students would form negative opinions of them before getting to know them.
There are many examples of prejudice in the world, some of which you may encounter through news reports, at school, at work, or in your home. It's unfair - and often sad - but prejudice exists so widely. You may have heard others saying things about whole groups like, "All Italians are . . . ," or "Jews always . . . ," or "Girls can't . . . ," or "Gays always . . . ," or "Old people are . . . ," or, well, you get the point. The list just goes on.
Maybe you've heard people call others nasty names. Sometimes, people who say these things say them out of fear or because they just don't know better. If people hear prejudiced comments while growing up, it may seem hard to resist repeating them. Some people who feel unimportant or bad about themselves think they can feel better by picking on or bullying others.
Sometimes, people who say these things are angry or upset, and they want to lash out at others. When prejudice against certain groups leads to an act of violence, it's called a hate crime. The laws for defining and punishing hate crimes vary from state to state.
Respecting Differences
No two people in the world are exactly alike. All people, even identical twins, have their own experiences and their own viewpoints. Do you have to agree with people to respect their right to have an opinion? No. But people with differing views and opinions can respect each other's right to differ.
You don't have to like the same food, sports, or music as your friends or practice the same religion. But you're probably open to learning about their differences. An important part of growing is being willing to learn new things. Being open to seeing new things and learning about other people without negatively prejudging them is a form of tolerance.
But does tolerance mean that all behaviors have to be accepted?
No, of course not. Behaviors that disrespect or hurt others, like being mean or bullying, or behaviors that break social rules, like lying or stealing, should not be tolerated. Respect is about accepting people for who they are, for their best selves - not about accepting bad behavior. Tolerance also means treating others the way you'd like to be treated.
Here are a few ways to do this:
Don't judge a person on your first impression, which is usually based solely on the way he or she looks. Take the time to learn more about that person than what's on the surface.
Keep an open mind. It may be easier to spend time with people who seem just like you, but you can miss out on a lot of interesting experiences - conversations, foods, books, music and art, sports, religious ceremonies, and more. Getting to know people who seem different can be difficult at first, but you'll probably find that you have much more in common than you think.
Be informed about what's happening in America and the world and find out what you can contribute. You might volunteer at a social services or human rights organization. You might want to learn more about how you can combat hate. If you like to play music or write, you might try using those skills to express and share your feelings.
You probably know many people who have something that sets them apart from the norm. All of these people have feelings and deserve to feel accepted for who they are. Everyone has something to offer, even if it's something unexpected, like a new idea or a new way of looking at something. The more we learn about people, the more likely we are to realize that the myths and stereotypes we hear are unfair or incorrect.
When we learn about - and respect - differences, we not only get to experience more of the world, we also open ourselves up to more opportunities. That's because great jobs and career opportunities are going to the people who are comfortable working in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse. The ease of global travel, communications, and trade make it more important than ever to learn to respect and appreciate others.

Reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MDDate reviewed: June 2004
Source: http://kidshealth.org

Outsourcing Torture in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Proud

Read an interesting article on Reuter's website concerning the outsourcing torture allegations directed at the US governments. If true, which me humble self thinks it is, then the land of the free just got a whole less freer and a whole lot scarier, and the proud have one less thing to be proud of. Below is the article:


