2501. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #193842 by al-rawandi on June 16, 2008 at 6:01 am

Secularist,





I am growing extremely weary of your stupidity which you continue to shat upon this board.


You are the one lying:

It is not something that you denial in Wahhabis and accuse Judaism.

Show me where I denied anything to defend "Wahhabis"?

Can you even define what a Wahhabi is? Can you name one book bin Abd al-Wahhab wrote? Can you tell me in what century he was born? Can you fucking do anything right?

What I said was that it was impossible for Wahhabis to have committed atrocities in the sub-continent in the 15th Century because bin Abd al-Wahhab was born in 1701. How the fuck would Wahhabis kill someone if THEY DIDN'T EVEN EXIST yet? Can you answer that you fucktard? It is a matter of math, another topic on which you are completely ignorant.

The problem is that while you told lie about jews and Judaism you reject the true about Wahhabis.

Show me where I rejected something true about Wahhabis? ONE FUCKING place you repellent liar. And why don't you go check the "Losing our Spines" thread where I am defending Israel on a number of fronts.

To be quite honest Wahhabis hate many type non-Wahhabis and not only Jews.

Of coursae they do, but not because of what Bin Abd al-Wahhab wrote, they hate Jews for the same reason many other Muslims do. It is an issue of causation, but you are clearly too stupid to figure this out.

As for your link, I have published more on Wahhabis than you have ever read.

So some evidence of my so-called "denials" of true fact. And maybe you could also explain why Jews need special ambulances? Can you possible answer that... you stupid twat.

2502. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #192597 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 2:03 pm

Quine,





How about an interpersonal relationship? Isn't that ontologically untenable. It does not "exist" as a thing, however it can make someone happy or ruin their life. Strange is it not?

2503. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #192589 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 1:29 pm

MPhil,






You mean to tell me that "meme" has no ontological value.... I am shocked.... :-)

2504. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192564 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 11:51 am

Fanusi,

Actually, they weren't. They really weren't. The Muslims overran two-thirds of Christendom before they were stopped, and you can see the blight they have visted on the once hellenized and civilized North Africa.

Uhhhh it was the crusaders who killed the men in Acre and then raped the women. That WAS barbaric. The Crusades were barbaric on both sides, they were both barbarians, you cannot say only one side was and still be considered intellectually honest.

The Christians visited horrible atrocities upon the populations they encountered. No question about it.

Carol Hillenbrand wrote a good book on this.

2505. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192555 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 11:24 am

Vecingetorix,





I certainly agree. We may have to wait until Hamas totally fails at governing for there to be talks.

Part of the problem with these talks is that diplomacy only works when the two sides share basic principles. For instance, Hezbollah tells its children that Jews spread AIDS... once these children grow up, how do you expect them to engage in peaceful negotiations with Jews? You simply can't, thus negotiation will be inherently fruitless.

If you remember the Nahr al-Barid situation. The Lebanese army claimed there was a terrorist group in the Nahr al-Barid Palestinian refugee camp. They said it was named Fath al-Islam and was allied with al-Qaeda, of course no one who knew anything about Lebanon or Palestinian religious groups had heard of this group. The Lebanese army assaulted the camp, and then nothing was heard. At the same time US flights came in to "supply" the army for the operation. The whole thing was a cover for the US to send supplies and arms to the Lebanese government for a clash with Hezbollah.

Hamas is basically sequestered in Gaza now, and the Israeli pressure on Gaza is designed to squeeze the population and turn them against their Hamas leaders. This has not been totally effective, and Hamas has proved they are exceptional opportunists.

In an incident which I think evidences Hamas' duplicity... there was a large explosion in Gaza, and the Hamas government accused Israel of launching an attack, and immediately Hamas launched Qassam rockets into Western Negev. Well, just yesterday Hamas said that it was not an Israeli attack, but rather a Hamas bomb making factory that had exploded, they had been preparing a "special operation" there.

These are just examples of how both sides have manipulated events to gain a foothold in a very painful power struggle.

