The single thing that disappoints me most in the aftermath of this is : I would have expected the good, honest Muslims living in France to distance themselves strongly from these terror attacks by being out in the streets by the tens of thousands, denouncing the violence - but no ! Just one or two rather limp comments on social media networks. If I were a Muslim in France I would want all French Christians to know that I'm on their side and we stand together, side by side against IS/Daech and their violent version of Islam. I understand that they may be apprehensive about doing so, but imo they really should have done so. I feel the French Muslim community, the Immans and their mosques have missed a great opportunity to show where their loyalties lay and I fear reprisals on them as a result of their lack of response. In a war - which this most assuredly is - unfortunately there appear to be only two sides; for or against ISIS. The Muslim community, in my opinion must choose and choose quickly - if only for their own protection and make their choice very clear to the nation.
I can understand your frustration Dave but there has been some very strong condemnation on social media but unfortunately it doesn't appear to have seen much coverage on national media. Imams here have taken out full page "adverts" in national papers condemning ISIS and the attacks but I've still heard very little on the radio or the TV. Despite knowing there are Muslims very much against ISIS and all it stands for all I can find on the BBC website (and I had to search for them) is these. That's not the fault of the Muslim community but what our media decides to show us. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-34858514 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28270296 Many Muslims as far as I can see, from what little coverage they've been given, have made their decision to be against ISIS. There was an excellent article I read this week from someone who'd gained access to captured ISIS fighters in Iraq. The story from them was that it was fight for ISIS or die. Average age 27, married with 2 children. Sounds so normal doesn't it? That's not the issue in Europe though. The young and disadvantaged, already suffering abuse and fear mongering from the far right will be recruited to the ISIS ranks. Give someone an enemy and a reason to fight, take them away from poverty and discrimination with a promise of a glorious afterlife and it's perhaps not surprising that they manage to recruit so many. There's a bigger picture but I don't think that many will ever see it. Change has to come from many directions but we need to be able to counter the likes of Britain First that foment racism and fear against Muslims. It happened with the Jews in the 30s and it's happening again now. It's a sick world but we have do what we can within our own little spheres to at least make sure we aren't guilty of the same prejudices that drive terrorism.
Yes, Of course the Muslims are going to say they are aganst ISIS, Think about it. They are over here with all the benefits of our country. they dont want to be thrown out of a country that gives them everything they want. Im sorry but i have no time for anyone who comes into OUR country and want to abide by their own rules. During the 2nd War, We and the Americans inturned any German / Japanise family into camps to ensure against any risk of Espionage or spies, they were held until after the war was finished. France is at WAR and should act Accordantly.Its a dirty war that is only going to get worse. close the boarders as well. I have great respect for the french nation and their hard line hardline Tactics. our country should grow balls and stop molly collling every complaint that comes in saying things in your country offend them we cant wear a Crucifix because if offends , they want to change Christmas to Happy Holidays because it offends, the list is endless, im sorry but enough is enough. You may think im not seeing the big picture . I am, the same as Enoch Powell was Shun at the time. Look at our country now. Im not racist, i have coloured friends and relatives but the country or should i say Europe have made a total pigs ear of it. Why do we have countries. because each country has its differences. its obvious to me, if you put them all together they will end up fighting Amongst each other. Im not a religous man. Though i would say im Chistian. the reason i dont go to church is i find religion an excuse. Its a excuse to frighten people into doing things that normal people wouldnt do. more wars have been had over religion than anything. religion can brainwash people. people are scared of what will happen to them if they dont beleve. i could go on all day about this but i think you have my jist. im sorry if i have offened anyone with this thread. God forbid if i have!!! ( see what i mean)
I just watched the clips that Folkbloke listed and to me this is small beer. I live in a country where if the people don't like something, they let the government know - not by some little video on Face-ache - but by VERY visible means. Out on the streets!!! The broadly white, broadly Christian communities have come out onto the streets in huge numbers saying "We are not frightened of you and will never bend to your way of thinking". These demonstrations were not prompted by some TV reporter going to schools asking what the kids think - this was the people coming out and showing what they think ! As each day passes I find myself increasingly frustrated that we are NOT seeing thousands and thousands of Muslims out on the streets,at least trying to show that they don't support ISIS. Sorry for my strength of feeling, but radical acts need radical, peaceful responses and I'm not seeing them yet.
Sorry folks. I'm out of here. I've fought these battles too often know I'm not going to win and the best thing to do is to go before I say something I shouldn't. Shiny side up.
We all have our own thoughts on this, i have given mine. Im not going to fall out with anyone or disrespect anyone. You either agree or disagree.simple I agree with you big lad. Im not seeing it either. I wonder how many would be willing to fight against them if they were to subscript......... I watched a documentry by the writer of saving private Ryan , Seven Embrose about the japs bombing pearl harbour the americans enturned the families of all japanise families the only way they got their rights back was if the sons joined the armed forces, they still kept the family behind wire until the end of the war but in fairness to the american japs they did fight . I know im getting away from the discussion. A bit but maybe the muslims should show soildarity in this war . ( excuse any spelling, im doing this on my phone with tiny letters and no glasses)
I think I've made my views clear and don't want to hurt anyone but it's a bit raw for us over here. I would like to thank all of you for your supportive comments but for me the time is right to move onto more positive motorcycle related stuff.
My last word in a nut shell https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1116566828367347&id=282235521800486
I haven't read all the posts (short attention span) but there are some valid points. I'm not going to get all political,all I'll say is I've been to France a few times and I found the French people to be welcoming with a good sense of humour and my thought's are with them. I for one will not be put off going again
