[spence]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

Sure, then moderate muslims should have the common sense to understant our fear, no?

You should turn this around and ask why you don't understand why much of the Islamic world doesn't trust the USA.

This issue isn't really about the fear, it's how you deal with it.

It only takes one to kill me or my family, just one. Millions of people across this country will drink and drive tonight. Possibly none will die, however I wont do it.

This analogy makes no sense.

I wont forget, all the more reason for my mistrust. Againt to my point they dont wear uniforms. But - there was ONE thing that would identify him, isnt there?

Jim, seriously. You're starting to sound like paranoia is taking over.

Of those mentioned above, which ones belonged to a cult, cult of tens of thousands that declared war on you and your family? Of those above, which ones danced in the streets when thousands of Americans died? Which one of those people beheaded innocents in cold blood? If you took a computer and loaded it with data on the last 50 yrs of air travel and had it calculate a risk factor for each religion, race or background. To which would it assign the highest, unbiased risk? Again Spence, common sense. Its your friend and may someday save your life. Im not advocating living in fear or any restrictions of muslims rights, but to say there is no grounds for fear or scrutiny based on that religion is plain stupid.

Common sense would balance the negative things done by a small minority of Muslims with the far larger weight of positive and peaceful actions by the vast majority of Muslims.

If you dwell just on the visceral imagery there's no chance you'll let common sense guide your actions. How many innocent people have Mexican drug gangs (Catholics right?) beheaded in just the last few years alone?

I agree, Im petrified of flying and take pills when I do. That said, any cause of a airline crash is most likely beyond my control. However, I may have control if I, like the passengers of flight 83 did on 9/11 and passengers of board with the shoe bomber did, act to save my and others lifes. Im not saying we shouldnt allow muslims to fly, Im saying that the fear and uncomfort are rational and reasonable, And should be understood, not silenced.

In stark contrast you as an individual seem to do little to understand your fear and a lot to justify them.

The violent minority has a challenge in that to be effective they often have to conceal their behavior. There are traits that identify them.

Hardly any, just like hardly any muslims are terrorists. However if the black panthers threatened to kill americans, I as most would, would be cautious and potentially nervous in the presence of black men. We have been born with survival instincts, your liberal PC may someday be your end. Most dog dont bite, however I dont stop and pet rotweillers. Common sense.

Again, your analogy doesn't make a lot of sense. You don't pet a rotty because they're easily identifiable and are thought to have pre-disposed tendencies for aggression. I don't see how this would apply to a black person or Muslim...unless...oh %$%$%$%$.

Not the point. Today was made in 2010, a period when muslim extremists have declared war and have killed thousands of americans, using jets as brutal weapons.

Um, ok.

usually there is some division of opinion on topics, but Spence stands alone on this one. reminds of those wacky animal owners that believe they can hold hands with gorillas or keep tigers in their home.

I love the "Spence stands alone" line you keep rehashing. It really shows how you're working hard to reach an understanding.

One thing I've noticed repeatedly is that you seem to place the responsibility for understanding completely on the other party, treating all Muslims as a gigantic monolithic block. You blame moderates for not speaking out more against violence, but have you ever raised an ear to see if any are talking? You blame all innocent Muslims for not doing more, instead of taking ownership for the fear that you alone have control of. It's like a fear of all guns rather than those people who would use them for violence. In this respect you're acting pretty Left wing.

People tend to be more uncomfortable with things they're not used to. In an effort for outreach many Imam's have Open Mosque Days. You should seek one out and go talk to people.

-spence