Get rid of that damned cat picture and bring back the redhead.

Get rid of that damned cat picture and bring back the redhead.
Stop it, Frogger! I'm trying to help the child stay a child... at least until she's old enough to drink!

*looks real mean at Frogger*

Lotta help you are.

:(
SMW

I like the lolcats pictures... That one's cute AND funny.

I do like the redhead one though. Except for that I noticed earlier that the girl in the picture looks a LOT like my boyfriend's younger sister... which would be weird. Very, very weird. :@@:

Except for that I noticed earlier that the girl in the picture looks a LOT like my boyfriend's younger sister... which would be weird. Very, very weird. :@@:
Got a name and number???

Got a name and number???
Prae, his sister is 14... And VERY religious.

Prae, his sister is 14... And VERY religious.
Oh....:eek:

Well, if she was, like, 4 years older, and resembled that chick in your sig line, then I'd have her praying to god in no time. You see, I, too, am very religious....

Back to the topic at hand....

Here's a recent story that should sicken western women:

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian police will intensify a crackdown on women flouting Islamic dress code, a police official told a newspaper on Sunday, in the first reinforcement of regular summertime campaigns.

Such crackdowns have become a regular feature of Iranian life, but it is the first time police have pledged to toughen up measures that began in April.

A human rights group on Saturday criticised Iran for abuses like police crackdowns on violations of the Islamic dress code. It said some 488 men and women were detained during the first days of the crackdown.

"From Mordad (the Iranian month starting on July 23) police numbers will double to confront such immoral behaviour," the Farhang-e Ashti daily quoted Tehran police chief Ahmad Reza Radan as saying.

Under Islamic sharia law, imposed after Iran's 1979 revolution, women are obliged to cover their hair and wear long, loose-fitting clothes to disguise their figures and protect their modesty. Violators can receive lashes, fines or imprisonment.

Many young women, particularly in wealthier urban areas, challenge the limitations by wearing calf-length Capri pants, tight-fitting, thigh-length coats in bright colours and scarves pushed back to expose plenty of hair.

The Islamic dress code is less commonly challenged in poor suburbs and rural areas.

Radan said those women who resisted the guidance of police would appear before the courts.

"First, those who breach the dress code will be warned by the police ... But if they continue their ignorance ... they will be sent to courts," the police chief said.

Since hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad won the presidency in 2005 after promising a return to the values of the revolution, hardliners have pressed for tighter controls on "immoral behaviour".

Iran has repeatedly rejected criticism by rights groups over such crackdowns, saying the country's efforts were aimed at "fighting morally corrupt people."

God Bless the USA!!!!

FYI, DF, she wasn't being GANGED UP ON -- she was having a discussion with one person in which she accused my country of stealing from her country.
Yes, and gaaawd forbid someone should accuse your country of anything or question your God or your president cause it makes you absolutely rabid. You see red and go for the gut.

And although my comment might have been off-handed, it was NOT mean spirited or nasty... It was absolutely mean spirited, nasty, demeaning and degrading. It was a disgusting comment. Especially when said by a woman old enough to be her grandmother.

Your response to DF was equally appalling.

in fact, she appeared to accept it in the manner it was intended. No, I doubt she accepted it, but I do think she understood it in the manner in which it was intended. In fact it likely gave her pause to think some of the things she had heard about us in the west were in fact true. None the less she handled it in a mature way.

It was you, Sedan and Sal who felt it necessary to jump on the bandwagon and bash me for having the nerve to address her.

Utter crap. I didn’t say one word to you. And there is a reason for that. It is pointless to argue with you or even address you on such things. You pride yourself on such comments as you have made clear in another thread. You are a bitter, cruel woman and I have little regard for your cruelty or the manner in which you present. Nor in your self professed Christianity or your God which needs you to defend him.

Let's get something right out in the open here SMW. I don't like you. I can count the number of people I don't like on one hand but you make the grade.
You don't like me. Thus we don't like each other. In spite of our differences and our tangles I still had some respect for you but that has now evaporated. I am certain that won't bother you in the least. It should give you pause, but I have little doubt it will have zero effect upon you. You can't even hang tough with what you post. If you have the guts to mouth off at least stick with it.


