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“I’ll tell you this — if you do build a mosque, I hope somebody blows it up. I hope the mosque isn’t built, and if it is, I hope it’s blown up.”
Those comments aired live on the radio, less than 36-hours before half-a-dozen terrorists armed with automatic weapons, grenades and suicide jackets stormed into two Ahmadi places of worship in Lahore, killing at least 95 people and injuring over a hundred worshipers.
But that message of hate wasn’t aired in Lahore or even in Pakistan. It was aired live across Houston, Texas.
The man behind the comments was Michael Berry, a former Houston City Council member and an award-winning radio talk show host with KPRC-950 AM.
In fact, the Michael Berry Show, which the comments were made on, was recently named the #1 talk show at 5 pm in the state of Texas. The show also won first place in the Houston Press Club Awards for best radio talk show in 2008.
Berry’s audacious comments were made to a live caller named Tony, who wanted to respond to the host’s opening comments in the show about how plans to build a mosque near Ground zero in NYC would be ‘disaster.’
Michael Berry: Tony on the West side I see you’re a big fan! Tony: Hey Michael, I’m wondering if you are a bigot or.. Michael Berry: What’s a bigot? Tony: Let me just get my point and then you can talk all you want because that’s what you do Michael Berry: Okay… Tony: Now you so eloquently put it that they were terrorists in 9/11, that’s fine everyone agrees with it, then you beautifully go on to say they are building a mosque. Who is this they? Who is this ‘they,’ you are talking about? I’m an American Muslim, so I’m not an American? I can’t build a mosque where I want to? How are you attaching criminals who flew planes, terrorist, murders who flew planes in 9/11 and linking them to building a mosque in New York? Michael Berry: Is Tony your real name? Tony: It is my real name. It’s my real name because people have called me Tony since I was born. That’s why. But what difference does it make what my name is? Michael Berry: You just don’t sound like a Tony. Alright, well here’s the deal Tony: Uh huh Michael Berry: No! No Tony, you can’t build a mosque! Tony: Why not? Michael Berry: At the site of 9/11 Tony: Why not? Michael Berry: No you can’t…and I’ll tell you this if you do build a mosque, I hope somebody blows it up!
The complete live call can be heard here.
The caller Tony responded to Berry’s comments by saying, “Good for you! That puts you right in the category of the people who flew the planes.”
And then the following conversation took place: Michael Berry: really? Tony: Yes, you people are exactly the same as those terrorists who flew those planes. Michael Berry: Who is you people? Tony: What? Michael Berry: Who is you people? Whatever your name is. Tony: You people, you right-wing nut jobs. That’s who you are. Michael Berry: Let me tell you something Tony. It’s the right wing nut jobs that are going to keep this country safe from people like you. Tony: Hold on, saving from who? Who are you saving us from ? Saving from me? Michael Berry: No. Listen. You are in a building box. Its right wing radicals like me that are going to keep this country safe for you and everyone else from the people that are flying the planes from the countries that you fled from. Okay? If you want to identify with those people, go live with them. If you want to live in countries where they are practicing radical Islam: if you want to live there and be a part of that, Then by all means, whatever your real name is go do it. If you feel offended that we don’t want a mosque on top of 9/11. Then you have no shame or you are full of audacity.
Comments like that coming from a popular radio host in the city I live in aren’t just hurtful, they are scary. He clearly had no problem equating the 9/11 terrorists with ALL Muslims. And he had no problem making a call for “bombing a mosque” live on the airwaves in a city with 17 mosques and close to 200, 000 Muslims.
People like Michael Berry are killing the spirit of liberty and civil rights that define the United States of America.
Berry actually had the guts to say to the caller, “Is Tony your real name? You just don’t sound like a Tony.”
The irony is his own wife of 17 years, Nandita Berry, goes by “Nandy”. According to his about Michael Berry page she “was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. They are the proud parents of 3-year-old “Michael T”, who was born in Ethiopia.”
So while this white right-wing public rep cum radio host boosts of his diversity ‘by being married to an Indian immigrant and having adopted baby from Africa’ he also calls for a mosque to be blown up.
What kind of hypocrisy is that?
As the caller named Tony put it “you are exactly the same as those terrorists who flew those planes.”
‘They’ say they are fighting in the name of Islam and then they storm into places of worship and kill 95 God-fearing Ahmadis.
Congratulations, Michael Berry your message of hate resonated all the way back to Lahore.
PS: Michael Berry graciously issued a half-baked apology on the KPRC-950’s website:
“While I stand by my disagreement of the building of the mosque on the site, I SHOULD NOT have said ‘I hope someone blows it up.’ That was dumb, and beneath me. I was trying to show “Tony” how much I opposed his opinion, but I went too far. For that, I apologize to my listeners.”
But the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is not satisfied. As the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in the US, they are demanding action from the FCC (the American version of PTA). In a press release the National Executive Director Nihad Awad has said:
“Calls for acts of violence against houses of worship must never be tolerated or excused. We ask the FCC to demonstrate that incitement to violence is never acceptable on our nation’s airwaves.”
Sahar Habib Ghazi is a Houston-based journalist, who also blogs at www.outsideislamabad.com
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
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Comments (157) Closed
May 31, 2010 10:44am
On thursday Majlis Khatm e Nabuwat had a press release which said that Qadiani heretics are on the rise and righteous should form an alliance to resist it. Further they said that Kufr is overtaking Muslims and we should be ready for any kind of sacrifice.
It took two days for righteous to react to the message.
Barry may be a hypocrite and right-wing bigot but he is talking to people who can decide for themselves. Our people on other hand depend on our ulema to guide them. With such messages it is not going to help. Its high time for ulema to show some sanity in public.
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May 31, 2010 11:04am
Every religion and communities pray to one God only and no other. May God bless souls of everyone who were killed in Lahore bombing. And May God punish severely those people behind bombing in God's place.
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May 31, 2010 10:27am
Until Muslims recognize & fight for the rights of non-Muslims in Islamic countries, they have no right to fight for their own rights in non-Islamic countries...
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May 31, 2010 10:14am
Hypocrisy it is.. The sentence 'Congratulations, Michael Berry your message of hate resonated all the way back to Lahore' hits the nail. He confessed how low his mind and soul can go to prove his point but didnot acknowledge that he is insensitive enough to fall low just to earn ratings for his show.
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May 31, 2010 09:02am
Though I dont agree with the comments on that talk show. It is a common practice on most of the talk show to go to any extent to create excitement, drama and passion. That is what happens in a democratic society and where freedom of expression is valued and rather than religious dictates or fatwa. It may not have dawn on the writer that only in democratic country "TONY"; the Muslim caller could go and say what he wanted to say. In what Muslim country a non Muslim person could go on a talk show if there is any, and say what he or she wants to say. In what Muslim county, a non Muslim can build the place of worship where he or she wants? The fact is that the talk show host realized and admitted his mistake and corrected himself. How can you call it half baked apology? After all its a talk show in democratic country where anything goes. Tony gave importance to that talk show only because his religious pride or when and how many time he has participated on that particular talk show or for that matter any talk show?. Talk shows are or can be irrational, provocative and can be really ridicules but they are protected by freedom of expression and are targeted toward limited and opinioned audience. That is what happens in a democratic country. You need to look and appreciate the laws and people who zealously protect rights of Muslim community in USA rather than crying foul of few people who exercise their right of freedom of expression. You need to get used to the idea of
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May 31, 2010 08:47am
Acts of violence against houses of worship must never be tolerated and this is how majority of the country thinks. We condemn what happened in the city of Lahore as it only shows that victory against militants is essential.
