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by douglaschick21 from Greensboro

Last Post 136 days, 22 hours Ago


You might be an Extremist -- Douglas ChickAre you far to the right, or far to the left? After listening to your favorite radio talk show host, are you convinced that the world in doomed? Does your religious organization speak more about your participation in politicians than God? Do you or your friends often speak of how the radical media controls the world? Do these questions anger you?

If you answered yes, you might be an extremist… :-)

I read that the school system in Pakistan is collapsing and this is of great concern. Why, because uneducated people are easily converted into terrorist? Can this also be true in other countries? Can a lack of formal education, verses religious education, move people towards extremist violent acts? In the book The History of Violence, if there were such a book, I think it might read, “…most organized acts of violent are committed by the followers of organized religious.”  

I wonder, how many people I know in my daily life that feel the same passion to commit violence for their beliefs, as the terrorist do?

Douglas Chick
DouglasChick@gmail.com

 

 

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bleechers read my blog view my photos
Feb 25, 2008 | 12:59 PM

While I'll agree that much violence has been committed in the name of "religion," I am puzzled how anyone living in 2008 can ignore the tens of millions of people murdered in the name of atheistic ideologies over the last 100 years.

"Extremism" is a word tossed around by extremists. That is, there are different kinds of "extremists." If I try to be "extremely nice" would I not then be an "extremist?" Just using the word as an epithet accomplishes little. "Extremists" use it to frighten others from expressing core beliefs.

When it comes to my personal beliefs, I am an "extremist," but that does not suppose that I am apt to do violence. Wasn't Ghandi an "extremist?"

I'm an "extremist" Phillies fan... and in being so I've done more damage to myself than I have to others over the years!

JQPublix read my blog view my photos
Feb 25, 2008 | 6:54 PM

If you want to see extremism check out the number of church burning and vandalism that has occured in the world. Not to mention torment that Christians are under everyday by the secular world.

bleechers read my blog view my photos
Feb 25, 2008 | 7:48 PM

"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. Tolerance in the face of tyranny is no virtue." -Barry Goldwater

ThackerAgency read my blog view my photos
Feb 26, 2008 | 12:35 AM

'Why, because uneducated people are easily converted into terrorist?'

This is actually a misconception. Terrorism isn't the domain of the 'stupid' and 'downtrodden'. The terrorists that did 9/11 were family men with good jobs. The London terrorist bombers were also highly educated from good families. The Scotland bomb at the airport was done by DOCTORS.

What is going on in Pakistan is fascinating more than important. Pakistan is NOT our friend and we need to be more buddy buddy with India if we will understand that region.

But I digress. . .

Americans don't know the meaning of the term 'extremism'. We think we shouldn't be allowed to hold enemy prisoners who fight against us. The 'Palestinians' have a daily kids show (like sesame street) talking about how important martyrdom is and how evil and awful the Jews are. They had a mouse, he was 'martyred' by not getting medical treatment he needed from the Jews. Now it's a rabbit saying that kids should kill the danish cartoonist.

ThackerAgency read my blog view my photos
Feb 26, 2008 | 12:39 AM

Extremism is taught, it is not innate. Hate is taught, it is not innate. There will never be peace in 'Palestine' because the Palestinians don't want it. They want peace after all the Jews are dead and the whole land is called 'Palestine'. That is the only option that these kids are taught from 3 years old and younger.

Imagine a mother WANTING her son to blow himself up to kill dozens of innocent people to gain status in her community. THIS is extremism. What we complain about in this country is a cottage industry that would dry up if people realized how good this country is and the opportunities it gives everyone.

In Saudi Arabia, there are no Christian churches - is that extremism from our 'friends'? If these actions are standard bearers for 'extremism', then there is no extremism in America. . . not even close.

caddyboy read my blog view my photos
Feb 26, 2008 | 11:08 AM

Being a Christian I call extreme the fact that we as a nation have allowed the murder of almost 30 million babies and call it choice.

homeschoolmom read my blog view my photos
Feb 26, 2008 | 12:27 PM

Caddyboy, I agree with you 100%!