You answer or do not answer. If there is something I need to respond to I shall do you that one last courtesy, but I will not battle with you over this or anything else. I am done with you. I am sure the feeling is mutual. This is a large room with space enough for both of us. I hold no ill will toward you in general SMW but you are bad energy.

Yes, and gaaawd forbid someone should accuse your country of anything or question your God or your president cause it makes you absolutely rabid. You see red and go for the gut.

It was absolutely mean spirited, nasty, demeaning and degrading. It was a disgusting comment. Especially when said by a woman old enough to be her grandmother.

Your response to DF was equally appalling.

No, I doubt she accepted it, but I do think she understood it in the manner in which it was intended. In fact it likely gave her pause to think some of the things she had heard about us in the west were in fact true. None the less she handled it in a mature way.



Utter crap. I didn’t say one word to you. And there is a reason for that. It is pointless to argue with you or even address you on such things. You pride yourself on such comments as you have made clear in another thread. You are a bitter, cruel woman and I have little regard for your cruelty or the manner in which you present. Nor in your self professed Christianity or your God which needs you to defend him.

Let's get something right out in the open here SMW. I don't like you. I can count the number of people I don't like on one hand but you make the grade.
You don't like me. Thus we don't like each other. In spite of our differences and our tangles I still had some respect for you but that has now evaporated. I am certain that won't bother you in the least. It should give you pause, but I have little doubt it will have zero effect upon you. You can't even hang tough with what you post. If you have the guts to mouth off at least stick with it.


You answer or do not answer. If there is something I need to respond to I shall do you that one last courtesy, but I will not battle with you over this or anything else. I am done with you. I am sure the feeling is mutual. This is a large room with space enough for both of us. I hold no ill will toward you in general SMW but you are bad energy.

It's a shame when a 17 year old girl acts more like an adult than a grown woman, Sal.

Yeah, I know you don't like me... remember, I pegged you the first month I was here? At that time, we agreed to 'live and let live' didn't we? But you just couldn't resist jumping in here when you smelled fresh blood.

Face it, Sal... I bring out the worst of your insecurities. Don't blame me if you can't handle competition. Maybe it was something in your childhood that causes you to dislike other women so vehemently?

Whatever... your post speaks for itself. I'm just sorry you choose to be so petty over a one-line comment that had absolutely nothing to do with you and was totally over before you decided to jump in with your 2 cents worth.

You seem to be a member of that club that loves to pass judgment on people here by saying, "I used to respect you, but now.... or I don't like you anymore because you said...."

Guess what? I couldn't care LESS who you like and who you don't like. But since you've declared I DON'T LIKE YOU, I suggest you quit reading what I post so you don't get so upset, you just have to spew some rage.

SMW
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t33/texrose752/dogandhoe.jpg

I have no idea what either of you two ladies look like, but I'm pretty sure I would be excited if you just threw down in a large kiddie pool full of green Jello, and I was there with a video camera.

I have no idea what either of you two ladies look like, but I'm pretty sure I would be excited if you just threw down in a large kiddie pool full of green Jello, and I was there with a video camera.
LOL @ P. Probably a good thing we live in different countries, eh?

:)
SMW

P.S. I prefer red Jello.

Please allow me to add to Phyrex's statement.

"I have no idea what either of you two ladies look like, but I'm pretty sure I would be excited if you just threw down, nekkid, in a large kiddie pool full of green Jello, and I was there with a video camera."

:D

I have no idea what either of you two ladies look like, but I'm pretty sure I would be excited if you just threw down in a large kiddie pool full of green Jello, and I was there with a video camera.
They're both old enough to be your mother, Phyrex! :lolhit:

Then again, perhaps I'm not really one to talk on this one...

KICK HER ASS, SAL! :D

:corn:

Thanks, Imp. I didn't know it was mandatory to take sides? I'll try to remember to return the favor some day.

SMW

P.S. Sal seems to really like you... that alone would be cause for concern for most women.

Wow, the topic had advanced a lot.. Do you understand what you are arguing about? :)

I have no idea what either of you two ladies look like, but I'm pretty sure I would be excited if you just threw down in a large kiddie pool full of green Jello, and I was there with a video camera.