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May 31, 2010 09:43am
way to go sahar...am proud of ya:)
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May 31, 2010 09:53am
Who is the one who will lead us to that particular victory against militants???? I wish we could do this.
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May 31, 2010 10:12am
Mr Gazi why dont you say something to your fellow Pakistanis who have attacked the Ahmadis who are not considered muslims but the attackers are the purest of muslims.ARe the Ahmedis not Pakistanis?
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May 31, 2010 09:22am
Who cares about the errosion of rights in USA!
Stop being a typical Pakistani apologist in the US and come back home. Here is where your concern for rights, liberty and peace are needed the most. For heavens sakes do you even know what's taking place in the name of religion in Pakistan??
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May 31, 2010 02:15pm
I don't see why should a Pakistani or for that matter anyone be ridiculed if she or he is speaking the truth and pointing to something wrong just because she or he belongs to a country like ours. The guy 'Tony' is not lecturing 'us' or 'them'. He is simply speaking against something wrong. Hate mongers are equally condemnable, whether they are from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, US or whatever and neither should it matter from whichever country they belong to.
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May 31, 2010 02:17pm
Ulema's are not going to show any sanity cause they are senseless. To tackle this problem in future, the first step we should take is to close down all the religious schools (no matter to which school of thought they belong to) and streamline the education system in our country.
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May 31, 2010 02:19pm
Kamran
You must have wrong notion about India or you have little or no knowledge.
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May 31, 2010 02:22pm
Mr Ghazi
How come you dont say anything about the Mullahs who preach hatred(on the air) against the Ahmadias in you own
city of Houston.Are they any different than Micheal Berry?
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May 31, 2010 02:26pm
Mr. Kamran, how do you know that in India Religious Minorities are trampled upon daily. exceptional situations may be there, but we should not generalise the exceptions.
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May 31, 2010 02:35pm
Destroying places of worship, killing of civilians, should never happen whether it is war or peacetime. Such acts never stop anything except provoke more hatred. Atrocities have been committed by both muslims and non-muslims alike. One should never provoke others to commit violence neither should one incite it. Adhering to this rule would make us better human beings.
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May 31, 2010 02:46pm
Mr. Kamran, what you have said is when pakistan was india. after pakistan was formed, kindly check how many chritian school formed. also check what happen to so many hindu temples there before partition. in karachi, ramakrishna math was there before partition. what happened after partition. kindly take senses of how many temples were there before partition and how many temples are there now and compare the same with how many mosques was there before partition and how many mosques are there now in India. you will find the difference
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May 31, 2010 02:50pm
Do you think in India or anywhere else outside of the "Ummah" a person cannot give testimony in a court of law because of their religion, address their chosen God in a manner they see fit, have to state their religion on their passports or are prevented from standing for the highest office by law?
Does any non-Muslim country have any set of laws as discriminatory as the Hudood ordinances?
Do India, America, pretty much every country in the world have to improve how they treat their minorities? Yes. But please don't compare Pakistan to us in this regard.
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May 31, 2010 09:11am
Mr. Berry might argue that he has every right to air his opinion under the first amendment of free speech... and then this would just be another example of how the developed world (not just the US) abuses one it's most coveted slogans. From South Park to Fitna... comic "relief" and hate-mongering have somehow intertwined with religion and the end is nowhere in sight.
While I firmly believe in freedom of speech I just hope that somehow "common courtesy" towards other human beings feelings also finds it's way into the developed (as well as underdeveloped) world's social fundamentals.
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May 31, 2010 10:20am
Completely agree with you. In what Muslim country a non Muslim person could go on a talk show if there is any, and say what he or she wants to say. In what Muslim county, a non Muslim can build the place of worship where he or she wants?
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May 31, 2010 11:23am
They always have a right, but they will be at a disadvantage unless they get their own house in order.
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May 31, 2010 11:27am
Well, I think if muslims cannot respect anyone's opinion, they should first look into their own backyard and clean up the mess therein as they currently represent one the most intolerant societies on the face of this earth. Getting offended by what someone says is not going to resolve anything. They should should rather live in their own country respectfully and enjoy all the freedom and liberty that they want.
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May 31, 2010 01:08pm
Are you seriously comparing what some guy in Houston said to the murder of 90 people? I really fail to see what point you are trying to make juxtaposing the tragedy in Lahore with comments from a radio host halfway around the world. To compare what he said to the stuff you are liable to hear from so called ulemas is ridiculous.
Just to add perspective to this, please note that Muslims are treated much better in America than ANY non-Muslim community in ANY Muslim majority country.
I don't think us Americans need a lecture from a Pakistani on hate speech or minority rights.
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May 31, 2010 12:50pm
Vilas is absolutely right. To suggest building a mosque at ground zero, and then to allege extremism when you get a mouthful... ! If the west is as bad as you think it is, please abandon it and return to your native land. I am sure the west would be only too glad to oblige. Muslims need to introspect.
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May 31, 2010 12:54pm
Absolutely no need to give free publicity to such louts. Why so many want to instigate hate against others, begs answers. Talk show hosts making controversial talk is understandable but not forgivable. To have Mullah's(messengers of God) propagating hate and provoking violence, is real blasphemy.
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May 31, 2010 01:15pm
In Pakistan. Some of the places of worship of non-muslims in Karachi are in the poshest locality of the city. They go to the best private schools without prejudice, in fact the Christian community runs its own schools where a lot of muslims go for education. Mr. Vilas I think you were talking about India where the rights of religions minorities are trampled upon daily.
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May 31, 2010 02:59pm
Mr.Kamran, You need to come out of the mindset that your country is always better than India.
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May 31, 2010 03:13pm
why should a muslim be dictated his religion when quran and sunnah are not any one's or group's domain. if each one of us muslims is aware of what our deen really is, only then we have hope of turning into a society that is not guided by fanatics or blind liberals...the both extremes tearing us apart.
but sadly most of us just want to talk....not act.
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May 31, 2010 03:20pm
Michael Berry was gross in his expression of disapproval and should be censured.
But the real intolerant are the ones broaching the possibility of building a mosque at the 9/11 site just because 'technically' they have the right to. Utter lack of sensitivity given the gravity of the incident.
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May 31, 2010 03:31pm
Muslims in countries which have Muslim Majority never ever speak of "minority rights" but it is the Muslims in countries where Muslims are in MINORITY that speak most about "minority rights". Unhappy Muslims from all the countries which have "minority of Muslims" must emigrate to Islamic countries or they must integrate with the majority communities of the country.
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May 31, 2010 03:39pm
Why do people in Pakistan highlight only the negative aspects of life in the US. How come I haven't seen a single article in the press about the manhattan community boards decision to allow the building of the Cordoba mosque at Nine Zero - a deeply emotional decision for New Yorkers after the attack at 9-11. This decision has been criticized by the right wing tea party chairman but has been defended by some families of 9-11 victims.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/26/ground-zero-mosque-overwh_n_589894.htm
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May 31, 2010 03:43pm
SHAME ON Michael Berry!!!
