Turkey is an example worth spending more than a few moments to consider. And since it’s almost a new year here, I will simply say: Cheers. And a happy new year!

The one starting “To me these values are worth fighting for…”

I can’t help thinking of something I wrote recently though, defending Kamal Attaturk’s less than liberal suppression of Islamism. I think that he, and many Turks felt that Islamism was so powerful that it took extreme measures to make any space for secularism or democracy in Turkey. And that even though the army was not a democratic or liberal organization, it’s force, as a counterweight to Islam’s own force was and is necessary.

I realize that this isn’t a situation that has any analog in European society, but it does suggest that a society can be in such a bad state that liberally defensible means are completely inadequate.

I have not read Fregosi’s book, I am afraid. I will put on my list of future acquisitions.

I have – however – read quite a bit about many of the wars he writes about, as I have studied both religious history (specifically Islam) and modern Middle Eastern-history (from Napoleon went to Egypt and on). It’s definitely a “cascade of wars” – although that pretty much sums up European history as well.

Don Johnson:

Much unlike groups like Voorpost, I believe in universal values and principles: democracy, universal human rights, the equality of sexes, secular government, etc. Some people like to call these Western values; as if there were no anti-modernists, no anti-democrats, no anti-secularists, etc. in the West.

To me these values are worth fighting for – not because of their alleged Westernness – but because they are good. And one of the most important universal values to me is respect for diversity.

But respecting diversity does not mean respecting hatred, or racism, or suppression, or political extremism. It remains necessary to confront misogyny, anti-democratic views etc. regardless of who the guilty ones are. That means that the fight is against a troll with many heads.

I support a liberal – yet demanding – society.

Just like anything else, unfortunately, there is bad with the good. Religion is used with some success in prisons.(a plus) It is also used with some success in getting people to blow themselves up and take innocent bystanders with them.(a negative)

If you are a regular LGF reader I’m sure you are familiar with CJ’s take on radical Islam. The Koran puts forth views on Jews and basically any non-Muslims that frankly just ain’t healthy. It’s causing us problems. All of us; Black, White, Yellow, Green(heh) and Red(heh heh)

Locally, the problem is our failure to assimilate. What America had done with astounding success in the past began to fall apart right around the time of LBJ’s New Deal. The subsequent drop of the Pledge of Alligence in public schools, our obsession with cultural “diversity” and, of course, our complete disregard toward enforcing our own immigration laws have all contributed to the current situation. As bad as it is here, it’s worse on the other side of the pond. Your side.

Where’s the party on 4-20? Smoke up, Dude.

dj