I don't know if green would be the best colour for either of us but the kiddy pool would work. :D

KICK HER ASS, SMW! :D

:corn:

Wow, the topic had advanced a lot.. Do you understand what you are arguing about? :)
There is no argument, darlin. Sal was just being a biotch and she got called on it. End of story.

:)
SMW

KICK HER ASS, SMW! :D

:corn:

LOL, way to straddle that fence!

KICK YER OWN ASS, IMP!!!

:corn:

Ok. Everyone Get Nekkid Now!

Ok. Everyone Get Nekkid Now!

:corn:

Sal was just being a biotch and she got called on it.

http://www.sketchyconcepts.com/Pot%20and%20Kettle%20web.gif

Ok. Everyone Get Nekkid Now!

Not if the jello is green... pink or red would be best to give that blushed, dewy look...oh wait, I'm as old as dust... I don't look dewy any more... :sniff: besides jello would be sticky on my feathers.

Oh, and it is going to be a group jello dive, if you posted here... you're in.

Imp and darm are first in.... no belly flops allowed.

http://www.sketchyconcepts.com/Pot%20and%20Kettle%20web.gif

Cute, Dharma. Haven't you about gotten enough mileage outta that one? Not to mention that stale signature you've been using for the last eon.

*yawn*

Time for a new image, dumplin. I'd suggest this one!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t33/texrose752/headbutt.gif

http://www.sketchyconcepts.com/Pot%20and%20Kettle%20web.gif
Make it 61 times in the last 7 months...:rolleyes:

Not if the jello is green... pink or red would be best to give that blushed, dewy look...oh wait, I'm as old as dust... I don't look dewy any more... :sniff: besides jello would be sticky on my feathers.

Oh, and it is going to be a group jello dive, if you posted here... you're in.

Imp and darm are first in.... no belly flops allowed.

I'm only here to referee.

I'm only here to referee.

then you have to get nekkid too...

maybe we can just tie it into our get together... we'll all be nekkid...and drunk and eat too much... but not the jello

okay the thought is becoming frightening... not to mention chilly... brrr

Just the thought of all you women wrestling nekkid in jello is making me all tingly inside...:D

:lolhit:

Just the thought of all you women wrestling nekkid in jello is making me all tingly inside...:D

:lolhit:
Not me - they're both 50! :p :D

Not me - they're both 50! :p :D
Don't despair, Prae. You're not invited anyway!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t33/texrose752/witch.gif

then you have to get nekkid too...

maybe we can just tie it into our get together... we'll all be nekkid...and drunk and eat too much... but not the jello

okay the thought is becoming frightening... not to mention chilly... brrr

No problem. I can ref nekkid. I do have to wear a whistle, though.

Not me - they're both 50! :p :D


That's 50 and HOT, young man.

Not me - they're both 50! :p :D
Yeah, I hear ya Prae. But Ron White says it best..."You've seen one woman nekkid... you wanna see the rest of them nekkid! It can be an old biker chick, you know, they're gonna hang down to here. 'Wanna see me nekkid?' Yeah, I do!":drinktoth

But Ron White says it best...
GREAT physical comedian - his expressions are priceless, and his timing is top-notch.

Hooray for good ole Texas boys. :)

That's 50 and HOT, young man.
Oh, I was just kidding....I'd date a 50 year old........



My guess is, right after I turn 80. :D

Oh, I was just kidding....I'd date a 50 year old........



My guess is, right after I turn 80. :D

Nah...you'd be too old then......:smile2:

Oh, I was just kidding....I'd date a 50 year old........



My guess is, right after I turn 80. :D
Bless yer heart... you'll be out of luck by then. We all know 50 yr old women have their pick of younger men. We leave all the codgers for the 20-somethings.

(MMMMM, nothing like old man w/hairy legs in a pair of plaid bermudas, black socks and sandals to get a young woman's hormones racing!)

;)
SMW

Nah...you'd be too old then......:smile2:
GMTA, g/f.

:)
SMW

GMTA, g/f.

:)
SMW

That's exactly what I was thinking....~high five~

(MMMMM, nothing like old man w/hairy legs in a pair of plaid bermudas, black socks and sandals to get a young woman's hormones racing!)
Funny........I always thought it was their wallet that did that. DOH! ;)

Funny........I always thought it was their wallet that did that. DOH! ;)

That too...:)

Oh, no need to tell me.......I know.

