Muslim critics of western civilization are partially right about decadence therein. I'm most inclined to believe them when seeing what many of us go "gaga" over in this country. I mean, have we become a nation of vampire worshipers? Is there no part of the human body that won't be tattooed?
Is there no body surface or protrusion that can't be pierced and some ornament hung on it? Are there no words too vile of reprehensible to be recorded in a "rap song"?
Do we worship at the altars of Blackberry and big screen? Is there anything that celebrities can do, short or mass murder, that adoring fans would find unforgiveable?
Is there any salary demand by a superstar athlete that isn't considered obscene? Apparently not, and our critics have a valid point. But, these acts do not give radical Islamists the right, moral or otherwise, to seek the annihilation of western culture because of perceived decadence.
It would seem that "decadence" may be a byproduct of societies that have freedom and liberty, and that societies ruled by totalitarian theocrats that impose strict adherence to a set of rigid rules are likely to produce actions such as "honor killings," degradation of women and intolerance of other cultures. Critics of western cultures should recall the axiom about "glass houses" and "stone throwing."
They may have the right to attempt to convert the world to Islam by peaceful means. But terrorizing and murdering westerners won't get the job done; it will only lead to many deaths.
Although western governments have been intimidated by radical Islam, much of it has been out of a desire for peaceful, civilized solutions to our differences. The West is reaching an end to its restraint in dealing with radicals. The current debate relative to the building of a mosque or Muslim cultural center near Ground Zero in New York City illustrates the distrust that many Americans have of Middle Eastern Muslims. Many feel that Muslims are not being honest in their condemnation of "jihad" attacks on westerners; they further feel that beneath their vocal disapproval they are secretly cheering.
This debate has the potential to "clear the air" with regard to what people really think and their true motivations. If American Muslims want to ameliorate the concerns of those who view them skeptically, it will take more than just talk. It requires active participation in condemning terrorist attacks and working to bring about peaceful relations.
Most of us don't see a mosque built near Ground Zero as being helpful. We see it as a reminder of those who participated in the attack. The issue is not freedom of religion; it's about respect, something American Muslims need to earn.
Hopefully, westerners will, with America's leadership, have a change in attitude regarding how to deal with creators of world unrest, specifically Iran.
We must decide to make clear to Iran that as the world's major sponsor of terrorism, it will be held accountable for any attacks on western targets. They will be the recipient of equivalent responses to the acts of terrorism.
The new western leadership must make clear to Iran, which will soon have the capability to deliver a nuclear strike on western targets, that such an attack will lead to the virtual annihilation of Iran's major resources.
It may be safely assumed that Iranian leaders do in fact know that a nuclear attack on the West would bring devastating results to their country, yet they proceed with their dangerous game consumed by hatred for the West and Israel.
This hatred is a very dangerous commodity. If unrestrained it will ultimately lead to a very bad ending for Iranians and quite possibly people of many other countries.
Can anyone really believe that this radical leadership will change its course because we are nice and reasonable? Only the most naive entertain these thoughts, which is why American leaders must take bold steps in dealing with Iran.
The time is coming when American leaders will make this change in attitude and stop appeasing a nation determined to acquire weapons it has shown it does not have the wisdom to possess.
Reynolds lives in Pleasant View. To comment, either leave a response at the column's address at StandardNET or e-mail letters@standard.net.
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