- Joined
- Apr 5, 1999
- Messages
- 460
Dear Members,
It is interesting to note that in any and all conversations or debates Ive had with liberals or anyone on the left, that no matter how far left or how radically opposed to my views, Ive never resorted to personal name calling or insults upon the individual. Ive walked away maybe thinking the person was wrong, misinformed or just had another view of things. However, I have been called, idiot, stupid, fool, insane, *sshole, f*kin crazy, dumb sh*t, high and mighty, bigot, capitalist (like thats an insult) right wing kook, and yes, Ive had my life threatened several times.
Well now that Ive been writing for Humanevents, it has given me the opportunity to have discourse with some of the most brilliant and influential conservatives of our time. In a recent conversation with one of the most well known conservatives, possibly a presidential candidate, this subject came up. And he said, The left attacks with emotion, we debate with ideas and facts. When you are confronted by those who are not armed with truth, facts, historical evidence and research, you are in for a shouting match, for there is no grounds for serious debate. Always take the high road with them for that can never be looked upon as a fault.
I answered, I always have.
In regard to some comments made in this post I will add the following. A previous poster was correct; Tim McVeigh was not a Christian fundamentalist or adherent to any church or religious group. His problems were with the U.S. Government. His actions were condemned by everyone, and there were no public demonstrations cheering and celebrating his actions.
If you want to look at examples of how Islamic assimilation and open immigration policies have actually worked, look at Europe. They are now in the throes of trying to undo the previous policies, and they have serious problems. In general, Muslim immigrant populations do not assimilate but attempt to retain all of their previous cultural norms including Sharia Law. Assimilating in our western interpretation would be tantamount to apostasy since Islam does not separate religion from government or societal requirements. Any non-adherence to Islamic doctrine is not acceptable. And before anyone says, Emerson says assimilating means giving up your religion, regard what I am really saying without emotional context. Islam is not just a religion compared to our generally accepted view, separating church, state, and generally accepted societal norms and laws. It is all inclusive.
As to my experience in such matters; My first copy of the Koran is a 1915 printing of a translation by George Sales which I obtained in 1970. Thats over 40 years ago folks. I have two other translations which I obtained later in my career.
I graduated college with a degree in World History and Ive picked up a couple of others along the way. I have read the Koran many times, not all of it mind you, it is very difficult to read with numerous historical references to events and places from the time it was written which have to be referenced to be understood. My Library is not just a room with a bookshelf. I have several thousand books including at last count 17, on the crusades alone, including several written by Islamic scholars of the time. My books on Islam other than the Korans, number several dozen.
Anyone who makes a statement such as, Try reading the Koran, tells me one thing clearly. Im willing to bet youve never read the Koran.
In regard to firsthand experience, I have filled a stack of passports in my travels. I have been to the Middle East several times and know King Abdullah of Jordan personally, having been invited several times.
As to having read the Koran, I can safely say that I have read more than most Muslims have, since it is almost always taught by rote memorization in Arabic which millions of Muslims cannot even read.
I speak passable German, Russian and Arabic. I carried a Top Secret and Compartmentalized clearance for over twenty years. I did not just read a, couple of books.
I have also had serious discussions with Imams in our local community to the point of being invited into debates by them.
So, in the end, yes I read their book, yes, Ive been there, and yes Ive studied their culture and religion both professionally and as a result of my personal interest. And that is why I stand by everything I have stated previously.
Ernest R. Emerson
It is interesting to note that in any and all conversations or debates Ive had with liberals or anyone on the left, that no matter how far left or how radically opposed to my views, Ive never resorted to personal name calling or insults upon the individual. Ive walked away maybe thinking the person was wrong, misinformed or just had another view of things. However, I have been called, idiot, stupid, fool, insane, *sshole, f*kin crazy, dumb sh*t, high and mighty, bigot, capitalist (like thats an insult) right wing kook, and yes, Ive had my life threatened several times.
Well now that Ive been writing for Humanevents, it has given me the opportunity to have discourse with some of the most brilliant and influential conservatives of our time. In a recent conversation with one of the most well known conservatives, possibly a presidential candidate, this subject came up. And he said, The left attacks with emotion, we debate with ideas and facts. When you are confronted by those who are not armed with truth, facts, historical evidence and research, you are in for a shouting match, for there is no grounds for serious debate. Always take the high road with them for that can never be looked upon as a fault.
I answered, I always have.
In regard to some comments made in this post I will add the following. A previous poster was correct; Tim McVeigh was not a Christian fundamentalist or adherent to any church or religious group. His problems were with the U.S. Government. His actions were condemned by everyone, and there were no public demonstrations cheering and celebrating his actions.
If you want to look at examples of how Islamic assimilation and open immigration policies have actually worked, look at Europe. They are now in the throes of trying to undo the previous policies, and they have serious problems. In general, Muslim immigrant populations do not assimilate but attempt to retain all of their previous cultural norms including Sharia Law. Assimilating in our western interpretation would be tantamount to apostasy since Islam does not separate religion from government or societal requirements. Any non-adherence to Islamic doctrine is not acceptable. And before anyone says, Emerson says assimilating means giving up your religion, regard what I am really saying without emotional context. Islam is not just a religion compared to our generally accepted view, separating church, state, and generally accepted societal norms and laws. It is all inclusive.
As to my experience in such matters; My first copy of the Koran is a 1915 printing of a translation by George Sales which I obtained in 1970. Thats over 40 years ago folks. I have two other translations which I obtained later in my career.
I graduated college with a degree in World History and Ive picked up a couple of others along the way. I have read the Koran many times, not all of it mind you, it is very difficult to read with numerous historical references to events and places from the time it was written which have to be referenced to be understood. My Library is not just a room with a bookshelf. I have several thousand books including at last count 17, on the crusades alone, including several written by Islamic scholars of the time. My books on Islam other than the Korans, number several dozen.
Anyone who makes a statement such as, Try reading the Koran, tells me one thing clearly. Im willing to bet youve never read the Koran.
In regard to firsthand experience, I have filled a stack of passports in my travels. I have been to the Middle East several times and know King Abdullah of Jordan personally, having been invited several times.
As to having read the Koran, I can safely say that I have read more than most Muslims have, since it is almost always taught by rote memorization in Arabic which millions of Muslims cannot even read.
I speak passable German, Russian and Arabic. I carried a Top Secret and Compartmentalized clearance for over twenty years. I did not just read a, couple of books.
I have also had serious discussions with Imams in our local community to the point of being invited into debates by them.
So, in the end, yes I read their book, yes, Ive been there, and yes Ive studied their culture and religion both professionally and as a result of my personal interest. And that is why I stand by everything I have stated previously.
Ernest R. Emerson
