Consider the context of Charlie Hebdo attack
We must not only condemn the Paris murderers but also consider the context. Given that the assassins shouted “Allah” and proclaimed that “The prophet is now avenged”, it is clear that while terrorism was the method, extremist Islam was the motivation.
Democratic peoples now need to ask this question: “How widespread is Muslim support for such extremist action?” Let’s hope it’s limited, that there’s widespread denunciation by leaders of the 57 countries in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and strong denunciation by Muslim leaders in democracies.
Unfortunately, I’m not very optimistic. In almost all of the 57 OIC countries, freedom of religion and the press are severely curtailed or non-existent. Twenty-three make apostasy a crime, mainly with a death penalty. Most of the other 34 don’t tolerate religious freedom.
Also, recent European data are startling. 35 per cent of all Muslims in France believe suicide bombings are justified. 38.6 per cent of Muslims believe 9/11 attacks were justified. One-third of British Muslims support killing for Islam. 78 per cent of British Muslims support punishing the publishers of Muhammad cartoons. 68 per cent of British Muslims support the arrest and prosecution of anyone who insults Islam (source: TheReligionOfPeace.com/pages/opinion-polls.htm).
Are we dealing with a tiny, deviant minority?
–John H. Redekop
Thanks for making life a little bit easier
I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful folks in the West End who have been so very kind to me, while busking on Robson and Davie Streets.
In particular a rave to the liquor stores on Davie and Cardero, as well as the one on Robson and Bidwell. The staff and management are kind and considerate.
Busking supplements my disability pension and your support just makes my life so much easier.
–Cathy with the white cane
Spirit of the West
My husband and I went for a hike in Pacific Spirit Regional Park for the very first time and can’t believe what a gem we’ve discovered (or that it took us this long!).
Not only was there a charging station for our electric car off 16th Avenue (which did its thing as we walked down to Spanish Banks and back), but the ensuing route was like traveling through three or four different ecosystems in one.
The Spanish trail yielded the gem of the day – a quiet footbridge over an unblemished bog.
And I just wanted to thank my fellow Vancouverites for keeping it green (save the occasional bag of dog poop) for us first-timers to enjoy.
–Weekend Warrior
