*This is off topic but something I wanted to comment on. We’ll return to regular programming with the next post.
On May 3rd, 2015, Pamela Geller held a “Draw the Prophet” event in Garland Texas. Most people are aware that two jihadis showed up, armed, with the intention of murdering Ms. Geller and the attendees. The jihadis were killed before they could do any great harm.
Since then, it’s been noteworthy to watch news reports of these events. Ms. Geller has been excoriated for holding this contest because it was “provocative.” Many question the wisdom of having such a contest and posit that perhaps she and the attendees deserved the attempt on their lives. There’s been a strong she-brought-it on-herself thread running through commentary about the event.
In a new threat yesterday, ISIS has said they are going to continue in their quest to murder Ms. Geller…and also anyone who shields her.
The following is the threat, reported on The Gateway Pundit, posted by Abu Al Ameriki
Our brothers and sisters fighting for the Sake of Allah, we make dua for you and ask Allah to guide your bullets, terrify your enemies, and establish you in the Land. As our noble brother in the Phillipines said in his bayah, “This is the Golden Era, everyone who believes… is running for Shaheed”.
The attack by the Islamic State in America is only the beginning of our efforts to establish a wiliyah in the heart of our enemy. Our aim was the khanzeer Pamela Geller and to show her that we don’t care what land she hides in or what sky shields her; we will send all our Lions to achieve her slaughter. This will heal the hearts of our brothers and disperse the ones behind her. To those who protect her: this will be your only warning of housing this woman and her circus show. Everyone who houses her events, gives her a platform to spill her filth are legitimate targets. We have been watching closely who was present at this event and the shooter of our brothers. We knew that the target was protected. Our intention was to show how easy we give our lives for the Sake of Allah.
We have 71 trained soldiers in 15 different states ready at our word to attack any target we desire. Out of the 71 trained soldiers 23 have signed up for missions like Sunday, We are increasing in number bithnillah. Of the 15 states, 5 we will name… Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, California, and Michigan. The disbelievers who shot our brothers think that you killed someone untrained, nay, they gave you their bodies in plain view because we were watching.
The next six months will be interesting, To our Amir Al Mu’mineen make dua for us and continue your reign, May Allah enoble your face.
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon our Prophet Muhummad and all those who follow until the last Day.
Perhaps you’re one of those who think that she deserves what she gets. She did, after all, exercise her free speech rights unwisely, right? She probably shouldn’t have done something fundamentalist Muslims would be driven to violence over, right?
Going from there, it’s critical that you understand that violent jihadis the world over are linked by a common philosophy. That philosophy, embraced by groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, Al Nusra Front, Al Shabaab, Al Qaeda, the Taliban and many other large groups and individuals, is fundamental (commonly called radical) Islam. Sharia, or Islamic law, dictates that they kill those who make images of their prophet.
Knowing those facts, one should know not to provoke them. One should also be aware of some additional facts.
Being a Christian is considered provocative by Islamic fundamentalists.
Being a Jew is considered provocative by Islamic fundamentalists.
Being a Buddhist, a Hindu, a Zorastrian is considered provocative by Islamic fundamentalists.
Declarations of being an Atheist or Agnostic won’t help you either. Both are also considered provocative by Islamic fundamentalists.
Think about it for a minute. We’ve all read about atrocities being committed across the world by these people. ISIS just executed another group of Christians on video a couple of weeks ago. Abba Mulugeta, an official with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church’s Patriarchate Office said, “I believe this is just another case of the IS group killing Christians in the name of Islam. Our fellow citizens have just been killed in a faith-based violence that is totally unacceptable. This is outrageous.” This mass execution took place on the heels of the February video beheadings of the Coptic Christians.
I guess those Christians who were shot and beheaded shouldn’t have been so provocative.
Does anyone remember what’s happening to young Christian and Yazidi girls in Iraq? Countless news reports document their experiences being raped, tortured and killed by ISIS fighters in the region. Did you know they sell and trade the little girls amongst themselves? There’s an official price list. Girls between 1 and 9 years old are the most expensive. Girls with blue or green eyes command a premium. ISIS members explain (in their own words for all to read) that this is permissible according to their religion. They are following religious dictates which say they can use captured, minority religion women and girls as sex slaves.
I guess those little Christian and Yazidi girls shouldn’t be so provocative.
Do you remember that hashtag campaign #BringBackOurGirls? That campaign was a response to Boko Haram, Islamic fundamentalists, who went into a school in Nigeria and snatched approximately 300 girls for their use. That was a few months after they shot and/or burned to death 59 boys at a boarding school. Do you know what Boko Haram means? The translation of Boko Haram is Western (or non-Islamic) education is a sin. Those girls and boys were getting a western education.