Oh, no need to tell me.......I know.

That's another reason older women are better....they don't need or want your money because they have their own.

Well, by the time they're 50, I imagine that they already emptied a lot of guy's pockets, so I guess you're probably right.

:flowers:

Well, by the time they're 50, I imagine that they already emptied a lot of guy's pockets, so I guess you're probably right.

:flowers:

You so funny, Prae! :rolleyes:

I know.

Okay why hadn't I seen and replied to this before lol.

First off, thank you DF for trying to defend me :) it really wasn't necessary.

Just wanted to make a couple of things clear.

Prae, my uncle is married to a Christian. I would never think of converting to a religion other than my own, but if I ever do I'm sure my family isn't going to exactly encourage that step, but they will not stone me to death I can assure you that. A far relative is a convert married to a Christian man. It happens. It's also understandable why anyone wouldn't really like for their child :) to convert to a religion outside the one they raised them to believe.
How's that for being "chicken"?

SMW, thanks for implying that I'm a spoilt little brat who has a house slave locked up in her house. $190/month is the average salary of house maids in Asian countries; it is the money they ask for no one forces them to do this. If we can afford to cough up $500 for the agency that brings her here, and then pay her $190/month to help out with household chores, then why shouldn't we? Actually, if anyone can afford to do that then why the hell not? You can do a lot with that money around here. She probably sends some back to her family though. We treat her well, she's here because she wants to; not really a "slave".

This thread is turning into personal attacks against posters. Just because someone is more previliged or less previliged than someone else doesn't mean that that affects their intention.

Localized and temporary doesn't seem to be the case when we find it in almost all parts of the Muslim world; Palestine, Iraq, Turkey, Indonesia, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Muslim Europe, and on and on and on. Muslims killing non-Muslims, Muslims killing other Muslims, Muslims stoning people to death. Rather than being temporary, isolated and decreasing these things seem to be permenant, universall and increasing.

This thread asks the question, are we different. It is my contention that we are. These differences are not genetic but cultural. When children are raised in a culture in which women are relegated to second or even third class status, where those who believe differently even minimally differently are considered fair game for killing, where mothers raise their children to be martyred, where crimes are punished by stoning they grow up to create a different society, one that is alien to what the West stands for and believes.

Yes, there are bastions of sanity in the Muslim world but rather than increasing they are decreasing. Both Indonesia and Turkey have become more fundamentalist, Bahais are less accepted in Iran, Muslims in England try to kill their non-Muslim fellow citizens, Pakistan has clerics preaching jihad and raising armies of children and young people to enforce religious orthodoxy.

I don't think Muslim behavior is temporary and isolated. I believe it is becoming ingrained in the Muslim psyche and is becoming more universal.

You might accuse me of trying to make this thread political, but I'll take that chance.

They were temporary, isolated and decreasing prior to 9/11.
Poor Muslim nations were the same back then, but no one really focused on their problems. People knew, that with time, these developing countries will slowly work their way to being developed countries.
After 9/11, and after terrorist threats, more and more misguided Muslims are trying to follow in Osama's footsteps. Why? Well, if we go back in time a bit, and see why Osama allegedly bombed the USA, it was due to the Palestinian Intifada in September of 2000. Now, notice that on the news, you mainly see Pakistani's, Iraqi's & Afghani's being caught for allegedly wanting to start a terrorist attack, in both the USA and Great Britian (a major ally).
Well... duh :lol: they could be religious, but they don't have to be to feel anger towards people who have waged a war against them. If they don't have a military that can fight back, they, as individuals, are doing this.
I'm not justifying terrorist attacks. I'm just saying: Everything happens for a reason; they don't take full blame for what's going on.

So what's the solution?
Simple: stop bombing them they'll stop bombing you.

I know it's more complicated than that, but once you simplify it :) it's pretty clear.

SMW, thanks for implying that I'm a spoilt little brat who has a house slave locked up in her house. $190/month is the average salary of house maids in Asian countries; it is the money they ask for no one forces them to do this. If we can afford to cough up $500 for the agency that brings her here, and then pay her $190/month to help out with household chores, then why shouldn't we? Actually, if anyone can afford to do that then why the hell not? You can do a lot with that money around here. She probably sends some back to her family though. We treat her well, she's here because she wants to; not really a "slave".


