- Western Judeo/Christian culture is simply not mentally prepared to grasp, understand or accept the Islamic mindset and its implications
- We are geared to co-existence and tolerance; it is built into us culturally from birth whereas:
- Muslims are carefully taught from birth to despise and suspect infidels and un-believers
- Islamic schooling focuses on rote memorization and forbids critical thinking and debate
- Radicals are NOT hi-jackers of Islam. Their ultimate goal is the same as moderates - only the tactics differ.
- They are all true believers but vary only in aggressiveness.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Islamic Summary Series - 1
THE UNDERSTANDING GAP
Friday, July 27, 2007
About the Minutemen - MCDC
The Minutemen Civil Defense Corps - MCDC - is usually portrayed as vigilantes who are victimizing poor people who just want a job. While many of the illegals are indeed poor people wanting a job, and they are to be pitied for what they endure to get here, let alone the corruption in their home countries that make their homeland situation intolerable, a substantial number are, in fact, lawless. Drugs, disease and crime of all sorts are rampant on the border and amongst the immigrant community at large. We call ourselves a nation of laws but in this matter it seems to be a selective and overtly neglected responsibility on the part of our government. MCDC activity is strictly aimed at high lighting the illegality problems and forcing our elected officials to do their jobs at all levels, jobs they swore an oath to carry out faithfully. The MCDC organization carefully vets its members with criminal back ground checks and has strict Operating Procedures and mandatory training. By visiting MinutemanHQ.com you can review their Standard Operating Procedures and training manual. They do not interfere with immigrants; their presence is simply reported to the Border Patrol. MCDC does offer humanitarian assistance when needed but then only if they agree to it. MCDC does not detain or give orders to immigrants or hinder them in any way.
Monday, July 23, 2007
BOOK REVIEW OF IBN WARRAQ’S
WHY I AM NOT A MUSLIM
This separate review of Warraq’s book is included because it has come to be a profound learning experience for me. In the strongest terms possible I recommend you read this book. It would be worthwhile even if Islamic hostility were not an issue because Warraq is also giving us an incredibly articulate and reasoned defense of western style democracy and its accompanying traditions of reasoning and logic.
The author is a former Pakistani Muslim true believer who necessarily writes under a pseudonym to protect his identity. This book makes him, in Muslim eyes, the worst of the worst amongst apostates and subjects him to the death penalty at the hand of whatever zealous Muslim assassin can get to him first. He now lives and teaches at the University level in the US and must be a very brave man. Warraq is an atheist but not a combative one although his pointed and totally secular logical analyses of various beliefs are incisive. He is a thorough, exhaustive researcher and uses countless references and quotes within his book to reinforce his points. Because of the pseudonym I was not able to make contact with him as I did with Professor Karsh.
A very impressive thing about Warraq’s book is the depth of his references going back several hundred years to the very founding of Islam. How he got this much into one book is amazing. Many of his citations were double checked on the web and they are all verifiable, including obscure scholars and researchers from the 16th century to the present. This book seems to be the essence of thorough and unbiased scholarship and yet is never boring to read.
Why I Am Not A Muslim impressed me so much that I set out to write a more thorough book review rather than be satisfied with references in my paper on Islam. I quickly uncovered many existing reviews by Googling on Book Reviews, Why I Am Not a Muslim, so continuing initially seemed a waste of time. Although I do have a few points to make I will stop here to say you owe it to yourself to read the book cover to cover and then read the Googled reviews by Daniel Pipes, Ibn al-Rawandi, Curt Van den Heuvel and Dr. Ali Sina.
The book presents a scathing indictment of Islam and reveals the creation of the Koran as contrived and self serving by Mohammad. The violence embedded in the depths of Islam is, when fully absorbed, disgusting and repetitive. This book documents a total lack of tolerance for anything but Islamic doctrine. Hate is inherent in everything they describe about non-believers. The best non-believers can hope for is 2nd class citizenship called Dhimmitude. The very use of terms like non-believer and infidel to describe non Muslims is in itself insulting and is meant to be demeaning. It literally amounts to fighting words. But this is how we are described in their language and how they actually think of us.
As a Christian it is impossible to really study Islam in depth without coming to regard this religion with anything but fear and distrust. The fear should come more from knowing, while never understanding that, at its very roots, Islam as an unreasoning, hateful and vengeful religion bent on your eventual destruction. This should not be the fear of cowardice because that is self defeating and exactly what they want from us as a result of their implacable doctrine. Increasingly, more and more publications as well as long established analyses of Islam are consistently revealing of this sinister and threatening side of this religion. This would lead to a much needed awakening if the popular, main stream media would report Islam analytically and factually, but this has not been the case to date.
The early sections of the book are broken down into logical and historical sequences. It all comes together strongly enough to yield a basis for understanding Islam came about. The philosophy behind Islam, though it is there in words, will probably remain incomprehensible to us westerners much as we could not have understood German acquiescence to Hitler’s murder of 6,000,000 Jews or Japan’s WWII military code of Bushido that led to such appalling death and destruction. These monstrous things happened and were just dealt with reluctantly and out of necessity. The west is now faced with an equal or greater danger and we are pretending that all is well.
Warraq offers another way to look at this seemingly incomprehensible chasm through the words of Bernard Lewis. “In my view, since Muslims still take the Koran explicitly and literally, there is no difference between Islam and Islamic fundamentalism. Islam is deeply embedded in every Muslim society and ‘fundamentalism’ is simply an excess of this culture”. Lewis also says, “Their creed and their politics are inseparable and are not compatible with liberal democracy.”