HankHill read my blog
Feb 26, 2008 | 4:40 PM

Douglas Chick
I am an extremist, but not to the point of Violence. I did not answer yes to your posed questions. About the only talk show host I come close to agreeing with more than not is Lou Dobbs. I find people like Rush's speaking often confirms my thoughts about him. Interesting though. I am very extreme when it comes to my own beliefs as someone else already stated. I am extreme about the North American Union, the National Super Highway, I-69, in Texas that is being rammed down the throats of those good people (I69 definitely fits probably named for a specific reason), about responses or lack of, given me by government officials concerning the hologram on the back of my new NC drivers license representing the North American Union, about our continuing loss of civil liberties and privacies all in the name of security, about our schools, about how our country does not care to hold anyone accountable any longer unless it is convenient, and I am an extremist when it comes to the never ending stupidity of some. Yep. I guess I am an extremist
Let me say that many think that those, like myself, who would dare state they are Christians and believe and support the Constitution of the US of America all in one breath are considered to be radicals. I guess by the definition of others I have just turned into a non-violent extreme radical quite possible some would say that is straddling a single edge razor blade on a banana peel.
Benjamin Franklin put it best though. "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.

HankHill read my blog
Feb 26, 2008 | 4:41 PM

Now I am a very concerned, non-violent radical extremist. Wow! Actually when you get right down to it I am very concerned about where our nation is headed with all that has been previously stated.

eholder1 read my blog view my photos
Feb 26, 2008 | 9:07 PM

Well put! Caddyboy! It is a choice to kill your unborn child who did not ask to be here. Is that any different than killing someone who doesn't believe the same as you? I would call the attitude that allows people to kill in the name of one belief while banishing the killing of others for a more "palateable" belief very extreme. The result is a Nation of people who no longer know right from wrong. If it's okay to kill the most innocent in this World, then why can't I kill someone who gripes my goat! Back to what I have always said. You can't turn your head for some things and not others that are equally as bad. Hiding the truth behind "political correctness" is extreme. It is extreme to believe that we can save the World when we cannot save ourselves. Does extremism lead to violence...I can't say for sure, but I think we will all find out in a few more years. I guess that puts me in the same bucket as HankHill.

Axekick read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 4:36 AM

God is a killer if you don't believe me just read his word. Yeah end all abortion in a society where you will get in more trouble for abusing a puppy than a baby! In a society that will spend trillions of dollars to make war yet are outraged over programs such as wic,food stamps or free lunch for school children yeah end abortion that's just what we need more unwanted children for you compasionate people to care for!

eholder1 read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 9:03 AM

No, Axe. It's quite simply, really. If women WOULD KEEP THEIR LEGS SHUT...we would no longer need abortions and it wouldn't be an issue! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what causes pregnancy! It also doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that if you play with fire...you get burned. Play the game...take the chance of pregnancy. Be responsible...you won't ever have to worry about abortion! 'Nuff said.

mayberryman
Feb 27, 2008 | 3:39 PM

First of all, abortion and terrorism are unparallel analogies, and therefore logically fallacious. Secondly, it would take an extremist to draw such an unparallel analogy. And to blame women does two things: 1. demonstrates how well (and quickly) we adopt overly-simplified, sexist and classist rhetoric (often sponsored by religious extremists) and 2. reinforces the "time-honored" idea that biology dictates social station. And while Thacker's point about terrorism not necessarily being perpetrated by the ignorant is true, I think Chick's idea still stands. In Arab lands AND in this country, religion is at the heart of the anti-intellectualism. Case in point: The Harry Potter fiasco. It's not that "extremist" parents have a problem with kids reading Harry Potter--the problem they have is with reading period. Reading makes people question things, and the answers aren't always ones that mom, dad and the pastor can easily answer. And spare me the "Christian soldier tormented at the hands of the atheist" rhetoric--radical Christians have been on the attack since the Reagan administration, and have enjoyed a powerful political voice through the Reagan administration and both Bush administrations. Get over it--this isn't ancient Persia, and you aren't persecuted.

