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Outrage of Muslim masses should focus on acts of violence

Re: The pope's words inflame, Sept. 16.

On July 9 of this year I attended a service at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota to hear Sami Khatib speak on "The Koran and Spirituality."

He gave a brief history of the Koran and of Mohammed, the founder of Islam. In describing his faith, Sami Khatib portrayed a religion devoted to the principles of love, compassion and forgiveness, much like the precepts I was taught were basic in Christianity. The beautiful picture he painted seemed far removed from the fanaticism preached by Islamic extremists today.

I asked: Why are not more Muslims speaking out against these extremists? He replied that many of the leaders have voiced such concerns. But, I ask, why is it that when Muslims take offense at anything they see as an insult to their religion - witness the recent protests against the pope's remarks in Germany - Muslims worldwide rise up in protest, not just their leaders but the man on the street?

If more Muslims who truly reject the terrorists among them that preach killing and violence would speak out, that might go far toward creating more harmony between Muslims and non-Muslins throughout the world. Their voices are sorely needed.

Jessie Bush, Sun City Center

Is religion making the world better?

Re: The pope and Islam.

Just a week after observing the fifth anniversary of 9/11, this current wave of interreligious conflict is evidence we haven't learned much as a result.

Taken with his speech as a whole, Pope Benedict XVI said nothing wrong. And he certainly said nothing that justifies hurting anyone else. The Koran has more than a few lines calling for violence against nonbelievers. These calls for war against infidels are quoted by terrorists and used as justification for killing innocent people.

Americans in turn use this as justification for discriminating against Muslims, detaining innocent people of Arab descent, etc. They are avoiding the obvious. If the Koran is guilty of inciting violence (and it is) then so is the Torah and the Christian Bible as well.

The Bible contains passages that condone, even endorse, slavery. Parts of the Torah call on parents to kill their children for not observing the Sabbath. Some have said that those sections were simply reflections of the times in which they were written. If those unfavorable sections are not God's word, perhaps none of it is. Perhaps we are all misinterpreting parables and stories. Nothing more.

Ancient Hebrews had a good idea, monotheism, and Christians and Muslims ran with it. The goal was to reform a barbaric world. Take a look around. Did we achieve that goal or make it worse?

Catherine Durkin Robinson, Wesley Chapel

The telling limits of Muslim indignation

Re: The pope's words inflame.

Once again the Muslim community is outraged over perceived insults to Islam. Condemning Pope Benedict's reference to a 14th century critique of Islam, Muslim imams and ayatollahs are issuing strong rebukes and demands for a swift papal apology. The photos accompanying the article show angry and indignant Muslims displaying placards denouncing the pope's speech.

These latest events serve to further underscore the question many non-Muslims have been asking for years: Where is this same Muslim indignation over the numerous ongoing atrocities at the hands of Islamic radicals?

Had there been Muslims in the streets protesting the suicide bombings, the beheadings, the "honor" killings and the assassinations as ambitiously as they are over this incident, perhaps Islam's present tenuous reputation would be faring better.

Richard Scott, Clearwater

Islam shows its true colors

So the pope quoted a man who has been dead for 600 years! Contemporary Islamic leaders openly call for jihad and "death to the infidels" on a daily basis. Much of this occurs in Western nations that have a guarantee of free speech. Islam once again shows its true colors by its reaction of rioting and threatening violent physical revenge.

It is a dangerous belief system and is as barbaric today as it was in its beginnings. It is Muslims and not the pope who owe the world an apology.

Andrew Nappi, Hudson

Fueling sectarian hate

The pope's message was that there has long been a misunderstanding between Christians who use reason to comprehend God, and Muslims who have an unquestioning faith in God. This clash of culture historically has led to clashes of violence. Pope Benedict XVI said that violence is contrary to the nature of God.

He offered Catholicism to further dialogue between the two faiths, not take over the earth.

The mainstream media around the world took the pope's comments out of context, fueling sectarian hate, and should deeply regret the death of Sister Leonella Sgorbati, gunned down Sunday in Somalia outside a children's hospital.

Fred Jacobsen, Apollo Beach

A futile effort on climate change

Re: California takes action on warming, editorial, Sept. 12.

I sincerely admire your intentions, and even those of earnest supporters of the California initiative on climate.

Where I depart from your position flows from the notion that the decision of California, or by extension the United States, to take action unilaterally regarding climate change is futile in a world where many developing nations - including those with huge populations such as India and China - will continue to burn coal and other dirty resources to make electricity.

In such a scenario, the Western economies like the United States and Britain will pay a penalty for their economic successes solely because they happen to be successful and completely independent of any real impact on climate change, which by the way, continues to be theoretical. The rise in world temperatures is reality - the reason is less well understood.

World temperatures have been fluctuating since the beginning of time; it's possible that so-called greenhouse gases are responsible, but we can state without reservation that previous fluctuations (prior to the 19th century, for example) were not a result of fossil fuel consumption.

Independently of party affiliation, 99 U.S. senators voted in 1997 to reject the Kyoto accords, and to date no one has altered the facts of the debate sufficiently to change that vote.

Jim Parker, Tampa

Citizens' mailing was extravagant

Re: Citizens Property Insurance mass mailing.

I am outraged by the piece of very expensive mail I just received from Citizens Property Insurance.

How much money was spent to send this to all the policy holders? The printing of the piece itself probably cost a fortune, and the information inside, I hear every evening on the news, or online, or at my local grocery store.

Let's give the money back to the policyholders, and stop spending it on expensive printing and postage.

Kathleen C. Moreno, St. Pete Beach

Craftsmanship and artistry

Re: A ceramic ear for music and art, Sept. 16.

Thank you, St. Petersburg Times, for showcasing one of the many treasures we have here in the Tampa Bay area. Brian Ransom's amazing talent of blending craftsmanship and artistry is a sight and sound we are so very fortunate to have access to.

In a community so rich in the arts, I often wonder why more of our talented artists are not featured.

Thanks also go out to Florida Craftsmen Gallery for giving us a venue to experience it all and for pushing the envelope of convention.

Nancy Parker, St. Petersburg

[Last modified September 18, 2006, 23:26:06]