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May 31, 2010 04:24pm
Seriously why would you want to build a mosque at the ground zero at the first place? Aren't you aware of 9/11? Don't you know what few terrorists did there? You know what Tony asked a absurd and weird question and Micheal Berry replied accordingly. Thats it. And I don't understand why you are linking the Lahore attack with that hate speech. There is absolutely no connection between the two whatsoever. Thanks.
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May 31, 2010 04:27pm
Dear Kamran,
I am not a US resident. I hail from Karachi instead. Have done my schooling from Saint Lawrence's boys School at Soldier Bazar. You should know exactly where that is if you do hail from Karachi.
Now, incidentally, that school, even today, is run by Christian missionary but the funniest thing is that 98% of the students were and still are MUSLIMS. But, that is only morning shift. The afternoon shift is held almost free of cost for the children of all the minorities who can't afford to pay the fees in the morning shift and, just by looking at them you could tell the difference so, I don't know about others but you can't fool ME .
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May 31, 2010 04:30pm
If you don't like America then why don't you come back from there? What is stopping you?
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May 31, 2010 05:01pm
Sahar,
What has the massacre of Ahmadi has to do with a radio talk host in Houston? Be as honest and upstanding as Michael Berry and apologize to him and your readers for suggesting that there was any connection between the two events. I don't agree with Michael Berry on most things but at least he realized he made a mistake and apologize.
I also agree with others who have said that Muslim countries are the worst offenders of non Muslim's rights in their own countries, yet Muslims are the most loud protesters of any perceived and actual transgression of their rights in free countries.
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May 31, 2010 05:22pm
What can we do about this, and hundreds and thousands of people like Michael Berry who say hateful things in the name of freedom of speech. All that we have done in the past is either: make threats and burn tires and burn US and Danish flags. Or: We have asked their governing bodies to take action. That is it. Do we not have an ounce of brain?
What makes a radio station run? It is the companies that give money to radio stations to advertise their products and services. This money is used by radio stations to pay salaries to people like Michael Berry. Appropriate action here should be to boycott those companies that are advertising on that particular radio station. If we boycott once, that will give a clear message to ALL radio and TV stations and newspapers and they will not dare do this again.
We Muslims are 1.5 billion strong but are powerless. Any tiny country can bully and humiliate us and all we do is burn tires!!
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May 31, 2010 05:23pm
Someone wants to build a mosque at ground zero and have problems when someone else exercises his freedom of speech right. I have lived in the United States for 15 years and I can tell its an extremely tolerant and accepting society where people respect opinions. Perhaps, you should try do the same.
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May 31, 2010 05:33pm
Kamran... the problem with you people is that you feel proud to deny the facts. Ground zero is not just a piece of land. 10years back there were twine towers, Americans were proud of them. They have lot of feelings about that land. They have lost their beloved once in the attack of 9/11. How can some one so easily claim that land for building a mosque.
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May 31, 2010 05:50pm
I totally agree with you Agnostic. I also agree with Mr/Ms. Hammer Head's comments.
It seems many Pakistanis stationed on the West have absolutely no clue how Pakistani Muslims are out destroying their own religion and the religion and people of the country's minorities.
I too am puzzled by the intent of this piece.
Ms. Sahar, to us living a war in Pakistan, this article means nothing. I advise you to read Nadeem F. Paracha to know what we are going through in the name of religion.
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May 31, 2010 05:53pm
I think Mr. Kamran is in the category of those "REAL" Muslims, about whom the entire humanity (including the millions of
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May 31, 2010 05:56pm
Oh, boy. Are you serious?
Some guy states he wants to build a mosque on Ground Zero, and when the host reacts, you call it racism or whatever?
How would you like if some American tells you that he wants to build a Church over Lal Masjid?
Honestly, this piece is the finest example of a typical air headed 'liberal' who wants to defend the killing of hundreds of Pakistani Muslims by Muslims by exposing the bigoted rant of a radio host.
God have mercy.
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May 31, 2010 06:01pm
Agreed. This article is strange.
Minorities are protected by laws in the US. In this country we have the exact opposite. We have quietly sat by as laws have been passed specifically so that minorities can be persecuted.
The important thing is that muslims CAN propose building a mosque at the 9/11 site, regardless of what the Michael Berry types say. No one is going to throw them in jail for say "blaspheming" against the 9/11 site, eventhough many Americans would feel it incredibly disrespectful and almost sacrilegious to propose building a mosque there.
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May 31, 2010 06:02pm
Kamran sahib, vilas is talking about pakistan only which you may be not realizing for your own good reasons. look around the country, more than 90 people were just murdered 2 days ago in the name of religion.
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May 31, 2010 06:13pm
Corrections: People from ALL religious backgrounds are treated much better in America than in any Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist or Muslim country. That is why America is where it is and others are not.
Having said that, I'd urge Mr. Berry to exercise his 'right to free speech' and say the same about a Synagogue or Israel. I dare him!
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May 31, 2010 06:16pm
One should expose and oppose extremism, intolerance, and bigotry wherever it occurs, brother.
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May 31, 2010 06:28pm
Violence anywhere on the planet needs to be condemned whether its Times square, Mumbai or Lahore..
We need to redefine the word "Hypocrisy". A country where a christian is sentenced to 25 years of prison for touching Quran is offended by an Anchor..
In my view Mt Berry did cross the limit.. but a country whose law has no respect for Minority has no right to complain. If you have problem then better stay in Pakistan...
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May 31, 2010 06:51pm
Kamran shab should aware what is happening in his world rather than listening what your caretaker says.
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May 31, 2010 06:53pm
The Westerners have every right to be suspicious about Muslims and Islam. After all haven't people like Omar (Daniel Pearl) and Shahzad who have throughout their life enjoyed the fruits of freedom and western democracy ultimately turn out to be ruthless anarchists.
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May 31, 2010 07:22pm
Wonderfully said.
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May 31, 2010 08:54pm
What happened in Lahore is truly one of the saddest and heart-wrenching incidents I have ever experienced as a Pakistani. When places of worship no longer carry the sanctity they deserve, the stark divide in religious ideology is made clear in Pakistan. After wandering around various blogs and reading horrible hate posts by people who label themselves as Muslims, I felt compelled to write to the terrorists and their followers directly. It is mesmerizing that there are people in my country who actually applaud the heinous crime of killing innocent people, carrying out a crime against Islam, a crime against Pakistan. I am shocked at the people who have the audacity to support those who kill in the name of our religion, one that bounds my faith for the timeless virtues of tolerance, compassion, and forgiveness.
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May 31, 2010 09:34pm
Kamran:
Please, come to your senses. Even Bangladesh is a better country than Pakistan. Only country in the world that you can compare Pakistan is with Afghanistan
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May 31, 2010 09:34pm
Kamran: Go ahead and tell when the last Church or the last temple was built in Pakistan, and i will be more than happy to give you a list of the latest churches and mosques being built in India. Do not unnecessarily underestimate the strengths of Indian secularism!
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May 31, 2010 09:36pm
"To put it bluntly, Ground Zero is the one place in America where Muslims should think less about teaching Islam and
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May 31, 2010 09:40pm
Wow... we are complaining against some radio show in Houston!.... Our own tv programs openly give fatwas for killing minorities. I don't see anyone complaining against them. The show are still going on.
