Reading matter
There are so many things to read about the Paris attacks, so many of them worth reading, that I feel as though I’m in a race. But I also need to get away from my computer, so right now I’ll just recommend the many articles at Powerline, and Richard Fernandez. I’ll probably add to this list later.
UNDERSTOOD – I second your paradoxical needs (despite us all having anticipated this tragic trajectory): feeling overwhelmed to read and keep up and yet NEEDING to take a mental health break and get away from it all!
Personally, my rage will not be satisfied until I send a postcard demanding that Hussein Obama be deposed from office for refusing to call our enemy “Islamic Jihadist terrorists” – and naming the Secret Service to restore sane, Constitutional leadership to our formerly great nation by doing it!
I know this is SEDITIOUS! – so be it.
A quick suggested post for the coming weeks, neo, ought to draw upon Drsanity’s insights about Islam and terrorism for newer readers and the newly engaged among us seeking self-edification about the deep roots our current crisis – don’t you think?
Such as this one, title=”SHAME, THE ARAB PSYCHE, AND ISLAM”, as well as posts from a few select links at the bottom, there.
[DAMN formatting]
http://drsanity.blogspot.com/2005/08/shame-arab-psyche-and-islam.html
Daniel Pipes argues – correctly and sadly enough – that Paris will not matter much.
Other nations have already had their “9/11” sized terrorist events already: Bali for Australia, the school in Beslan for Russia, Madrid trains for Spain, and London buses for Britain – and what’s changed?
The more violence Jihadists unleash, the more the scene polarizes: the people to the Right, the Ruling class or “Establishment” to the Left and denial.
http://www.danielpipes.org/16272/why-the-paris-massacre-will-have-limited-impact
I bolded the most important observation for readers to share with friends and online: whoever says “I used to worry about Islamism but I don’t anymore?” No one!
Then segue to Islamic Supremacy, the double meaning of “Allahu akbar!” – ie, “God is Great!” versus “Our God is the Greater God” – which interpretation makes sound sense of the terrorist ‘s cries of war? – before their acts of war? – GET A CLUE, people (your safety depends upon it!).
And therefore the fact is that our enemy is a Medieval religion (Salafism, etc) and political-legal philosophy (Sharia) bent on conquest (Jihadism).
I know, it’s a lot to dump on anyone naive and ill-informed. But change only comes with small educational efforts like the one I’m proposing.
And we have at least one year before the next President is chosen to push for enlightenment for that change to grow…and years beyond.
For reading contacts and friends, my minimum recommendation is “Infidel: My Life” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali.
And excerpts from Walid Phares’ “Future Jihad: Terrorist Strategies Against The West.” Namely, Chapter 8 “The New Jihad,” and Chapter 9 “Jihadist Strategies Against America.”
Completing either of those two reads will open at least one eye of the shuttered mind, I think.
Can anyone else make better suggestions? How about the best and shortest Youtube videos for non-readers?
That this topic would make an excellent future weekend invitational post for you readers to recommend and improve and debate, goes without saying.