Beginning with Chapter 14 on Women and Islam, Warraq begins relating modern Islamic practices to us. To actually read about Islamic doctrine and then some modern day practices is eye popping. We have all heard some of it but it probably didn’t register too deeply. Warraq’s citations will get your attention. Any conclusion of westerners has to be that, on the treatment of women alone, we should never accommodate Islam within our culture. Never, until they have made women full partners with men. Any compromise on this issue would be a gross betrayal of our humanity.
Chapter 17, Islam in the West, is the book’s logical capstone. Warraq does a convincing job of explaining how politically correct multi-culturism is working toward its own destruction because of its blind support and incomprehensible tolerance of Muslim excesses in our very midst. He forcefully illustrates that if we don’t awaken soon to the need to defend and cherish our cultures and values from those who would destroy us, then we will be gradually defeated. He describes the west, whose culture and values he loves, as dominated by craven and weak self haters who are afraid to appear judgmental or racist at all costs. He clearly portrays a race between our self destruction and that which Islam promises. This statement certainly rings true because of so much that is actually going on in the west right in front of us. Muslims themselves openly recognize and take advantage of this cultural cowardice on our part. Warraq shows scorn and pity for this self-destructive behavior of the liberal elites and their hate and contempt for the culture and values that have so demonstrably enriched civilization and the common man.
The overall impact of this book is that it does the best job possible of giving a clear, comparative analysis of Islam vis a vis western values and culture. Second, his assessment of the traditions and the educational and governing systems of the west are important lessons on the great treasure of a civilization we westerners have from one who grew up in a repressive system.
Do yourself a very large favor. Obtain this book and read it.
This separate review of Warraq’s book is included because it has come to be a profound learning experience for me. In the strongest terms possible I recommend you read this book. It would be worthwhile even if Islamic hostility were not an issue because Warraq is also giving us an incredibly articulate and reasoned defense of western style democracy and its accompanying traditions of reasoning and logic.
The author is a former Pakistani Muslim true believer who necessarily writes under a pseudonym to protect his identity. This book makes him, in Muslim eyes, the worst of the worst amongst apostates and subjects him to the death penalty at the hand of whatever zealous Muslim assassin can get to him first. He now lives and teaches at the University level in the US and must be a very brave man. Warraq is an atheist but not a combative one although his pointed and totally secular logical analyses of various beliefs are incisive. He is a thorough, exhaustive researcher and uses countless references and quotes within his book to reinforce his points. Because of the pseudonym I was not able to make contact with him as I did with Professor Karsh.
A very impressive thing about Warraq’s book is the depth of his references going back several hundred years to the very founding of Islam. How he got this much into one book is amazing. Many of his citations were double checked on the web and they are all verifiable, including obscure scholars and researchers from the 16th century to the present. This book seems to be the essence of thorough and unbiased scholarship and yet is never boring to read.
Why I Am Not A Muslim impressed me so much that I set out to write a more thorough book review rather than be satisfied with references in my paper on Islam. I quickly uncovered many existing reviews by Googling on Book Reviews, Why I Am Not a Muslim, so continuing initially seemed a waste of time. Although I do have a few points to make I will stop here to say you owe it to yourself to read the book cover to cover and then read the Googled reviews by Daniel Pipes, Ibn al-Rawandi, Curt Van den Heuvel and Dr. Ali Sina.
The book presents a scathing indictment of Islam and reveals the creation of the Koran as contrived and self serving by Mohammad. The violence embedded in the depths of Islam is, when fully absorbed, disgusting and repetitive. This book documents a total lack of tolerance for anything but Islamic doctrine. Hate is inherent in everything they describe about non-believers. The best non-believers can hope for is 2nd class citizenship called Dhimmitude. The very use of terms like non-believer and infidel to describe non Muslims is in itself insulting and is meant to be demeaning. It literally amounts to fighting words. But this is how we are described in their language and how they actually think of us.
As a Christian it is impossible to really study Islam in depth without coming to regard this religion with anything but fear and distrust. The fear should come more from knowing, while never understanding that, at its very roots, Islam as an unreasoning, hateful and vengeful religion bent on your eventual destruction. This should not be the fear of cowardice because that is self defeating and exactly what they want from us as a result of their implacable doctrine. Increasingly, more and more publications as well as long established analyses of Islam are consistently revealing of this sinister and threatening side of this religion. This would lead to a much needed awakening if the popular, main stream media would report Islam analytically and factually, but this has not been the case to date.
The early sections of the book are broken down into logical and historical sequences. It all comes together strongly enough to yield a basis for understanding Islam came about. The philosophy behind Islam, though it is there in words, will probably remain incomprehensible to us westerners much as we could not have understood German acquiescence to Hitler’s murder of 6,000,000 Jews or Japan’s WWII military code of Bushido that led to such appalling death and destruction. These monstrous things happened and were just dealt with reluctantly and out of necessity. The west is now faced with an equal or greater danger and we are pretending that all is well.
Warraq offers another way to look at this seemingly incomprehensible chasm through the words of Bernard Lewis. “In my view, since Muslims still take the Koran explicitly and literally, there is no difference between Islam and Islamic fundamentalism. Islam is deeply embedded in every Muslim society and ‘fundamentalism’ is simply an excess of this culture”. Lewis also says, “Their creed and their politics are inseparable and are not compatible with liberal democracy.”
Beginning with Chapter 14 on Women and Islam, Warraq begins relating modern Islamic practices to us. To actually read about Islamic doctrine and then some modern day practices is eye popping. We have all heard some of it but it probably didn’t register too deeply. Warraq’s citations will get your attention. Any conclusion of westerners has to be that, on the treatment of women alone, we should never accommodate Islam within our culture. Never, until they have made women full partners with men. Any compromise on this issue would be a gross betrayal of our humanity.
