Is awfulizing the entire Muslim religion responsible for the increase in domestic terrorism in America?

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:22:14 -0400

I believe the anti-Muslim culture in America is alienating American-born Muslims, and radicalizing them. If we applied the same logic to all people that is applied to Muslims who would be left to inhabit this country?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 13 at 2016 4:26 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:26:57 -0400

Well this nation has been against faiths which were inextricably linked to government SPC Rory J. Mattheisen since its founding. That is why the idea of a state church which was common in Europe was rejected. Mormonism was rejected because it's adherents beliefs implied they wanted control of the government. Remember Mitt Romney's run for POTUS?
Islam is only fulfilled in a theocratic state according to the Koran. Islam can only be freely practiced when Islam is the State faith so that the courts and government officials while rule on cases and make law in accordance with Koranic precepts.
As far as applying the treatment you are referring to ask the Japanese Americans who were rated much worse than the Muslims have been in this nation.
By and large Muslims are not treated any worse than any other group in this nation. I have Pakistani, Afghani, and Iranian neighbors who I have good relations with.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 4:27 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:27:15 -0400

I don't think so. I wish the answer was simple but it isn't. But we do fear and demonize what we do not understand.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jun 13 at 2016 4:29 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:29:09 -0400

I agree with you! We should be INCLUDING them in our EFFOTS and Encouraging them to take more of an Active Role in denouncing these Cowardly attacks! I believe the Muslim Community SHOULD and COULD do more in these EFFORTS! We need to Court them with RESPECT and let them know how VITAL they are in helping us Eradicating ISIS and the War on Terror as a Whole! UNITY! UNITY! UNITY! You can Unify anything you are unwilling to Reconcile with! LOVE is the pathway to reconciling with them and to Spread the MESAGE that they MATTER!

Response by SSgt Charles Freeman made Jun 13 at 2016 4:32 PM

SSgt Charles Freeman — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:32:32 -0400

NVM

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 13 at 2016 4:33 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:33:20 -0400

I blame the radical Muslims for not living under the societal and legal auspices of this country. If they hate America so much, they should leave America.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 13 at 2016 4:36 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:36:34 -0400

Blame the victim! Right. The truth is that the vast majority of Americans didn't blame all Muslims, not for the first attack, or the second, or the third... Indeed, I haven't seen any evidence that the majority of Americans are blaming Muslims or Islam, even now that we've had multiple attacks just this year. Still the President and many other Leftists are quick to jump on the bandwagon proclaiming that we are. Then, they ascribe the whole problem to us blaming Muslims and Islam, that by doing so we are radicalizing Muslims. Well, I'm not politically correct. I don't surrender my freedom of speech. The President is not going to win this battle, not with me, not matter how many times he repeats the charge, and I trust that most Americans are with me on this one.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 13 at 2016 4:45 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:45:24 -0400

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen - My grandfather left Germany when it was a bad thing to be a Jew AND came to American when it was a bad time to be a German. He tolerated a tremendous amount of hate, bigotry, and discrimination. Difference in his story: 70-years ago we were fighting a nation. Today, we are fighting in ideology... and the "average" American is not able to discern between the two.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 13 at 2016 4:51 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:51:35 -0400

Is attributing terrorism to all Muslims fair? No. But it is hard wired into us to look for labels that we can use to identify potential threats. Cats, in general, think dogs are a threat. Yet many cats and dogs live in the same house in peace. But we are humans. We do not live in the same house. We can avoid each other if we want to.

I practiced a little dinner table diplomacy. We have a two family Muslim community in the small rural community I live in now. I stopped by and introduced myself, told them I raised goats and invited them to a goat roast that I host every year around the 4th of July. They explained they could not because they were Dhabihah observant (has to do with how the animal is slaughtered). I asked what we could do to fix that, end result I got new friends and new customers because the Imam from the nearest Mosque comes to ensure that the slaughter is Dhabihah. and I don't have to butcher the goats or chickens for the 4th of July party.