JQPublix read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 4:19 PM

mayberryman:

Wikipedia defines a straw man argument as follows:

"A straw man argument is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position.[1] To "set up a straw man" or "set up a straw man argument" is to describe a position that superficially resembles an opponent's actual view but is easier to refute, then attribute that position to the opponent (for example, deliberately overstating the opponent's position).[1] A straw man argument can be a successful rhetorical technique (that is, it may succeed in persuading people) but it carries little or no real evidential weight, because the opponent's actual argument has not been refuted"

Someone should include your argument above as an example. Simply, babbling rhetoric.

You can't be in your right mind if you are telling me that church burning is not persecution. I created a blog that listed all of the church burnnings that occured last year. On average 30 per day.

So when you talk about extremism, its people like you that pretend it doesn't happen that are promoting it.

mayberryman
Feb 27, 2008 | 5:01 PM

Oh, WIKIPEDIA (the very backbone of anti-intellectualism) said it--it MUST be right, eh JQPublix? I tried to address several different points in several different blogs--hence the problems with cohesion. Next time, I'll be sure to consult you, the pinnacle of intellectualism, before I lay hand to keyboard. I think it is interesting that you ignored the logical fallacies inherent in the blogs that assert points you agree with, but took issue with mine. Do YOU refute the fact that the Religious Right (or whatever they call themselves these days) have enjoyed privileges under the Reagan and Bush administration? Or does that not quite fit with your "victim" persona?

JQPublix read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 5:44 PM

Is Wiki wrong in how it defines "straw man fallacy"? We can get the deifinition from Merriam-Websters if you wish. Or do you have a beef with them also?
We could also include the definition for "persecution" if you would like to.

You're gonna have to enlighten me. What "priviledges" are you referring to that Christians were privy to? Make sure not to confuse these with "rights".

mayberryman
Feb 27, 2008 | 6:27 PM

Wikipedia is not a credible source--try citing it in academic circles and see how quickly you get laughed out of the room. And quite honestly, I don't see how I have "deliberately overstated the opponent's view" either. I took caddy and eholder's points--the ones THEY stated, and refuted them. And as for the Harry Potter analogy, is that an oversimplification? I hardly think so--history proves that religious extremism (remember the topic of the blog?) is, by definition, anti-intellectual. Further, if anyone is guilty of misattribution, it is your site regarding the church burnings. Many of the churches burned in the South were black churches, and while that might fit with persecution of a particular race, it doesn't quite jive with an all-out war on Christianity.

eholder1 read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 7:33 PM

But you have not "refuted" my comments. The whole issue was extremism and my point was simply that extremism can be found on many fronts and interpreted in many ways. Hence, we have the English language...abiguous at times. I find it "extreme" that people can walk this Earth and preach "be kind to your fellow man" while in the next breath condone abortion! That's all I was saying. Double standards...extremism...fallacy. Take your pick, they all fit. And if you don't consider abortion "terrorism", then what, exactly, do you call it? It has taken extreme measures to desensitize people to the murder of the innocent. Is that any different at all to religious terrorism? I don't think so at all.

JQPublix read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 7:50 PM

No, it was a straw man fallacy because you weren't only addressing those two posters, you were addressing us all.

Whats the difference whether it was a black church or a white one? Do you prefer one over the other?

Like I said, do you need me to post the definition of persecution for you?

JQPublix read my blog view my photos
Feb 27, 2008 | 8:08 PM

Oh and mayberryman, don't leave us hanging -

"What "priviledges" are you referring to that Christians were privy to? Make sure not to confuse these with "rights"."

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douglaschick21

My name is Douglas Chick, author, computer engineer, and creator of www.TheNetworkAdministrat
or.com a popular website for computer people.

Member Since: 1/27/2008