2506. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192547 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 11:00 am

Greek,







Look at you. Look at this pathetic shit.


Hezbollah = propagating old anti-semitic myths.

Evidence, 29 Episodes on al-Manar
Evidence, Text books given to school children
Evidence, Public statements.


lastgreek, tries to change subjects.


Can't weasel your way out, you defended Hezbollah but refuse to condemn their outrageous behavior, that is tacit commendation.


Let me hear you shout:

Bi-ruh bi-dam nafdeek ya Nasrallah

2507. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192540 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 10:35 am

Greek,






Hezbolllah said it, on al-Manar in fact. How is it an absurd accusation? You simply don't want it to be true, yet it is. How do you hand wave away the 29 episodes of al-Shatat?


What I asked Finkelstein was whether or not he knew of the statement and his opinion on the matter. He, unlike you, was able to address some of the issues at hand.

No, fish, I am not Finkelstein (nor _riverrun_, as you and your guppies seem to believe). It's funny because all this time I thought you were Alan Dershowitz.

Yeah right, after I called Dershowitz a plagarist. You are not very bright, that is for sure.


Hand waved away. Anyone can see what you are up to here, dogmatic defense of anything anti-Israel, including the blood libel.... Oh ya forgot to mention when this al-Manar program said Jews consumed the blood of gentile babies... but you knew that since you, no doubt, have the whole set on DVD.

2508. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #192536 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 10:18 am

Keith,







Sometimes it just feels good to get up and just pummel a faith head for his stupid views. Sometimes it isn't about converts but showing atheists that they are still in the right. Although I do generally agree with your statements.


A faith will go to a debate and no matter the conclusion will claim victory. So here is how the systme works:


1) Faith head debates atheist
2) Faith head trounced
3) Faith head claims victory
4) Other faith heads agree, since they have alread determined faith is the correct position.
5) Other faith heads then cite this victory in other conversations with atheists.

That is how the cookie crumbles.

2509. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192518 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 8:59 am

Ooooh more on Hezbollah and AIDS accusations:

The CSA cited as evidence an al-Manar broadcast last week that spoke of "Zionist attempts to transmit dangerous diseases like AIDS through exports to Arab countries". The broadcast said Israel had "no scruples" about infecting Arabs and Muslims.

-Lebanonwire



Seems Hezbollah was saying Jews DELIBERATELY spread AIDS, through exports to Arab countries.

This goes nicely with the accusations that Jews brought AIDS to Iran and the Hamas cleric who said Jews are an infection just like AIDS.


But don't worry, lastgreeklying supports this group's "self defense".


Honestly does any rational person here have any doubt about what Hezbollah has said about Jews (don't forget 29 episodes of Al-Shatat which was a visual expression of the Protocols and The Blood Libel).

2510. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #192509 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 8:34 am

irate,





When Robertson speaks, he is arrested for breach of wind.

2511. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #192500 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 8:08 am

Steve,





He wouldn't win. He would simply claim victory. He has never one in any argument here. He has claimed victory.

2512. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192491 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 7:19 am

Elephant,






Sounds like Muhammad cartoons are illegal in England.


That is too bad, I am so thankful for the freedom to say whatever the hell I please. It is really great... I can march down Market St. here in S.F. and shout "Fuck Muhammad" and that won't get me in trouble. I might have to punch a few Muslims, but the police would probably protect me.

Great isn't it. But the converse is that I have to put up with pro-life demonstrations and other nonsense. But it is well worth it to be able to say anything I please!

2513. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192480 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 6:43 am

Epinephrine,

I do object to the "rifle droppers" comment, as someone whose relatives in Europe did anything but drop rifles. That attitude is horrible, and suggests that the USA was the only one who stood up and fought.

I said in this thread that the British mounted the noblest defense of their homeland, and in other threads I have mentioned the French resistance. So when I talk about rifle droppers it is a somewhat hyperbolic reaction to some fucktard who thinks "The Biggest Loser" is a Gallop Poll of Americans. And yes alvorin is a complete and utter fucktard.


