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Stand for Freedom in Iran: 'Enough is Enough!'

The following is a message delivered at the "Stand for Freedom in Iran" rally that took place yesterday at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, across from the United Nations.

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Hello! I've been deeply moved by this gathering. This is amazing! My name is Lisa Sharon Harper. I am the executive director of NY Faith & Justice and the author of Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican ... or Democrat, and I am here today to say "Enough is enough!" Say it with me, "Enough is enough! Enough is enough! Enough is enough! Enough is enough!"

The whole world saw the elections in Iran and the crush of the Iranian government when they stole the election from the people! We saw it via social networking sources like Twitter and Facebook. Well I'm a twitterer! So, everyone say "Hi!" and I'm gonna take a picture of you because this is amazing!

[The empty space is the space directly in front of the stage. You can't see it from here, but the crowd reached back to 3rd Avenue from 1st Ave!]

President Ahmadinejad,
Democracy is not enough!
Democracy is nothing unless that government protects the rights of "the least of these" in society!
Democracy is nothing unless that government protects the rights of the ones who live with their backs against the walls!
And that kind of democracy is achieved by protecting the basic human rights of all people within a society.

We watched Iran's election and it is unconscionable that 322 people have been executed just this year. It is unconscionable that every day citizens of your country were thrown in jail just because they wanted to have their vote count!

Enough is enough!

As a black evangelical woman I know something about the struggle for that kind of democracy on our own soil! My own evangelical forefathers and fore-mothers warred against my ethnic forebearers throughout the better part of the 20th century. I am speaking of the civil rights battles of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Evangelicals, by-and-large, fought for segregation and fought to enforce Jim Crow laws that denied the right to vote to my black ancestors. But that was the 20th century! This is a new century!

In the 21st century, evangelicals are finding their way back to their roots -- roots born in the 19th century when they led the way in the movement to abolish slavery!

So, President Ahmadinejad, a new generation of evangelicals -- white, black, Asian, and Latino -- are standing in solidarity with the people of Iran today!

We stand in solidarity with this crowd and we say with one voice, "Enough is enough!"

Amen.

Lisa Sharon Harper is the executive director of New York Faith & Justice and author of Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican ... or Democrat.

Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

by: henrythomas

09-28-2009 @ 8:25am

There are political forces that want us to believe Ahmadinejad's political opponents are the good guys. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that Ahmadinejad's view of them--as politicians who have become rich at the people's expense--is actually correct (see Strategic Forecasting's Geopolitical Weekly of June 22, 2009, and later writing on the topic). The bottom line, as Knightscrossing noted, is that Iran is a lot more complex than most of us understand, and we ought to be careful whose side we come down on in the name of freedom, or of our faith.

by: henrythomas

09-28-2009 @ 8:25am

There are political forces that want us to believe Ahmadinejad's political opponents are the good guys. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that Ahmadinejad's view of them--as politicians who have become rich at the people's expense--is actually correct (see Strategic Forecasting's Geopolitical Weekly of June 22, 2009, and later writing on the topic). The bottom line, as Knightscrossing noted, is that Iran is a lot more complex than most of us understand, and we ought to be careful whose side we come down on in the name of freedom, or of our faith.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 5:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 7:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 5:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 7:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: Knightscrossing

09-27-2009 @ 12:49pm

"Democracy is nothing unless that government protects the rights of the ones who live with their backs against the walls!"

We must be careful when we use the term democracy as we know it here in the Ststes. Ours is very unique and does not fit every country. However that does not mean we do not spread the word of Christ and support the struggle for human rights and equality for all.

But I warn.. Iran's freedom movement is very much an unknown to uis at this time and we need not make the same mistkes as we did with the so-called freedom movements in Iraq in which Iraqi Christians are still prosecuted....

by: Knightscrossing

09-27-2009 @ 12:49pm

"Democracy is nothing unless that government protects the rights of the ones who live with their backs against the walls!"

We must be careful when we use the term democracy as we know it here in the Ststes. Ours is very unique and does not fit every country. However that does not mean we do not spread the word of Christ and support the struggle for human rights and equality for all.

But I warn.. Iran's freedom movement is very much an unknown to uis at this time and we need not make the same mistkes as we did with the so-called freedom movements in Iraq in which Iraqi Christians are still prosecuted....

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: Knightscrossing

09-27-2009 @ 12:49pm

"Democracy is nothing unless that government protects the rights of the ones who live with their backs against the walls!"

We must be careful when we use the term democracy as we know it here in the Ststes. Ours is very unique and does not fit every country. However that does not mean we do not spread the word of Christ and support the struggle for human rights and equality for all.