Chapter 17, Islam in the West, is the book’s logical capstone. Warraq does a convincing job of explaining how politically correct multi-culturism is working toward its own destruction because of its blind support and incomprehensible tolerance of Muslim excesses in our very midst. He forcefully illustrates that if we don’t awaken soon to the need to defend and cherish our cultures and values from those who would destroy us, then we will be gradually defeated. He describes the west, whose culture and values he loves, as dominated by craven and weak self haters who are afraid to appear judgmental or racist at all costs. He clearly portrays a race between our self destruction and that which Islam promises. This statement certainly rings true because of so much that is actually going on in the west right in front of us. Muslims themselves openly recognize and take advantage of this cultural cowardice on our part. Warraq shows scorn and pity for this self-destructive behavior of the liberal elites and their hate and contempt for the culture and values that have so demonstrably enriched civilization and the common man.
The overall impact of this book is that it does the best job possible of giving a clear, comparative analysis of Islam vis a vis western values and culture. Second, his assessment of the traditions and the educational and governing systems of the west are important lessons on the great treasure of a civilization we westerners have from one who grew up in a repressive system.
Do yourself a very large favor. Obtain this book and read it.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Muslims
Why Do They Hate Us?
• Pointless Question – Their religion commands it and you cannot change that
• Its about their religion – you are not a Muslim
• Israel is real but also a just convenient excuse
• We saved Balkan & Kuwaiti Muslims and it doesn’t matter to them
• We are kafir & infidels & un-believers. That’s all it takes to be detested by them.
• New policies & more apologies don’t work
• BUT – Becoming a Muslim will satisfy them
• Pointless Question – Their religion commands it and you cannot change that
• Its about their religion – you are not a Muslim
• Israel is real but also a just convenient excuse
• We saved Balkan & Kuwaiti Muslims and it doesn’t matter to them
• We are kafir & infidels & un-believers. That’s all it takes to be detested by them.
• New policies & more apologies don’t work
• BUT – Becoming a Muslim will satisfy them
Definition
Politically Correct or PC. If you loosely define liberalism as a religion, PC is their equivalent to Sharia. The roots of PC lie essentially in the extreme intolerance of anything not liberal. Unlike written law, it can be anything that serves liberal interests and does not have to result from consistent or rigorous thought. Liberals and Muslims are alike in their desire to greatly diminish our freedoms.
Book Review of Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s
INFIDEL
This autobiography was acquired as just another reference source on Islam. It has now become not only a valuable resource but the author gives deeply revealing insights about the inscrutable values and unshakable beliefs of Muslims not gained in other readings.
This is a wonderful and inspiring book and, separate from any religious issues, it reveals Ali to be a woman who could serve as a role model for people in any tough circumstances but especially for young women. I commend you mothers to read it and to pass it on to your daughters when they are ready for it.
With active opposition from her native land and people; a loving but absent father; a mother nearly insane from neglect and over work; the mud and wattle hut of her beginnings; poor basic education and the bewildering workings and values of her new environment, Ali, alone, made herself over into a totally new and enlightened person. At each step in her self development she was faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles but each time managed to convince herself to persevere. At this point in time she has done very well indeed. Now, at still a young age, she is multi-lingual and is highly regarded as well educated, governmentally experienced, a gifted speaker, an eloquent writer and a courageous and independent thinker. That she overcame these obstacles and accomplished so much after growing up for 20 plus years with strong Muslim roots and influence is all the more remarkable. Now in the US she has become an associate of the prestigious Heritage Institute. For these reasons alone the book is worth reading.
More than most sources, she provides a ground level look at how Muslims live, regard life, value others and experience religion on a personal level. You will learn how Muslims live with the seemingly harsh and unyielding and fear inspiring teachings of Islam. Their suspicion and hatred of non-Muslims and western values seems almost innocently naïve because of the rock hard and inflexible Islamic teachings as revealed by Ali.
The book shows in one instance how we are faced with a culture that cannot be reasoned with, even on a non-hostile basis. Ali illustrates this by her example of the persistent failure of unemployed Dutch-Somali males who, having minimal skills and education, remain jobless in the plentiful job market of Holland. They are barely qualified for anything but menial jobs but when asked why they would not take the low end jobs offered their rationale was “We are Muslims and we are men. Both things make us superior to white men. Technical qualifications have nothing to do with it. It would be against the will of Allah for us to take orders from non-Muslims and from white people. We should be given jobs as doctors, lawyers and air line pilots.” This paraphrased statement is ludicrous or worse when taken at face value. But if we accept it as indicative of where they are honestly and sincerely coming from in all things we can begin to see how difficult it will be to mesh the two cultures without serious social eruptions. Likewise, since all Muslim thinking is religiously based, we receive a good clue regarding the sheer difficulty of logically dealing with them. We want them to assimilate and by training from birth they do not want to and, significantly, for religious reasons they cannot. The Koran says they will go to hell for befriending and cooperating with infidels.
All this leaves the bewildering question of why they come to live in western countries. Part of the reason, as Ali abundantly illustrates, is chaos and economic depression in their home countries. A companion reason must be the opportunity to live a more materially rewarding life but without understanding how this became possible. In other words there is no connection with the benefits of liberal democracy. Neither is there a connection of their homeland conditions with the influences and philosophies of their religion. So they arrive in our midst for economic opportunity while devoid of any foundation to take advantage of it or any enlightened ideals of how to achieve it. Perversely, their ideals remain the very values that made their old lives miserable and deprived. They see their new countries only as something to be taken advantage of from a Muslim perspective. They are unable to see that their values, when imposed on the new environment, will eventually return them to the chaos they left, a chaos their leaders blame on the very people who created the opportunity they seek. Rational analysis of this type seems to be beyond them.
To repeat, this is a wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking book.
INFIDEL
This autobiography was acquired as just another reference source on Islam. It has now become not only a valuable resource but the author gives deeply revealing insights about the inscrutable values and unshakable beliefs of Muslims not gained in other readings.