US "outsourced" torture: investigatorTue Jan 24, 2006 4:55 PM ET
By Jon Boyle
STRASBOURG, France (Reuters) - The United States flew detainees to countries where they would be tortured and European governments probably knew about it, the head of a European human rights investigation said on Tuesday.
But Swiss senator Dick Marty said in a preliminary report for the Council of Europe human rights watchdog that he had found no irrefutable evidence to confirm allegations that the CIA operated secret detention centers in Europe.
His report kept pressure on the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency over the charges that it flew prisoners through European airports to jails in third countries, but Washington denied any wrongdoing and critics said the report contained nothing new.
"There is a great deal of coherent, convergent evidence pointing to the existence of a system of 'relocation' or 'outsourcing of torture'," Marty told the 46-nation Council, based in the eastern French city of Strasbourg.
"It is highly unlikely that European governments, or at least their intelligence services, were unaware."
At the State Department in Washington, spokesman Sean McCormack dismissed the report as "same old reports wrapped up in some new rhetoric. There's nothing new here."
The September 11 attacks on U.S. landmarks sparked a U.S. global war on terrorism against al Qaeda and led to the invasion of Iraq. Public opinion has hardened in Europe since deadly bomb attacks in London last July and in Madrid in March, 2004.
But the allegations about the CIA, first made by newspapers and human rights groups late last year, have put pressure on the United States and European governments to explain their actions and those of their secret services.
Marty said it had been proved that "individuals have been abducted, deprived of their liberty and transported to different destinations in Europe, to be handed over to countries in which they have suffered degrading treatment and torture."
He estimated more than 100 people had been subject to the process known as "rendition."
NO "SMOKING GUN" ON SECRET JAILS
Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Kosovo, Macedonia and Bulgaria have faced accusations that the CIA used detention centers on their soil.
Marty acknowledged there was no firm evidence of detention centers in Europe similar to the one at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where hundreds of people judged by the U.S. military to be illegal combatants are held without charge.
But he said U.S. media had faced government pressure not to publish further accusations, and he expected newly received European satellite and flight data to boost his investigation.
The United States has not denied or confirmed the existence of secret detention centers.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told reporters in Paris he had not seen Marty's report but "the government acts in accordance with the law and with respect to the sovereignty of host countries in which it operates."
"The authorities are free to investigate what they want to investigate but we should not allow ourselves to be distracted from the need to identify, prevent and protect against terrorist acts of violence," he added.
The State Department's McCormack insisted the United States "does not torture," respects the sovereignty of European allies and does not transfer suspects to countries where there is reasonable expectation they might be subjected to torture without first seeking assurances they will not be tortured.
There may be differences between Europe and America on these issues, but "we are fighting the same fight, we share the same core values. And what we need is discussion and dialogue about how to deal with the issues that confront us," McCormack told a news briefing.
He said if Europeans had more questions on this issue, the United States would try to answer them.
Denis MacShane, a British member of parliament and former minister for Europe, told reporters Marty's report "has more holes than a Swiss cheese." A British government spokesman said there seemed to be no new facts.
European Security Commissioner Franco Frattini urged EU members to cooperate fully with Marty's probe but said it was too early to draw conclusions.
Poland said the report left no "basis for thinking such camps or prisons existed on Polish territory."
(Additional reporting by Ingrid Melander in Brussels, Kate Baldwin in London and Paul Carrel in Paris)
© Reuters 2006.


What do you think?

How to Create a Terrorist in Six Steps.

I came across this article while surfing the net checking out the different bloggers out there. It was posted on "The Joker" blog, where it was quoted from "The Lands of Sands" another blog! It really is a avery powerful and insightful article that gives the reader great food for thought.

It is in arabic, but I intend to translate it in English so more people can read it. What interested me in the article, was the it relates so well not only to terrorism, ( esp. religious terrorism that unfortunately plagues the Muslim nations), but also to any form of fanatacism and extremism. I have to say the analysis lends itself well and goes a long way to shed light on the inner workings of extremist religious groups, be they of a pacifist or militaristic nature.

I myself have witnessed such brainwashing tactics and how individuals become part of fanatic (albeit peaceful) organizations. From personal experience, I have found individuals who become members of world-renouncing organizations to be lacking something in their life in some sort, with an inability to overcome a certain failure, or a weakness and a desire not to take responsibility for the present and future course of one's life. Needless to say, this article moved me.

As usual, I rambled on and on, so without further ado, I post this article.