I really don't know how to answer your nuclear weapons query.


I will say this, the formation of the military in the time of the Revolutionary War was of state militias. In 1903 the Militia Act rolled these groups into divisions of a national army, under the Dept. of Defense. Theoretically this was a violation of the understanding, and thus changed the nature of the 2nd Amendment, as states should ultimately control arms through the militia.

Now the 2nd Amendment has become more practical than theoretical. And the final words are "Shall not be infringed". I take that seriously.

2514. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192478 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 6:31 am

Vecingetorix,






Excellent point. Lebanon had been moving in a positive direction until several things tripped it up:


1) Syrian meddling
2) An awful Israeli invasion.



But to be honest, Lebanon was far from a jewel (perhaps compared to Syria it was). The basis of Lebanese democracy was confessionalism, which maintained a Maronite president. This of course meant that Maronites became unwilling to take a census because they would have lost power. Although they have overcome this.


Lebanon was set to be a good case of reconcilliation between disparate groups, but the meddling of Iran, Syria, and Israel effectively destroyed this.


You were right to observe the Bush administration's complicity and the Israeli responsibility, but you should also mention the other players in the mess. And you will no doubt have noticed that Hezbollah backed off some of the harsher tactics once they were included in politics.

2515. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192476 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 6:26 am

Greek,



You are so unoriginal:

Hezbollah successfully defended their country against Israeli occupation. I admire that. As for their politics, I couldn't care less; I don't live in Lebanon.

Do you cut and paste from Norman Finkelstein articles or do you write out the plagarism. This is virtually a word for word copy of what Finkelstein said. And as I correspond regularly with him, it is almost identical to what he wrote me when I asked him about the AIDS comment. Either you are Norman Finkelstein or you are a petty imposter.

The Israeli security services have been wiretapping the phone lines of Arab MK's for years. That's no big secret. Bishara knew his phones were tapped. I don't believe anyone (except you) would be that stupid to pass classified information knowing full well others were listening in. Besides, what information could this "little guy" (exactly) give? This is absurd

He suggested to Hezbollah that they should target the missile south of Haifa.

You can look up the articles yourself. I am tired of you harping on minutia when the serious issues go unaddressed.

We covered this already.

This should have read:

I hand waved this already

There that's a better description of what you did.





I will detail one instance of your dubious argumentation and then be done... When I said Hizbollah claimed that Jews spread AIDS, you said that they didn't say the Jews did it intentionally. Why the apologetics... how would the Jews spread AIDS to the Arab world accidentally? How would that happen since there is all of zero intermarriage? Are the Jews rapists? Do they weaponize AIDS? Which one is it? See, this is the difference, when Israel is wrong, I say "Israel is wrong", I can criticize people for wrong actions when I don't have a dogmatic allegiance. Yet when Hezbollah does something nasty you have to lose yourself in details to avoid the condemnation of their racist propaganda and disgusting abuse of the people of Lebanon as well as Israelis. They told 5 and 6 year old school children that Jews spread AIDS, how is that ever acceptable, and why are you so morally perverted as to be unable to identify it as such?


You are just a dogmatically confused moral pervert. I have never excused Israeli occupation, Israeli racism, Palestinians suicide attacks, Hezbollah's anti-semitic propaganda and lies. You view this as hypocrisy, it isn't, it is honesty.

You are the hypocrite, only able to criticize Jews, not Arabs. I wonder why that is?

You called me the racist, ha, look in the mirror.

2516. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192472 by al-rawandi on June 13, 2008 at 6:08 am

Secularist,







I am sorry but I don't except every accusation about Judaism, although I find it particularly repellent due to the racial aspects.


As for Wahhabis hating Jews, this is not specific to Wahhabis, in fact bin Abd al-Wahhab himself doesn't really mention Jews in a critical sense. And only really mentions them in a historical sense as Bani Isra'il (Chilren of Israel). He probably never met a Jew in his entire life, and only maybe if you accept the widely discredited notion that he traveled to Damascus and Persia.


