As The World Burns
Monday, October 18, 2010 at 1:03PM Brad Benson is the owner of a Hyundai car dealership in South Brunswick, NJ. In 2003, he offered Saddam Hussein a brand spanking new car if he would flee Iraq. That advertising campaign wasn’t successful and he pulled the ad after it ran only two days, replacing it with an apology for any offense that may have been taken by anyone, Muslim or otherwise.
To give you a little background, in the 1980’s, Benson established himself as an offensive lineman for the NY Giants, having played there for 12 seasons. Today, he is better known around the state for running his “Idiot Award” ads, where he’s singled out celebrities like Roger Clemens, Mel Gibson and Lindsay Lohan.
“We don’t have your typical car commercial,” he said, and to be frank, they have been quite effective. Three years ago, he was selling about 60 cars each month. Today, in spite of the present economy, that number has grown to over 500 cars per month.
The following story caught my attention for several reasons. I’m originally from NJ, having spent the first half of my life there, so I have a special connection with the state. Since 1981, I’ve lived in Florida, and this year, I had the opportunity to attend two University of Florida Gator football games thanks to the generosity and hospitality of a wonderful lady. She was born and raised in Gainesville, where the spectacle of pastor Terry Jones was met with great consternation. Jones, if you recall, had threatened to burn thousands of Qurans, the Muslim holy book, on September 11, in protest over plans to build a mosque and Islamic center two blocks away from Ground Zero, in lower Manhattan. Jones was never a fixture in Gainesville, and his self-titled “International Burn a Koran Day” became a conflagration of horrible proportion. He’s a total embarrassment to the sensible inhabitants of the respectable university town, where common sense prevails over opportunistic sensationalism and overzealous preachers of literal biblical translations.
Enter Brad Benson. In the midst of the international debacle, he offered Terry Jones a new car if he promised to not burn one single Quran. Of course, September 11 came and went and no books were burned, but that was more than likely due to President Barack Obama’s very public urging, along with a phone call from Defense Secretary Robert Gates and a statement by Gen. David Petraeus, head of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, who said that carrying out the plan would endanger American troops.
“I just didn’t think that was a good thing for our country right now,” Benson said about the Quran burning. Levelheadedness won out and the residents of Gainesville were able to breathe sighs of relief. Jones has since indicated that he will move away from the area, along with his flock from the Dove World Outreach Center. Hallelujah!
Meanwhile, a representative for Jones called Brad Benson’s car dealership to collect the 2011 Hyundai Accent, which retails for $14,200. At first, the dealer thought it was a hoax. “They said unless I was doing false advertising, they would like to arrange to pick up the car,” so he asked for a copy of Jones’s driver’s license. The reverend complied.
Of course, Jones told the Associated Press last Thursday that the offer of a car was not the reason why he chose not to burn the Muslim holy books. He said he hadn’t learned about the deal until after September 11.
Prior to making the determination, Benson asked his radio audience to help him decide whether to honor his promise. Over 2,600 people responded and the vast majority said he needed to keep his word. Views ran the gamut. One person suggested painting the car with verses from the Quran, the Talmud and the King James version of the Bible.
After the feedback, he said he decided to give Jones the car outright because he didn’t want to be connected to anything the pastor decides to do with it. “I don’t want to be involved in the politics of that.”
In the end, Terry Jones said he was not going to profit from the car. “We’re not keeping the car for ourselves.” Instead, he said he plans to donate it to an organization that helps abused Muslim women. Good luck finding one. Although the effort looks good on paper and in the media, it shows how out of touch the preacher is with the world and sharia, where many interpretations of Islamic law “are used to justify cruel punishments such as amputation and stoning as well as unequal treatment of women in inheritance, dress, and independence.”¹
If Jones can’t find an organization, perhaps he can establish one for abused Muslim women. If he does, let’s just pray that no one comes along and burns it to the ground with women, children and Qurans inside. By Muslims. How sad and ironic that would be.