Ms. Sweety, I never intended to imply I think you are a spoiled brat. The point I was making wasn't really even directed to you. There have been several discussions on these boards about human's having the right to earn a 'living wage'. In other words, not being a 'slave' to the rich... or 'used' by large corporations who can get away with paying very little money, but expecting a great deal out of their employees. I'm sure your maid is a willing subject and maybe the money you pay her is more than adequate to support herself and her family.

My point was directed to DF who was defending YOU from my off-hand remark about the turban and I was simply reminding her she might ought to be more concerned about the well-being of your low-salaried maid than worried whether or not I hurt your feelings.

And, BTW, I apologize for 'joking' about something you view as a religious symbol, if it did offend you. Although I have much respect for different cultures, I am not above making light of our differences and simply don't see the harm in pointing out the fact that we're not all alike. I can assure you if you feel the need to point out that I might stay out of the hot Texas sun because it seems to have fried my brains... I'll not only refrain from being offended... I'll laugh about it with you.

Peace, my sister.

:)
SMW

Ms. Sweety, I never intended to imply I think you are a spoiled brat. The point I was making wasn't really even directed to you. There have been several discussions on these boards about human's having the right to earn a 'living wage'. In other words, not being a 'slave' to the rich... or 'used' by large corporations who can get away with paying very little money, but expecting a great deal out of their employees. I'm sure your maid is a willing subject and maybe the money you pay her is more than adequate to support herself and her family.

My point was directed to DF who was defending YOU from my off-hand remark about the turban and I was simply reminding her she might ought to be more concerned about the well-being of your low-salaried maid than worried whether or not I hurt your feelings.

And, BTW, I apologize for 'joking' about something you view as a religious symbol, if it did offend you. Although I have much respect for different cultures, I am not above making light of our differences and simply don't see the harm in pointing out the fact that we're not all alike. I can assure you if you feel the need to point out that I might stay out of the hot Texas sun because it seems to have fried my brains... I'll not only refrain from being offended... I'll laugh about it with you.

Peace, my sister.

:)
SMW

Regarding the bold text: I realized that and I knew that what you said wasn't directed at me but rather at DF in an attempt to defend yourself; however, it does imply that - especially because of your use of the word "slave" - that what my family and I were doing was a violation of human rights. The implication is clear, and I honestly didn't like it.

I appreciate your apology. I, too, am not above making light of our differences. Joking and having fun is nice... but there are always limits ;)
Maybe I need to stay out of the hot Dubai sun before it fries my brains too!

$200 per month is not a bad wage in a lot of countries. When I lived in Costa Rica, minimum wage was one dollar per hour. Therefore, a full time job at minimum wage brought in about $160 per month. Our house, which had three bedrooms, was $150 per month. Two people making $200 per month could have easily afforded the house and the utilities (about $10-$20 per month each for water and electricity). It was another $30 per month for internet and phone, which are not really necessary, but that brought the total cost of living not including food for as many people as could fit in a three bedroom house to about $210 per month. Food was not expensive as long as you didn't buy too many imported items from the U.S. and Mexico, and you can fit quite a few people in a three bedroom house.

My mom, her boyfriend, my brother, and I lived on $700 per month, so we got a lot of luxuries. We rented DVDs to watch on our computer, my brother and I were able to get a little spending money for ice cream or sodas, we saved up and bought a dryer since in the rainy season it's very difficult to dry things on the clothesline (although our electricity bill went up a little after that), and we could occasionally splurge on a box of Chips Ahoy or some other expensive imported treat.

$200 per month is not a bad wage in a lot of countries. When I lived in Costa Rica, minimum wage was one dollar per hour. Therefore, a full time job at minimum wage brought in about $160 per month. Our house, which had three bedrooms, was $150 per month. Two people making $200 per month could have easily afforded the house and the utilities (about $10-$20 per month each for water and electricity). It was another $30 per month for internet and phone, which are not really necessary, but that brought the total cost of living not including food for as many people as could fit in a three bedroom house to about $210 per month. Food was not expensive as long as you didn't buy too many imported items from the U.S. and Mexico, and you can fit quite a few people in a three bedroom house.

