A Moslem Renaissance

During the night hours yesterday, I listened to an all-night program in which an economist was discussing the significance of the revolutionary tendencies in northern Africa.  I'm sorry, I don't remember his name! I disagreed with the point of view he expressed, however.  For him, it seemed the Moslems of these countries were taking to the streets and congregating in the plazas because they're out of work with little to occupy their minds; and they want JOBS!

I tended to agree with his analysis, as I understood it, about the United States' expanding its imperialism into this region--for reasons of strengthening the dollar and gaining greater US presence through the work of such organizations as the CIA.  It seems logical, after all!

But what he fails to grasp is the social and religious significance of this Moslem  Renaissance.  These people are expressing their tradition and heritage; and taking pride in themselves by so doing.  They may not understand all the nuances of a democratic regime; they do understand they are Moslems and Arabs!

For lo these many years, Moslems have had to live in the shadow of the European and American giants.  They have felt lost, discouraged, and truly downtrodden.  Their leaders have taken advantage of them, because they knew they were nothings to the West and their leaders were doing the bidding of the West.

But now they know: they are Moslems; and the Moslem faith is the fastest growing religion in the world!  Through this simple identity, they are amounting to be somebody.

Who can make fun of the Iranians for finally asserting their own independence after countless attempts by the West to control them?  I believe there is arising a solidarity, an identity between the Iranians and the Turks; and this bonding is spreading encouragement and enthusiasm among all Moslems in the Near East.  They don't have to be Westerners in order to be worth something.

I've listened to Levin and other radio talk hosts condemning the Moslem faith for this or that tenet.  What, in essence, they are contending is that if you aren't ready. as they judge it, to establish a democratic republic, you have no right to be in control of your own destiny.  More jingoistic hogwash!  Let Moslems be; and let them come to be!  This diatribe against the Moslem faith is rooted in a religious bias according to which only in Christianity is there a firm and true foundation for the state and its government.  Go to hell!  And by the way, read Paul Tillich's theology on your way there.