The Muslims who shaped America - rebuttal to Trump's bigoted ranting

13 posts / 0 new

Wed, 2015-12-09 06:51

lagatta

I thought this Guardian article on the Muslims who shaped "America" (yes, it refers only to the US, but it is certainly applicable in other countries in the Americas and elsewhere) belonged in this forum, because it isn't just a matter of the US presidential election campaign, but it could be moved there if babblers prefer.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/08/donald-trump-famous-muslims...

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/dec/08/donald-trump-anti-muslim-...

Yes, this kind of article focuses on luminaries and Establishment figures, but it is probably necessary to counter this pernicious bigoted bullshit.

Wed, 2015-12-09 09:35

Unionist

With respect, lagatta, I don't think this is the way to combat racism and Islamophobia.

Wed, 2015-12-09 09:58

lagatta

It certainly mustn't be the ONLY way.

Wed, 2015-12-09 10:31

josh

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVyvVFnWcAAh8LC.jpg:large[/img]

Wed, 2015-12-09 10:43

Unionist

Wow, that's great, thanks josh! [url=http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/editorials/2015/12/08/free-press-edit...'s the full editorial.[/url]

ETA: And I think this is important, because it shows the dilemma of how to deal with rising fascism:

Quote:

Trump’s goal is political, and craven — near-universal outcry from across the political spectrum reinforces his identity as an outsider, and every criticism proves to supporters that Trump is a man who'll say what others fear to speak.

And so we were reluctant to lend this institution's voice to a denunciation that might further Trump's cause.

But some slurs are so heinous that they must be answered. And some lies are so vile that they become dangerous if not met with truth, and strength.

[Emphasis added]

Wed, 2015-12-09 14:28

kropotkin1951

Obama wrote:

And so: We stand with San Bernardino. We stand with Paris. We stand with Beirut. We stand with Syrian refugees, seeking a safer life in our country, still a beacon of democracy and freedom, despite Trump's efforts to the contrary. We stand with the Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists, Hindus, Buddhists and all others who make up our community.

This was a very thoughtful article and contains mostly great stuff. However right at the end is embedded the underlying problem with Americans. They believe the myth of their counrty and not the reality. How can they change for the better if they are all delusional including their black President. When has America ever been a beacon of democracy and freedom for the majority of First Nations, blacks and Latinos.

Wed, 2015-12-09 17:33

NDPP

'We Wish to Respond To Evil With Good'

https://www.rt.com/usa/325268-muslim-fundraiser-san-bernardino-victims/

Muslims raise funds for San Bernardino victims. 'After 911 we had a rude awakening..."

Thu, 2015-12-10 21:26

Unionist

[url=http://www.wbai.org/articles.php?article=2950]NY Jews Condemn Islamophobia and Racism[/url]

Quote:

New York Jews are speaking out against Islamophobia and racism. "We will not be silenced about anti-Muslim and racist hate speech and hate crimes."

Members of Jewish Voice for Peace and Jews Say No, gathered under the umbrella of Jews Against Islamophobia.

Thu, 2015-12-10 21:39

quizzical

8 candles

Thu, 2015-12-10 21:54

#10

Unionist

quizzical wrote:

8 candles

For the eight days of Hanukkah.

Thu, 2015-12-10 22:07

#11

quizzical

i know. it's why i pointed it out.

eta i liked the 2 messages in one standing.

Fri, 2015-12-11 03:45

#12

NDPP

Trump is No More Racist Than Mainstream Israeli Policy

http://972mag.com/trump-is-no-more-racist-than-mainstream-israeli-policy...

"...Israelis who want to ban Trump, who call him racist, need to take a good look in the mirror. And just imagine for a second what would happen if the American Jewish establishment - Democrats - Republicans, communal institutes, elected officials - treated racist policies in Israel with the same uniform rejection and disgust as they are starting to direct at Trump's abhorrently racist rhetoric.

Guess what other country bans muslim immigration?"

Sun, 2015-12-13 09:29

#13

NDPP

Why We Should Be Thankful For Trump's Muslim Ban Comments - by Louis Yako

http://www.counterpunch.org/2015/12/11/why-we-should-be-thankful-for-tru...

"...Both political parties, in my analysis, are very concerned that Trump's comments are going to actually trigger a real conversation about what have already been the unwritten laws and rules of conduct against these people. They are worried that these comments, as racist and bigoted as they are, will finally trigger conversations about the right questions.

The reactions of Republicans and Democrats to Trump remind me in a sense of a line from Thomas Pynchon's novel, Gravity's Rainbow: 'If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don't have to worry about answers.' Trump's remarks carry the danger of making the American people question the entire system by asking the right questions..."