Something "Politically" Serious...with a Contest

I'm going to blither on just a bit, so bear with me.

I despise politics. However, politics is in everything we do; you just cannot get away from it. Sometimes I can even catch myself debating some form of politics within myself about something I'd never even consider "political". But, there it is.

As a result, I've become astute at playing political games in almost every facet of life. I'd really like everything to be at its most simple. Just be kind and honest with one another, and treat others like you want to be treated. But, sadly most of the world doesn't work that way.

With that being said, those of you who read Orion's blog know that he and I have been close friends for a good many years, yet have different views at times.

I've talked till I'm blue in the face about the Muslim folks I work with. To put it mildly, he's not particularly fond of the religion - at least the fanatics. He leans more to the Republicans, me to the Democrats most times. He's always cast a somewhat cynical eye toward my defense of my Muslim co-workers. I've never been able to understand his unrelenting stance, as I'm sure he's wondered about mine.

But, now I've had a light bulb moment bright enough to rival Las Vegas. I think I now know where he's coming from. That's not to say I'm eating crow on this one, so don't get any bright ideas, Jeff!

I've been doing research for a novel that's been going forward in bits and starts. It has some Muslim characters and, as a result, I've been reading different books that are themed toward the lives of Muslim women.

This is where the contest comes in. I'm taking...err...stealing...an idea that Robin had and having a contest in which the prize is a book.

This book is not a novel, nor is it by me. It's not a funny book - it's completely serious.

I think that everyone who is interested in world affairs and worries about the continuing conflict between religions should read this book. And, when you're done with the book, I think it should be passed on to yet another reader. Then they should pass it on.

The name of the book is, Now They Call Me Infidel. The author's name is Nonie Darwish. She is an Egyptian woman who now lives in the US. Her father, who was a Shahid, was killed when she was eight years old. She learned firsthand the treatment of women without a husband. As a young woman, her career as a journalist made her realize she could not stand living under the rules and politics of fundamentalist Islam and the influence it maintained over the government. Her book made me understand what we need to be frightened about from the people who are striving to take over the world and force everyone to live as Muslim or die.

She states that we are actually living through World War III, and we in the West don't even realize it. War has changed so much that we do not recognize it under the insidious guise it has taken.

Those of us who've grown up in an age where a handshake was a person's bond don't get it. We don't understand how easy it is to smile and put on a face where people look honest, but the underlying intent is markedly different. Many Muslims in this country have escaped the tyranny, but continue to remain quiet and placid for fear of retribution.

Those of us in the West have an inkling that the things we see on television or read in the newspaper or online have a "spin" designed for political gain somewhere. What most of us don't realize is that inside many countries, the news that is heard is very much designed to keep the population uneducated about the world, and mainly it is done to keep the hatred alive against those not of Muslim faith.

It's a pity. And those of us in the West have done things to invite *understanding* of the cultures right into our college campuses. What we don't know is that the intent is to have people working against the ideals we take for granted.

It's scary, folks. And, most of us are either too innocent or naive to "get it". We WANT to believe that if they just get to know us everything will be okay.

Can't we all just get along? No. We can't. Not while Muslim clergy and congregation don't stand up to the fundies. So, it is vital for us to be aware. It's necessary for our own survival.

So, I'm having a contest. The prize is a copy of the book mentioned above. In fact, I'll even make it two books, maybe more if the budget stretches far enough this month. I'll let you know about that, though.

But, please, don't enter the contest unless you are serious about reading the book. I think it is THAT IMPORTANT. And then, after you read it, if you don't want the book in your permanent collection, pass it on to someone else. And if you do want to keep it, consider buying another copy of it to pass on to someone else.

I'll take entries until February 28. Drawing will be on Leap Year Day.