And you will have to be specific about what I reject about Islam that I accept about Judaism. If you are referring to my denial of the role of Wahhabism in the sub-Continent, it is because the actions PRE DATE the coming of the founder of Wahhabism. That is like saying that America was responsible for the Spanish Inquisition... it is non sense.


*EDIT*


I remember you now.... You are an apologist for Jewish racism.... When I mentioned Hatzollah The Jews only ambulance service you defended it vigorously. Much like white farmers defended slavery.

2517. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192255 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 3:32 pm

History_Junky,





So we are clear, I am not apologizing for Muslim violence, I am just a pedant about that stuff.

I would say it is the same brand of narrow and evil thinking that caused the violence as is expounded by Bin Abd al-Wahhab.

2518. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192253 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 3:30 pm

Fanusi,





I wouldn't call it a hell hole. I had a great time with friends, and for the most part you are left alone, it is surprisingly libertarian in some ways.

I was visiting there for a number of reasons, mostly academic. But like I said, in the privacy of spacious beach front homes on the Red Sea more fun has never been had!

2519. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192240 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 3:18 pm

FF,






I am well aware of the French assistance provided to America. But I get sick of Europeans acting like Americans are accurately represented on "Jerry Spriner". And I notice the accuser, once called on his foolishness, has scurried off. He (alvorin) is also a socialist, of the "Cuba isn't a socialist country" variety.

2520. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192233 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 3:14 pm

Fanusi,







Well Barelwi was initially allied with Amir Khan, but they split. Barelwi wrote a book called Sirat al-Mustaqim where he droned on and on about Tauhid, the ubiquitous Wahhabi topic, but he was an initiate of the Muhammadiyya and Chigishtiyya Sufi orders (and two more I cannot recall). Wahhbism is diametrically oposed to Sufism as they reject taqlid outright.

If you say Barelwi is a Wahhabi then that goes for Ahmad Tijan, who was also described as a Wahhabi, despite the fact that the Tijaniyya order still worships at tombs, a practice abhorred by Wahhabis.



*EDIT*


Regarding Barelwi, people (the ones who can't tell one Muslim from another) often assume that since Bin Abd al-Wahhab spoke at length about tauhid that anyone who does this is a "Wahhabi", but the problem is that Tauhid is a central theme in ALL forms of Islam, and is not even remotely specific to one.

2521. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192227 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 3:07 pm

Fanusi,

Honestly, why don't they just import the Mutaween and be done with it? Then we could at least rise up with a clear conscience

I have actually been harrassed by Mutawa'in, not pleasant... thugs, nothing more.




Peace,


Yes the Russian kicked some serious ass, no doubt. And the British mounted the bravest defense of a homeland I could imagine. America would have been wise to enter the war sooner, but we were trying to mind our own business and figured the French army would actually fight back.... but realizing the Germans were not Algerian women and children, were helpless to stop them (Attack on their colonial efforts, don't get ruffled).

I am proud that Americans have had the courage to face down evil, even though we have done some pretty terrible things overseas, to largely innocent people.

2522. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192225 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 3:02 pm

Fanusi,






Which Wahhabi uprisings?


Sayyid Ahmad Barelwi? Not even close, he was an initiate of FOUR Sufi orders, hardly a Wahhabi by traditional accounts.

2523. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192223 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 2:59 pm

Fanusi,



Get it together grouch!

Why aren't the whole bloody mess of instructors kicked out of the country

What about US citizens, where do we expel them to?

2524. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192221 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 2:58 pm

AutodaFe,







I have nothing in common with someone dumb enough to watch "The Biggest Loser" and assumes this is the real "America". It is "Clear Thinking Oasis", says it right there at the top, too bad we don't have a screening process.


That is like me taking Amy Winehouse and saying "look at those Brits".

All this after I had to put up with his confused and rambling defense of some vague "socialism". Blech....

2525. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192206 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 2:45 pm

Peace,





I am not being crass, but honest.