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May 31, 2010 09:41pm
Extremism is not an ideology. Rather It is way of thinking, making opinion and acting. I agree with Tony in describing no difference between Micheal Berry and those who blew up planes. Micheal Berry kind of persons can also be found easily in Pakistan. The Intolerance, Un ability to bear others' opinions and promoting hatred are some of the qualities (Among various) similar in some "Religious" extremists and "Secular" extremists. Majority of nation wants to get rid of them.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:53am
You are quoting a couple of examples, while minorities are thriving in India.
Sounds like your comments are coming out of hatred rather than sane thinking.
Maoists are terrorists. There are two paths for that, either they give up their arms or die in the battlefield. Their choice.
2002 riots happened as a result of Godhra train carnage in which 60 Hindu pilgrims were burnt down. It was a reaction.
I'm sure he was in India and condemning vehemently when churches were burnt.
Why don't you want to listen to a sane Indian? If whatever he says is right, what's so wrong in following it? Is it hurting your pride?
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May 31, 2010 10:26pm
How Many Churches/Temples/Synagauges or other places of worship besides MOSQUES are in Saudi Arabia?. Zero. Does Saudi Arabia allow non-muslim to practice their respective relegion freely? .NO. If all NON-MUSLIMS must live by the muslim code in Middle East or Muslim countries with SHARIA law then ALL NON-MUSLIM countries have right to LAWS that do NOT cater to muslims. Muslims Countries need to SHOW and APPLY tolerance first before demanding NON-Muslim countries to accept their demands.
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May 31, 2010 11:32pm
Mr. Gazi is absolutely wrong. I agree with agnostic comments and others that Mr. Gazi should come back in his country and fight for human rights.
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May 31, 2010 11:34pm
Why in the God's name did you even think that the blogger was linking the Michael Berry's show with the incident in Lahore. he is telling you a story in a perspective of hindsight if only you know what that means but no i am afraid you don't read the article again.
And what did you write at the end we Americans don't need a lecture from a Pakistani on minority rights.
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May 31, 2010 11:49pm
Have you guys no judgment of the intellect, why the hell shall i go home I am an American an American Muslim I have no home but America and based on the rights that I have, practice of religion is one of it.
You are dying under the burden self guilt and self apology and let me tell you one thing you might have come to this country wanting to drive a cab in Manhattan but i was born here, my rights come defined in the constitution you or any body else on the face of this earth can not ask me to leave. Learn something form the Blacks i tell you they were told to go back to Africa but their resilience got them the respect they truly deserved.
Now i am in no way applauding what happened to the ahmedis or what goes on in Pakistan per se. but you dont tell me to go "HOME" aright.
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May 31, 2010 11:58pm
What I can not believe what you just wrote here Mr.K Krishna apparently an Indian let me tell you something If being a muslim disqualifies me from fighting for my rights trust the same applies to you as well.
Did you forget How minorities are treated in India not only minorities but India is the only country where even today the caste system prevails and did you forget what happened in Gujrat in 2002, and where the hell were you when the christians were being torched alive and their churches set ablaze in India. and why do you not talk about the atrocities committed against the MOAISTS.
Muslims may or may not be disqualified to fight for their rights but atl east they dont need an Indian to tell them. So just stop this profiling of yours ok.
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Jun 01, 2010 12:21am
Could a person's claim to love God be considered genuine if he hates God's creatures? Whether it is Mullahs in Pakistan or Berrys in the U.S. they all need to look into their conscious. There is only one God. All of us claim to love Him, let us show Him our sincerity by loving His creatures withour race, color or creed. Pakistanis are reaping what they have sown let us pray that they and and people of our country are safe from such tragedies.
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Jun 01, 2010 12:38am
@Kamran, yet we continue to let the religious zealots spread religious hatred and act on it all the time. The society more or less remains numb on it! Heck we even have legalised minority persecution! perhaps even the only Muslim country to do that.
Friday's attacks on Ahmedis (in posh area too) are examples of this attitude. Our laws and society openly tolerates discrimination against minorities and what it considers "heretics". You can go to Mall road and see open "fatwas" for murder and discrimination against certain sects (Ahmadis in this case!)
Today Israel attacks a flotilla and you have bazillion protesters on the road to "protect Islam". Militants killed NINETY on Friday (and shot in Jinnah Hospital again today)! Where is our society? Why are there no protests for something like this? Why is GAZA MORE of our problem than our own brethren!
India is NOT our Problem! PAKISTAN IS! So forget what goes on South east of the border, and we need to start taking a really hard look at ourselves!
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Jun 01, 2010 01:01am
hey Kamran,
all those churches were built pre-partition are u going to tell me any Hindu can built a mandir in Karachi posh area now a days. Stop comparing every thing with India before looking in ones own backyard . Read all the comments here and think what our country has become. though murder of any innocent human being is a unforgiven crime my heart cries for a pakistani either Muslim or NON Muslim then a Muslim from any other part of he world. wake up Pakistan and listen to an Indian poet Manzar Bhopali * ab aasmaano say aaney wala koi nahi hai
utho kay ub tum ko jagaanay wala koi nahi hai*
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Jun 01, 2010 01:28am
Can a Church be build next to Kabba in Mecca??
I am sure whole 1.5 billion Muslims answer will be "No No".
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Jun 01, 2010 01:31am
How did India come into this?
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Jun 01, 2010 01:42am
Pakistan is in its current state of lawlessness and deprived of humanity because of the denial and delusion . You can not correct a situation unless you have the courage to admit there is something wrong in the first place. But with all the noise and propaganda from Mullahs, TV stations and corrupt politicians it must be hard to face the truth . Just ask the 200 million muslims in India if they would rather live in Pakistan. The % of muslims in India has increased dramatically since partition ( so much for persecution) and still is on the rise where as the % of non muslims in Pakistan is miniscule compared to what it was during partition , from 15 % to 2% So much for tolerance. Pakistan was created for
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Jun 01, 2010 01:43am
If violence and intolerance go unabated,the world has nothing but to laugh some times wit satire ,at and times with redicule.
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Jun 01, 2010 01:45am
Why should any country be identified as a country only for a certain faith practicing people. A country's administration & its people should have no concern of any ones beliefs & practice of faith as long as it does not violate any kinds of rights of the others. Where as the media screams so much for freedom of speech then why does the same media heads have objections on freedom of practice of faith and worship.
America is known for taking revenge even when they are wrong by all means.
They will allow to build a mosque near ground zero. A mosque will be built to be blown up by bigots to fulfill their urge for revenge.
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Jun 01, 2010 01:52am
Funny thing is, this blogger doesn't realize that this 'Berry' guy is just one of hundreds of right-wingers in the media, and there's an equally large number of liberal counterweights as well. No speech needs more protection than the abhorrent kind, and I'd take a hail of hate speech over bullets any day. Just wish the Lahore terrorists had done the same.
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Jun 01, 2010 01:53am
Typical Muslim mentality--can never own up to their own faults by finding faults in others (and often which are not even analogous). To the author: there is a difference actually. The difference is the government of the United States does not sponsor the incitement to violence. There are hate crime laws on the books and limitations on freedom of speech even in America.
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Jun 01, 2010 01:54am
Another knee jerk reaction , another denial Mr Kamran.
