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Open, free access to the internet is an interesting and possible solution.
Right now look at whats happening in Iran with those guys that filmed themselved dancing. Slowly the population moves forward and the politics, religious leaders either get left behind or follow as well.
May take time, but its like the tide, no stopping it when the population start to move as a force.
Sometimes it can move fast, look at how fast things moved in North Africa recently. Not all for the better, but its allowed people to be heard.
Religious fundamentalism is on the rise in the richest, best educated countries in the world.
It is not compatable with democracy and is a corrosive and divisive step backward.
If we genuinely value our current democracies we need to stop pandering to those who demand that we keep chipping away at the core values of them.
We need to be to be more tolerant and understanding
Of what? Misogynistic extremist bigots?
Rusty Spanner - Member
Religious fundamentalism is on the rise in the richest, best educated countries in the world.
It is not compatable with democracy and is a corrosive and divisive step backward.If we genuinely value our current democracies we need to stop pandering to those who demand that we keep chipping away at the core values of them.
Exactly.
We need to be to be more tolerant and understanding
Who is the 'we' you refer to- the observers, or the oppressors?
Religious fundamentalism is on the rise in the richest, best educated countries in the world.
It is not compatable with democracy and is a corrosive and divisive step backward.If we genuinely value our current democracies we need to stop pandering to those who demand that we keep chipping away at the core values of them.
+1
We need to be to be more tolerant and understanding
Of primitive, ranty, explodey beardies with Kalashnikovs?
If I sign the petition will it stop the executor from killing her?
Try to [s]turn[/s] infiltrate [s]them all[/s] their society with Atheism and ethical thinking [s] to Christian faith[/s] and values
Nothing to kill or die for...
It's my strong feeling that religious fundamentalism needs ignorance to thrive and that as soon as people begin to be educated, religion begins to lose its significance to them.
So are all the Sudenese friends and customers you have, that you need to avoid "touchy subjects" with, ignorant and uneducated then ?
Sanctions wouldn't really affect the poor, the foreign aid would still get through. Sanctions on the rich and people with power are whats needed as these are the people who make the decisions.
Afraid I have to disagree with you here, it's only physical aid that makes any difference (i.e. volunteers building wells, schools, education, etc). Any monetary aid, and a lot of the food aid is quickly siphoned off to benefit those in power or their corrupt associates. Almost none reaches those who needed it most.
Saw a very good documentary on this a while back and it was shocking. Sanctions would only hurt those who are already starving. Lets just say that the rich elite in these countries have often obtained their wealth in ways which are 'less legitimate' than the international trade which would be subject to any sanctions agreement.
I was suggesting we don't know all the facts and it's their country, a sovereign state. Just happens that your outraged at what you believe is unacceptable. That's a subjective view. I don't find Turkeys invasion of Cyprus and their ethnic and religious repression acceptable or Russia's destabilising the Ukraine. That's also subjective. But I'm not advocating escalating to armed intervention or sanctions. Your whole argument is based on your own personal values. Where do we stop? What about Saudi and Bahrain or Iran?
We also need to read the story of the woman and ask a few questions. What's she doing there? Is she trying to make a religious point? She's married to an American. I remember the 19 Japanese Christians distributing Christian literature in Iraq. The were captured and killed. And to stop the sentence she need only renounce her faith and then she can leave the country and join her husband. A temporary small price to pay rather than armed intervention from the west.
BTW I don't agree with what their government is doing but feel a peaceful solution is achievable and it's within her gift to resolve
So its her own fault then? For someone who deosnt know the facts you are certaily adept at extrapolating.
Just happens that your outraged at what you believe is unacceptable. That's a subjective view
You are wrong and I made this point earlier if you care to read it. If you cant see that there are certain human behaviors that are unambiguously viewed as unacceptable amongst pretty much all members of the human race (I used the random example of child murder) and you continue to argue that without knowing the full circumstances and cultural environment that you cant judge then your moral compass is in serious need of recalibration.
And to stop the sentence she need only renounce her faith and then she can leave the country and join her husband. A temporary small price to pay
For a Christians that would be a huge price to pay.
I agree with you. I'm not saying it's her fault. But like all these news stories I'd think you'd agree we don't have all the facts. My moral compass is fine I'm just not jumping to conclusions having worked in these areas the truth is not always what is published in the media. She has transgressed their laws wether we agree with their laws or not. She also has a way out. I for one in her position would take the easy way out for the sake of my children.
would take the easy way
Apart from the 100 lashes for adultery.
having worked in these areas the truth is not always what is published in the media.
So she hasn't been sentenced to death then? That's a relief.
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