Story collected from AP wire service
Dave Knechel | tagged Brad Benson, Dove World Outreach Center, Gainesville, Gators, Ground Zero, Koran, NY Giants, Quran, Religion, Saddam Hussein, Sharia, Terry Jones | in Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Human Interest, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Social/Political, World Trade Center, marinadedave, uNIVERSITY OF fLORIDA | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (55)
Dave, interesting story. I am glad that Mr. Benson honored his word about giving the car to Terry Jones. I don't believe that Mr. Jones has any intention of giving that car away. I think he is someone who likes his 15 minutes of fame. I feel as long as Mr. Benson doesn't offend anyone, then let him run what ads he think will be effective in selling cars. I am glad that you have been able to go to two of the Gators games and enjoy yourself. Thanks for giving us another great post!
Hi, Mary Jo - Had Benson not honored his promise, he would have lost all credibility, and that's something car dealers, in particular, must worry about. As for Jones, one of the reasons why I posted this was to alert people. Let's follow him and see if he sticks by his end of the bargain by giving the car away.
I'm very happy I had the opportunity to go to 2 games. Unfortunately, the Gators are not having a good year, but they are a young team. Nika1 is very generous, and for that I am extremely thankful.
I'm glad you liked the post. Thank you.
You are welcome, Dave. He would have lost all credibility had he not given the car to him. Please keep following Mr. Jones to see if he sticks to his end of the bargain and let us know.
I plan on following the story because I want to keep him honest, but most of all, I'd like him to find a Muslim abuse center for women somewhere in the world. If anyone has any ideas, I'd be very happy to pass them on to him, too.
Hi Dave my mailbox in my e mail is sudenlly full of posts from you.Is this something to do with you updateing sites.?
Throw them away, ecossie possie. I am republishing old posts, but I had no idea it would do that. I will publish them one at a time and over a long period. That way, your mailbox won't be inundated. Thanks for letting me know that. Sorry.
Dave,
I am sure I am not the only one that checks my email constantly....daily.....hourly......to see if you have posted anything.....yet!!! It is interesting that ANYTHING you decide to write about is, of course, interesting! Like ecossie possie I too have a bunch of posts from you in my mailbox......have you been hiding out somewhere enjoying our wonderful weather lately??
I am sure that Jones will find another "cause" to get his mug pasted on the front pages and screens. I found it very interesting to check out his ebay site and all the furniture he deals in. Maybe he could start selling some new "duds" for all those muslim women shown wearing those "fabric jail cells".
Am now off to see what else my mailbox holds of interest.....
P.S. as always, thanks for your interesting post......did not know about Brad Benson but am glad he kept his word.
Hi Dave,
I just received 16 emails in a row from your wordpress for new posts. Are these all legit?
I am afraid to click on them, and they do not show up here.
I hope all is well with you.
Sorry about the loss Sat. but you are right we are young and half the team is hurt. Maybe with this week off we can heal and get it together. Otherwise I hope you had a good time. I will return to Gainesville by going by Jax for the Fl-Ga game or as we call it the WLOCP. Now that is a term for you to look up Dave.
I do hope that lunitic moves out of Gainesville and fast. He had no intentions of giving up that car. His excuse will be he can't find a center for abused Muslems. If he starts one please don't let it be in Gainesville. We have had enough of him and his following. He has stated numerous times the people of Gainesville do not like him and he is so right. He is looking into the St. Pete area for the new Dove Center. I will gladly help him pack up and leave but I really don't wish him on anybody.
Sorry Dave - I forgot to login
Carole - What's happening is I am reposting old articles on WordPress that I had taken down. I was unaware that by republishing them, all of the subscribers would be sent e-mails. I hope this isn't inconvenient for anyone, and I will either turn it off or post them one or two at a time. In any event, it may be a way to introduce old posts to an audience that hasn't read them before. If you do read them, you will notice how my writing style has improved over time.
I didn't know Jones has an ebay site. Interesting. Good idea. He can add burkas to his list of sale items. When I read about Benson, I had to follow up on it.
Yes, OldCarGal, they are legit. Read the comments I wrote to ecossie possie and Carole. I wasn't aware that would happen. Sorry.
All is well with me, thank you. I hope you are doing fine, too.
It's too bad, Nika1, but we had a great time. Your nephew wasn't there. Instead, there were college girls. Imagine that! Remember, Stewart had never been to a college game before Saturday. He did notice it's a whole different feel from the NFL. Believe me, I cannot thank you enough for those tickets. It was a great time.
