U.S. Ambassador and three others killed in Libya.

**Hax** · 09-19-2012, 17:58

I think the American way of dealing with minorities is much more effective than the methods we use in Europe. In our desire not to offend anyone, I think it's been more offensive than anything else. Rather than treating everyone equally, we have the tendency to treat (the Muslim) minorities like children. I think it's extremely patronising.

Freedom of expression leads to a discussion and interchange and what is called in philosophy a new dialectic; a new 'paradigm' to use the Khunian term. It brings progression from one understanding to another. The reason perhaps why the Islamic states fell behind the West (when previously they had been ahead) is precisely because of 'religious bigotry' (for want of another phrase) that cannot accept these God given rights - for to say "that anyone anywhere can say what they wish" means it is a God given right. Even if you a point a gun at my head you cannot stop me saying as I wish; that is my right.

We don't know. For example, the Safavids had a relatively liberal policy religion-wise, but even though the rule of Shah Abbas went hand-in-hand with an increase of Iranian art and culture and religious freedom (well, except for Sunnis) we can't really speak of a period of scientific prowess. We have to be extremely careful in trying to tie religious freedom with scientific progress. I don't believe it's that simple.

It is totally absurd and outrageous for Moslems to call for suppression of freedom of expression and speech in Christian countries.

People still write "Muslim" that way? In any case, I think it's kinda telling that you're talking about Christian countries here, instead of anything else. Secular, for example. That's quite an important difference.

**Vladimir** · 09-19-2012, 18:03

I've always been a fan of Musulman myself. Reminds me of the days you people were raiding southern France.

Never forget!

**Hax** · 09-19-2012, 18:08

Huh? Southern France?

Oh, right, you mean the time Constantinople was put under siege. Matter of priorities, I guess!

**Vladimir** · 09-19-2012, 18:11

Originally Posted by Hax

Huh? Southern France?

Oh, right, you mean the time Constantinople was put under siege. Matter of priorities, I guess!

No, was thinking about 800 years before that.

Look at the big brain on Vlad. :dancingchicken:

**Hax** · 09-19-2012, 18:17

I was talking about that other one!

**Vladimir** · 09-19-2012, 18:38

Originally Posted by Hax

I was talking about that other one!

Oh, ya got me.

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 09-19-2012, 19:05

Originally Posted by Hax

I was talking about that other one!

Ah, back when the ERE still deserved the name.

**Shaka_Khan** · 09-19-2012, 19:47

The news stopped mentioning the riots. I wonder what's going on - the situation subsided?
So this is how it carries on? I see no mention of withdrawing the embassies. And the rioters continue to misunderstand. They probably think that they won. They might do it again if "provoked" then.