Invite a Muslim to lunch, or a golf outing, or a softball game. If you culturally step in it, they will most likely explain politely what you just did. If cats and dogs can do it....

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 4:53 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:53:28 -0400

People who want to become radicalized will do so under any pretense. Should all Muslims be awlfulized - No Are they? By some yes, and in today's world the few get unfair media and internet coverage.

But, in the end it is the individual that decides to go off the deep end and provides excuses disguised as reasons on serves to further enable the behavior.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 13 at 2016 4:57 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 16:57:26 -0400

Perhaps, but is it not possible that radical jihadists and propaganda are actually responsible for the radicalization of young Americans.
If you tell someone that they are not (insert group name here) enough. and they aspire to be the best of (insert group name here), you shame them into taking on that behavior or activity in order to be the best of the group they aspire to be in.
The way ISIS and other jihadi pitch it you can't be a good Muslim and assimilate western tolerances, but I've served with Muslims who practiced their faith and are good role models for others, regardless of belief.
It has been my experience that the majority of people know the difference between a person practicing their faith and a zelot. Or maybe its just that I tend to be around older Soldiers and professional folks that have learned to value everyone's contribution .

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 13 at 2016 5:06 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:06:21 -0400

Is awfulizing a word?

Interesting take on a religion/political system that has so called holy men calling for the death of Homos.
Playing the victim is classic Islamic behavior. I suspect, we will read a report, or two soon on a Mosque set on fire by one of their own.
It's happened before.
If you are going to follow Muhammad, get to doing so! Or, get another religion/political system.
M. Morris RVT

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jun 13 at 2016 5:11 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:11:41 -0400

So, let's see, over the past couple decades, how many mass or individual killings have taken place against Muslims? Islamists? Those that have expressed a willingness to kill Americans, here or abroad?

Now reverse those question Radicals against our residents. And yet we welcome those that work for and achieve citizenship. Not to mention they come in droves to be "awfulized"

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Jun 13 at 2016 5:16 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:16:43 -0400

You have no further to look at France's liberal immigration policies of Muslims to see how the Muslims live in a foreign land by building Islamic kingdoms within the borders of France. There exists two metropolitan areas in France where Muslim commerce, sharia law, and culture dominate, invariably causing the local French to be the dislike minority in a violent culture. They have attacked France via immigration and are using imperial powers for their benefits.

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jun 13 at 2016 5:18 PM

SPC James Harsh — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:18:31 -0400

I never saw a muslim womans face overseas that wasn't isaf. people want to call me a xenophobe for supporting trump and i don't know what to think. i know i didnt know much until having a firsthand experience. those bad guys come from all over to do bad guy stuff too. i know the difference between people and the corrupt people thought sometimes theyre one in the same. theres a wall of censorship that causes a lot of problems.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Jun 13 at 2016 5:20 PM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:20:56 -0400

http://www.cs.princeton.edu/~chazelle/politics/antiam.html

Anti-Americanism: A Clinical Study

Last summer, with France on his mind, the British historian Paul Johnson graced the pages of Forbes Magazine with this trenchant observation: "Anti-Americanism is racist envy" [1]. Lest anyone miss the point, the best-selling author quickly rephrased it in more accessible language: "France is not a democracy." His novel insight could hardly be dismissed as mere anti-Frenchism for the simple reason that the word does not exist. In fact,...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 5:43 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:43:38 -0400

Eveyonelse would be left to inhabit this country.

Response by SGT Damaso V Santana made Jun 13 at 2016 5:49 PM

SGT Damaso V Santana — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:49:43 -0400

I have not seen crowds in the streets demonizing muslims however the Day they stop trying to impose their ideology and their way of life here then I am sure they Will BE more accepted. Also when them begin denouncing the murderers in their jihad Movement, them will BE more accepted, the day their mosques become houses of prayer instead of hatred factories then they will BE accepted. BY the way this goes for any ethnic group who comes to the United States and tries to recreate all the worse they allegedly are trying to get away from, if so why come at All?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 5:52 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:52:33 -0400

I am so sick of the left-wing rhetoric and remember Carter's ban! The left said nothing....