My mom, her boyfriend, my brother, and I lived on $700 per month, so we got a lot of luxuries. We rented DVDs to watch on our computer, my brother and I were able to get a little spending money for ice cream or sodas, we saved up and bought a dryer since in the rainy season it's very difficult to dry things on the clothesline (although our electricity bill went up a little after that), and we could occasionally splurge on a box of Chips Ahoy or some other expensive imported treat.

Yeah, around $200 can be a lot for some! So you're originally Costa Rican? You speak Spanish too, I presume? :)

Yeah, around $200 can be a lot for some! So you're originally Costa Rican? You speak Spanish too, I presume? :)
I do speak Spanish fairly well, but I'm not Costa Rican. My ancestry is almost entirely European, mostly Irish and Italian. I lived in Costa Rica from age 14 to age 16. Don't ask me why either, my mom just decided she wanted to live there... :p

I do speak Spanish fairly well, but I'm not Costa Rican. My ancestry is almost entirely European, mostly Irish and Italian. I lived in Costa Rica from age 14 to age 16. Don't ask me why either, my mom just decided she wanted to live there... :p

Where'd you learn to speak Spanish then? During your stay in Costa Rica?
Lol@my mom just decided she wanted to live there

So what's the solution?
Simple: stop bombing them they'll stop bombing you.
Riiiiight. :rolleyes:
I know it's more complicated than that.....
Just a bit, yeah....

Riiiiight. :rolleyes:

Just a bit, yeah....

Sarcasm doesn't really suit you. You should've quoted me fully you know, things do seem different when taken out of context:

So what's the solution?
Simple: stop bombing them they'll stop bombing you.

I know it's more complicated than that, but once you simplify it :) it's pretty clear.

Innocent Sweetie,

While Great Britain and other European countries have in the past occupied parts of the Middle East I don't think the United States has ever done so. Any troops we have had stationed there have been sent at the request of the receiving countries or were there for short periods of time to save American lives.

The major problem most Middle East countries have with the United States is our unconditional support of Israel. While I think we have to defend Israel against countries that are trying to wipe the country out I think we have all too often not been an honest broker in relations between Israel and its neighbors. We too frequently ignore or overlook actions by the Israelis that we would not overlook if committed by others.

I can understand the anger in the Muslim world but that does not justify killing 3,000 innocent people.

Innocent Sweetie,

While Great Britain and other European countries have in the past occupied parts of the Middle East I don't think the United States has ever done so. Any troops we have had stationed there have been sent at the request of the receiving countries or were there for short periods of time to save American lives.

The major problem most Middle East countries have with the United States is our unconditional support of Israel. While I think we have to defend Israel against countries that are trying to wipe the country out I think we have all too often not been an honest broker in relations between Israel and its neighbors. We too frequently ignore or overlook actions by the Israelis that we would not overlook if committed by others.

I can understand the anger in the Muslim world but that does not justify killing 3,000 innocent people.

Of course it doesn't justify it.
Muslims, too, think that the fight against terror or the US trying to defend Israel doesn't justify killing innocent civilians.

This was my point, your quote here which I'd like to emphasize on: "We too frequently ignore or overlook actions by the Israelis that we would not overlook if committed by others."

What you say earlier, here: "Any troops we have had stationed there have been sent at the request of the receiving countries or were there for short periods of time to save American lives."
What about other lives? Is the American life greater than other lives? This is the implication Americans give others when they commit such acts.

This thread asks if we are different. It is my contention that we aren't. Some of us - the human race - seem to think that because one civilization is powerful than the other for a set period of time, they therefore have the right to do whatever it takes to defend themselves and disregard others; fairness is not an option. It has been this way for thousands of years, and it's not going to change now, not unless we open our minds to see the recurring patterns of destructive human behavior, and try to stop it.

This thread asks if we are different. It is my contention that we aren't. Some of us - the human race - seem to think that because one civilization is powerful than the other for a set period of time, they therefore have the right to do whatever it takes to defend themselves and disregard others; fairness is not an option. It has been this way for thousands of years, and it's not going to change now, not unless we open our minds to see the recurring patterns of destructive human behavior, and try to stop it.

Well said, Sweety.

Innocent Sweety,

Before I respond to your post, how is your father? I hope he is out of the hospital and recuperating at home.

