There are times one wonders what exactly people are thinking. Or rather, not thinking when it comes to how they are perceived by others.
Christians have something of a dual perspective on such things. While one one hand they know it doesn’t matter what the world thinks of them individually or collectively in terms of their standing where it counts, namely in the eyes of God, they also know the important nature of conducting themselves in a manner that displays the true nature of their fellowship with Christ. In other words, being a witness. With this perspective, seeing how people react to different scenarios takes on a whole new perspective.
A brutal example of this came last week with the murderous attack at Fort Hood. Even the most cursory examination of Nidal Malik Hasan reveals a radical Muslim devoted to jihad, never challenged on this due to political correctness translating into weakness on the part of those who long ago should have removed him from any association with the military. Yet what do we see in response to the overwhelming evidence? A media desperately fishing for any other explanation covering his actions while either downplaying or refusing to mention Hasan’s religion. The Muslim community issuing mealymouthed “condemnations” of Hasan immediately overrun by the usual schoolyard cries of ‘they’ started it, don’t pick on us poor oppressed peace lovers, etc. When it says anything at all. Finally, a President who rearranges his schedule to attend a memorial service at Fort Hood this Wednesday, yet outside of one generic such-a-shame statement complete with a “let’s not rush to judgment” admonition has done nothing to comfort the wounded and grieving.
Way to cover yourselves in glory, gang.
Just once I’d like to see the media drop the narrative and call evil evil. Even if it means criticizing Muslims.
Just once I’d like to see a Muslim leader go off without qualifiers on the Nidal Hasans of this world in the same manner anti-abortion leaders earlier this year went off on Scott Roeder when he murdered abortionist Dr. George Tiller earlier this year, then went off again when some cretins attempted to sell items on eBay for the purpose of raising money with which to defend Roeder. Absolutely go off.
And I’d like to see President Obama get out from behind his teleprompters and spend time comforting hurting people more than once. Instead of acting like an elitist who can’t be bothered.
Missed opportunity. Again.
P.S. Speaking of such… and remember when watching the video it was the ’80s:
[video http://www.diecast-dude.com/gac/hall_and_oates_missed_opportunity.flv nolink]
FWIW, a lot of Muslim leaders around the U.S. *have* publicly denounced Hasan and those who think like him. Not enough of them, mind you, but some. And now that he’s apparently been linked to the same N.Y. mosque that welcomed a pro-terrorist imam in 2001, more will hopefully step up to the plate.