Response by CPL Patrick Brewbaker made Jun 13 at 2016 6:02 PM

CPL Patrick Brewbaker — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:02:05 -0400

I'm sorry I can't agree with that.

Response by LCpl Todd Houston made Jun 13 at 2016 6:17 PM

LCpl Todd Houston — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:17:22 -0400

I see what you are saying, however i do not believe we are "awefulizing" the muslim religion. People are scared and are hyper cautious, and rightfully so. Are their people who simply hate all muslims? Of coarse. But i dont believe thats the norm. The best thing would be for radical muslims to stop breaking the freaking law and killing people!!!

Response by TSgt David L. made Jun 13 at 2016 6:24 PM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 18:24:21 -0400

I guess blaming GUNS is the answer to the violence. Lets not hold individuals responsible for their actions...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 7:08 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:08:41 -0400

Well, I heard on CNN today that recent extremist terrorist attacks (going back to MAJ Hasan) had a pattern. I thought, okay, they're actually going to state the truth here. Nope. The pattern was that authorities knew of these nuts before they did what they did, NOT that they were ALL Muslims. What the heck does it take? This is political correctness run absolutely amok. And the fact that the President won't even utter the words contributes to the problem.

I'm obviously not saying that ALL Muslims are extremists, but extremist Muslims ARE extremist Muslims, not chipmunks, for crying out loud!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 13 at 2016 7:12 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:12:03 -0400

Radical ideas and behaviors can grow and prosper in an isolated community living under its own norms and laws instead of those of the greater society in which it is located. Islam is not in many ways compatible with common life and culture in the US. It is difficult at best for a Muslim to assimilate into the US the way other minority and immigrant groups did over the last 200 years. This lack of assimilation makes them suspect in the minds of many people. It also forces them into exclusive communities. The challenge for Muslims is finding a way to be faithful to the religion of Islam while assimilating into a culture that does not support the world view of their religion. They must find a way to live in peace with the Infidel and that's difficult.

The consequences of continued non-assimilation in the US and Western Europe could be disastrous for Muslims. If the terrorism continues there will be a point where Americans will not tolerate it any longer. We believe that the discrimination and persecution heaped on Jews in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th Century are beyond the realm of possibility in the US. I believe an angered and self-righteous populace coupled with a pandering ruling class could result in wholesale imprisonment or deportation of Muslims.

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Jun 13 at 2016 7:25 PM

SGT Robert Cupp — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:25:00 -0400

Awfulizing

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 13 at 2016 7:32 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 19:32:27 -0400

First off using an image of a woman disrespecting our flag is messed up and shows her lack of respect for it. You can look the US code for the flag and see she is wrong. Comparing radical Muslims to any other group is also wrong. Violent people come in all forms and races. But only one does it in the name of their religion, and even has names for it. You never hear of Jews or Christians or Atheist or Hindus or Wiccans or any other group blowing themselves up in the name of their GOD. Islamist extremist don't attack the armed police or armed military or gun shows. They are both cowards and seeking to cause the greatest amount of fear and terror (hence the name terrorist). We should apply some logic to this. Let's get a grip with protecting our nation and worry about someone's tender feelings later.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jun 13 at 2016 8:12 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:12:14 -0400

Personally, I just don't perceive that their is a anti-Muslim "culture" in America. At least, no more than there is an anti-Jewish culture, an anti-Lutheran culture, an anti-Catholic, or even an anti-Wiccan culture. To be blunt, I just don't believe that a sizeable portion of the US population has a problem with anyone else's religion (period). However, I do have a grudge to pick with the actions of some folks from the Westboro Baptist Church (note: I don't have a problem with everyone who attends the church, just those who protest military funerals)!