While American lives aren't more important than other lives in the general scheme of things they are to the American government. One of the primary duties of the American government, as any government, is to safeguard the well being of its citizens.

While we are all human beings and equal before God we are not all the same. There is a difference between being equal and being the same. The indigenous Dutch are not the same as the Muslim immigrants who have entered their country. They don't have the same value system, same family system, same social system, same familial heirarchy. They see the world quite differently. The same differences exist throughout the world. The San are not the same as the British. The Zoe of the Amazon are not the same as the Portguese Brazilians. People are different.

To suggest that Muslims in the Middle East and elsewhere are the same as people in the West is simply in error. Some people in the Muslim World and some people in the West are the same but the vast majority are different.

I am not making a value judgement, just acknowledging facts. The majority of Muslims have a different Weltanschaung than Westerners. How we see the world is determined by our culture by which I mean our religion (or lack of religion), our family structure, our clothing, our music, our art and all those things that make a society a society.

Muslims don't believe in the depiction of the human form in art. This is very different from the Western world where the human form, including the nude human form is highly appreciated. Westerners believe in allowing young girls to have far more personal freedom than Muslims do. These differences even extend to what we consider personal space. Muslims tend to approach others much more closely than do Westerners, encroaching on what we in the West feel is our personal space. Men in Muslim countries often walk hand in hand, somehing that is anathema to most Western men.

I am not saying these differences are found in every single Muslim and Westerner nor am I making value judgements I'm just saying that we are not all the same.

Now, THAT was well said, Frogger.

Bingo!

Thank you Vilepagan :)

Innocent Sweety,

Before I respond to your post, how is your father? I hope he is out of the hospital and recuperating at home.

While American lives aren't more important than other lives in the general scheme of things they are to the American government. One of the primary duties of the American government, as any government, is to safeguard the well being of its citizens.

While we are all human beings and equal before God we are not all the same. There is a difference between being equal and being the same. The indigenous Dutch are not the same as the Muslim immigrants who have entered their country. They don't have the same value system, same family system, same social system, same familial heirarchy. They see the world quite differently. The same differences exist throughout the world. The San are not the same as the British. The Zoe of the Amazon are not the same as the Portguese Brazilians. People are different.

To suggest that Muslims in the Middle East and elsewhere are the same as people in the West is simply in error. Some people in the Muslim World and some people in the West are the same but the vast majority are different.

I am not making a value judgement, just acknowledging facts. The majority of Muslims have a different Weltanschaung than Westerners. How we see the world is determined by our culture by which I mean our religion (or lack of religion), our family structure, our clothing, our music, our art and all those things that make a society a society.

Muslims don't believe in the depiction of the human form in art. This is very different from the Western world where the human form, including the nude human form is highly appreciated. Westerners believe in allowing young girls to have far more personal freedom than Muslims do. These differences even extend to what we consider personal space. Muslims tend to approach others much more closely than do Westerners, encroaching on what we in the West feel is our personal space. Men in Muslim countries often walk hand in hand, somehing that is anathema to most Western men.

I am not saying these differences are found in every single Muslim and Westerner nor am I making value judgements I'm just saying that we are not all the same.

My father is doing better. They let him out of the hospital a few days back, and he's recovering well. Thank you for asking :)

Here's my response:
Because the American life is more important to the American government - as is the case with governments all around the world - and because of the extreme measures taken to protect Americans from "terrorists", I believe that (and again, this implication is clear to many) the government is disregarding the lives of many innocent non-American's to an extreme that is more than most governments exercise.

Regarding being different and being the same:
It's obvious to anyone that people have global cultural differences. I believe the question in this thread was not focused on whether we are different culturally, as the video in the very beginning shows a Western woman versus a Middle Eastern hijab-wearing woman. That cultural and religious difference is pointed out from the very beginning. No one would argue against it.
What the video meant was that we're all human beings in the meaning of having shared feelings such as sadness, happiness, arrogance & greed. We are all equal even though we might not share the same norms.
Throughout history civilizations have experienced what we're currently experiencing. These patterns are recurring, and they will keep doing so unless we find a way to look past the shallow differences and see how we can practice rich dialogue.
It's easier than you think ;)

This is what I meant when I said that we are not different. I think that is what the video meant to say as well.