كيف تصنع ارهابيا في ستة خطوات؟

عندما غادرت البيت صباح اليوم، خيل لي ان هاتفا من السماء قال لي \" توكل على الله\". أرجو المعذره لقد كان صوتا و ليس تخيلا، ظننت ربما كان المطوع خميس يلعب بمايكرفون المسجد يجرب قدراته الصوتيه الفاشله..ولكن الصوت الذي همس اليّ لم يكن يشبه صوت مطوع خميس العور...كان اشبه بصوت الببغاء الذي يرافق علاء الدين في كارتون ديزنى الشهيرحدث نفس الشيء مرة اخري ، عندما عدت للبيت ، الصوت الببغاوي يقول لي شيئا مثل سبحان الله...قلت لأمي التي كانت في الصاله هل سمعت هذا الصوت..أهو المسجد؟ فتبسمت و اشارت الي علبه بيضاء من البلاستيك ملصقه بأعلى باب الصاله..جربت فتح و اغلاق الباب، وكل مره يصدر من العلبه صوت يقول لك سبحان الله او توكل علي الله...العلبه * الشريره هذه مصنّعة في الصينهل تعرفون ان الصينيين و الكوريين مارسوا شيئا يسمى زن تزان و هو عباره عن غسيل دماغ منظم ضد اسرى الحرب خلال الحرب الكوريه في الخمسينيات من القرن الماضي..أكتشف الامريكان ان كثيرا من اسرى الحرب بعد تحريرهم قد تغيرت طرق تفكيرهم و بدوا و كأنهم يتعاطفون مع الشيوعيه و منهم من كان يهرب ليعود الي الكوريينأدي هذا الي ظهور عدة دراسات أهتمت بهذه الظاهره النفسيه و التى استمر الشيوعيون السوفييت بالقيام بها لأقناع اكبر عدد من الشباب حول العالم بالفكر الشيوعي. اتضح من الدراسات ان الكوريين كانوا يعرضون اسراهم الي عمليات غسيل مخ تعتمد على التخويف و العزله و تقليل الوجبات و ترديد الكلام و لعب تسجيلات صوتيه من خلال مكبرات الصوت تلقن الفكر الشيوعي، مما ادى الي انفصال ذهنى لدي الاسرى عن الحقيقه و الطريقه التى تربوا بها و تحولوا الى عقول مغسوله لا تدرك ماذا تفعل..كان الامر يسّهل على الكوريين توفير اعداد اكبر من الرجال للقتال في جبهة المعركه و اقل عدد ممكن من الحراس للسيطره على اسرى الحرب لديهمأثناء الستينات كثر استخدام الرسائل الخفيه في الاعلانات التجاريه و الاغاني والمسلسلات بحيث تبث رساله سريعه تسمعها الاذن و يلتقطها الاحساس و لكن لايسنح الوقت للجزء التحليلي من الدماغ باكتشافها..يسمى ذلك ب: السابلايم و ان لم تثبت حقيقة تأثيره حتى الان في خضم الكم الهائل من نظريات المؤامره حول هذا الموضوعكنت اشاهد الانتحاريه العراقيه ساجده عتروس و التى لم ينفجر حزامها الناسف في مجزرة عمّان الدمويه تعترف على شاشة التلفزيون و ربما تسائل الكثيرون عن الكيفيه التى يتمكن بها اسامه بلادين و أبومصعب الدموي و غيرهم من الارهابيين بأقناع هؤلاء بالانتحار..كيف تتمكن هذه المنظمات الارهابيه من السيطرة على العقول و كيف تستغلهم و تتحكم بهم ليقوموا بقتل الابرياء انتحارا؟لنلقي بعض الضوء على ذلكان عمليات غسيل الدماغ للسيطره على العقول ليست جديده على البشريه، فالبشر منذ عهد الكهوف عرفوا ان بقائهم يعتمد على حياتهم في مجموعات تحمى نفسها من الحيوانات المفترسه و للصيد و العمل معا، ذلك خلق الحاجه للقياده و السيطره على المجموعه و استخدامها. أكثر من استعمل اساليب السيطرة على العقول هما الحكومات و الاديان على مر التاريخ، في بلاد الرمال و حتى سقوط الدوله العثمانيه التى كانت تعتبر نفسها خلافة على المسلمين كان الحكام و السلاطين يستغلون الدين و يستعملونه للسيطرة على الجماهير و كان رجال الدين يخضعون لهم يؤلفون لهم الاحاديث و يستنبطون لهم الاحكام من مثل وأطيعوا اولي الامر منكم، و لكن بعد سقوطها قام رجال الدين المسلمين بمحاولات مستمره للاستيلاء على الحكم و الاستئثار به من خلال تأسيس جماعات دينيه مثل الاخوان و السلفيه والتحكم في مناهج المدارس و عقول الناشئه و استغلال حالة الفقر السائد و الفشل للدكتاتوريات العربيه المتساقطه، ليأسسوا حكومة دينيه، و هذا ما يفسر حالة الصمت الدائم من رجال الدين الذين مهما فعل الزرقاويين و البلادينون في اراقة دماء الطفوله و الابرياء من البشر..فلا يكفروهم او ربما يداعبونهم بعبارات لينه..انهم ينتظرون نصيبهم من الكعكهمن الاديان التي تمارس عملية التحول الديني بصورة منظمه و التي ربما اسست قواعد غسل الدماغ و التي استفاد منها الصينيون و الكوريون الشيوعيون ، الدين التاوي و هو احد اديان الصين. يستعمل التاويون اساليب العزله و الصيام و ترديد الاناشيد الببغاويه و اشعار الشخص بأنه لاشيء مقابل الجماعه و انهم الوحيدون الذين معه، لأفراغ عقل الانسان من محتواه و معتقداته ليصبح صفحة بيضاء..يزرعون فيها افكارهم، فيحدث التحول العجيب في فكر هذا الشخص..جماعات الهارى كريشنا و السيانتولوجي تقوم بنفس الاجراء و تسمى هذه الخطوات الست للتحولالجيوش تمارس عملية غسيل المخ خلال عملية التجنيد و التدريب بالطقوس المتعارف عليها: القصد هو نزع الانسان او الرجل من بيئته، و أقلمته و تغييره الي كائن جديد، كائن مطيع، ينفذ الاوامر، بلا تفكيرأول شيء يتم عمله في جيوش العالم عندما تنضم اليهم هو: حلق شعرك و جعلك تحس بأنك تفقد كل شيء تحبه او تعودت عليه، الجيش يخرجك من حياتك و يغير عقلك، ياتي مدرب الجيش الغبي الفاشل في الدراسه و الخدمه العسكريه ايضا، ليصرخ بك بأن ايام الدلع و الراحه انتهت و هنا مافيش ماما و لا بابا، و يبدأ بالمارشات و الترديد الغبي و الصراخ، و العقاب بالعزله و الحرمان من المجتمع و الحياة التي تعودت عليها، حتى عند الخروج من المعسكر يجب ان تلتزم بلباس معين.. يتوقف عندك التدبير و التفكير تصبح متلقى اوامر و منفذا فقط.. و عند التخرج ..تخرج الي الحياة كشخص مختلف في التفكير و المعتقدات و التصرفات..عسكري