This is a wonderful and inspiring book and, separate from any religious issues, it reveals Ali to be a woman who could serve as a role model for people in any tough circumstances but especially for young women. I commend you mothers to read it and to pass it on to your daughters when they are ready for it.
With active opposition from her native land and people; a loving but absent father; a mother nearly insane from neglect and over work; the mud and wattle hut of her beginnings; poor basic education and the bewildering workings and values of her new environment, Ali, alone, made herself over into a totally new and enlightened person. At each step in her self development she was faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles but each time managed to convince herself to persevere. At this point in time she has done very well indeed. Now, at still a young age, she is multi-lingual and is highly regarded as well educated, governmentally experienced, a gifted speaker, an eloquent writer and a courageous and independent thinker. That she overcame these obstacles and accomplished so much after growing up for 20 plus years with strong Muslim roots and influence is all the more remarkable. Now in the US she has become an associate of the prestigious Heritage Institute. For these reasons alone the book is worth reading.
More than most sources, she provides a ground level look at how Muslims live, regard life, value others and experience religion on a personal level. You will learn how Muslims live with the seemingly harsh and unyielding and fear inspiring teachings of Islam. Their suspicion and hatred of non-Muslims and western values seems almost innocently naïve because of the rock hard and inflexible Islamic teachings as revealed by Ali.
The book shows in one instance how we are faced with a culture that cannot be reasoned with, even on a non-hostile basis. Ali illustrates this by her example of the persistent failure of unemployed Dutch-Somali males who, having minimal skills and education, remain jobless in the plentiful job market of Holland. They are barely qualified for anything but menial jobs but when asked why they would not take the low end jobs offered their rationale was “We are Muslims and we are men. Both things make us superior to white men. Technical qualifications have nothing to do with it. It would be against the will of Allah for us to take orders from non-Muslims and from white people. We should be given jobs as doctors, lawyers and air line pilots.” This paraphrased statement is ludicrous or worse when taken at face value. But if we accept it as indicative of where they are honestly and sincerely coming from in all things we can begin to see how difficult it will be to mesh the two cultures without serious social eruptions. Likewise, since all Muslim thinking is religiously based, we receive a good clue regarding the sheer difficulty of logically dealing with them. We want them to assimilate and by training from birth they do not want to and, significantly, for religious reasons they cannot. The Koran says they will go to hell for befriending and cooperating with infidels.
All this leaves the bewildering question of why they come to live in western countries. Part of the reason, as Ali abundantly illustrates, is chaos and economic depression in their home countries. A companion reason must be the opportunity to live a more materially rewarding life but without understanding how this became possible. In other words there is no connection with the benefits of liberal democracy. Neither is there a connection of their homeland conditions with the influences and philosophies of their religion. So they arrive in our midst for economic opportunity while devoid of any foundation to take advantage of it or any enlightened ideals of how to achieve it. Perversely, their ideals remain the very values that made their old lives miserable and deprived. They see their new countries only as something to be taken advantage of from a Muslim perspective. They are unable to see that their values, when imposed on the new environment, will eventually return them to the chaos they left, a chaos their leaders blame on the very people who created the opportunity they seek. Rational analysis of this type seems to be beyond them.
To repeat, this is a wonderful, inspiring and thought provoking book.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Front Sight Link
ul style="list-style-type: none;">
Front Sight Firearms Training Institute
Ignatius Piazza - founder of Front Sight
Ignatius Piazza Blog
Ignatius Piazza - in Forbes Magazine
Front Sight - in Black Belt Magazine
Front Sight - in Icon Magazine
Front Sight - in The Mail on Sunday Review
Front Sight - on USA Today
My Experience at Front Sight
Ignatius Piazza - in Gun World
Ignatius Piazza - in Playboy
Ignatius Piazza - in San Francisco Chronicle
Front Sight - in Los Angeles Times
Front Sight - in Cybercast News Service
Front Sight - in Gun Web
Ignatius Piazza - in Las Vegas Sun
Ignatius Piazza - in Small Arms Review
Front Sight - in Financial Times
Front Sight - in Sierra Times
Ignatius Piazza - on World Net Daily
Ignatius Piazza - in El Mercurio
Front Sight - on CNN
Front Sight - in Guns & Ammo
Front Sight - in New York Times
Ignatius Piazza - in Times Democrat
Front Sight - in London Times
Ignatius Piazza - in Fort Worth Star Telegram
Ignatius Piazza - in Chicago Tribune
Front Sight - in Santa Cruz Sentinel
Ignatius Piazza - in Las Vegas Life
Ignatius Piazza - in Las Vegas Mercury
Ignatius Piazza - in Handvapen Guiden
Ignatius Piazza - in National Enquirer
Ignatius Piazza - in Las Vegas Review
Ignatius Piazza - in Washington Post
Front Sight - in El Pais Seminal
Ignatius Piazza - on Reform America
Front Sight - on BBC News
Front Sight - in US News & World Report
Front Sight - in Pajaronian Register
A READING REFERENCE LIST
For anyone who wants to dig into these subjects there is a wealth of information available on the web sites of The Cato Institute, The Heritage Institute and The Hoover Institute at Stanford University. Additionally, the following is a sampling of what I think is the best of my reading list. All of the books on Islam have the potential to disturb you: from the pro-Islamic affirmation of their basic aims and from pro-western writers by the scope of revealing research and depth of documentation but, as well, the blindness of our culture’s exposure to a serious threat. Studying Islam is incredibly fascinating and disturbing because it so radically different from the western mind set and offers no suggestion of a way to peacefully co-exist except conversion. All of these books are available in book stores or at Amazon.com. Because of oversight I did not use standard book listing format.
* Books also recommended in Spencer’s Politically Incorrect Guide. He also
recommends many other books not listed here.