I guess those young women and men shouldn’t have been so provocative.
Just a short time ago, in early April, Al-Shabaab showed up at a college in Kenya, separated the muslim students from the Christian students, then massacred the Christians.
I guess those college students shouldn’t have been so provocative.
How about the Pakistani school attack? How about the Kenyan mall attack? How about the countless attacks in England, Canada, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Israel and France? How about Fort Hood, Oklahoma, Boston and New York?
So much provocation!
Whether you think Pam Geller was unwise or not in holding her contest, you better stand up for her Constitutional right to do so. Otherwise, terror accomplishes it’s purpose, the jihadis triumph and Sharia law is upheld over American law. As for Ms. Geller being provocative, I have news for you. YOU ARE TOO. You’re provocative the very same way the Christian men, the Yazidi girls, the young students, the little boy killed in the Boston Marathon bombing and the people in the Twin Towers were provocative. If you’re not an Islamic fundamentalist, the fact that you’re alive on this earth is provocative. By their own words, you present a legitimate target, for forced conversion, subjugation or for killing (they also call for other muslims to be killed if they don’t think they’re practicing properly). Refusing to confront their ideology will not make them stop. As long as the ideology stands, you and those you love are at risk. It doesn’t matter if you speak up, ignore what’s going on or cower in a corner. As far as they are concerned, you’re fair game. If you draw their ire, for something you did or just for who you are, you better hope your fellow citizens see fit to stand up for you instead of sitting around snarking about how you brought it on yourself.
References:
- (http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2015/05/isis-posts-warning-we-have-71-trained-soldiers-in-15-states-names-5-targets/)
- (http://news.yahoo.com/un-90-000-people-fled-advance-iraqs-anbar-093621366.htm)
- (http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/iraq-yazidi-girls-raped-public-sold-isis-fighters-before-release-1495594)
- http://m.christianpost.com/news/isis-sex-slave-price-1-to-9-y-o-christian-yazidi-girls-sold-for-172-129266/)
- (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32289961) (http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/26/us-nigeria-violence-idUSBREA1P10M20140226)
- (http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/02/africa/kenya-university-attack/)
Life In The Gym 
Your eloquence is stellar, Dr. Lynn. Absolutely stellar. You have strong will to be able to write as calmly as you did, sticking with your point about “provocation”. Our government (e.g., the POTUS never declaring the Ft. Hood attack as a terror attack) and media are frankly opening our doors to such hideous violence.
Enough is enough. Why is it our Administration condones such activity, I ask? If I may step on my soapbox for a sentence or two: Our beloved military – those willing to face combat for our sake – is shrinking. We need to act now before it is too late.
Wonderful post once again.
Thank you for such kind words and support! There are times when thoughts bubble up to the surface and demand I write them down. This piece was the result of one of those occasions. I find the whole obfuscation of what forces are in play to be very disturbing. Sometimes I think it’s a result of ignorance (I was operating under false assumptions before I made it a point to study) and sometimes I think it’s purposeful. I don’t know which is worse….
I guess purposeful is worse…
On face value I agree with your analysis but this is a issue that will rapidly spin out of control for all of us. I am in no way a sympathizer of radical Muslims nor will I ever back down when threatened and yes I know that we are threatened not only here in the USA but all around the world.
But I cannot see any way that the actions of Pam Geller and the people at the cartoon event are positive or helpful to the effort to fight terrorism. It is like swimming with sharks, there is no good reason to do it and there is a real chance of coming out of the water missing some flesh. I hope and pray that Mrs. Geller and everyone else are protected but who is going to protect the innocent folks who are now in the targets of any want-to-be terrorist?
But more importantly, we are not getting all the facts about what is going on. Not because of a organized cover up but because this is now a political issue and all the talking heads on the media are now promoting the facts that help them and dismissing the facts that do not help them. It is a official mess.