Fortunately, the Gators will have a week off to prepare for the big game in Jax. That's a CBS 3:30 kickoff time and it gives you 2 weeks to prepare yourself for the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party! I will be watching it from home. I might splurge and buy a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke or Pepsi, but know that I will most definitely be watching and cheering right along with you.
As for Rev. Jones, he should really move it to a secluded town somewhere, and away from the general population because it will bring a stigma wherever it goes. Certainly, the people of Gainesville have spoken.
Hey! I hope you're having a great time where you are. I took a lot of pictures this time, but we lost track of the time and Stew didn't get to see the Gator Walk. I'll post them soon. Again, thank you very, very much.
Dave,
Jones sells furniture on ebay and his store is named "tsandcompany", a "Christian company". He has nothing sellling now but he has sold a bunch of items. I read somewhere during the time of his "15 minutes of fame" that the children in his church school had to help pack and ship the items he sold. Sounds like cheap labor to me......I also read that his title of "Doctor" of religion is from an unacredited (?) school somewhere and while he lived in Germany in 2002, he was convicted by a Cologne administrative court of falsely using the title "doctor" and was fined, according to German media reports.
His daughter still lives in Germany and she has accused him of "financial abuses".
Sounds like a nice good Christian man.......ya think!??!
Ya think? EGADS! Odds bodkins! Yes, something seems out of kilter, Carole, but look at it from the bright side. Child labor is better than some preachers being sexual predators. They seem to be everywhere these days. ot that I'm condoning him in any way. Personally, I think he's a nut. Doctor, hrumph.
No problem Dave I thought youd turned into a London Bus none turn up for ages .An then a whole bunch arrive at the same time,Infact Im enjoying reading them over again..By the way Misty Croslins sentaceing in her other case has been put back untill Jan 10 2o11.I think this is to keep her out of the state prison system for as long as possable,So L E can have plenty accsess to her an try to get the real truth of events surounding Halaighs disapearance/ death....
I may have inadvertently created a monster by republishing old posts, ecossie possie. Some of them go back quite a ways. I'm glad you are enjoying them.
Misty will be long forgotten by the time she gets out of prison. Fat, ugly, old, and forgotten. Not like that cute young thing when the story of Haleigh first made headlines. If there's any justice, it is that the whole clan will rot behind bars.
Brad Benson sure knows how to increase his business. That was cheap advertising considering the mark up on vehiches. It just cost him the wholesale price.
It looks like just about anyone can be a preacher these days. They seem to seek out the weak and once they get hooked, they can't seem to break free. They don't take an oath of poverty anymore and alot of these preachers are in it to make the big bucks. I doubt if Jones will part with that new car to help the Muslim women. Someone should put Jones on a raft and set him adrift. He should have a whale of a time. Just as long as he doesn't come anywhere near Nova Scotia.
Dave, I am glad you and Stew had a great time at the Gator game. Thanks for writing this post. I seem to learn something new most every day.
Nika1...thank you for being so kind to our favorite blogger!!
I know this is off topic but I was reading in the Sentinel that JAC is more than just a little upset with the costs associated with Casey's new lawyer. I am trying to figure out why she wants airline tickets paid for from Jax to Orlando. By the time she gets to Jax (two hours) and then flies to Orlando she could just drive from Ocala in a little over 1 hour and be at her hotel before ever leaving Jax.
It sure does seem like anyone can be a preacher today, Snoopy, and the few that are bad are ruining the reputations of those that are good. I look at my grandfather, who's been gone since 1998, and wonder what he would think of all this. Yes, times have changed.
Stew and I did have a great time. Because I've spent more time in Gainesville lately, including writing about events there, I felt this story was a natural evolvement. Thanks.
I think I'm going to write about this, Nika1. When I studied the motion Finnell filed and then wrote a post about it, I had some questions, particularly about this $4,000 travel expense request. I can understand the JACs balking.
Thank Nika1 for bringing that to our attention. I honestly do not think Judge Perry or the JAC will give Finnell what she is asking for. They have already paid for quite a few hours racked up by Jeanine Barrett. My question before was, how many attornies, specialist etc can an indigent defendant have?
If I hear someone say that Casey has the right to a fair trial, I already know that, I will scream. The sky is not the limit where the JAC are concerned. Casey now has two death penalty lawyers on the defense team. I hope Judge Perry comes down hard on the defense and Finnell.