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Jun 01, 2010 01:59am
Kamran, the examples you have quoted are ridiculous. I don't know which Pakistan you live in that you think minorities are well treated in Pakistan.
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Jun 01, 2010 02:22am
Yeah, right! That's why we have over 20% minorities in India, and less than 2% in Pakistan.
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Jun 01, 2010 02:32am
Muslims can not demand respects from others unless they are willing to respect others, If they believe in Islam they should behave like real human beings not barbarians.
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Jun 01, 2010 02:47am
what ever everyone say or don't say people were killed on the name of islam so better leave it alone and stop building a mosque there and stop dividing people. many muslims are killed in gujrath violence we all Hindus didnot do it, but we all take the blame for it, right??? so who is promoting intolerance is it this talk show host or people who want to build mosque there???
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Jun 01, 2010 02:48am
India really? why don't you ask a Ahmadi living in India about it?
Think of what would happen to Hindus/Sikhs/ Christian communities if a team of them attacked Karachi and murdered hundreds of innocent people(remember Mumbai) ?
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Jun 01, 2010 02:54am
if religious minorities rights are trampled in india, how come some of the most prominet muslim industrialits and scientists personalities in the world are from india??? tell me how many minoroties are there in pakistan and how come they shrinked over the years and the numbers swelled over the yrs in India??? stop india bashing, it wont help.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:01am
This is disgusting. The allmighty has given us special rights because we follow the right path.
Also Muslim countries don't put it in their constituition of equality of religions and so no one can complain about it. We practise what we tell. Period. No hypocrisy, we get a lot of flak but we show things as it is.
These westerners promise the heaven and pat themselves on their back of being "civilised". Westerners, follow what you preach. If you have a problem with a mosque coming up, then put it up on your constituition/law and then talk. Otherwise shut up and get on to earning that pat on your back that you gave yourself.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:12am
Berry was definitely wrong to say what he said but I do agree with not constructing the mosque on 9/11 site. Imagine having a German cultural center build on Auschwitz! Is it not rubbing in the face of victims to build a mosque there that will chant the name of that God ... the same name that was beyond doubt shouted aloud while the so called believers plowed the planes into the towers?
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Jun 01, 2010 03:18am
One foolish radio host cannot be compared to murder of 80 innocent people. Muslims need to respect Western liberalism, you cannot build a church in Kuwait or Saudi Arabia. If USA is so bad, stop begging for American wheat.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:18am
Yeah .. Kamran keep believing that Pakistan minorities have more rights than a secular country like India, keep believing that the radio host in Houston was responsible for the massacre in Lahore, keep believing that every attack on the US or India is a conspiracy theory... welcome to la-la land!
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Jun 01, 2010 03:19am
I think it is extremely insensitive of the Muslim diaspora in the US to build a mosque near ground-zero. I cannot imagine how any blue-blooded American would stand for it. The Council on American-Islamic Relations should first ask themselves if they're not being hypocritical. Shouldn't they be taking issue with Saudi Arabia as to the reason why a church or a temple is not allowed to go up in their country? Clearly its double-standards at work here. This issue if pursued will do more harm to Muslims than if it was dropped.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:29am
Only the purest of Muslims have right to kill 80 innocent heretic Ahmadiyyas. Such things dont happen in the USA inspite of foolish radio hosts who can be safely ignored.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:32am
No, Agnostic, you may not like a lecture on hate speech from a Pakistani, but you are going to get one from an fellow American.
The Everybody Draw Mohammed Day on Facebook, which was started by some of our countrymen and countrywomen turned out to be an orgy of hatred and bigotry against innocent American Muslims. It was not even the vile images of Mohammed which made me sick as much as the license to put a whole religious group down.
I was shocked at the sick pornographic images of some of the drawings and if it happened like that against any other religion, it would have banned immediately.
Every day lately there seems to be some public campaign in the US against innocent Muslims and it is causing the Muslim community here to be rather concerned.
I'm a Christian who remembers from history that slippery slope toward the degradation of a whole people, the Jews, in Nazi Germany in the early 1930's. First they were laughed at and mocked, then there were cartoons depicting them as rats, which culminated with the Kristallnact of 1938...
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Jun 01, 2010 03:39am
I absolutely agree with you Amnaji. The mainstream media in the United States is quick to denounce any perceived affronts to Arab or Islamic culture, and just as quick to condemn any alleged expressions of Jewish or Israeli chauvinism.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:47am
Mr. Kamran, Please compare the statistical figures of minority affairs in India and in Pakistan then come and talk.
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Jun 01, 2010 03:54am
So if a white, right-wing racist calls for bombing mosques, it is "excitement, drama and passion", just because it makes his show all the more spicy.
Imagine a Muslim calling for bombing churches, that would be called 'Hate speech' and 'incitement to terrorism, eh?
Are you simply foolish, or is it that you could not hide your venom and prejudice against Muslims?
And the opposition to building a mosque at Ground Zero is also full of prejudice. The non-sensical argument that since Muslims flew the planes (a claim never verified by any investigation) into the WTC, so they should not be allowed to build a mosque there, is totally silly and is being used as a cover for hatred.
Having said all that, I am not bracketing all Americans together. I am only referring to the right-wing prejudists.
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Jun 01, 2010 04:02am
Height of hypocrisy on the part of the writer. Thousands of Muslim speakers shamelessly preach hate and violence against other religions during public processions, on tv etc. People in Pakistan burned thousands of US flags when Facebook held the "Draw Muhammad Day''. Not even a single person in US even cared about it. One guy in the US has said one statement and then apologized for it, still its a highly important topic of discussion on the blogs of a reputed newspaper. Oh come on! Sadly, but Muslim terrorists are blowing up not only people from other religion but now from their own too . You are expecting a mosque to be built on 9/11 site? How much advantage can some one take of America's liberal set up? Non Muslims have zero rights in Muslim countries and would never be allowed to ask any question let alone an audicious one on like this on radio.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:09am
Let us DEBATE fairly . M. Berry by that logic remains wrong. Shouldn't have called for bombing anyone else's place of worship, whatsoever his personal feelings.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:10am
Like everyone over here has said " we need to see what WE do with the minorities .. what treatment is being given to them .. " , i am a young Muslim too, but come on, building a Mosque near 9/11 site is just insane. Why would anyone even think of building one near that place ??? Have we all lost it?? Someone here had commented that " we can build the mosque as the claim if Muslims did it has never been proved " HA HA HA. 2 wars took place, the whole world changed, the perspective from which Muslims are viewed has changed, and that individual still lives in illusion world. Islam teaches tolerance, and clearly that is not taking place in Pakistan. We claim to Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but the reality is grim and disgusting .. Islam does not exist in Pakistan or anywhere in Islamic countries - Hatred, and intolerance is being preached in the name of Islam. n lastly - we clearly need to stop blaming India .. we need to fix our backyard first. Its filthy n yes its very filthy . n oh yes some might read this n call me someone is too westernized .. blah .. well i know that western foreign policy is flawed .. but we need to fix ourselves too .. we clearly do.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:17am
Dear Mr. Mujtaba: I don't think anyone is telling you to go home (meaning what?) - if America is your home. But from my own experience as a naturalized American, I find it disheartening that too few who immigrate have the real appreciation for American values, its people, its culture, its dominant religion (Christianity), and the Constitution. Many hate everything about America except the economic and technological benefits. Why immigrate here if you hold everything American in c;contempt? Please don't be so tone deaf and clueless about where you live. While the Fourteenth Amendment gives automatic citizenship to even babies born here to immigrants who otherwise hate America, don't assume that an Amendment itself cannot be amended.
