“I think American Muslims who say their religion is a religion of peace believe that in the same way American Christians believe their religion is a religion of peace. Unfortunately to each side the preponderance of the evidence shows that war is the norm by Christian as well as Muslim peoples, not peace.”

Not much different that most any other group of people I know, religious or not, including secularists.

The Anglican Church in Uganda has unfortunately said that the death penalty is not needed, just life sentences.

Baptists have had the “Lottie Moon” offering since 1888, and pay for missionaries to “convert the heathen”. Until the late 19th century, there was a lot of coordination between conversion goals and colonialism between Christian nations in Europe and their state religions.

The International Missions Board has the stated purpose “to bring all the peoples of the world to saving faith in Jesus Christ.”

And, the Mormons and Catholics are very busy, too.

There is a struggle for the hearts and minds of the people of the World. Muslims seem to be doing a better job at simplifying their message and bringing it to the poor and to people who feel they have been downtrodden and neglected. They also have the benefit of the rich oil nations as benefactors.

I do not agree with the notion of a state Muslim or Christian requiring people to belong to the state religion on pain of death, but it certainly works in a lot of places, as it did in Europe until the Enlightenment. I think that is more objectionable than mission work by any religion.

I think American Muslims who say their religion is a religion of peace believe that in the same way American Christians believe their religion is a religion of peace. Unfortunately to each side the preponderance of the evidence shows that war is the norm by Christian as well as Muslim peoples, not peace.

The exchange here about Cain’s comment and about assimilation and multiculturalism was a refreshing change of pace.

I am a strong supporter of true diversity, and I love all the various ethnic groups that celebrate their heritage. There is so much to learn from others! I also believe in “enforced” immigration laws that control the flow of immigrants into our country with reasonable demands made upon them regarding taxes, citizenship, etc.

Tuddo makes some very valid comments here about groups of people who, by virtue of the Constitution, are protected and permitted to practice their way of life without interference from the government. Any objection I have to Sharia law stems from my understanding that Islam has a stated desire to convert all people to their religion and its practices. Is this not true?

It sounds like Cain has apologized and moved on. His comments were foolish and erroneous for sure. I suppose that is what happens when you aren’t a politician.

But, as I asked earlier you still haven’t provided a solid quote to back up your comments earlier.

Tuddo said,

“He made clear in his remarks that he thought all mosques were training grounds for terrorists, “

tuddo says:

“geeterpontiac, I’ve given the quotes. He said “any” mosque can be banned”.

“To me that is saying “all” mosques can be banned, and his reasoning is that all mosques provide training in Sharia Law”

“He said he had no problem with Muslims practicing their religion in private”

Sorry tuddo, none of this seems to support the idea that he thought ALL mosques were training grounds for terrorists. I see no mention of terrorism at all.

Anyway, fun chatting with you. It was refreshing to be able to dialogue a bit and not be called names.

I have also seen many (and assisted) many who want to be part of the American dream. Helping them to assimilate while keeping the magic of who they are and the value they will bring to this great nation.

El Centro Latino… my mother worked there for a while… it is a small world isn’t it.

I worked in citizenship as well as English as a second language groups. there were Koreans and other Asians, Russians and other nationalities represented, but it was mainly Hispanics from Mexico and Central America.

The classes were bursting at the seams, and the people dedicated a lot of themselves to be there. Many had at least two jobs, but would be there every night of the week with their families looking on or participating, too.

From that experience, I know there are a large number of immigrants, (I think the majority) including Hispanics, who want to participate in our democracy by learning English, becoming citizens and becoming involved in neighborhoods and all-American culture.

After over 30 years in this country, a good friend of mine who grew up in New Zealand but is an American citizen now, still slips and says “in my country”, so don’t be too hard on people. I still slip and say, “in my state”, and I meant Texas, not Washington.

btw, volunteering at Centro Latino is also a good way to brush up on your Spanish.

No one is asking to not have barrios, predominate sections of town, etc… and one can function very well in the language and culture of the barrio. But when you venture forth from the barrio, you have to be able to function and that usually means at least language.

My issue is when talking to people they say “…in my country…” Silly me thinking they mean the good olde USA but they are talking about their “home” country… literally. And they supposedly are US Citizens too, go figure.

You are correct, there is no official language per se. But I don’t have much sympathy for my brown brothers and sisters that complain about the lack of opportunity… complaining in Spanish by the way…

I am moving to Puerto Rico, my Spanish is a little weak… you can be damn sure that I am working on it so that I can assimilate to the culture of the isla. My English is a skill set I can leverage but I need to be able to function in the common language of the “country” (I know it is a Commonwealth)

On a side note, the MSM is the last place I would look to for information on this specific issue. I would look to Herman Cain and the Muslim host organization for their press releases and commentary. Their exact words, not the medias interpretation of their words. Again, to each his own view.

On another side, side note – I am not convince anymore that the post you and I see on any board is reflective of “public opinion” but is an attempt to alter public opinion. Just a working theory for now.