Moderation strongly suggested, Dave.
I am going to assume that you didn't intend to open a whole can of worms with your mention of Shari'a law, there, Dave, so I'll be leave my can opener to the task of sitting idle in the kitchen drawer, though I might chisel away at it with my fingernail, for a bit.
I am certain that someone, somewhere, has issued a nice big fat Fatwa against Jones and his known supporters, much as has been done, most recently, to former cartoonist Molly Norris of the Seattle Weekly and by none other than our very own home grown, Anwar al-Awlaki.
Ms. Norris, with government assistance limited to helping her pack and issuing her new ID, was forced to not only get out of town, but assume a whole new identity, in the wake of her Facebook "Draw Mohammed Day", which isn't near the infarction that burning the Holy Book of Islam would be.
I also find it somewhat interesting that even as Ms. Norris did in attempting to make amends with a representative from CAIR, to no avail mind you, Mr. Jones seems to be scrambling to make amends in offering the car to a center for abused Muslim women. Throughout these United States many a Muslim woman can be found utilizing the services of Women in Distress; but of course there are shelters exclusively for Muslim women, as in New York, Tulsa, and Chicago, though I don't know of any in the State of Florida.
What Mr. Jones does with the car is of little concern to me. What does concern me is that this is yet another instance of countless instances in which one's Constitutional right to speak freely and express oneself without causing harm to any, was quashed and by no less than direct intimidation and threat of a great deal of harm. In this respect, to me, our Constitution was tested, and it failed, and those who would use this as an impetus to further chip away at the freedoms we have long since enjoyed, made great headway. And I find that to be far more troubling than the idiocy of Rev. Jones.
I find it as troubling as Shair'a law itself is, which is gaining a foothold across this nation.
Skat - I wrote a letter to the Sentinel in March of 2006.
Religion of peace?
The (then) Orlando director of CAIR responded with his letter, which was precisely what I was hoping for.
Making peace elusive
I wanted to open a dialog and I succeeded. We continued through private phone calls. I found him to be quite nice.
I don't think sharia law will ever gain any substantial place in American society. We have come too far, and political correctness will never trump personal freedoms. Your thoughts on this matter are well taken. I respect that tremendously.
Dave,
Far be it for me to consider myself a scholar of theology, but, if the Muslim teachings brought "peace to violence-torn areas and prescribed women's political rights 1,400 years ago", then what in the world has happened? I hear no outcry from muslims living in this country. On the night of 9-11 there were people dancing and singing in the streets of St. Lous, celebrating the killing of "infidels". The woman can be stoned to death for being in the company of a man that is not her husband, she can not drive a car, nor can she be seen in public without being covered from head to foot.......
I think I will stop now as I have opened my mouth too much already.......it is just that I don't "buy" their "religion of peace" stuff.......
Ah! Most excellant querry, Dave! So you are familiar with Rushdie and the Satanic Verses! Few are. Fewer are they who are aware of how diverse Islam is. In order to understand it, one must reach beyond the Koran and become familiar with Bakhari and his near 3,000 Hadith, in which is contained the thought processes of Mohammed. The Koran, in and of itself, is not sufficient for understanding all that drives Islam. Are you familiar with Bakhari? The Sunnah?
I have dabbled in Islam for a good long while now. What I'm about to say comes from no book, but from my Muslim friends, one in particular, whose family hates that we're friends because to them I'm an infidel, and not worthy of anything short of slavery or death. Those Muslims who wouldn't change the world but live in peace with it are silent because they have much to fear, such as stonings and hangings and beheadings. No one speaks out against Islam. Not even their own, and those who dare to, there are a few, are counted. Honor killings are being carried out in this nation, in greater numbers than we know. I will say no more on that.
Islam does not mean peace. It means subjection, and in Islam there can be no peace until all who are submit to Islam. They, even the peace loving Muslims believe that, and how odd I find it as when left to their own devices they slaughter one another and so that there has not ever been peace in Islam.
Thanks, skat, for your informative comments. Isn't sharia law already practiced in our financial institutions? Naw, sharia law won't take a foothold in our nation. We best wake up! Our enemies live among us and are offering us trojan horses of peace.
Sorry, Dave, I forgot to log in but if I do that now, before submitting my comment-I will lose it. Another thing-once I submit a comment then I'm without a comment box for most of the day! I've even refreshed the page and I'm still without a comment box. I must be on a one comment a day limit, lol!
