Originally posted by ThePoint: I am at a loss to understand where you get 'every religion is treated equally'. If you mean in the courts, generally yes, but in the media - of course not. Before the law of course. Why should what media does matter at all? All people are allotted the right to practice their faith and the same rights are extened to them as enjoyed by the founding religions -- ie Christianity and Judaism. There are no discriminatory religious laws that grant certain favorable rights to one religion to the neglect of others. The West is the only land where there is TRUE freedom of religion. It's not perfect, nothing humans do is ever perfect, but it's the best we have anywhere in the world. If one has a problem, one has to move to another country? WHOA!!!!!!! That is the talk of bigots!!!!! ...In a democracy, everyone has the right to express themselves and protest/boycott etc. Why are Muslims supposed to take it? The newspaper has the 'freedom' of expression but Muslims don't???? No, I did not say one -- living in a democratic country -- should move if he/she feels chagrined. As I explained before NO religion is given special consideration. Not even Christianity, the largest in many parts of the West. Every revered religious figure has been subject to, under the protection of FREEDOM OF SPEECH (or screech :confused: ), satirical and parodical work. Islam is considered, in the West, like any other religon. With same rights and freedoms as exercised by christians. Then these Danish derisory cartoons unfold, which I strenuously denounce and am chafed as much as next muslim, but my fellow muslims are asking that our prophet (scw) should be consider unique and be put in a special category of his own by a people who believe and shed blood to defend equality of religions. Who hold NO religious leader above another. It is in this context, I suggested that if one has a problem with the West's insensitivity towards revered religious figures that they should leave. To a place where their views are the LAW! Not suggesting one shouldn't fight or protest when one feels wronged. Protest to your heart's content. Sometimes feeling righteously indignated is soul soothing. I'm told. But there is no chance in hell that Western governments will write a new and specific law for muslims ONLY banishing any satirical and/or offensive depictions of their prophet (scw). Certainly not while every other revered religious leader is a fair game. That would be they hight of hypocracy and double standards. And if that were to happen, you can bet other religions will demand the same rights. No one, including you, has yet made a defendable case for why the Danish paper that printed the cartoons should've been censored and reprimanded. Other then, the oft repeated , to ad nauseam, defense that Islam prohibits pictorial depictions and mocking of prophet Mohammed (scw). That is specious and doesn't fly. The way I see it there is nothing we muslims possess to pressure Western governments to ban any depictions of our prophet short of asking for special consideration. Now, do we seriouly expect that demand to be granted?

Originally posted by Modesty: Socod_Badne, I don't know what your faith is but to me Islam is the best and most supreme religion. Yes, Islam is the best religion to YOU, to ME but not the average joe six-packs next door or Prof Kemp down at the local Uni. To them they prolly see Islam along christianity, judaism and all other religions as myths. You have to accept the unavoidable fact of life that people, in fact the majority of the earth's population, don't see things the way you do. This is the reason why in the West religious equality is priced so highly. Every religion is treated EQUALLY. And I'm fine with that. If you have problem with it, MOVE to purely Islamic country where anything deemed offensive to Islam is prohibited. Living in the West for us muslims comes with multitude of costs. As we're finding out now, our prophet (scw) being subject of satirical cartoonist is one. Islam forbids the depiction of the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him), so drawing a buddha will not offend a buddhist, and christians already draw "Jesus" (astuaghfirulah)and that's fine with them, and they never insult jews because that in most European countries is against the law, but no it's not about getting special treatment, we are asking for our faith to be respected under the law. Aren't they the ones saying they're democracies. Where do you live? If you live in the West, then why do you expect they would care what Islam 'forbids?'

Originally posted by Say(y)id Qutb: If Islaam isn't a religion of the "sword and bloodshed", how come that Islaam has spread so far? Ok, I'm assuming you believe Islam wasn't spread by the sword, right? Then you write this: Let's return to the sword inshallah. I am not advocating for killing innocent people but I know that without the "sword" we will not be able to spread the risaalah (message) of al-Islaam. Like to explain this apparent self-contradiction.

