Comments by zappa
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Posted on April 28 at 12:50 p.m.
That's sort of my point: Islam is typically not too tolerant of breakaway movements or the idea of "reformation" of any kind.
Yes, those peaceful Sufis are often silent too and are, in fact, considered heretics by the Wahhabi and Salafist elements.
Am no apologist for extremism in any religious practice, past or present, but to ignore the present religion-based, often political and frequently belligerent worldview of one group in a sometimes over eager attempt to appear unbiased seems to be a less than a wise choice today.
Posted on April 28 at 12:04 p.m.
Those sound like fine deeds, but isn't your group considered to be apostates by the mainstream branches of Islam? That sort of adherence to sectarian orthodoxies (by those branches) would seem to be a significant part of the larger problem that many perceive.
Posted on April 28 at 8:04 a.m.
"You can't read to your kids if you can't speak the language, you can't see where they are failing if you can't understand the teachers at conference time. "
Quite frankly, I think reading to one's kids in Spanish (or whatever one's native language might be) would be preferable to not reading to them at all. I've had kids in local schools for years
(and still have one in HS) and have never observed any lack of Spanish language information, resources or bilingual staff.
I'm all for reaching out to (or "educating" if you will) parents, but there has to be an attendant willingness to receive the information and to act on it.
Posted on April 23 at 6:15 a.m.
Was taken to lunch at Chez Panisse by a friend some years ago. It was quite an experience. Was struck by Alice Waters' resemblance to Hillary Clinton in the accompanying photo. Actually thought it was HC at first glance although the hipper garb was a clue that it was not (as was the caption of course).
Posted on April 23 at 6:10 a.m.
Indeed, it may make sense on some level to subsidize what are perceived to be "needed" professions, doctors etc., while those who choose so-called "area studies," the humanities, fine arts and so on are required to find other means of financial support, but it's not going to happen nor should it. I do agree that the present loan/tuition structure is essentially a scam that will enrich the schools and banks while creating a burgeoning generation of well-educated paupers. Quite frankly, not everyone needs to go to college nor should everyone strive to do so. The idea has been greatly oversold as a societal leveler and gateway to wealth and happiness. Here too the European model of good trade schools and practical post HS education and training could serve as a model.
Posted on April 18 at 8:31 a.m.
"My dogs and I need clean air as well as vitamin D."
Kind of sums things regarding your mindset. Best of luck.
Posted on April 17 at 5:45 p.m.
Too much beef and butter?
Posted on April 16 at 1:10 p.m.
His need to reference her as "Baroness Thatcher" likely shows where his head is at, and it's clearly not on his shoulders.
Isn't "venture capitalist" another name for, ehh, never mind.
Posted on April 13 at 5:21 a.m.
Actually, Donelan's comment is an accurate one. The idea of a "unifying," or "universal" language, although one based on a limited linguistic (largely simplified romance language roots and grammar) rationale, had a quaint and noble appeal, it never took off. It was a product of its (19th century) times although it does seem to have outlasted similar efforts. Rest in peace, Volapük et al.
I have nothing against Esperanto or Esperantists, but like all invented languages, Esperanto remains largely in the domain of hobbyist-types much like "Klingon," for example. I am all for language learning and multi-lingualism in general, but it would seem to make far more sense to learn "real" languages that have evolved naturally and are (or even were, in the case of "dead" languages) used by people in the various facets of their (real?) lives.
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Posted on April 28 at 5:54 p.m.
Sorry, false equivalence fallacy there. Drunk driving is a serious issue, I agree, and many people tragically die as a result, but it has nothing to do with the issues discussed above. And, FWIW, I don't the think the issue being discussed above is really about "Muslim attacks" either, but, perhaps could be better described as the sort of violence that might often be inspired by religious dogma and practice when those things inspire beliefs that some take to dangerous extremes.
On Islam Nexus with Peace