و حتى ، صديقي و صديقتي القارئه، لا تستغربون كثيرا من تصرفات الانتحاريين الاسلاميين و جرأتهم و خلو قلوبهم من اي رحمه، و لتحموا انفسكم و اولادكم و تحرروا عقولكم من سيطرتهم على ادمغتكم يجب ان تعرفوا حقيقة هامه عن البشر ايضاثلثي البشر او ربما اكثر يحملون طبيعه انقياديه، يبحثون عن من يقودهم و ينقذهم، لا يستطيعون عمل ذلك بأنفسهم، لاحظوا عندما يردد العرب خطابهم التقليدي مثل أنتظار صلاح الدين، أو معتصماه، أو جمال عبد الناصر، صدام..و يخرجون بمظاهرات بالروح بالدم نفديك ، انهم يبحثون عن من يريحهم من التفكير و يقدم لهم حلولا ساذجه.. من ابيض و أسودلتتعرف على نماذج من ثلثا البشر هؤلاء، انظر من حولك، سترى انهم الذين يبحثون عن الايمان، عن حقيقة الكون، عن وجود عدالة مطلقه..انهم يحبون الحقائق ناصعة البياض بوضوح الشمس..و هذا لا يعنى انهم ليسوا بأذكياء و لكنهم مثاليين، يضحون بأنفسهم و وقتهم من اجل الغير و يؤمنون بشده بعدالة قضيتهم، انهم متعصبون لفكرتهم، يريدون اصلاح الخطأ و منع الذنوب و تحويل مجتمعهم و بلادهم الي بلاد ملتزمه بالايدولوجيه او الفكره الدينيه التى يؤمنون بها..بحسن نيه لتخليصها من الشرور و تجنيبها غضب اله الرمالهؤلاء هم يقع فريسة للأرهابيين و يسهل تجنيدهم، هذه الظاهره ليست مقصوره على بلاد الرمال فقط و ربها الساخط في السماء، بل تحدث في اماكن عديده، نمور التاميل استخدمت نفس الاسلوب عندما فجّرت منتحره ، راجيف غاندي رئيس وزراء الهند، و في التسعينيات قامت مجموعه دينيه يابانيه اسمها ايوم شينيركيو بنشر غازات بيولوجيه في ميترو طوكيو تسببت بقتل كثير من المارة الابرياء، هذه المنظمه اليابانيه مثل القاعده كانت تسعى للحصول على اسلحة دمار شامل لتحطيم النظام العالمي ، ربما من المستحيل تماما القضاء على ظاهرة التعصب و الارهاب من هذه الجماعات و لكن في اليابان و المجتمع الغربي حيث تتوافر المعلومات تجدها اقل كثيرا و اقل تأثيرا ،على عكس بلاد الرمال و الصحارى..لماذا؟سأشرح ذلك لاحقا