Sharmarkee: Your Liberal Attitude is working well, keep up the good work mate Mate, I aint Liberal. I'm Liberian. Originally posted by ThePoint: Of course mocking the Prophet makes you anti-Islamic. No, that is what YOU think. It's not universally shared view or one that can be supported by arguementation without being highly subjective. How do you go about showing an attack on a religion's prophet is attack on the religion itself without also showing the link is weak? After all, it is a accomplished fact that one can make anti-Islamic remarks without attacking our prophet (scw). It's done all the time and you rarely hear anyone accusing the Islam critic of mocking Mohammed (scw). I understand and sympathise with your view. If these cartoons were indeed anti-Islamic, it would morally and legally compel the Danish government to intervene since there are laws in the books against religious bigotry. That is what we (muslims) all wish. Sadly, it is only a wish and not reality. And we shouldn't let our disappointment sully our judgements as it already has done. Some are likening these cartoons to acts like the Holocaust denial despite that being akin to comparing apples and oranges. Asking, "why is Holocaust denial a crime but not mocking Mohammed (scw)?" While ignoring the Holocaust happened to a PEOPLE, the jews. Denying it, although I don't think should be criminal act, is minimizing the suffering of a people. Hence, questioning the tolerance they get today. An approperiate comparison would be denying the Srebrenica massacre. As I said earlier, in the West religious leaders, politicos, celebrities are fair game for comedians and satirical cartoonists. Most important historical figures have been mocked, satirized... no major exceptions. Not for important religious leaders for sure. Why should us muslims be given special right not extended to other religions? That's lovely but no religion is like Islam - it is unto its own. So just because others were mocked means diddly... It means everything! You think Islam is special but others don't share that view with you. Why should your religion -- Islam -- be considered any more special then all the other 1001 religions practiced in the West?

Originally posted by Sharmarkee: Salaam, Can anybody say in where in the West: Holocaust is non-existent, you can go behind bars for that, you cannot be Anti-Semitic by any means, nor Anti-Christian,or anyother religion, But you can insult Islam and Muslims as you like: Let the boycott goes on!!! Shar, What you have to understand is moking prophet Mohammed (Scw) doens't make one anti-Islam/muslims just like mocking Jesus (as has already been done by Hollywood and Monty Python), doesn't make one anti-christianity/christians. Ditto for Buddha, Moses, Dali Lama etc. I didn't see the cartoons but I read they mockingly depicted our prophet. No where did I read the pics were anti-muslims/Islamic without tendentious view. Or inciting hate against the muslims. Mocking and/or pictorial depiction of ANY prophet, according to Islamic scholars from their reading of the Quran, is prohibited. Isn't it? Don't we as muslims believe Jesus or Issa as one of Allah's prophets? What was the muslim world's response to the films Jesus of Montreal or Monty Python's Life of Brian? There is long and established tradition in West, dating back to at least early 20th century where revered religious figures were harshly and unjustly ridiculed and mocked. It's part and parcel of post enlightenment Western culture. No religion has escaped from it. The right to mock political/religious leaders is considered sacrosanct, so much so it is enshrined into protected laws. Please keep in mind that I'm not saying we shouldn't boycott Danish products, just presenting a perspective missing from this thread.

Prof, There is nothing wrong with money. Money makes the world go around.

The_Urban, What's your team? Such unmitigated attack against the mighty Blues will not go without rebuke. State your team!!!! 1-8-7, You left out: gooners, whimpers, wankstas, misers...

No, I don't find sucessful women intimidating. Quite the contrary, I find them strikingly attractive. I like my women rich, independent, reticent, intelligent with upward posture of arrogant haughtiness, savage, uncivilised look and with a single dart of the eyes can curdle fresh goat milk. In short, Somali!

Originally posted by Kooleey: What animal are you? Jackal Lazygirl, What's my problem with this thread you ask? Nothing! Just wanted to stir some sh!t.

Originally posted by Ahura: What about Apple Danish? It's not made in Denmark (my local bakery rather), but its the only Danish thing I know. Looooooooooool @apple Danish Is the paper that printed the derisory cartoons government owned? If not, why hold the Danish government and danish people responsible?

Originally posted by Jimca Lee: Second. I don't hate all compliments( ), Why didn't you say so then! Your maiden post gave an air of unconditional contempt for compliments in general. Good to see you're getting your senses back. You had me worried for a bit. In the light of your clarification, I heap an overload of compliments on you! SB, Imperfectly imperfect stranger!

Kooley, Don't you think it's time you cart off this thread to the slammer? So much tipsy influenced hurly-burlies. Maybe it's your Angelina G. pic. Whatever it is alot of ppl will go, "Wow! did I really write that?! Get outta here!"

Originally posted by Bishaaro: quote: Djibril Cisse Ma Somali baa? Haa, born and raised in Somalia.

Originally posted by the-urban-hang-suite: ^^apparently, van persie converted to islam as a result of his close friendship with his school's moroccan caretaker/janitor... Loooooool! What was the nature of the friendship?