** Your best bet for economy of learning.
LEARNING ABOUT ISLAM
An End to Evil by David Frum and Richard Perle. Focuses on the tactics and leadership we would need to win the war on terror. We do indeed lack the leadership.
An Introduction to Islamic Law by Joseph Schacht. A scholarly and detailed guide to Islamic religious law written in 1982. *
Because They Hate by Brigitte Gabriel. The author is a Lebanese Marionite Christian who was forced to grow up in the Lebanese turmoil.
Defeating Jihad by Serge Trifkovic, Ph.D. A European historian and former commentator for the BBC and US News & World Report, Trifkovic calls for a strategy for dealing with a deadly threat by isolating America from Islam, strictly controlling immigration and returning to our cultural and moral values. The author has a special talent for condensing alien and complex concepts into understandable prose. He blends demographic trends with Islamic activism in a thoroughly convincing way.
** Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. The autobiography of an incredibly strong and brave woman. Illustrates violent and myopic Islamic extremes as well as a unique view of life at ground level within Muslim society. A real eye opener on differences.
** Infiltration by Paul Sperry. Sperry is an investigative reporter. This book turned out to be the most informative of all regarding current events and dangers with great detail and strong focus on contemporary happenings inside the US. If you want to get an education on what is going on now as opposed to history, this is a must read and it will definitely not bore you. *
** Islamic Imperialism by Ishmael Karsh. This is the book to read for detailed historical content. The author is Chair of Mid East studies at London University. He is a Jew and, based on my e-mail exchange with him, a kindly and thoughtful man. This is a very deep and detailed study of Islamic history and culture with emphasis on Islam’s growth from the beginning. It is a serious text book approach rather than a relaxed read.
Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong. A book I reviewed that became apparent as a shill for Muslim spin on their ‘peace loving’ religion. An objective observer will see this book as shallow apologia. However, Armstrong, an ex British Nun and religious writer, along with American John Esposito, are two among many western Islamic apologists. It is always worthwhile to read both sides of a controversy.
No End to War (Terrorism in the 21st Century) by Walter Laqueur. Drives home the message that Islam will never give up their Jihad against Israel and the West. Wordy and exasperatingly pretentious but full of good insights.
Quran: Liberation and Pluralism by Farid Esack. A rare liberal Muslim who is still alive. He writes about his attempts to liberalize Islam. One of his points is that, rather than hijacking and twisting Islam to evil purposes, according to western apologists, UBL is a devout and true Muslim practitioner and a true man of God. But – we knew that!
Religion of Peace, Islam’s War Against The World by Gregory M. Davis
Terror in The Name of God by Jessica Stern. This is a hard to read and excessively wordy but still useful analysis of the motivations of terrorists and killers. Be prepared to learn something but this is a politically correct text that is two thirds space filler of dreck and drone so typical of text books.
The Legacy of Jihad by Andrew Bostom, Ph.D. The scriptural roots and actual history of Jihad as a tool of expansion and conquest are extensively detailed.
The Life of Mohammed by Rev. J. L. Menezes, S.J. Written in 1906, this tough to read book has the advantage of not being influenced by current events. Very insightful
and worthwhile but, due to its antique style, is challenging.
** The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah by A. Guillame. A dose of Islamic reality and a devastating denial of the bland PC beliefs concerning Islam from the mouth and pen of an Islamic scholar & cleric. *
** The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades by Robert Spencer. Spencer is a prolific writer and researcher of Islamic history and happenings. This book strongly confirmed what I had learned in school about the Crusades many years ago only to see it become Politically Incorrect today. Also rich in reference material.
The Sword of the Prophet by Serge Trifkovic. The book’s theme is that politically correct and rigid elitist views of Islam blind us to the true nature of the threat it poses.
** The Truth about Muhammad by Robert Spencer. A focus on the life of Muhammad researched from Muslim sources. Without reading the Koran itself, this is a mini Koran study.
** The West’s Last Chance by Tony Blankley. A writer and journalist and former Brit, Blankley spells out the growing dangers and a scenario for taking back the initiative to preserve our way of life.
The Quran (Koran). Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. There are many English translations and a few are referenced by Spencer. Keep in mind that any version not written in Arabic are held by Islamists as invalid, even accurate translations written by Muslims, and are automatically discredited as corrupt when cited in open debate. But it is informative to read Koranic passages. *
**** Why I Am Not a Muslim by Ibn Warraq, a pseudonym. The author, a Pakistani, left Islam for atheism after much reflection on his Islamic schooling and the Salman Rushdie affair. This iconoclastic dissection of Islam was written 6 years before 9/11. It is a deeply researched learning experience. More than any other source it tells of many liberalizing efforts within Islam that have been quashed. He also challenges blind faith of any type.
MISCELLANEOUS
** America Alone by Mark Steyn. Steyn is a Canadian writer and columnist of political matters. This book details the political and strategic consequences of world demographic trends. The most comprehensive on demographic impacts but with a light style.
AMERICA’S God & Country edited & compiled by William J. Federer. Highlights of America’s heritage in notable quotes, court decisions, speeches and more;
This book is a treasury of reference material that is worth reading on its own merit.
A Global Intelligence Briefing for CEOs, an essay by Herbert Meyer. Covers four major topics; The Iraq War, The emergence of China, Shifting Demographics and Restructuring American Business. A very good global update that was widely distributed.
A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard, c 1899. A lesson in character. Find it by Googling on Elbert Hubbard, A Message to Garcia.
A New Deal for Social Security by Peter Ferrara and Michael Turner. One of many good books that deal with the crisis that is here and now and is a disaster for younger generations and which is being ignored because of disgraceful partisan politics. It also serves as a good primer on the mechanics of Social Security.
A World Without Public Schools by David Gelernter from The Weekly Standard of 6/4/07, p29. An essay on public schools and our changing culture. Excellent.
Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell. The author is a highly respected and widely published Economist at the Hoover Institute. He is nationally syndicated and frequently appears with columns and Op-Eds in most major media. He has a clear, amusing and down to earth style that is easy to enjoy. He is the essence of adult.
Economic Showdown by Brian Wesbury, Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, 4/19/07, pA17. Analysis of long term economic boom, 1990 to present.
Freedom’s Power by Paul Starr. A liberal author who does a great job of defining the original meaning of liberal western democracy that confirms my definition in CIVICS and seems to be an effort to bring Democrats back to a patriotic center.
Freedom & Virtue Edited by George W. Carey. Essays on freedom and responsibility from prominent Conservatives and Libertarians.
Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond. Highly regarded liberal UCLA Professor’s study of why civilizations fail or succeed. A very worthwhile read.
GDP/Population Spread Sheet. Compiled from UN and Heritage Foundation publications, attached. See under Global Warming essay.
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas Woods, Jr. The Catholic label notwithstanding, this book really documents the huge influence of Christianity, not just Catholicism, on western civilization and governmental forms. *
Immigration and the End of Self Government by Louis T. March. An easy read that focuses on the dangers and internal results of current immigration trends.
No Retreat, No Surrender by Tom DeLay. Makes a case for refocusing our country on core Constitutional and traditional values. A real benefit of this book, regardless of your opinion of DeLay, is a best ever explanation of what conservatism means as well as how Congress works at the floor level.
Reckless Disregard by Lt. Col Robert Patterson. How democrats and the Clinton Administration undercut and ignored the War on Terror and National Security.
The Broken Hearth by William J. Bennett. Makes a case for reversing the moral collapse of the American family as the core of a healthy society.
The Death of Outrage by William J. Bennett. Deals with the premise that political correctness and moral relativism has weakened the core of traditional American and family ideals.
They Just Don’t Get It and On The Hunt by Col. David Hunt. Shortcomings and blunt critique on the War on Terror. Hunt lays it on the line with a unique style.
The Next Century by David Halberstram. An economic model of the coming America which he presents as not so much gloom for us but simply the sobering reality and meaning to take from witnessing much of the world catching up with us economically.
The Theory of Everything by Stephen W. Hawking. A former atheist’s brainiac words of science for ordinary people with a surprising spiritual touch.
The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery. A good explanation of global warming factors and corrective action. Well written, entertaining and worth reading. Don’t let the liberal stamp keep you away. This guy is extreme, but good. We all know global warming needs deliberate attention.
The Whirlwind by James Clavell. Exciting fiction with a good insight into the Iranian revolution.
The UN Exposed by Eric Shawn. Shawn is an investigative reporter who has focused on corruption in the UN. This will load you with outrage.
Showdown by Jed Babbin & Edward Timperlake. The authors are former senior Pentagon officials. The book documents China’s rapid build up offensive military capability and poses scenarios for its purpose.
Winning The Future by Newt Gingrich. Some political wisdom from the most brilliant politician who will never be elected again.
WORTHWHILE ADULT PERIODICALS
Wall Street Journal
The Weekly Standard
America, formerly The American Enterprise
National Review
New York Times
New York Post
Washington Times
Washington Post
Human Events
The Claremont Review of Books
THOUGHT PROVOKING QUOTES
John F. Kennedy, U.S. President, assassinated 1963: “Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take up arms, but who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their life”
John Howard, Current Australian Prime Minister: “Immigrants, not Australians, must adapt. Take it or leave it. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or culture”.
Ronald Reagan, U.S. President, 1980-88. “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under”.
Edmund Burke, British political philosopher, 1729-1797. “All that is required for evil to triumph is for a few good men to do nothing”
Tony Blair, Contemporary British Prime Minister’s answer when challenged in open Parliament over his support for America. “A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in and how many want out”
G. K. Chesterton, early 20th century American writer and philosopher. “A man who ceases to believe in God does not believe in nothing, he believes in anything” and, “The most bigoted people are those with no convictions at all”.
Mohammad, Messenger of God & Founder of Islam, c 620. “Fight in the name of Allah and make a holy war thusly by giving your enemy three choices; accept Islam and suffer no harm (become Muslim); refuse Islam but pay Jizya (punitive tax) and be safe (become a very 2nd class citizen); refuse both Islam and the Jizya and be warred upon without remorse (lose your head)” (paraphrased for brevity)
Islamic Public Protest Signs in contemporary London by religion of peace protestors;
“Freedom go to hell”
“Europe – Take lessons from 9/11”
“Butcher those who mock Islam”
“Be prepared for the real holocaust”
“Behead those who insult Islam”
Sir William Muir, 1819-1905, Scottish scholar of Islam and author. “The sword of Mohammad and the Koran are the most stubborn enemies of Civilization, Liberty, and Truth which the world has yet known”.
Special Note: Victor Davis Hanson is a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institute, a UC Professor Emeritus of the Classics, military historian, columnist, essayist, social commentator and a raisin farmer near Selma, CA. Although I have not directly referenced him I read everything of his I can and, like Thomas Sowell, I greatly admire his writings for their clarity and objectiveness. Therefore I recommend the same for you and the best way to get your eyes around him is at Wikipedia.com. It also includes some very hateful rebuttals and reviews of him.
For anyone who wants to dig into these subjects there is a wealth of information available on the web sites of The Cato Institute, The Heritage Institute and The Hoover Institute at Stanford University. Additionally, the following is a sampling of what I think is the best of my reading list. All of the books on Islam have the potential to disturb you: from the pro-Islamic affirmation of their basic aims and from pro-western writers by the scope of revealing research and depth of documentation but, as well, the blindness of our culture’s exposure to a serious threat. Studying Islam is incredibly fascinating and disturbing because it so radically different from the western mind set and offers no suggestion of a way to peacefully co-exist except conversion. All of these books are available in book stores or at Amazon.com. Because of oversight I did not use standard book listing format.
