tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29566846.post8497277078025886099..comments2023-11-05T01:45:58.784-07:00Comments on The Hesperado: Who speaks for us in the Anti-Islam Movement?Hesperadohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10394374828751466705noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29566846.post-6311129440565482532009-09-07T20:45:56.877-07:002009-09-07T20:45:56.877-07:00Yes, Erich, the dual roles are what I had in mind,...Yes, Erich, the dual roles are what I had in mind, too. And, yes, I was thinking of morphing the organization gradually from that "awareness" role into ever more activism in a decade or so.<br /><br />So I was building in my mind a really potent opposition, able to defend itself and to take the fight where it might need to go.<br /><br />The Republican Party? Turning the GOP into the political action arm of AIM conservatives was the idea.<br />There are many problems with trying to do this. I was thinking along the lines of how to convince the rank and file of the utter evil of Islam, and who better to do this effectively than a charismatic and intelligent soldier, legislator, and AIM member that has seen the dark side of Islam from up close, and has the support of the scholarly side of AIM? <br /><br />I am wishing this man into existence!<br /><br />I see your point also, that the more scholarly side of AIM needs its own leadership, and mechanisms for airing differences and <i>amplifying agreements</i> in a respectful manner. <br /><br />Thank you for your response!Mannninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06337757934347676250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29566846.post-27296755643511804682009-09-07T15:33:34.391-07:002009-09-07T15:33:34.391-07:00Mannning,
On your previous comment, I agree that ...Mannning,<br /><br />On your previous comment, I agree that supporting Republicans will help, but such a strategy has its limits -- chiefly because most Republicans and conservatives remain PC MC about Islam. The PC MC whitewash of Islam and of most Muslims is not merely the delusion of Leftists. Remember George "Islam is a great religion of peace, most Muslims are moms and pops like the rest of us" Bush. Or Donald "The vast majority of Muslims are moderates!" Rumsfeld. Only a tiny minority of political conservatives seem even close to getting it -- among whom are Tom Tancredo, James Woolsey (who isn't perfect but seems to be learning), quite possibly Dick Cheney, and a handful of others.<br /><br />On your second comment:<br /><br />"However, I do not look to scholars for leadership in a conflict. What I do look for are men who have the ability to inspire, to bring out the best in their followers, are intelligent and who have a strong sense of what must be done and how to go about it."<br /><br />I don't think it's an Either/Or issue: both types are needed, since with this issue, as with most complex sociopolitical issues, there are different aspects to be done, and therefore a division of labor is appropriate. Just as the scholar would probably be unfit in the role of leader (though not necessarily, cf. Churchill who was both), so too the leader type you are describing would be unfit for the more scholarly work.<br /><br />"I would look to proven leaders from the military that exhibit the necessary outlook on Islam and that have had (or are having) extensive experience in our legislatures after their military career is over. I do not believe that a Robert Spencer could measure up to most of these requirements."<br /><br />Well, you might be confusing two things here: there is a "movement" like the AIM would be whose main function would be to raise awareness and galvanize public opinion; then there is a more hands-on policy-making movement where the kinds of leaders you are describing are more appropriate. But with the latter, we already have the machinery in place (say, the Republican party in the USA, and rough equivalents in various other Western countries). Therefore, for the former type of movement, with its limited function and goal, I think a leader like Robert Spencer might be appropriate (though I don't think Robert Spencer himself is the best choice).<br /><br />"...the AIM community is devoted to educating us about the evils of Islam, etc. etc, and illuminating the byways of Islamic thought.<br /><br />This is a hugely valuable service, but it is decidedly not inspiring many people to action."<br /><br />That in my estimation may be not because that service itself is by its nature incapable of inspiring, but because so far the purveyors of the AIM are not performing that service as optimally as they could.<br /><br />On the other hand, if there would arise an individual who had just the right fit of charisma, intelligence and real experience with leadership (as you describe) to be able to rally people, it would of course be a tremendous boost. The trick, though, is that charisma and talent at spin are of enormous importance for the first surge of that boost in rousing more people of the general public beyond the still relatively small sphere of the AIM as it stands now. And a crucial part of that charisma and talent at spin would involve a way to package the AIM's message in appealing sound bytes that would deftly combine the delicate balancing act of being non-threatening to the PC MC baby bottle from which we are trying to wean the public away, while at the same time pushing the envelope toward our agenda. And, of course, that hypothetical leader would have to be actually <i>liked</i> by the majority of people for other reasons, including his general charisma.Hesperadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10394374828751466705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29566846.post-12743723247834454892009-09-07T07:05:06.563-07:002009-09-07T07:05:06.563-07:00I have great respect for learning and scholarship,...I have great respect for learning and scholarship, especially when it lights the way in this difficult world. However, I do not look to scholars for leadership in a conflict. What I do look for are men who have the ability to inspire, to bring out the best in their followers, are intelligent and who have a strong sense of what must be done and how to go about it. <br /><br />I would look to proven leaders from the military that exhibit the necessary outlook on Islam and that have had (or are having) extensive experience in our legislatures after their military career is over. I do not believe that a Robert Spencer could measure up to most of these requirements. <br /><br />My opinion is solidifying that much of what I read from the AIM community is devoted to educating us about the evils of Islam, etc. etc, and illuminating the byways of Islamic thought. <br /><br />This is a hugely valuable service, but it is decidedly not inspiring many people to action. Rather, it heightens the feeling of helpless rage in most readers, and there is no clear call to "mount your horse and ride out in defense of the nation." <br /><br />Perhaps this will come in time, and perhaps a true leader will emerge from our military and governance that has the gifts needed. Meanwhile, let Spencer, et al, educate us.Mannninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06337757934347676250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29566846.post-86189932376209451702009-08-31T11:49:55.841-07:002009-08-31T11:49:55.841-07:00As a followup to my last post, perhaps it is not t...As a followup to my last post, perhaps it is not the best thing to do to directly challenge Islam at this juncture. Using more indirect means has advantages that are obvious: more difficult to attack; more subtle in aggregating the power needed to depose Muslims; and the ability to sweep AIM differences under the table for the nonce, in favor of a clear set of steps; and in the process, neutralizing liberals. <br /><br />I am referring, of course, to all out support for Conservative representatives and the presidency, with the tacit understanding between the reps and AIM that they are vetted to support AIM objectives as we go along. In turn, they receive our support for their campaigns.<br /><br />It is not a perfect approach, since trusting politicians is a risky business. But, what other way is there to penetrate Congress and the presidency with people that at least say that they support AIM, while avoiding the instant confrontations that would spoil their candidacies? I would certainly give my support to a conservative anyway, and if he signs up to a well-thought-out AIM program as well, so be it. <br /><br />So, I would tend to look for leadership from conservative candidates for office that we could trust, and that show the necessary understanding of the threat from Islam. Many of the AIMers can supply these candidates with in-depth argumentation as needed.<br /><br />No, I do not have a candidate in mind. That is the question of the day! Who can we focus upon?Mannninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06337757934347676250noreply@blogger.com