America has been a friend to Europe and happy to stand up and have American soldiers die to maintain freedom in Europe... however imperfectly we did it. And then I get this ass clown making crass generalizations about the country that was the only reason he doesn't salute a Fuhrer right now. It is rather amusing, in a sad pathetic way.

Europe is a great place, America could learn a lot from Europe... but some of the people there have a memory of about 5 minutes and an ego the size of German Panzer division.


Thousands of Americans died at Normandy, Anzio, Arden, and numerous other places, defending their common allies in freedom. Now look what these people say, rather impressive, it takes an exceptional ignorance of history combined with an exceptional large ego.


And I am damn proud of my individualism, and I don't always subscribe to Falcon's "animated" rhetoric, but you will have to pry my individualism from my lifeless hand. And so I get real annoyed when some European rifle dropper launches into an arrogant rant.

2526. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192198 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 2:35 pm

alvorin,







No no, you are right, all Americans are exactly like the ones on those shows.


Your insight into the matter is, once again, priceless.... And by priceless, I mean worth nothing.

Americans are far more indiviualistic than Europeans, Europeans tend to look down there nose at Americans, until some thug dictator over runs their country at which point they get very happy at the sight of American flags. Twice American fat lazy losers have come to Europe to trounce some evil ass holes. You're welcome.

2527. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192178 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 2:19 pm

Peace,





People shouldn't weapons of mass destruction, they should be allowed to protect themselves in a reasonable way. The meaning of the amendment is seen when you look at the weapons available in the 18th century, they were personal weapons, muskets and rifles... what were used to fight the british. I feel like personal weapons should be permitted.

A nuclear weapon is useless to expel an intruder.

London probably has a well staffed police department, Oakland does not. And although I live in a good neighborhood, when people riot they may take the antics up town.

2528. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192169 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 2:04 pm

Peace,






Anyone can own a gun, provided they pass a background check. Felons may not purchse, own, or possess a firearm. Most gun crimes are committed by people who are prohibited from owning a firearm.

I sleep with a shotgun next to my bed, precisely because I live in Oakland, and when there are riots (which may well happen) and the police are understaffed by 100 officers, I intend to not be looted and killed.

When you call 911 in Oakland, sometimes the police don't even show up. It is somewhat lawless, and I keep a gun close to protect myself and my property from wanton violence. I think this is legitimate and no one should stop me. And I have also thought about joining the police force to help stop some of this nonsense, since I complain about it so much. But being a police officer in Oakland is EXTREMELY dangerous.

2529. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192159 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 1:51 pm

FF,





I usually make the diversity argument. Black gangs fighting with Mexican gangs is pretty common here in Oakland. Their neighborhoods often border one another.

2530. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192151 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 1:48 pm

Peace,





Switzerland has one of the highest gun ownership rates in the world, little gun crime. Why is that?


To be honest the majority of violent crime occurs in African American communities. For instance African Americans are 13% of the population, while they make up 50% of the murderers in the US.

It is often drug related. In my city (Oakland) the are shootings every weekend. Mostly gangsters killing other gangsters. A DA told me they call those "two-fers", one thug is dead, the other goes to jail.

2531. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192134 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 1:32 pm

heretic,



Oh no!

It's not a right we have ever needed in Europe and we're better off without it - just look at the amount of gun crime in the US vs Europe. I do like most of the other bits though.

Well it would have been nice to see Germans take to the street with arms to stop the Nazi rise to power, or its abuse of power.


The US has a lot of gun crime for a lot of reasons, reasons that don't always exist in Europe.


I will let FF handle the rest of this.




FF,




Holocaust denial laws are so ridiculous. Who cares if someone is stupid enough to deny the Holocaust, as long as they aren't attempting to incite another one, I don't really care.

2532. Report: Troubling texts at Va. Islamic school

Comment #192111 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 1:10 pm

History_Junky,






You aren't much of a junkie.... the Mughal genocide was in the 1500's. Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab was born in 1701 in al-'Uyayna. He didn't start to outline his beliefs until the 1740's.