* Books also recommended in Spencer’s Politically Incorrect Guide. He also
recommends many other books not listed here.
** Your best bet for economy of learning.
LEARNING ABOUT ISLAM
An End to Evil by David Frum and Richard Perle. Focuses on the tactics and leadership we would need to win the war on terror. We do indeed lack the leadership.
An Introduction to Islamic Law by Joseph Schacht. A scholarly and detailed guide to Islamic religious law written in 1982. *
Because They Hate by Brigitte Gabriel. The author is a Lebanese Marionite Christian who was forced to grow up in the Lebanese turmoil.
Defeating Jihad by Serge Trifkovic, Ph.D. A European historian and former commentator for the BBC and US News & World Report, Trifkovic calls for a strategy for dealing with a deadly threat by isolating America from Islam, strictly controlling immigration and returning to our cultural and moral values. The author has a special talent for condensing alien and complex concepts into understandable prose. He blends demographic trends with Islamic activism in a thoroughly convincing way.
** Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. The autobiography of an incredibly strong and brave woman. Illustrates violent and myopic Islamic extremes as well as a unique view of life at ground level within Muslim society. A real eye opener on differences.
** Infiltration by Paul Sperry. Sperry is an investigative reporter. This book turned out to be the most informative of all regarding current events and dangers with great detail and strong focus on contemporary happenings inside the US. If you want to get an education on what is going on now as opposed to history, this is a must read and it will definitely not bore you. *
** Islamic Imperialism by Ishmael Karsh. This is the book to read for detailed historical content. The author is Chair of Mid East studies at London University. He is a Jew and, based on my e-mail exchange with him, a kindly and thoughtful man. This is a very deep and detailed study of Islamic history and culture with emphasis on Islam’s growth from the beginning. It is a serious text book approach rather than a relaxed read.
Islam: A Short History by Karen Armstrong. A book I reviewed that became apparent as a shill for Muslim spin on their ‘peace loving’ religion. An objective observer will see this book as shallow apologia. However, Armstrong, an ex British Nun and religious writer, along with American John Esposito, are two among many western Islamic apologists. It is always worthwhile to read both sides of a controversy.
No End to War (Terrorism in the 21st Century) by Walter Laqueur. Drives home the message that Islam will never give up their Jihad against Israel and the West. Wordy and exasperatingly pretentious but full of good insights.
Quran: Liberation and Pluralism by Farid Esack. A rare liberal Muslim who is still alive. He writes about his attempts to liberalize Islam. One of his points is that, rather than hijacking and twisting Islam to evil purposes, according to western apologists, UBL is a devout and true Muslim practitioner and a true man of God. But – we knew that!
Religion of Peace, Islam’s War Against The World by Gregory M. Davis
Terror in The Name of God by Jessica Stern. This is a hard to read and excessively wordy but still useful analysis of the motivations of terrorists and killers. Be prepared to learn something but this is a politically correct text that is two thirds space filler of dreck and drone so typical of text books.
The Legacy of Jihad by Andrew Bostom, Ph.D. The scriptural roots and actual history of Jihad as a tool of expansion and conquest are extensively detailed.
The Life of Mohammed by Rev. J. L. Menezes, S.J. Written in 1906, this tough to read book has the advantage of not being influenced by current events. Very insightful
and worthwhile but, due to its antique style, is challenging.
** The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah by A. Guillame. A dose of Islamic reality and a devastating denial of the bland PC beliefs concerning Islam from the mouth and pen of an Islamic scholar & cleric. *
** The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades by Robert Spencer. Spencer is a prolific writer and researcher of Islamic history and happenings. This book strongly confirmed what I had learned in school about the Crusades many years ago only to see it become Politically Incorrect today. Also rich in reference material.
The Sword of the Prophet by Serge Trifkovic. The book’s theme is that politically correct and rigid elitist views of Islam blind us to the true nature of the threat it poses.
** The Truth about Muhammad by Robert Spencer. A focus on the life of Muhammad researched from Muslim sources. Without reading the Koran itself, this is a mini Koran study.
** The West’s Last Chance by Tony Blankley. A writer and journalist and former Brit, Blankley spells out the growing dangers and a scenario for taking back the initiative to preserve our way of life.
The Quran (Koran). Translated by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem. There are many English translations and a few are referenced by Spencer. Keep in mind that any version not written in Arabic are held by Islamists as invalid, even accurate translations written by Muslims, and are automatically discredited as corrupt when cited in open debate. But it is informative to read Koranic passages. *
**** Why I Am Not a Muslim by Ibn Warraq, a pseudonym. The author, a Pakistani, left Islam for atheism after much reflection on his Islamic schooling and the Salman Rushdie affair. This iconoclastic dissection of Islam was written 6 years before 9/11. It is a deeply researched learning experience. More than any other source it tells of many liberalizing efforts within Islam that have been quashed. He also challenges blind faith of any type.
MISCELLANEOUS
** America Alone by Mark Steyn. Steyn is a Canadian writer and columnist of political matters. This book details the political and strategic consequences of world demographic trends. The most comprehensive on demographic impacts but with a light style.
AMERICA’S God & Country edited & compiled by William J. Federer. Highlights of America’s heritage in notable quotes, court decisions, speeches and more;
This book is a treasury of reference material that is worth reading on its own merit.
A Global Intelligence Briefing for CEOs, an essay by Herbert Meyer. Covers four major topics; The Iraq War, The emergence of China, Shifting Demographics and Restructuring American Business. A very good global update that was widely distributed.
A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard, c 1899. A lesson in character. Find it by Googling on Elbert Hubbard, A Message to Garcia.