Because of my disbelief with the basic premise of your question, I decided to look up "anti-muslim culture"on the internet. What I found were a lot of articles that reference a Gallup poll which said that "52% of Americans and 48% of Canadians say the West does not respect Muslim societies." Now I completely agree with that. I don't respect any society or nation that says that my wife cannot vote, or that my wife cannot own a car, or that she cannot wear clothing that shows her calves, or claims that any portion of humanity is somehow less worthy than the rest. This is much more a comment on the politics of predominantly muslim nations than it is on the religion of Islam. It also means I disagreed with Nazi Germany, India's handling of the untouchables, and even England's belief in Royalty. I should note that Americans fought wars over two of these and are still working to overcome the prejudices of the third.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 8:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:20:34 -0400

To be succinct; I don't believe Islam is being "awfulized" more than any other group (and gross generalizations don't help any problem), and even if the first were true, I don't believe terrorists need any moral justification to commit acts of terror.

If the point you are trying to make is that the US shouldn't fall into anti-Islam paranoia, good point.

If the point you are trying to make is that we (the US) are somehow collectively responsible for the mass shooting in Orlando, you are 100% wrong.

Response by LTC David Brown made Jun 13 at 2016 8:25 PM

LTC David Brown — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:25:01 -0400

I have worked with many good Muslims. Doctors, Nurses etc. That being said in April an Imam lecturing in Orlando said killing gays was compassionate! Humm, then when some one does it, why they are shocked, absolutely shocked they say!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 8:28 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:28:01 -0400

Anti-Muslim culture in America? You sure you don't want to rethink that statement?

Response by LTC David Brown made Jun 13 at 2016 8:31 PM

LTC David Brown — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:31:11 -0400

So does that mean because I get offended by certain politicians I can kill them or their supporters and I am innocent because, well they alienated and offended me? I think my Bull S____ card trumps their Horse S___ card!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jun 13 at 2016 8:41 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 20:41:53 -0400

There is a difference between muslims and radical muslims. Should mosques be over watched? - yes if hate and discontent is preached there, which did happen in Florida. It's a lot like Germany in Hitler's time. Not every one was a Nazi, but there were too many who stood back and let it happen. They want to import their own law - no way we got our own. They want to pray in our schools and such - no way, we Christians aren't allowed. No their not all the same, but the non radicals need to step forward and take more of a stand against. And we need to get over the politically correct BS and start calling a spade a spade - beginning with Obama. He needs to admit there are radical muslims terrorists and they are a threat.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 9:38 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 21:38:44 -0400

No, I don't think that is the reason or that it is responsible for terrorism in America. No one can deny the anti-Muslim sentiment in America. But what would help is if more in the Muslim communities would denounce the action of and by the extremist. They say they are with America and the people but never have harsh criticism against Islamic extremist. Remember that these jihadist have always been around. The First Barbary War (1801–1805) also known as the Tripolitan War or the Barbary Coast War, was the first of two wars fought between the United States and the Northwest African Berber Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States. Because of social media and the internet ISIS has more reach to sympathizers of their cause. Which of course is the elimination and destruction of Infidels. And the West is a target rich environment.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Jun 13 at 2016 9:46 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 21:46:29 -0400

The Muslims in America need to turn the terrorists and have a reformation.

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Jun 13 at 2016 10:08 PM

SCPO Larry Knight Sr. — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 22:08:27 -0400

No...........

Response by SFC David Sepeda made Jun 14 at 2016 12:10 AM

SFC David Sepeda — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 00:10:04 -0400

I think that is a total BS excuse!!! Did the Irish, Italians, Germans, Chinese, Japanese, Hmong, Latinos, Native Americans, blacks make these excuses to attack America?

ENOUGH!!! Why do Muslims need an excuse?

