That's an interpretation of religious teaching, and by a governmental entity no less. Your remark blithely tars the entire religion. Shouldn't you be a bit more careful?
 

Hence the "guys"—i.e., the members of the "court" who issued that ruling. Not meant to be directed at all Muslims.
 

By the way—not sure if you can call that court a "governmental entity," with the Western implications the phrase has. If you can't separate the government from the, um, mosque, then government identities are also religious ones, no?
 

And finally...you seem to be more concerned with me overreaching than with the fact that, in Iran, it's legal to kill a man and a woman for walking together in public. Do you live in Cambridge, by chance?
 

Anon 11:37 -- when an Islamic court somewhere demonstrates a modicum of compassion, shows mercy for the victim instead of the victimizer, sides with the downtrodden instead of the oppressor, or even offers anything less than the harshest punishment for someone who has actually violated a tenant of the religion, then you might have a point. Until then, I think Richard's statement understates the issue.
 

What's living in Cambridge got to do with anything? I can see the point you're trying to make Richard, but reinforcing stereotypes doesn't really help your argument Richard.
 

Okay...but is it true?
 

I think Muslims need to stop being offended when people insult the religion of fanatics like these Iranian judges. It evidently isn't the same one. Theirs sucks.
 

Doesn't matter if it's true or not Richard, you're reinforcing stereotypes, much as you're contributing to one with your sweeping generalization about Islam.
 

I think 11:37 is an 02138 person, don't you?
 

I am just a little bemused by the suggestion that it is I who am contributing to stereotypes...as opposed to the Iranian judges who think it's okay to kill people for holding hands.
 

Besides, even if it is a stereotype, how is it wrong? Certainly, there are compassionate Muslims appalled by this. But like I wrote above, where is the Islamic court that is an instrument of compassion?
 

Excellent point you've reiterated. Until Muslim communities produce leaders who openly condemn this sort of thing (with conviction, not after they are forced to do so, usually in the course of arguing for Palestinian independence) they will never be allowed at the adult table, nor should they. Why is that many folks (sooo many in Cambridge, wish it wasn't such an accurate stereotype) are lightening quick to come down hard on our own domestic fundamentalists like the Mormons (no doubt odd and occasionally disturbing, but never violent) but reel from comments like the one Richard made. I, for one, am happy to see Rich ignore the culture police on this one. Telling that the Christian analogy often drawn by those same folks is around the crusades, something that happened hundreds of years ago. This happened yesterday...terrifying.
 

And if anyone comes back calling either gulf war (no matter how wrong for other reasons) another crusade, I will retch through the computer and onto your lap.
 

Didn't Bush cal GW II and its lead-up a crusade ("This crusade, this war on terrorism.")? Go retch on his lap.
 

Look, if the Iranian judges had a blog, I'm sure we'd be taking them to task. But you're the only one here to admonish!
 

I knew it, out of 02138 comes the word police (you rotten lot are on a roll lately, cannot deny it). You should really get your story straight though, either we're in it for oil or we're in it to reclaim the holy land. Maybe you're right, who are WE to criticize? Congratulations, you came to the defense of the helpless Iranian Supreme Court. It's like the Selma march all over again right here on this blog!

No, some things are indefensible...if only they were always this clear.
 

I am just a little bemused by the suggestion that it is I who am contributing to stereotypes...as opposed to the Iranian judges who think it's okay to kill people for holding hands.

To use a line you tend to favor, it seems that your critic is "calling it like he sees it," less interested in the content of your post than the context of it.
 

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