ألخطوه الاولي

تبدأ عملية تحول الانسان الي ارهابي بحادثه او ظاهره، فشل الانسان في الحب او عدم قدرته للتواصل مع فتاة ليحبها، او خيانة صديق او شيء يؤثر في هذا الانسان من قبل العائله فيتركها بحثا عن ملجأ اخر، هذا ماحدث مع اسامه بن لادن الابن الخمسين في بيت خلى من المحبه و العاطفه، و امتلأ بخلافات الاخوة حول السيطره على اموال امبراطورية بن لادن. يتعمق الاحساس بالوحده و يبدأ هذا الشعور بالخيانة و تخلى العائلة و الاصدقاء عنه ، الي تحرير عاطفته من الارتباط بقيمهم و افكارهم

الخطوة الثانيه ان يتعرض الشخص مثل ما حدث اسامه بلا دين الي ايديولوجيه متطرفه يعوض فيها انتمائه و يحس تجاهها بالراحه.الايديولوجيات التى تبحث عن نقاء المجتمع و تجنيبه الذنوب و العقاب مثل السلفيه و الخوارج تهدف الي القيام بتطهير المجتمع مثلهم في هذا مثل البيوريتان في المسيحيه التي تسعي الي الرجوع الي التبسيط الساذج للحياه و لكنها تتلائم مع الفكر المثالي للأنقياديين من ثلثي البشر

الخطوة الثالثه وجود قائد له كاريزما مثل الظواهري الذي يبدأ عملية غسل الدماغ و فيها تقوم الجماعه بعزل الشخص عن المجتمع، عزله عن التلفزيون و الموسيقي الكافره و الكتب، كل شيء غير طاهر الا ادبيات الجماعه، تذهب الجماعات الي اماكن معزوله لتقوم بالدرس و التلقين و حتى في امريكا كثيرا ما تجد الجماعات الدينيه الجديده تستأجر موتيلات بعيده لأجتماعاتها مثلما يقيم الجهاديون و السلفيون معسكراتهم في الصحارى، حيث يعلمون الاطفال \ طريقة ذبح الشاه

الخطوة الرابعه هي بداية اخراج مصطلحات لها دلالات خاصه للجماعه و يبدأ الافراد بالسريه و التحكم بالمعلومات، يستوجب على العضو الان منع نفسه من التفكير في امور معينه و يبنى ايمانه المطلق و يتخلص من اعماله السابقه التى اداها في حياته قبل ان يهبط عليه هذا الايمان الذي فتح الله به قلبه، هذه المرحله يكون الولاء للجماعه فوق كل شيء، فوق الوطن فوق الاهل فوق الاحبه. تستخدم الجماعات الصيام و ترديد الاناشيد و الادعيه بصوره طقوسيه شبيهة بما ذكرته سابقا في التدريب و الاعداد العسكري

الخطوه الخامسه نزع شخصية الفرد و التمّيز الفردي لصالح الجماعه، في هذه المرحله تتم مراقبة سلوك العضو و تقييم انتمائه . من الاساليب المتبعه هي اسلوب القرين و هو ان لا يترك اي عضو لحاله لمدة طويله، فهو دائما برفقة عضو اخر يذكر احدهما الاخر بمباديء الجماعه و لمنع الشخص من العوده الي عاداته الماضيه، و من الاساليب المتبعه كذلك التخلص من اسم الشخص واعطائه كنيه مثل ابومحجن و ابو البراء و ابومهبول او ابوملخبط الثوري، و يسمون تجمعاتهم بأسماء من غابر التاريخ مثل سرية ابي كعب المخّبل و غزوة فندق ساس المباركه و يخاطبون بعضهم بعضا بأسم اخونا في الاسلام اخي في الله لتتميز الجماعه و يكتمل فصلها عن المجتمع ، الشيوعيون مثلا كانوا يستخدمون كنية الرفيق او الزميل المناضل رقم سته و اربعين