Originally posted by The Rendezvous...: First a gay can never be a muslim coz he is already committing unlawful things in life while knowing it is against ISLAM. Is that true though? If the practice of unlawful/sinful acts annuls your Islamic profession, wouldn't it hold for other muslims who commit equally sinful acts. Like premarital sex? I don't see why not.

Originally posted by Northerner: Watch out Chelsea Yeah, you Kops becoming Dad's Club is gonna worry us Chelsea fans. Wishful thinking, apparently, is world's most powerful narcotic.

I'm not sure what to make of Hamas's election other then we turned a new page in this Isreali-Palastina ongoing, tragic saga. Inauspiciously, it appears the game has been kicked-off on the wrong-footing. There were reported violent skirmishes and squables between defeated Fatah party and triumphant Hamas party members today. Which doesn't bode well the chances for the ineluctable conciliatory gestures and political 'schmoozing' required by all sides. Hamas's major asset over other palastinian factions is their credibility in the eyes of the common palastinian. Over the years since it's formation, they've excelled in providing topnotch social services to the populace of the occupied terrorities. One that rivaled and often put to shame that offered by the ruling Fatah party. Remaining all the while untared by corruption and incompetences-- the achilles heel of most other palastinian factions, in particular the Fatah. But whether they can make the transition from gorilla-type organisation under the tutelage of different powers, to ruling party entrusted to not only to provide social services but also make peace, is uncertain. Obviously making peace requires making compramises, will Hamas relinquish it's infeasible dream of driving the Isrealis into the sea? Now that they're occupy the halls of power, will they still use suicide bombings as instrument of resistances? So many questions, so few answers. I guess we just have to wait and see.

Originally posted by sheherazade: BTW, there is/was a website that teaches women to pee standing up. I shan't search for or provide the link. It might start something messy. No, no, no! It would be a calamity of stupendous proportions if women were taught how to pee while standing up. You see if that happened we men would no longer be able to say, "we're the only ones who can write their names in the sand with their pee!" Now, THAT would be a tragedy, wouldn't it?

Originally posted by Jimca Lee: A compliment given in regard to looks never appeals to me and this is something I have noticed for quite awhile now. I literally cringe whenever some feels inclined to share their appreciation of my looks... Dr. Freud notes the patient's defense mechanism: denial. The ineffable denial of the self-evident affable nature of compliments. And links it to possible cause/s: ...though there are several incidents which sparked this hatred if you will, most of it stems from being singled out... There were 'incidents' of which we are deprived of any knowledge. Meandering through the patient's longwinded psychobabble, this interesting passage caught the distinguished Doc's eye: You see, I hold this vision of myself as being like and looking like any other female on this planet and compliments threaten that view in the sense that it is given due to difference and in direct correlation with the varying degrees of beauty glimpsed [on your outer shell] by the naked eye: an eye which I wish was blind most of the time. Hanging on reality by strand of hair! Very bizzare self-perceptions that says oodles about the patients mental state. But Dr. Freud must carry on his meticulous psychoanalysis. Compliments are sort of like an invasion, a defiling of my women's body : since in order to give a compliment one must of have been looking and seeing (without permission)... Ten fold increase in concern over the extent of patient grasp on reality. Dr. Freud is deeply unsettled. How do you (yes, you) feel about getting [or giving if that is your thing] compliments from [and to]strangers? My feelings isn't much different from the next guy. I either thank the person for the compliment and/or return the compliment in kind. But then I'm Dr. Freud and you got issues!

Originally posted by Kooleey: You should know that. :rolleyes: What do you mean?

Originally posted by The Rendezvous...: 2. Jews They have been our enemies eversince we took JESUS and all the prophets to our side. Isn't that historically anachronistic? I didn't think the jews considered Jesus as one of theirs. And he lived several centuries before prophet Mohammed (scw).

Eastside-chic, Welcome to SOL. One question: what does "woot woot" mean?

How about Fox Hunting? Is it still legal in the UK? tuk tuk tuk-a-duck and tally-ho! Here in Canada we're super friendly to animals. It is the law to feed animals, killing an animal for recreational purposes has longer sentence then murder. We love all of God's creature here so much that we're, by law, forced to feed dears every weekend and adopt a squirrel for a year. Naturally, dears always have the right of way.

Originally posted by Simply_I: I have noticed every one is so friendly at last. Depressing news!! I live off the anarchy and bedlam that is SOL at times. I reckon this is nothing more then a lull before the maelstrom. Lets all pray things return as per usual. SB, anarchist extraordinaire

Liban The Man, It was all for jest to beat the dulling ennui. Ibtisaam, Nothing personal, I was just killing boredom.