Hi Rob! Happy Friday! Yes, this is a difficult issue, fraught with peril. Ms. Geller is very good at articulating her motivations so I won’t try to speak for her. I will, however, defend her right to hold her event. I think many people are under the impression that if you don’t “kick the hornet’s nest” you’re safe from being hunted and killed. If you read the statements coming out of ISIS, Boko Haram etc. you see that idea is a mistake. They have declared war on us and our way of life. Freedom/liberty/personal rights outside of Sharia are not permitted, therefore the Western way of life is not permitted. We are all targets, legitimate targets in their ideology. The wisdom of doing things to draw them closer to you is certainly debatable but not speaking for fear of being slaughtered in our streets isn’t helpful either. The killings will go on, regardless of our politeness, appeasements or desire to live in peace. They will go on unless we accept Sharia or defeat the ideology (at least here at home). I agree, it’s an official mess. We look at Europe and part of our future is revealed…I don’t want that for my children so I write and speak where I can. I also agree with you about not getting all the facts about what’s going on. I do try to have many sources so I can puzzle-piece things together in a reasonable way but I’m always open to learning more. I have made it a point to delve into Islamic philosophy, teachings and law. I’m no expert but I’m always reading and studying so I can better understand some of what’s in play. I was woefully uneducated on the subject before I started my quest. I couldn’t figure out why I was in the crosshairs of the fundamentalists/radicals when I hadn’t done anything to them. I now know better what motivates the events we call “terrorist” attacks. I think many Americans are making a basic mistake in thinking that those who preach and carry out violent acts against us, think like us or are motivated by the things that motivate us. It’s very enlightening to read the words of the violent jihadis and those of their leadership. Again, I agree with you…it’s an official mess!
On a brighter note, I hope your day is going well and I’m sending you and your family wishes for a relaxing, fun weekend! I’m always delighted when you stop by.
Happy Thursday to you as well, unless one of us is on the other side of the international date line then it is really Friday. FYI, I am sitting at the house so I am on my side of the date line and it is Thursday. This is almost enough to make my head hurt.
The deal with kicking a hornet’s nest is that everyone knows it is a dumb thing to do but there is nothing illegal about doing it. Just because Ms. Geller is able to legally hold a cartoon contest does not make it smart. Just like the Westboro Baptist Church has the right to protest the funerals of veterans, coal miners, homosexuals, and other deceased folks that they do not like. Neither group garners good will by practicing their legal rights to do dumb things. I really don’t like being told I am going to burn in Hell because I wore a uniform and I am sure that Muslims don’t like to know that their God is being blasphemed by cartoonists.
I am so happy that I live in a country that folks have the freedoms to do dumb things. I am so happy that I live in a country where I can openly live as a infidel. I am glad that I live in a country where kids of different colors, religions, creeds, beliefs and sexual orientations can all go to school together and it not be a big deal.
But I am concerned that there are people in this country right now that don’t share this belief and they are hanging on by a thread. It is a dangerous thing to back a two guys into a corner where they feel they have no choice but to drive a thousand miles and martyr themselves in the name of their God. That was just two guys and we have learned that two guys can shut down a city for months like the Washington snipers. We have learned that two guys can terrorize a city for a few days like the Boston Bombers. A dozen terrorists made a real mess in Bombay and others crashed four airplanes on 9/11.
Seventy terrorists with a predestined mission to cause havoc is really scary to me. Not only because of what they can do, but what the response of the Feds will be in the aftermath. Think about all the freedoms you and I lost after 9/11, what will they take away next?
Nothing happens in a vacuum and the next attack will not be a one and done. It will bring with it more restrictive laws. It will empower those in power to give themselves more power. In my reading on this subject today, I see that Ms. Geller is being left to defend herself without the aid of the Federal Authorities. The political lines have been drawn and it is never a good thing to find yourself on the wrong side.
We like to think that we are the good guys in this fight. We like to think that we are more civilized and we like to think that God is on our side. You can make the point that Ms. Geller’s group is just drawing a cartoon or that the Westboro Baptist Church is just protesting. Neither group is helping the cause of trying to make the world a better place. Neither group operates on love, truth, or honesty. There is no objective except to blatantly abuse the freedoms that have been secured on the graves of veterans since 1776. And both groups hasten the day where today’s veterans will be called upon to return to the Middle East and start this process all over.
Very sorry for the long winded response. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend as well.
Good morning and happy REAL Friday!
I don’t think we’re at odds in our thinking in any substantive way. We are both grateful we live where different people can exist together and disparate ideas can be expressed. Neither one of us would purposely insult or needle others. There isn’t any place in my post where I say that I think holding a Draw the Prophet event was smart. Nor did I say I would attend or submit a drawing. I simply stated that we need to support American law over Sharia law. Sharia must not be allowed to trump our freedoms.