الخطوه السادسه أيجاد الشيطان ! او العدو الذي تصب عليه الجماعة جام حقدها، فالعدو يجب ان يمثل العائق الاول لنجاح الجماعه، فكانت الامبرياليه هي عدو الشيوعيه و بعبعها المكروه، مثل الشيطان الاكبر امريكا و الطاغوتيون للجمهوريه الاسلاميه الخمينيه، كذلك اليهود و النصارى لأبن لادن و القاعده و تصل العمليه الي تفسير القرأن الكريم بطرق غرائبيه مثل و لا الضالين في سورة الحمد حيث تفسر الكلمه بأنهم اليهود و النصارى الذين ضلوا سواء السبيل و هكذا و قد يستهدفون اعوان الشيطان هذا عدوهم من الحكومات او البشر الامنين و يجوزون قتلهم على اساس ان المجتمع كله فاسد او انهم متمترسين اي يختفي الشيطان عدوهم و اعوانه خلفهم. في عملية بناء العداوه و الكراهيه و رفض الاخر تماما، تتم عملية غسل الدماغلم يبق لهذا المسكين عضو الجماعه الارهابي خيار سوى ان يقاتل هذا العدو الذي يحول بين جماعته و بين نجاحهم في تحقيق اهدافهم و بناء المجتمع المثالي.. على طريقتهم طبعاان عملية انقاذ او انتشال شخص تم غسل دماغه صعب جدا و هي عمليه تتطلب علاجا نفسيا،من اشهر الدراسات في هذا المجال لعالم النفس الامريكي ستيفن الان حسن، الذي كان نفسه ضحية عملية غسل الدماغ على يد جماعه دينيه مسيحيه متشدده انتمى اليها عندما كان في عشريناته تسمى نفسها الكنيسه التوحيديه و قام ستيفن حسن بدراسات كثيره يساعد فيها الاسر التى تم تجنيد احد ابنائها من قبل جماعات دينيه متطرفهwww.freedomofmind.comالعبره التي اود ان اتركها معكم، هو انك طالما حررت عقلك ..و ربطته بالعقلانيه و الواقع و رفضت تصديق الافكار السحريه عن النمله و الهدهد اللذان يتكلمان، و توقفت عن تخيل العفاريت و الجن الذي يطيرفوق صحارى بلاد الرمال و حروبهم مع جيوش المخلوقات الملائكيه التى تطرفش في السماء لتحرس الله و سقفه الازرق و تقاتل مع نبي الصحراء الكفار في غزواته ، و رفضت تصديق ان هناك شخصا بلعه الحوت و خرج سالما و اخر حمّل حديقة حيوانات ساندياغو على مركب خشبي و ثالث يحمل عصا سحريه يشق بها البحار و يرقص بها الثعابين..و انتبهت الي ما يفعلونه بعقلك من تلقين في المدارس و اجهزة الاعلام و الكتيبات اللامعه و الكاستيات و المساجد ورفضت فتاويهم التى تتحكم بتصرفاتك و سلوكك..فسترحم عقلك، و ستحمى ابنائك و احبابك من ان يتحولوا الي بهائم متفجره...صدقوني ..انهم يكذبون عليكمبن كريشان**خلعت العلبه الشريره من الباب بصعوبه، لا ادرى اي نوع من الصمغ استخدمت امي، و خبطتها على الارض حتى انكسرت، ثم ناديت مارى و قلت لها يبدو ان هذا الشيء قد وقع، أحضرت المكنسه و قالت انها أخبرت أمي انها ستقع لو لم تثبتها بالبراغي

As a practicing Muslim, and a strong theist, I see the problem not so much in Islam or any of the other monotheistic religions. Rather, I believe the problem lies with the imperfect individuals practicing such faiths. So in that respect, I disagree with the author's rationale on how to free oneself from the snares of such organizations.

I think that it is every person's right and yes, obligation to use his/her brains and logic. THINK, THINK, THINK! God gave us reasoning abilities for a purpose. Never belong or be part of an entity that deprives you of the right to think for yourself and come up with your own answers. Question everything and accept nothing until you have firmly examined it. Be critical and analytical and most importantly, do not entrust the direction of tha affairs of your life to anyone. Even though it is more comfortable to lift the burden of responsibility away from oneself to a wiser, holier entity, you will lose control of your life and in the end who you truely are. That is my solution.

First Post Ever!

Hello, and welcome to my blog or site, or whatever this is! You see, I am new at this and have never really read blogs or had one of my own. So this is the second posting I make at a blog, only this time I am posting on my very own first blog.

I will be the first to admit that I love rambling (I will not publish some of the nicknames I have been called over the years as a result of that!) but I am still unsure if my blog will be a success. I never could keep a diary, too much work! Why write or type when you can talk? So I guess only time will tell how this new experience of mine turns out.

As to people reading my blog or being remotely interested, I don't think this will be the case. Having said that, this is an online site that anyone can see, so I will have to mind my ps and qs.

I think I will just use this blog as an online scrap book where I keep a record of what has caught my interest, both in a positive and negative way. I hope I enjoy this new experience, and I do think I will benefit from it.

Later!