The proposed mosque/cultural center at Ground Zero is , in my view, is insensitive and wrong-headed and will create more resentment against Muslims than goodwill. Don't forget, the 9/11 terrorists were all Muslim. In fact Pakistan is the center of World Jihad. People like Berry are a dime a dozen on Talk Radio and say outlandish things. But they are not terrorists unlike the people who bomb Ahmadi mosques, Mumbai and Pune. So, keep things in perspective . . .
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Jun 01, 2010 06:18am
Really, do you practice what you are saying?
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Jun 01, 2010 07:48am
It
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Jun 01, 2010 06:19am
Bravo!!! total agree with you.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:20am
Isn't that thinking blasphemy?
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Jun 01, 2010 06:25am
@raja : The persecution of minorities in India is NOT encouraged and ratified by the constitution. That's a big big difference. I am not denying persecution does not happen. You try living together with people who speak different language, follow different customs, follow different gods (not just Muslims) and friction is bound to happen. Politicians take advantage of this friction.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:31am
While Berry called for bombing the proposed NYC Ground Zero Mosque (and then apologized for it), the extremists in Pakistan have been bombing various places, including religious ones, and killing within Pakistan as well as in neighboring and far-away countries. It is words (hateful though they may be) versus actual acts of violence and hate. Quite a difference, Mr. Analyst.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:46am
Raza, looks like you didn't read the first part of Jehangir's comments.
He's absolutely right.
Imagine India based terrorists (read Hindus) attack and kill few thousands in Marriot hotel and destroy it completely. Would you allow a temple to be built in that place?
Why should Americans accept the preposterous idea of building a mosque on 9/11 site?
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Jun 01, 2010 06:48am
Super comments.
The basic idea is, EDUCATION. educate your people and all problems will solve automatically.
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Jun 01, 2010 07:01am
All religions teach peace and tolerance... these are the narrow-minded of us who
change it in to this behavior.... yesterday's attack by Israeli forces on aid ship is
a worst example of a State displaying the similar behavior .Violence is violence , and is equally brutal , when Muslims are blowing up their fellow citizens, Ahmedies, Christians...or when Israel launching commando attacks on unarmed peaceful journalists, and aid workers of different origins and religions...it is inhumane and unforgivable.
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Jun 01, 2010 07:19am
analyst i thing you refuse to read what I wrote, No where I have justified what the talk show host says. All I am saying FREEDOM OF SPEECH is what makes USA a great country. I guess you don't know what FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION is. You neglected when I said you as a Muslim should appreciate the LAWS and People who zealously protect the rights of Muslims in USA. Tell me a single example of any Muslim country protecting the rights of non Muslims and allow them to say what they want to say and allow them to build their places of worship anywhere they want. Wake up analyst you are getting yourself isolated and bringing bad name to your faith.
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Jun 01, 2010 07:22am
Well said, Kalyani...! Its time for temples and churches to be built in Muslim countries and teach them some religious tolerance finally. Now is the time to show and promote free-will in Islam, if at all, it exists.
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Jun 01, 2010 07:26am
This so called claim of revenge by USA is coming right out of JIHADS mindset and is the height of ignorance. I don't know when if mosque will be built near ground zero. But be assure if it is built it will be protected like any other property in USA. USA is not fanatic Muslim country nor is it place of jihads. So if you want to spit hate that's your prerogative. You are just isolating yourself. May be your insecure of your identity. We all are human we should not hate any one and be enjoying the life that has given to us.
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Jun 01, 2010 07:37am
A claim never verified by an investigation? A perfect case of "state of denial". No point debating with someone like you.
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Jun 01, 2010 12:03pm
you have fergotten about dubai bahrain abu dhabi qatar jordan egypt.
why saudi arabia only.saudi arabia practises this because of certain cultural obligations
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Jun 01, 2010 10:26am
I Understand Mr. AB and i do acknowledge the fact it was not wise enough of Muslims to even think of building a mosque at ground zero.
And i do admit albeit hypothetically that muslim countries are not the best of examples for religious freedom including my parents home Turkey but the point is how do we correct that it is only the Civil Society that changed the attitudes of the White America for the Blacks and for the women and for other Minorities too. And it is the Civil Society that will change the things in Muslim Countries as well and the Civil Society is working although slowly but it is working and we all should support it.
But trust me when somebody says the words like go back home it reminds me of the oppression on the Blacks and causes me to loose my mind.
But thanks AB and i agree with you.....
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Jun 01, 2010 10:36am
I never advocated building of the mosque over or even near ground zero, and please dont bring the India Pakistan perspective in the middle i dont really know how that fits i dont know much about the region,
but I agree with u that it was childish of the muslims, at the same time it was the council who wanted to do that and the entire muslim community is not represented by the Council i am afraid, so i think we should not polarize the entire muslim community in US over this incident.
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Jun 01, 2010 11:18am
Going by the comments of the people here it is evident that the article clearly backfired. Very encouraging to note that people are aware and are self introspecting.
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Jun 01, 2010 12:46pm
Yes, it can be built, similar to building a mosque in Vatican City. Question is, who will pray there? Here in the US, we are struggling to keep our churches filled with worshippers and opening a mosque near Kabba in Mecca is the least of our priorities.
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Jun 01, 2010 01:52pm
Well at least Michael Berry apologized for his comment - doubt if Sahar Habib Ghazi will apologize for writing such a poor/pathetic article.
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Jun 01, 2010 02:29pm
Well said, AA choudhury. As an American Christian I condemn the rantings of the Berry's of this world as I condemn the people who attacked those innocent people in Lahore.
All people of goodwill should stand together, no matter if they be Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist or whatever.
I stand with you in your saying that "All of us... who... claim to love..God...,let us show Him our sincerity by loving his creatures without...regard...to race, color or creed."
I send you the warmest greetings from New York to you, AA choudhury, and say, A Salaam Alechum, Sat Sri Akal, Namaste, and all other greetings of brotherhood and sisterhood that there are in this world...
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Jun 01, 2010 02:41pm
well said Raj...........totally agree
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Jun 01, 2010 02:48pm
Not only taliban but Muslims like the author of this blog are also equally responsible for the reputation what ISLAM is earning these days. I see no reason for bringing up this topic for a blog on a reputed news paper like DAWN.
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Jun 01, 2010 04:08pm
Exactly and we must do that in our country before we cry about whats going on half way across the world.
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Jun 01, 2010 05:08pm
First, the mosque is being built NEAR Ground Zero, not ON it.
Second, Ground Zero is/was not a place of worship of another religion where a mosque is being proposed now, whereas the Lal Masjid currently exists as a place of worship. Your analogy is flawed.
The most important point is this: Those who are opposing a mosque near (note: NEAR) Ground Zero are doing it on the pretext that Muslims (allegedly) flew planes into the WTC, so they should not have the right to build a mosque there. This implies that they are bracketing all Muslims together with the alleged terrorists. Or, in other words, they are punishing all Muslims for the alleged crimes of a few.