It would be quite impossible for his ideology to have been responsible.

2533. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192093 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 12:44 pm

Colwyn,





It is no coincidence that Islam means "submission" and the word for "peace" (salam) comes from the same root. Peace is achieved when someone submits. The language is a key to understanding how people think.

2534. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192076 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 12:27 pm

heretic,




What don't you like about the bill of rights?

The right to due process?

The right to not be forced to incriminate yourself?


Which one?

2535. Unlike Others, U.S. Defends Freedom to Offend in Speech

Comment #192072 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 12:25 pm

Muslims have become increasingly litigious. Many of them are using our own revulsion against prejudice as a cover to spread their doctrines, unchecked.


They whine about discimination, yet continue to espouse hateful doctrine behind closed doors. It seems to me Muslims are happy to use the extensive rights in a free country to propagate Islam, only to turn and deny these very rights to others. It is the height of selfishness and hypocrisy.

2536. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192061 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 12:13 pm

MaxD,





Oh I agree with that assessment. What I was saying is that if David Duke told me that Dick Cheney is the vice president, that would be true, irrespective of his personal views on race.

If David Duke said, "Muhammad Ali was a boxer, and a Muslim." That would be true, despite the fact that it was a racist, commenting on a black Muslim.

So for instance when a racist Israeli settler says "The Arabs are killing Israelis with suicide bombs." This would be true, despite my revulsion at Orthodox Judaism.... and furthermore I wouldn't have to endorse his entire worldview to affirm the facticity of the statement.

What is interesting is that these critics of Israel call Israelis liars and bigots (which is true from time to time) in order to discredit them, yet they gleefully cite Moshe Dayan (former chief of staff) when he stated that the 1967 War was a war of choice. So when these Israelis comment on Arabs they are liars, but when they admit some ill intent on behalf of the Israelis they are a legitimate source. My guess is that Last Greek here thinks the Shin Bet is some sinister organization (in the 1950's it was), but he would eagerly cite a Shin Bet official who said something like "We wanted the land in 1967, and we took it."

So it is not only confirmation bias but it is a bit hypocritical.

2537. Richard Dawkins lecture at ASU's Tempe Campus

Comment #192033 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 11:00 am

richard_dawkins



Here, keep yourself busy.


http://gorillamask.net/

2538. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192021 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 10:26 am

elephant,





I think a larger issue was that DNA evidence was still pretty new. Jurors were overheard saying "DNA? But lots of people have the same blood type."

This is what happens when the jury of your "peers" contains a bunch of idiots.

2539. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #192019 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 10:22 am

greek,






This is getting pretty sad for you.


Arab countries ARE shitholes precisely because they are not democracies. Next!


Your darling organization, Hezbollah, is a disgustingly anti-semitic organization. Forwarding ridiculous lies about Jews spreading AIDS... and broadcasting cheap copies of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.


And your best buddy Azmi Bishara is now totally fucked, the gag order issued by the judge has been removed and evidence has come to light... or to quote Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski "New shit has come to light."

Bishara had his phone wire tapped, and what do you know... the little guy was giving Hezbollah contacts details on how Israel would react to a series of rocket attacks from Hezbollah. And even urging them to attack farther south than Haifa. His phone calls with the Hezbollah operative are indeed most damning.

Then Bishara received money from Jordan (hundreds of thousands of dollars, via a woman in East Jerusalem) and did not declare the funds or disclose the source. At best Bishara was a courier and not a recipient, but in any event he has violated anti-money laundering laws.

Furthermore, Bishara had been previously indicted for remarks he made in a speech, praising Hezbollah tactics and urging that they be adopted by Palestinians in the Occupied Territories. Bishara never denied these remarks, but instead claimed they fall within the realm of free speech. Although this may be true, it certainly shows his personal affinity for a group that states that "Jews spread AIDS" and publish other anti-semitic lies in children's text books.