People like the members of the Westboro Baptist church spew vile things and are purposely hurtful toward other people. That being said, members haven’t had veterans, homosexuals or anyone else come after them with the intention of slaughtering them in the street or removing their heads from their necks. Why? Because we live in a country where we understand that freedom of speech means we might have to hear things we vehemently disagree with or that deeply disturb/anger us. We have choices in how to respond. We can picket or otherwise protest peacefully, write articles decrying their actions/beliefs, give speeches with counteracting messages, hold rallies…or do things like get the Patriot Guard to shield families at funerals so they can have some peace. Free speech is a double edged sword. Everyone loves it when they agree with it. They get squishy on it when they don’t. Free speech means you will hear things that repulse you.
I think it’s important to remember that one of the jihadis that showed up at the event had been on an FBI watch list for years. I believe he’d tried to get to Somalia at one point and he’d also been making plans more recently to get to Syria. He was going to commit a violent act at some point whether or not there was a drawing contest. Just like the “71 trained soldiers” that Al Ameriki says are here and ready to go. If that is true, they were in place, ready to take action, to commit mayhem against us, well before the contest. They will find a place to loose their violence because that’s what they want to do. That’s the thing about jihad. You don’t have to DO something in particular to suffer. The ideology of the fundamentalists is that they have a “mission” to bring everyone in the world to Islam, living under Sharia law, by choice, by force or by removal. To that end, terror is a tactic that is absolutely supported and encouraged. If you read the threat they published, it’s not just Ms. Geller they are after. They say clearly that they want to “disperse” those behind her. They want us to be terrorized into shutting up in order to secure peace from their attacks. They want us to submit. If you examine the happenings in Europe, you will see the direction they are pushing (no go zones, refusal to assimilate and a separate judicial system for instance). Their ideology is a supremacist/totalitarian one and entirely at odds with notions of liberty. If they win the initial skirmishes using terror tactics they will continue to terrorize. Nobody drops an effective weapon.
I must, at this point, reiterate that I am not implying that all muslims think the same way. I’m telling you what I’ve learned about the violent jihadis we see across the globe and their particular motivations. I have made it a point to read what they say and have based my understandings in large part on their publications, videos, public comments.
I must also confirm that I do believe some philosophies, ways of living and codes of accepted conduct are superior to others and we should put our energy behind seeing that those are supported.
You are entirely correct. The powers that be will use terrorist attacks and civil unrest (Baltimore, Ferguson and whatever else they can) to tamp down on our freedoms and further invade our privacy. That’s what they do. They gather power to themselves in the name of protecting the people. We’ve seen it over and over. These are, indeed, dangerous times.
Nevertheless, there is hope. I write about what I learn because I think it’s important for people to consider. I was laboring under many incorrect assumptions before I started delving more deeply. It’s impossible to even begin to address the issue of terrorism (jihad) if you don’t understand the ideas that motivate and support it. It’s unfortunately a much bigger issue than just “be polite, don’t upset the fundamentalists and they won’t bother you.”
Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts with me. I’m very appreciative. It helps me focus and sharpen the way I write. I’m always trying to challenge myself by learning more and then by streamlining and polishing the way I express myself. There are so many threads to follow. Your note to me had about 5 things I wanted to comment on but look how long it took me to speak to just a couple of them!
Enjoy your weekend. Wishing you all good things!
I meant happy Thursday! I do know what day it is….I swear!
Reblogged this on Shootin' the Breeze and commented:
Dr. Lynn wrote a well-done analysis of the evil being done in the name of Islam.
Thank you for writing what you did. We non-Muslims of the world need to recognize the atrocities. It is unimaginable that little children are being harmed in the name of Allah. Comparing that to cartoons is ridiculous. Cartoons are silly images. We need to protect people from being raped and beheaded. I know that international diplomacy is complicated but I wish we could unleash our military on these bad guys. There is a huge difference between being “tolerant” of opposing views in a forum of ideas and being tolerant of the practice of a religion that physically harms and kills children. It is a clear distinction. I don’t know why so many folks treat thoughts and actions as the same. Let justice roll down like mighty waters.
Yes, justice. I feel (and pray) for all who suffer so terribly under this interpretation of Islam. ISIS in particular holds great sway in large swaths of the Middle East but as you can see from the death threat they issued, they have their supporters here as well.
…and thank you for the reblog…a lovely compliment!
I agree totally, sir.
Pam Geller probably will never feel comfortable exercising her Constitutional rights because they are being eroded from top down with a phone and a pen. … And everyone knows the pen is mightier than the sword. 🙂
That’s true. I think about that very thing quite often. On a brighter note, I’m sending you wishes for a lovely weekend!
Thanks Lynn. I enjoy reading your posts. They’re thought provoking, inspirational and you always have great artwork to accompany your posts. 🙂
Thanks so much!
Nice doc
Why, thank you! Happy Friday…enjoy your weekend!