But I warn.. Iran's freedom movement is very much an unknown to uis at this time and we need not make the same mistkes as we did with the so-called freedom movements in Iraq in which Iraqi Christians are still prosecuted....

by: Knightscrossing

09-27-2009 @ 12:49pm

"Democracy is nothing unless that government protects the rights of the ones who live with their backs against the walls!"

We must be careful when we use the term democracy as we know it here in the Ststes. Ours is very unique and does not fit every country. However that does not mean we do not spread the word of Christ and support the struggle for human rights and equality for all.

But I warn.. Iran's freedom movement is very much an unknown to uis at this time and we need not make the same mistkes as we did with the so-called freedom movements in Iraq in which Iraqi Christians are still prosecuted....

by: henrythomas

09-28-2009 @ 8:25am

There are political forces that want us to believe Ahmadinejad's political opponents are the good guys. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that Ahmadinejad's view of them--as politicians who have become rich at the people's expense--is actually correct (see Strategic Forecasting's Geopolitical Weekly of June 22, 2009, and later writing on the topic). The bottom line, as Knightscrossing noted, is that Iran is a lot more complex than most of us understand, and we ought to be careful whose side we come down on in the name of freedom, or of our faith.

by: henrythomas

09-28-2009 @ 8:25am

There are political forces that want us to believe Ahmadinejad's political opponents are the good guys. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that Ahmadinejad's view of them--as politicians who have become rich at the people's expense--is actually correct (see Strategic Forecasting's Geopolitical Weekly of June 22, 2009, and later writing on the topic). The bottom line, as Knightscrossing noted, is that Iran is a lot more complex than most of us understand, and we ought to be careful whose side we come down on in the name of freedom, or of our faith.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 5:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 5:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 7:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.

by: kgraham0103

09-28-2009 @ 7:45pm

It is a known fact that throughout history all major empires fell when they spread themselves too thin. That is, when those in power take it upon themselves to control and police other countries, they will receive the blowback results of those provoked countries. The question is, why does America believe that we will not suffer the same fate?
Today, we go against everything our founding fathers advised about foreign policies. Thomas Jefferson called for, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." George Washington said, "Our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences." John Quincy Adams commented that America should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. Instead, our conduct in foreign policies includes: sanctions, nation building, and pre-emptive war.
While running for president, George W. Bush said "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. Proud and confident in our values, but humble in how we treat nations that are figuring out how to chart their own course." He won the election with a humble foreign policy which is completely opposite of that which Republicans, today, are told they must support.
Our meddling in the Middle East and unethical foreign policy led to the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001. It is crucial to understand that it was not America's fault, but our policies. Michael Scheuer, who was chief of the CIA's Osama bin Laden Unit in the late nineties, wrote, "it is unreasonable, even utopian, not to expect people to grow resentful, and desirous of revenge, when your government bombs them, supports police states in their countries, and imposes murderous sanctions on them. That revenge, in its various forms, is what our CIA calls blowback - the unintended consequences of military intervention."
In the 2008 presidential election one candidate, Ron Paul, brought up this issue. The media and other candidates twisted his words as if he was blaming America for the terrorist attacks. They play off the fear of the American people to continue the overseas empire of this country. Obviously the blame rests with those who commit the acts of terror, regardless of their motivation. The question Scheuer and Paul are asking is not who is morally responsible for terrorism, but given that a hyper-interventionist foreign policy is very likely to lead to this kind of blowback, are we still sure we want such a foreign policy?
When it comes to suicide bombing, many assume the driving force behind the practice is Islamic fundamentalism, which promises instant entry into paradise as a reward for killing infidels. The University of Chicago's Robert Pape, an expert on suicide terrorism, has found that religious beliefs are less important than many believe. He says that, "The world's leaders in suicide terrorism are actually the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, a Marxist secular group. The largest Islamic fundamentalist countries have not been responsible for any suicide terrorist attacks. Not one has come from Iran or Sudan." Pape goes on to say, "The strongest motivation is not religion but rather a desire to compel modern democracies to withdraw military forces from the territory the terrorist view as their homeland." Between 1995 and 2004 two-thirds of all attacks came from countries where the United States had troops stationed. That is, they do not attack us because we are free and prosperous; they attack us because we are in their land.
Until the U.S. invasion in 2003, Iraq had never had a suicide terrorist attack in its entire history. Between 1982 and 1986, there were 41 suicide terrorist attacks in Lebanon. Once the U.S., France, and Israel withdrew their forces from Lebanon, there were no more attacks.
The government and media, however, continue feeding the people lies. Lies of how the only way for us to be safe from these vicious countries is by policing them, overthrowing their own governments, and establishing our own traditions. The truth is, we will not be safe until we bring all of our troops home to secure our own borders instead of those of other nations.