There is no co-relation between the two.
European colonial powers indulged in a lot of massacres in Africa and Asia. And they also introduced Christianity and built churches in their colonies. Should those churches be razed because they belong to the same faith as those of the colonialists?
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Jun 01, 2010 06:06pm
I am just now hearing this recording of this so-called Tony, and I say this:
If Mr.Berry were to migrate to Pakistan (or wherever he came from) and if he wanted to build a Mosque at the site where an American drone had killed several innocent people, will Tony fight for it?
So, I absolutely agree with Michael that building a Mosque is not in good taste at the 9/11 site.
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Jun 01, 2010 06:49pm
Great Man!!!
What u told is exactly correct. 100%
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Jun 01, 2010 08:44pm
It was hilarious to read this article, not because the article is funny but because a Pakistani Muslim is giving a lecture on religious intolerance to a country which gives so much religious freedom. Pakistan has laws against religious minorities. People come on TV and say that people of certain faith are
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Jun 01, 2010 09:36pm
Very good pal, self introspection is most needed than ever today. I agree with you completely... You are proving that a few Muslims like you can actually save the religion. Be peace with you my friend.
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Jun 01, 2010 09:40pm
Really ? You take blame for it. Why don't you try Modi for it ? I didn't see your government aplogizing for what happened in Gujrat.
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Jun 01, 2010 09:47pm
You are so confused. On one hand you talk about LAWS of land and on other you want them to be to your liking. Muslims around the world have to live by the laws of the land whether they like it or not. Recent examples are ban on niqab in France and Quebec (Canada), ban on minarets in Switzerland etc. If you want to live in Saudi Arabia, you will have to abide by her laws whether you like it or not. You are, like anybody else, no one to dictate your likings to the populace of any country.
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Jun 01, 2010 10:56pm
Sakina, your Indian-biases of Pakistan are shown clearly in this post. And I don't know where you came up with the claim of the % of Muslims has dramatically increased, seeing from 1951-present, the percent of Muslims have gone from ~10% - ~13.4%. Pakistan was created for individuals escaping persecution from the Hindu-majority in India, not for "pure" Muslims as you put it. So, instead of spreading cheap propaganda, focus on the article written and find another channel to spread your views.
God Bless
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Jun 01, 2010 11:11pm
Let's be fair and acknowledge that Manmohan Singh, George Fernandes, Tata's, Abdul Kalam, Azim Premji, Mohd. Azharuddin, A.R. Rahman, etc. are all Indian citizens of minority background and have been either democratically elected to highest offices or are running most flourishing globally competitive businesses or have captured the imagination of the entire country with their art and skills.
In Pakistan we have laws which actually prevent you from getting elected to offices if you are a minority, religion has to be listed on many official forms, etc. This is just from the laws perspective what's theoritically possible (or not). What's practical is another matter given that the state of national psyche at various levels regarding true muslims v/s non muslims. We have naturally gone from minorities in the 15% range down to 2% since independence (India has grown to 20% in the same period).
Ofcourse going by what we read, India still have many problems to sort out, but the laws of the land seem to be laid out correctly and going by the example of such minority successes one can only guess that something is working.
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Jun 02, 2010 01:46am
The Almighty created all of us, not just those who ride high horses... actually, I believe pride is something of a sin.
(Bragging about religious intolerance is what's truly disgusting)
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Jun 02, 2010 02:34am
You need to think twice before "what you want to speak". Your argument is simply worthless
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Jun 02, 2010 02:36am
I think the host should have avoided using harsh wording. BUt at the sametime I feel it is time for Muslims to do some introspection on how to live with people of other faiths. No relgion or Faith is going to disappear no matter how irrational or illogical it is branded by muslims.Muslims are least tolerant of other faiths and proved to be more militant and violent when it comes to dealing with non-muslims and in most of mulsims countries discrimination against non muslims is sanctioned by the law. People of other faiths observe it and than react. I wonder if this host would have said these words if 9/11 would have never happened or building a mosque at the aforesaid site would have been an issue. Building a mosque there is rubbing salt into an average american's wound as if conspiracy theories were not enough. Can Saudi Arabia which builds Mosques everywhere in the world allow a church or a synagogue or a temple to come up on Saudi soil ? Live and let live.
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Jun 02, 2010 03:02am
Here you go ! You wrote in your comments "I never advocated building of the mosque over or even near ground zero, and please dont bring the India Pakistan perspective in the middle i dont really know how that fits i dont know much about the region,
But now you seem to be an expert but an intellectually dishonest expert on South Asia. Mr Raza India's democartic and secular credentials are strong and are recognized by the civilized world. The tragedies that people like you highlight are good to grant you satisfaction of badmouthing India but it means nothing to anyone. India has adequate checks and balances to address such aberrations. I won't honour intellectually dishonest people like you by showing other secular and tolerant side of India as your brains are conditioned not to accept anything good about others. But India marches on.
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Jun 02, 2010 03:14am
@Rakesh... did you forget Timothy Mcveigh.. the Oklahoma bomber? that happened in USA Mr. whatever...google it if you have trouble in memory recall :)
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Jun 02, 2010 03:24am
Minorities in India are treated much better than in most muslim countries. IN a country of 1.1 billion people how many people have been targeted or killed since india's independence in 1947 ? Count them. Nothing is perfect in this world. How can u be blind to the fact that India had non hindus as Prime Ministers, Presidents , Vice Presidents, Governors, Judges and Chief Minister etc. Bollywood's top actors are muslims. There is reservations for jobs/education institutes etc for minorities. Govt is doing everything it can. Equality is enshrined in the constitution of the country. If you can not preach equality in the muslims countries don't try to put down those who are trying to treat everyone as equal just by highlighting just the negative side.
If you think muslims don't need to be told by an indian than you also shouldn't be telling them what not to do. You are no one to tell others wether or not they qualify to comment.
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Jun 02, 2010 03:30am
You can not equate Micheal with all the Americans, like wise you can not equate terrorists with Muslims.
Whether you are liberal or extremist Muslim, you are not allowed to take law in your hands. Like all the other thousands of terrorist incidents in world(no transparent inquiry of the 911 to this date), a fair and transparent inquiry of the ahmadi incident is required.Then i think all the westerners can comment what so ever on Muslims, but a transparent inquiry first.
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Jun 02, 2010 03:49am
Can you please enlighten me, why can't the Muslims build a mosque near 911 site?
So pretty much you putting the responsibility of 911 on all the Muslims or say Islam? are you?
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Jun 02, 2010 03:50am
"So while this white right-wing public rep cum radio host boosts of his diversity
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Jun 02, 2010 03:50am
Who told you that the Christians in the west ever speak of rights of the Muslim minority. We really have a slave mentality when it comes to the west.
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Jun 02, 2010 03:54am
Totally agree, but the problem is humans in the position of power almost always loose the reality and can not see the suffering of other being trampled under their greed for money and power and world domination. We have a second coming of the Roman Empire especially after the collapse of USSR. Muslims will have to ride it out as long as the US lasts.