And look at Nasrallah's statements, inherently anti-semitic, yet you slyly defend them.... and what does Bishara say about them? "A courageous" organization. Firing rockets at random into Israel.... Bishara is proud of this, and he is too ignorant to realize that half of the Israeli civilians killed by Hezbollah were Arab Israelis.


You can read up on his treason and other disgusting behavior in Ha'aretz, Ynet, New York Times, and the BBC (among many others).


And I second the elephant, if you are going to interrupt a conversation about the "Juice" Simpson, please have the decency to omit the 65 ceremonial "LOL"s you place in every text message, I mean post.


I expect your posts to say "Sent via Blackberry Wireless" at the bottom.



MaxD,



Even if someone were a racist, that would only be an ad hominem, not a material fact. But this greek guy isn't really big on facts in the first place.

2540. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #191967 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 7:46 am

Steve,






Ah that clears it up for me!


The selecting of evidence based on a priori conclusions is a ubiquitous mark of religiosity.

2541. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #191958 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 7:28 am

elephant,






OK. How was OJ framed? The evidence is damning, if it is fake evidence, how was it faked?

2542. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #191944 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 6:58 am

"If I did it, Confessions of the Killer".




Ya, probably right, didn't do it.

And irrelevant ones too, if you like. And to leave out relevant stuff.

Okay, what is irrelevant about the victims' blood being in OJ's car, or OJ's blood being at the scene, or an article of clothing with OJ's blood and the victims' blood on it. Or what is irrelevant about the fact that the murder weapon was a rare knife and OJ had bought one a few weeks before the murder? Those are all highly relevant.


And what relevant evidence is there that he didn't do it? The fact that Mark Furman once said the "N" word?

2543. Discussion between Richard Dawkins and Paula Kirby

Comment #191937 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 6:34 am

Oh man! Clearthinker has really said it now.

As a Christian I teach that real faith is based upon truth and evidence, and that authority and tradition (whether from a theologian or a scientist) are not enough to solely determine truth. The statement that it is child abuse to teach 'absolute truth claims that cannot be substaniated by evidence' is of course itself a statement that cannot be substaniated by evidence - and is therefore a self contradictory one. But don't let such philosophical niceties get in the way of your absolute tradition and authority!

It is hard to imagine an adult wrote that, and I assume, with a straight face.



David Robertson,



Can you please provide some of the evidence you use to establish the following:


-There was a worldwide flood.
-Jesus was the son of god.
-Jesus held stars in his hand.
-Abraham nearly sacrificed his son.
-Adam and Eve were real people and the serpent tempted Eve.



Looking forward to the copious evidence.

2544. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #191936 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 6:27 am

Well you did say to me that you weren't even sure that he committed the crime, outside of the legal framework of the case. In this case (in your mind) you can allow any and all relevant facts. The chain of custody argument is only good in a court room, in the real world you would have to tell me that the police went around carefully planting the evidence, you would also have to think of why they would even do that.


It is certain that he committed the crime.


The guy wrote a book called "If I did it". You can't be a rational person and not say "Ok the guy killed his wife".

2545. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #191920 by al-rawandi on June 12, 2008 at 5:46 am

elephant,





Let's run this down....


A violent man, repeatedly noted for his spousal abuse, has his wife and her boyfriend murdered. His blood is found at the scene. The murder weapon was identical to a weapon he purchased only weeks before. Their blood is found on his clothes, and in his car. His blood, Nicole's blood, and Goldman's blood are all found on OJ's glove. There is a blood smear in his car. He flees in his car (innocent people generally don't flee the law) with his passport, money, and disguise kit.

Before the murders Nicole called her parents and said she feared for her life, from OJ. She said her keys were missing, someone had stolen them and she feared it was OJ... the keys were later found at OJ's house.

He is found liable in a civil court.

He writes a book called "If I did it" and the ghost writer says "OJ confessed to me that he committed the murders".


There is no reasonable doubt, at all, anywhere. There is simply no question.