It's wearisome, Sherry, and I'd do well to say little else in this forum, not knowing how secure this site is, and giving due consideration to a certain group who are prone to exposing the personal information of any who post here. But for your general information, you might find the following link helpful.
http://www.shariahfinancewatch.org/blog/shariah-compliant-banks/
Please understand, I know and so deeply care about many a Muslim. It's not their faith that I would change, but the method of operation, of that faith and some of its tenets.
Having said that I leave you now with this comparative. We would all do well to become better informed.
CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS RIGHTS
US Constitution
Amendment 1 – Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.
Sharia Law
Non-Muslims are obliged to comply with Islamic rules that pertain to the safety and indemnity of life, reputation, and property. Non-Muslims are forbidden to openly display wine or pork, recite their scriptures, or make a public display of feast days or funerals. Non-Muslims are forbidden to build new churches. A non-Muslim may not enter a mosque without permission. The protection for non-Muslims is withdrawn if a non-Muslim commits adultery with a Muslim woman or marries her, leads a Muslim away from Islam, kills a Muslim, or says anything derogatory about Allah, the Prophet, or Islam. (o11.5 through o11.10)
US Constitution
Amendment 2 – The right of people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
Sharia Law
It is a condition that someone buying weapons be of a people who are not at war with Muslims. (k1.2(f))
Enormities (sins) include selling weapons to non-Muslims who will use them against us. (w52.1(192))
US Constitution
Amendment 3 – No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner prescribed by law.
Sharia Law
(Not covered.) However, the Pact of Omar (636 AD) imposed on Christians in Syria, “We shall keep our gates wide open for passersby and travelers. We shall give board and lodging to all Muslims who pass our way for three days.”
US Constitution
Amendments 4 – 8 – These amendments prohibit unreasonable searches, require due process according to the law, provide for confrontation of witnesses, impose jury trial on all matters involving over $20, and prohibit excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishments. Amendment 14 provides for equal protection of the laws for all citizens.
Sharia Law
No testimony may be made by people who have lowly jobs, such as a street sweeper or a bath house attendant, or non-Muslim. (o24.2-3)
Testimony regarding fornication or sodomy requires four male eye-witnesses to the act. (o24.9)
A woman’s testimony is worth only half that of a man. (o24.10)
(There is no provision for a jury trial under Sharia Law.)
Cruel and unusual Islamic punishments include 1) stoning for adultery (o12.2); 2) scourging 40 lashes with hands, shoes, ends of clothes, or a whip for drunkenness (o16.3); 3) severing the right hand for theft of over $36 and the left foot for a repeat offense (o14.1); and 4) death for apostasy from Islam. (o8.2)
Indemnity for accidentally killing a male Muslim is 100 camels or 4,235 grams of gold. (Current value: $144,000.) Indemnity for killing a woman is half that of a man, for killing a Jew or a Christian is one-third of the indemnity paid for a Muslim. The indemnity paid for a killing Zoroastrian is one-fifteenth of that of a Muslim. The indemnity for causing a miscarriage is one slave. (o4.9)
There is no indemnity for a killing a non-Muslim at war with Muslims, an apostate, or someone sentenced to death by stoning. (o14.17)
Jews and Christians are subject to a “poll tax” not less than 1 dinar (Current value: $144) per adult male per year. No maximum is stipulated. (o11.4) This is a penalty for remaining in their ancestral religion instead of embracing the “religion of truth.” (o9.8)
A husband may beat a “rebellious” wife for 1) not allowing immediate sexual intercourse when he asks for it, at home, and if she can physically endure it; 2) answering him coldly; or 3) being averse when she was previously kind. (m5.1 and m10.12) The only limitation is that he may not break her bones, wound her, or cause bleeding.
US Constitution
Amendment 13 Slavery and involuntary servitude are abolished.
Sharia Law
The section on Slavery (k32.0) is not translated into English. The provisions remain in Arabic. The editor of “The Reliance of the Traveler” claims that these provisions are no longer applicable, yet they remain in there in the text of Sharia Law. Elsewhere, the manual states, “Originally the status of slave was simply the outcome of having been taken as a prisoner of war. A captive who could not buy his own freedom by means of ransom remained in the possession of the captor until he had earned his freedom by work or until he was granted liberty by his master.” (w13.1)
US Constitution
Amendment 21 repealed “prohibition,” thereby allowing manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages.