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jun 14 at 2016 1:46 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 01:46:00 -0400

The temptation to throw a grenade into this discussion is almost too hard to resist...must resist...must be PC...arrrg

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jun 14 at 2016 1:53 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 01:53:22 -0400

No, it's not to blame. What is to blame is the radical sects of Islam who don't like the amount of freedoms that western civilization affords it's citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, etc. That is the primary cause. They don't like us being a free country and so they attack in whatever way they can think of.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 14 at 2016 2:11 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 02:11:33 -0400

If Muslims turn to terror because of the way they are treated - they are indeed a part of the problem.
There is no valid excuse for terrorism - the killing of innocents for political or religious reasons.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jun 14 at 2016 2:27 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 02:27:50 -0400

Islam is not a religion of peace. It is not a religion. It is a political ideology where you answer to no man or law of man and swear holy allegiance to Mohammed and the Koran. As such, these followers can't and never will be able to assimilate into American society, our laws and traditions. Those mooslims born in the US have a marginally better chance of assimilation but damn little.

These people coming to the US from Islamic countries claim they are oppressed in their homeland and want to make a better life under Uncle Sam's blanket. What is the first things they do when they get here? They start sucking the public teat (welfare), congregating (read isolating) with fellow countrymen (i.e. Dearborn, MI) and demanding that WE (the USA) capitulate to their every bloody damned sharia law whim.

You people don't get it. It's our country. Our rules, our laws and if you are not able to live with that, go back to the third world toilet you came from and stop trying to make us come down to your pathetic level of no rights, no equality and women treated as baggage. If you think it isn't already happening, you are blind or naive. They already have such a firm foothold in some areas they are able to control city councils and begin implementing "their" laws on the rest of us.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Jun 14 at 2016 9:49 AM

SFC Marcus Belt — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 09:49:24 -0400

First: you just made up a word.

Second: most people assimilate regardless of bigotry and prejudice, which have always existed. To be an American one must, essentially, decide to be an American, something no other Western nation can claim. But one must desire to assimilate, to be "like us" (whatever that means).

Those who wish to assimilate will. Those who do not may potentially be "radicalized".

That's not calculus, it's simple math.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 14 at 2016 10:26 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 10:26:11 -0400

Great Point SPC Rory J. Mattheisen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2016 1:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 01:17:49 -0400

The problem with these people is there allegiances can change at the drop of a hat, there religion dictate that they illuminate all nonbelievers and you never know if or when they might be inclined to act on that. Trusting the Muslim population in America given the recent and past events is going to be a hard sell. As much as I like to be fair with all ethnic peoples I just can't help being suspicious of them. In a lot of cities and European countries they have become isolationist and refuse to abide by the rule of law and have been very vocal about it. Dearborn Michigan is a perfect example where they have moved into neighborhoods and chase every non Muslim out, they come here with no job skill and end up on welfare and there kids become thugs. You may say that there are some that have something to offer but I would say very few.

Response by SPC Deon Holmes made Jun 15 at 2016 7:06 AM

SPC Deon Holmes — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 07:06:09 -0400

It is very sad that 95% of Americans are so fucken stupid and don't study their own countries history! I won't go into details because it would take to long, and for the most part be over many peoples heads. Besides it's not for everyone to know. But this country was not formed on Christian law as the masses are trained to believe. In fact is was written on Muslim law of the Moroccan Empire. The Stars and Strips is not the flag of the U.S.A, but it is the BANNER of the U.S Corporation doing business in Morocco North West. Anyhow, all your so called founding fathers had Korans in their chambers and had no hostilities with Mosulim Law. If we would be truthful with ourselves (and I know we can't) we would know that Christianity has been terrorizing the world for hundreds of years. If the tables were turned (and some day they will) then it will be the Christians who will take to radicalizing to protect themselves from anyone who classifies them as the enemy.

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Jun 15 at 2016 7:16 PM

PO1 Jack Howell — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 19:16:16 -0400

No. In my opinion, your logic is faulty. These Muslim-Americans have chosen to become radical and have chosen to commit acts of terror against their fellow citizens. They have chosen to subscribe to the crap that other radical Muslims across the globe are preaching. If there are any that have become radical an 'anti-Muslim' culture, then it's because they're weak-minded and are unable to move past it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2017 12:42 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 12:42:15 -0400

No it is not the problem is their disrespect for our laws and traditions that is the problem they want to replace our laws and constitution with the quran and Sharia law and that will never be accepted here in the United States