2546. The 14-year-old Afghan suicide bomber

Comment #191739 by al-rawandi on June 11, 2008 at 2:40 pm

Fanusi,






Ditto for Goldy's comment. Nazism isn't a race. It is not in anyway analagous to "chink". Every Chinese person is a "chink" racially. Plenty of Germans were not Nazis, and certainly are not Nazis now.

Besides it would be a little hypocritical of you to get all bent out of shape when you make such an effort to say that you aren't being a racist when you indict nearly every Muslim in some rant.

How are you German, you have said on this site that your family was from South Africa, and that they also escaped the Soviet Union. And there is a "Fanusi Khiyal" from Ontario Canada, although I assume this isn't your real name.

2547. The 14-year-old Afghan suicide bomber

Comment #191722 by al-rawandi on June 11, 2008 at 2:00 pm

Fanusi,







War's over Rambo....


Take it easy. I was simply referrencing those people who already called you a Nazi. Why the sensitivity anyway?

A little personal advice once you take something personally you immediately hand over power to that person insulting or criticizing your.

2548. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #191720 by al-rawandi on June 11, 2008 at 1:58 pm

advocatus,






The violence (in the Spanish case) pre-dated the civil war (1936-39). In fact the major issues of violence I was speaking of were during the 1917-1919 period, revolving around the CNT and FAI.


I think part of the problem is that government, or some alternate entity, is necessary for people to ensure fulfillment of contracts and uniform treatment of criminals. For instance, people have used a form of government (agreed upon by the majority, as in a democracy) to appeal to. This authority was stronger than anyone person (which may have been a problem). This can ensure that people are compelled to act in accordance with a set of standards. I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing, I think that the more power this central authority gets, the more it abuses people and the more it seeks to perpetuate its own power.


As for the success of the Catalonian anarchism, although I am not finished reading up on it, it seems that it never established a lasting system of life, most importantly because it was destroyed by Franco. But it never established itself as viable, IMHO.

2549. Debating creationism in Louisiana schools

Comment #191702 by al-rawandi on June 11, 2008 at 1:20 pm

corylus,








I have yetti feet? That wasn't very nice!


Now I am really hurt....

2550. How to reconcile Richard Dawkins?

Comment #191680 by al-rawandi on June 11, 2008 at 12:49 pm

advocatus,







Where I part from traditional libertarianism is over, what I call, their financial fascism. If liberty (as in libertarian) is to mean anything it must mean exactly that! American libertarians (of which I am not one) think, for some peculiar reason, that the government is the only form of power able to constrain liberty. This isn't so in my opinion. People should be protected (or should protect themselves) from illegitimate consolidation and abuse of power.

I no more trust a large corporation than I do a government, they look too similar for me to distrust one and embrace the other.

I think in the true free market, one which is protected from all illicit consolidation of power, the value of labor can be more truly evaluated, the simple problem is we have yet to see such a system come into being.

I have a lot of respect for Chomsky's views on the matter, although I am no fan of a lot of his commentary on other topics, and I too am an anti-Zionist, although not always anti-Israel, considering they are facing a greater evil than Zionism.

As I have been reading up on the Catalonia situation I find myself nodding along to their anti-clericalism. However the early period, late 19th Century, (after the arrival of Giuseppi Fannelli) was characterized by disorganization. This seemd to plague the movement until 1917, but soon after this framework was damaged and only recaptured in 1919 (by the CNT). After that the FAI joined in and there seemed to be a bedrock of organized, although clandestine support.

This movement went the way of most movements of that nature, the establishment (both bourgeious and governmental) was scared and reacted violently (numerous massacres) which only steeled the resolve of the opposition. It got to the point where even traditional Republicans objected to the tactics of the government and pisteleros.

However, I noticed that the anarchists were prone to violence in a way that American labor movements were not.

So I ask 2 things:


1) Does an anarchist view and movement necessarily lead to violence (Anti bourgeious and anti government)?

2) Does not the very nature of anarchism lend itself to rapid failure due to disorganization? I say this because the various councils in the CNT had total autonomy and no doubt opinions differed and clashed.