Sharia Law
It is unlawful to sell grapes to someone who will make wine from them. (k4.9) “Allah cursed whoever drinks wine, gives it to others to drink, sells it, buys it, presses it for another, transports it, receives it, or eats its price.”
Enormities (sins) include drinking wine in any form or other intoxicant, even if only a drop as in medicine; pressing out the juice to make wine or other intoxicant; carrying it for purposes of drinking, or having it carried; serving it to others or having it served; selling it; buying it; having it bought or sold; consuming proceeds from selling it; or keeping wine or other intoxicant. (o16.6 and w52.1(350-361))
At your discretion, Dave, and then I must conclude this.
FYI:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFCNVkP4yNY
Last item. I promise.
The next time any one of you comes in contact with a Muslim who offers you a warm smile, a kind word, some small measure of service, embrace that person, and hold him or her close, for it is heavy responsibility that lone soul carries, in trying to be a beacon of peace and give a new face to Islam.
Skat,
Your postings are very interesting, especially the contrasting of the U.S. Constitution and Sharia Law. Having never heard nor read of the Muslim beliefs or teachings until 9-11 my knowledge base is quite slim to none. The things I have heard of on news and talk shows is alarming. I believe I need to get out of my comfort zone and do some reading on this subject.
Many thanks, skat, for all of the info! I had no idea that Islam was behind slavery to the degree that it was in history. Good advice, too, on treating Muslims with respect and decency.
That was excellent, Skat. Sorry, I've been rather busy today, but that was quite an education. For Muslims wising to live in a world of peace, along with their brethren of different faiths, it's a tough road ahead. It's become second nature to feel tense and defensive around anyone who admits to being a Muslm, and that's too bad. Thank you for enlightening us.
Hi Dave: I haven't been reading any blogs because I thought you were not going to post anymore. I thought for the heck of it, I would see if Snoopy had anything posted. I am glad to see I was wrong. This was another great post. I am surprised that I haven't read about the Rev Jones having to run away from Gainsville in the dark of night because of death threats. It seams anyone who says or does anything to tick off certain Muslims is risking the loss of life or limbs. I wouldn't even been bold enogh to offer the car for not burning the books. Skat: The comments above are quite alarming to say the least. I can't imagine a people that would follow such "laws". I have never understood the lack of feeling and respect some of the Muslim men have for women. As a sometimes, outspoken Christian female I would be in big time trouble in their world.
Well, there you are, Carol - WI! I've been around. I moved my blog to another host because of the freedom I have. Nothing against WordPress, but this one is better.
That preacher in Gainesville is a nut. I don't think he was afraid of Muslim retaliation, but I do believe it would have come. And like all terrorists, whoever attacked him wouldn't have cared about the innocent victims that were in the path. That's why he was so wrong. This would have impacted millions of Americans at home and abroad and it would have accomplished nothing, other than knowing his name. We know it now. In my opinion, everyone has a right to their religion and holy book. Not all Muslims are violent, but the onus sticks with them. There's no need to antagonize anyone and that's all he would have done.
I believe men and women are equals at every level. If my heart fails, a female transplant would work just fine. Inequality stems from prejudice. There is no room for that in life.
Thanks for dropping by. Now that you know where I am, please do it more often.
Oh my, America she is a grand lady.
Free cars, religions of every type ,color and smell, and bloggers. Probably not exactly what our forefathers imagined yet I think they would be proud that we excist, live and let live to the best of our limited mind sets.
To all a very warm day.
Hi, cali patti - Yup, land of the free, home of the brave. Plus a few stupid ones thrown in for good measure, like overzealous preachers.
To you a very warm day, too.