A New Deal for Social Security by Peter Ferrara and Michael Turner. One of many good books that deal with the crisis that is here and now and is a disaster for younger generations and which is being ignored because of disgraceful partisan politics. It also serves as a good primer on the mechanics of Social Security.
A World Without Public Schools by David Gelernter from The Weekly Standard of 6/4/07, p29. An essay on public schools and our changing culture. Excellent.
Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell. The author is a highly respected and widely published Economist at the Hoover Institute. He is nationally syndicated and frequently appears with columns and Op-Eds in most major media. He has a clear, amusing and down to earth style that is easy to enjoy. He is the essence of adult.
Economic Showdown by Brian Wesbury, Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, 4/19/07, pA17. Analysis of long term economic boom, 1990 to present.
Freedom’s Power by Paul Starr. A liberal author who does a great job of defining the original meaning of liberal western democracy that confirms my definition in CIVICS and seems to be an effort to bring Democrats back to a patriotic center.
Freedom & Virtue Edited by George W. Carey. Essays on freedom and responsibility from prominent Conservatives and Libertarians.
Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond. Highly regarded liberal UCLA Professor’s study of why civilizations fail or succeed. A very worthwhile read.
GDP/Population Spread Sheet. Compiled from UN and Heritage Foundation publications, attached. See under Global Warming essay.
How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas Woods, Jr. The Catholic label notwithstanding, this book really documents the huge influence of Christianity, not just Catholicism, on western civilization and governmental forms. *
Immigration and the End of Self Government by Louis T. March. An easy read that focuses on the dangers and internal results of current immigration trends.
No Retreat, No Surrender by Tom DeLay. Makes a case for refocusing our country on core Constitutional and traditional values. A real benefit of this book, regardless of your opinion of DeLay, is a best ever explanation of what conservatism means as well as how Congress works at the floor level.
Reckless Disregard by Lt. Col Robert Patterson. How democrats and the Clinton Administration undercut and ignored the War on Terror and National Security.
The Broken Hearth by William J. Bennett. Makes a case for reversing the moral collapse of the American family as the core of a healthy society.
The Death of Outrage by William J. Bennett. Deals with the premise that political correctness and moral relativism has weakened the core of traditional American and family ideals.
They Just Don’t Get It and On The Hunt by Col. David Hunt. Shortcomings and blunt critique on the War on Terror. Hunt lays it on the line with a unique style.
The Next Century by David Halberstram. An economic model of the coming America which he presents as not so much gloom for us but simply the sobering reality and meaning to take from witnessing much of the world catching up with us economically.
The Theory of Everything by Stephen W. Hawking. A former atheist’s brainiac words of science for ordinary people with a surprising spiritual touch.
The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery. A good explanation of global warming factors and corrective action. Well written, entertaining and worth reading. Don’t let the liberal stamp keep you away. This guy is extreme, but good. We all know global warming needs deliberate attention.
The Whirlwind by James Clavell. Exciting fiction with a good insight into the Iranian revolution.
The UN Exposed by Eric Shawn. Shawn is an investigative reporter who has focused on corruption in the UN. This will load you with outrage.
Showdown by Jed Babbin & Edward Timperlake. The authors are former senior Pentagon officials. The book documents China’s rapid build up offensive military capability and poses scenarios for its purpose.
Winning The Future by Newt Gingrich. Some political wisdom from the most brilliant politician who will never be elected again.
WORTHWHILE ADULT PERIODICALS
Wall Street Journal
The Weekly Standard
America, formerly The American Enterprise
National Review
New York Times
New York Post
Washington Times
Washington Post
Human Events
The Claremont Review of Books
THOUGHT PROVOKING QUOTES
John F. Kennedy, U.S. President, assassinated 1963: “Today, we need a nation of Minutemen, citizens who are not only prepared to take up arms, but who regard the preservation of freedom as the basic purpose of their life”
John Howard, Current Australian Prime Minister: “Immigrants, not Australians, must adapt. Take it or leave it. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or culture”.
Ronald Reagan, U.S. President, 1980-88. “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under”.
Edmund Burke, British political philosopher, 1729-1797. “All that is required for evil to triumph is for a few good men to do nothing”
Tony Blair, Contemporary British Prime Minister’s answer when challenged in open Parliament over his support for America. “A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in and how many want out”
G. K. Chesterton, early 20th century American writer and philosopher. “A man who ceases to believe in God does not believe in nothing, he believes in anything” and, “The most bigoted people are those with no convictions at all”.
Mohammad, Messenger of God & Founder of Islam, c 620. “Fight in the name of Allah and make a holy war thusly by giving your enemy three choices; accept Islam and suffer no harm (become Muslim); refuse Islam but pay Jizya (punitive tax) and be safe (become a very 2nd class citizen); refuse both Islam and the Jizya and be warred upon without remorse (lose your head)” (paraphrased for brevity)
Islamic Public Protest Signs in contemporary London by religion of peace protestors;
“Freedom go to hell”
“Europe – Take lessons from 9/11”
“Butcher those who mock Islam”
“Be prepared for the real holocaust”
“Behead those who insult Islam”
Sir William Muir, 1819-1905, Scottish scholar of Islam and author. “The sword of Mohammad and the Koran are the most stubborn enemies of Civilization, Liberty, and Truth which the world has yet known”.
Special Note: Victor Davis Hanson is a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institute, a UC Professor Emeritus of the Classics, military historian, columnist, essayist, social commentator and a raisin farmer near Selma, CA. Although I have not directly referenced him I read everything of his I can and, like Thomas Sowell, I greatly admire his writings for their clarity and objectiveness. Therefore I recommend the same for you and the best way to get your eyes around him is at Wikipedia.com. It also includes some very hateful rebuttals and reviews of him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)