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Jun 02, 2010 04:00am
Just listen to your excuses for the treatment of minorities in India where many times more minorities have been massacred in the last 60 years. Are you saying constitution allows killing of minorities in Muslim countries. And MR Samayak is justifying killing 2000 Muslims in Gujrat because 60 Hindus were Allegedly burned in a train by A Muslim mob. Did he know that it was declared by Indian experts later that the fire actually started inside the train and may not have been started by the mob outside. But I guess this news was a small one buried in the back pages in India.
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Jun 02, 2010 04:32am
This article has surely back-fired.
Forget right wing commentators, ask any normal person, will anybody think it fit to build a mosque at ground zero of 9/11 ?!.
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Jun 02, 2010 04:49am
India has a secular constitution.
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Jun 02, 2010 05:06am
AK, I suppose you have missed the point here. Writer is drawing analogy between conservatives from here and on the other side of the fence.
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Jun 02, 2010 05:17am
The writer of this article has made a delicate analogy between the conservatives in US and Pakistan. There is a clash of civilization taking place in this world right now between the conservatives like Michael Berry (Amir Liaqat, Hamid Mir at. al. in Pakistan) and sane individuals from Public like Tony.
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Jun 02, 2010 05:18am
Actually you can do and say anything you want in your own countries according to the laws and customs. Don't worry about what people say in America or Britain or other non-Muslim countries about Muslims as they are free to do so. Appeal to 1.5 billion Muslims is as powerful (or powerless) as a Christian's appeal to the 2.5 billion Christians, Means nothing but proves only divisve along religious lines.
Religion ought to be private and personal as it is your rerlationship to God, nothing more snd nothing less. But when you make it public and in-your-face, my-religion-is-better-than-yours, monotheism-is superior-to-oyltheism, my god is the only true god, that kind of thing . . . . . If this happens and you get linked as a group to something terrible (jihad, terrorism, violence), then don't complain so much. It doesn't matter if the majority of your group are peace-loving and your "holy" book preaches only goodness and mercy and justice. Life is not fair but human beings tend to generalize - one of the cognitive flaws we imperfect human beings share.
Muslims have been connected to jihadi viplence in the U.S. (9/11), U.K. (7/7) as well as Spain, Bali, India (Mumbai, Pune most recently), Denmark (cartoons), Netherlands (murder of a famous but controversial politician), and countless other worldwide occurrences. If Berry and others rail against Muslims in the U.S., the only thing you can do is to put out a fatwas on him and try to silence him or wait until some crazy acts on Berry's injunction then sic the police on him. Remember, the rule of law is well defined and you'll need solid scientific evidence. Or, better still, try to work on your societies and people to give up the easy radicalism and get assimilated in the more-or-less peaceful world community. Ponder: Why is it only Muslims getting so easily radicalized? Please be sensitive to other people's beliefs if they conflict with yours - most major world religions have been around much longer than Islam and they love their religions as deeply as you do yours.
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Jun 07, 2010 11:45am
Muslims are suffering from a god delusion.
Islam effects and decides every aspect of a Muslims life.
It decides what he should eat,drink, dress.
It decides relations between men and women, and relations of Muslims and non-Muslims.
The idea of the day of judgement and the life thereafter is all important.
There is little consideration of the "other"- ie the infidels, kaffirs even when Muslims live in their countries.
Most minorities have fled from Muslim countries. The Muslims who are convinced of their own virtues and the vices of the others should return home.
The prophet said so. He asked Muslims to live in darul Islam.
The world would be a peaceful world if this happened.
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Jun 09, 2010 02:58pm
There were some muslims too among the victims of 9/11, one of my neighbours nephew in lahore was in that building that day and like him there were other muslims who got killed. Unfortunately noone highlights the atrocities going on in india against dalits, muslims etc because right now muslim bashing is the favourite topic. Its a minority of extremists doing all this mayhem same as few hindu and other extremist right wing groups but atleast what they do is within the bounderies of their own country to their own citizens unlike this alqaeeda /talibans who are operating on international level.
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Jun 09, 2010 05:38pm
Many of the relatives of those killed on 9/11 are once again very upset and in pain caused by the plans to build a mosque near the site of 9/11. Actually, their pain is probably just heightened a bit, because I imagine pain is always there among those who lost loved ones on 9/11. They are victims too.
It just seems insensitive to want to build a Mosque near the 9/11 site.
Yes. Insenstive would be the word.
I agree that Mr. Berry should contain himself. His comments were far too strong. in my opinion.
The media, whether news or talk, needs to leave their biases at home. They also need to tell their public the truth and not their own personal ideology.
Those who intend to build the mosque near the 9/11 site, are Americans and they do have a right to fill out the correct forms and then go ahead and build their Mosque. As a fellow American, I do recognize that. We are after all, a Nation of Laws.
I wish them well.
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Jun 09, 2010 01:56pm
Do these special rights that you talk about, given to you by the almighty, include the right to commit violence? My knowledge of islam is limited, but even I can assume that violence is not permissible in your faith.
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Jun 09, 2010 04:09pm
It is these mullahs and so called Hafiz-e-islam who create the hatred between Muslims and other groups. they leave their country of origin and come to USA to practice their hate religion and entice their few followers back home to accomplish what they are so unable to.
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Jun 09, 2010 06:00pm
I agree with brave .. Free-will needs to be practiceD !
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Jun 10, 2010 07:32am
The world would have been a very peaceful place if America didnt try to spread their so called democracy. Veitnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Afghanistan again, Pakistan.......Why could they just not fiddle around!!! They are not satisfied yet so Iran enters their list. The list has all the muslim countries(except vietman). Why does it not include Israel?? Because Israel has problems against the Muslims. So it does conclude the America is the one who has double standards.
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Jun 09, 2010 10:11pm
Musims say, their religion is peaceful. Then why a democratic country, where majority rules have enacted laws against minorities,? Is it bcz most of them bigots?
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Jun 10, 2010 02:29am
Babar bhai its not a clash of civilizations, but more of a clash of ideologies. This can only stop when we realize that we are all equals and stop inticing hate against one another.
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Jun 10, 2010 10:35am
I don't know whose idea it was to build a mosque at the place of 9/11, don't the people dislike us Muslims to max already? why fuel it more?
I say if they are building a mosque, they should build a church as well !!! This is the equality of religions.
As for us Muslims,
I think we must ignore cause unfortunately, some people have gone too far with the propaganda war and their research is limited, they are weak and they have allowed a third person (aka mullahs) to come between them and their scripture, no one can seek the light unless he himself study the book and find it on his own.
Everyone must understand that just being a 'Muslim' is not a passport to heaven. I have read the following reference again and again, and to the 'sahib-e-aqal', it's an open verdict from Allah,
1. Surah Baqra Verse 62
"Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve"
that should sum it up, molvis must close their shops and stop mis-interpreting the book, and try to save themselves from the punishments.
Peace for humanity.
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Jun 12, 2010 12:19am
I find it disturbing that this article attempts to draw a parallel between the conversation about mosques in the United States and the Ahmadiyya's places of worship that were attacked.
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Jun 12, 2010 02:37pm
Correct. Right said Fred.
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Jun 13, 2010 01:37am
Its not America, its we who are after Islam and pakistan . . .
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Jun 13, 2010 01:42am
victor if you understand the basic theme of the article, it is addressing the same issue. It means the followers of Micheal Berry were inciting intolerance.
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Jun 13, 2010 08:57am
Mullahs are out there to destroy Muslims and Islam but why?
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