I don't know if Terry Jones did what he did for celebrity or attention, but as an American, I will say, I have no problem with anyone burning the koran. These people hate us, attack us every chance they get, our embassies are fair game to them, they treat their own people, mostly women like slaves. But guess what, we should follow them, they are loving, nope not to me. I get the point of your story, but I don't care about the car salesman. This story sparked anger in me, for damn good reason. Our troops die daily, and we have not stopped them yet, but no, we should not burn their book as they stand and burn our flag, and our buildings and people. As far as ground zero goes, to me, a no brainer, should NEVER be a mosque there. My opinion
Just as Islam is (somewhat) "younger" than Christianity by 600 years or so, perhaps it is going through a similar period of internal strife that occurred during the Reformation in Europe between Catholics and Protestants. In Europe there were even earlier schisms (better known as heresies by those that triumphed)- the same happened early on in Islam when Shia belief broke off from the original (what we would think of as Sunni Islam). Perhaps large human social structures, whether religious or otherwise, tend to follow certain patterns that could almost be described as "behavioral" in nature... I for one often see parallels in various groups.
Haven't read all the comments on this thread, but I sure hope Pastor Jones doesn't come to St. Pete...I have a feeling nothing good will come of his move to my area...Tampa has quite a large Muslim congregation and also a lot of radical Christians....Gainesville is a sleepy little town compared to the Tampa Bay area...The only Dove I expect to see here are morning doves and Dove soap....
Come on now Estee - We've had our turn and we are so willing to share. We like being sleepy!!
Nika1...see explaination on Open Forum....
Hi Dave,
I too had spent most of life in NJ(loved the people-hated the high property taxes). I lived close to Ft.Dix and McGuire AFB for about 30 years. I bought my Elantra from Brad Benson dealership in 1999, and I still drive the same car today. His dealership was one of the few that I had been happy with so I am glad that Mr. Benson honored his promise.
It is a shame that there are radicals in all walks of life, It is even more disturbing that many people will blame the actions of a few radicals on an entire group. We all need to educate ourselves more when it comes to other ethnic backgrounds, religions, and governments so that we can form educated opinions. The Quaran does not justify what the terrorists did on 9-11, just as the Bible does not justify the actions of radical so called Christians. The extremist will always try to twist the words of religious documents, as well as laws, to justify their means and then invoke "God" as the reason to advocate violence. We cannot let our thinking become radical too, otherwise we will be living in fear and hatred of everyone.
Hi Dave Thanks for the welcome back. I wonder if the radicals know they can't stop truth and opinions popping up in blogs? I have my opion, and someone else has theirs, but I am thankful I can read and comment about them on a blog like this. A few months ago we were able to veiw the riots in Iran, because bloggers were able to relay what was really happening there, to the rest of the world. I worry about those who wish to attack others for their views, their skin color or religion. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into these blogs. I really do think your's is one of the best out there. Keep typing.
Thanks
Carol-WI
Dave, I got home late last night from San Antonio and I have not had time to read all your new posts. It is good to be home. I was telling my friend in San Antonio about your blog, how with Judge Strickland stepping down because of the Defense motion and Judge Perry in his place she not only remembered the case but actually remembered Casey's name. She of course is not following it like us but she was very upset when th news came out about Caylee.
When is the next status hearing and or the next motion hearing? It will be good to get back to some kind of normal.
Sorry Dave for barging in on your new post with an off topic comment.
Dave, I know this is off topic of this post, but I think people will want to know this.
Casey Anthony To Attend First Hearing In Months
Dave: I am a bit confused. I found you again on word press. Can you get me the new site you are posting on? My e-mail is the same.
Thanks
The status hearing is on October 29th at 1:30 P.M. ET/12:30 P.M. Central time. Casey will be at that hearing.
Hello, Kimpossible - Sorry, I've been running errands today, so I haven't really been around the blog much.
I grew up in Ringoes and Flemington and my older brother went to basic training at Fort Dix. I remember driving down with my family on Sundays to see him. Hey Jude was the #1 song back then. Your mentioning it sure did bring back memories. You are still driving a 1999 Hyundai Elantra? That's a great testimonial for the Korean automaker. I've heard a lot of good things, so I will now add your so the list. When I am ready to buy a car, Hyundai is at the top of my list.
You know, everything you say is the truth and it makes perfect sense. Not that I'm trying to blame the Bible or distort it in any manner, but people will twist it to their way of thinking. When it's time to turn the other cheek, they refuse and cry an eye for an eye. Even in religious tomes, there's always a yin and a yang. Unfortunately, holy books were written, for the most part, by men, and, of course, interpreted by them, too. Throughout history, how many women started a war?
Thanks, that was a very good comment.