We all remember where we were on 9/11. I was 11 years old at the time and fast asleep. My brother woke me up, telling me that the WTC towers were hit by airplanes. Again, I was 11. I had absolutely no clue what the fuck the WTC towers were, but I soon learned. We all know what happened on that day, but have we learned from it? I argue that we have not learned one single thing from the attacks.
Sure, we have "improved" national security by spending trillions of dollars on two wars that have led us nowhere. We have "beefed up" security at our airports so well that two terrorists made it through security, only to fail in igniting their bombs. Finally, we are "winning" the War on Terrorism. Yippee! Damn, it feels good to be an American! It was not our fault that terrorists got though airport security. It was not our fault that extremist muslims received training in how to fly a plane. It was not our fault that the CIA, NSA, FBI, and military intelligence failed to thwart the terrorists plans. "So, what are you getting at Troll?"
We tolerate embrace religious extremism. "What the fuck are you talking about? We don't embrace religious extremism, Troll. That's why we kicked some Taliban ass!" The United States of America is one of the most religious of the developed countries on this planet. 76% of our population identify themselves as Christian. If you didn't know, in order to be a Christian, you have to believe a Jewish mangod was born of a virgin mother who was impregnated by a ghost; raised from birth knowing he was to be a human sacrifice for a deity that demanded the slaughter of its son for our thought-crimes and indulgences; raised from the dead by magic powers and will return soon to save his believers henceforth signaling the end of the world, which they believe will be the greatest day imaginable. If that doesn't sound crazy and extremist, well, I guess your a Christian.
In this country, which I find to be the greatest place to live on Earth, questioning peoples religious beliefs is frowned upon. Shit, it's more sociably acceptable to indoctrinate children into a religion than it is to question the crazy fucks who do it. "Well, I was just engaging in my right to practice any religion I choose. If you question my beliefs, your a bigot and intolerant of my religion." No, you are an asshat my friend, and I'll show you why.
Since it is election season, I'll put it into perspective. When you sit at the dinner table with your family, do you debate politics? Of course you do! Who the fuck doesn't? The republican's of the family are probably bitching about how Obama is destroying the country, all the while the democrats are saying under their breath, "Well, at least he ain't Bush." This is perfectly acceptable anywhere in the USA. Politics are discussed at home, the work place, at the bus stop, at church, everywhere. But, when it comes to religion, this is somehow "taboo".
I am expected to be courteous to other peoples religious beliefs, yet I am somehow allowed to tear their political ideologies to shreds. Am I the only person who finds this insane? People see me as "...that asshole atheist who is intolerant of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindu's etc". Have republicans ever called me "...that asshole democrat who is intolerant with their beliefs in Laissez-faire economics and fiscal conservatism"? No, I'm just that asshole democrat.
If I decided that as soon as children are born they were to be home schooled, taught the socio-economic beliefs of Adolf Hitler, told his beliefs are infallible, and that everyone else is inferior for not believing them, people would call me crazy. Now, if you do the same with a religion, it is okay. This is a serious problem, not only for the USA, but for the betterment of humanity.
This needs to change. We (non-believers) need to push the envelope and ask the questions. It has to become sociably acceptable to question peoples faith. Why? Because their religion is dangerous. Yes, that's correct. Religion has been and will always be the number one cause of violence and death. Take a history class. They may say, "That was then, they took it too literally." Well, I find it interesting how you seemed to figure out the real meaning behind your religion and the millions who have fought and died for it haven't. Hmm.... My fear is that my children will be borne into a world that is torn by religious feuding. From religious infighting between Sunni's and Shiite's, to Muslims killing Christians and Christians killing Muslims.
Tomorrow is 9/11. We all lost something on that day, I don't care who you are. Vigils will be held, loved ones will be mourned and heroes will be remembered. If you are as concerned about religious extremism as I am, I encourage you to challenge a person of faith tomorrow. Challenge someone if they start speaking of the evils of Islam and how great a "christian" nation we are. Humble them, just as we all were humbled on that fateful day.
Note: I won't put up a post on 9/11, as I will be busy for most of the day. Enjoy.
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