Comments: last call

Robert, when you speak like this to your 400,000 daily JW supporters, I am reminded that we "freely" come here, [pay nothing to do so] and just expect JW to be here every day: providing us with news, your commentary and well intended insights into our global struggle against jihad.

I can't thank you enough for all you have done to provide this place which, as you intended, raises awareness of our global enemy.

As much as Americans complain about what is being done TO them or about their security, I shutter to think what they would think if they knew what was really going on behind the scenes....

Thank you for brining as much to the forefront as you possibly can - being timely with information and doing this, for the time being, gratis. I know there are well meaning fellow JW's who would do anything to make sure that JW is there, to go along with their morning cup of java, (with updates throughout the day). If you need something form us, other than to just amend the tone and rhetoric, just ask. We're all in this struggle together!

Closing the comments is fair enough, for the reasons Robert states. However, I find the comments to be interesting sociological data in their own right! And a tremendous waste of time.

(And I hope none of my comments were 'dweebish'. I looked the word up: 'a dweeb is a boring, studious or socially inept person'. The precursor to 'nerd'! Well, that's still a shade better than advocating genocide.)

One last comment from me. This site is an eye-opener into what is going on in many areas.

Closing the comments will enhance jihadwatch.com.

I hope it becomes what it should be; a source for news and information specifically related to the subject of "jihad."

Thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Keep up the great work!!

Overall there has been coniderable improvement in the comments that have been coming in since Typekey was introduced. Before Type key Jihadwatch was more like a chat room and we all know how bad those are. Every once in a while after a terrorist attack, some commenters go on a rampage and call for nuclear genocide which is self defeating.

Hopefully something like that does not occur, It is important to understand and to be able to define the enemy that the western world is confronting as well as being able to define ourselves and our value system as opposed to theirs. Yes and of course there may be the use of force as in Iraq, and afghanistan if the need is required.

I think this is why cooler heads need to gage the situation and be prepared to confront and understand the workings of Islam. Thats why we are working to make more and more westerners and non-muslims understand what they are up against so that they can more effetively deal with it.

I continue to see growing evidence even in the media that many are beginning to get a clearer picture of what Islam is all about.

I have loved the site and will continue to use it as a resource...

It is an excellent source worthy of the highest praise.. Thank you for the efforts they are deeply appreciated..

Robert -
I agree definitely close the comments.

Honestly they are more trouble than they are worth and your trying to moderate it just takes way way too much time from your most important works.

People who want to comment can join a Yahoo group or some other chat group - there are plenty of them.

I don't know how you folks have done it - I would have gone crazy trying to moderate comments here.

God Bless You and Your Team and their good work.

Robert,

First of all, let me express how much I've come to admire you over the last 4 years as I have familiarized myself with both your books and your web-site. I am a daily visitor to Jihadwatch and Dhimmiwatch and rely greatly upon your insights and your expertise as I try to illuminate to the people in my life the true nature and character of Islam.

I certainly understand the problems you're experiencing here regarding unmoderated comments. But I implore you to reconsider. ISIS recently terminated their comments section; I'm very concerned this will become a recurring phenomenon among web-sites devoted to the exposition of Islamic intolerance.

Couldn't you add to your disclaimer an additional statement encouraging responsibility in the nature and content of comments in order to further distance jihadwatch from inflammatory statements?

By silencing the voices of your supporters and devotees, you are simply contributing to the dhimmitude that is so pervasive in our culture.

Please Robert, resist the allure of "mainstream respectability" and remain true to your tireless advocacy of freedom (including free speech).

Cornelius,

This is not a question of freedom of speech. As Ronald Reagan would say, I paid for this microphone.

And as Mae West would say, the allure of mainstream respectability ain't got nothing to do with it. If I were after that, I would have changed my message a long time ago.

Cordially
Robert Spencer

i number this site as one of the most valuable i visit for information on current events. I believe that awareness of islam and its attendant threat to civilization is increasing. regarding commentsI believe two possible remedies are in order here: one, have two to three daily volunteer moderators; two, terminate the comments. I believe the comments have their merit, however if the tenor of the comments detracts from your mission, they should be discontinued.

Robert,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Indeed, you "paid for this microphone" and of course it is entirely your prerogative to do what you will with it. But you are wrong by claiming it's not a question of free speech.

There's no question that your decision to terminate the comments section was not of your own volition but came about because of pressure from subscribers (by all indications, it was just one). Voices will be silenced in the process; some dweebish, some not. Yes, there are other venues on the net for the disenfranchised, but this site was/is unique in its specificity of message and essence.

You're obviously going to do what you feel is right. But for what it's worth, I think removing the comments section is a mistake and will detract from the vitality of jihad/dhimmiwatch and the sense of community and loyalty it has fostered. Just having the option to comment is an inducement that garners additional interest from visitors.

I wish you well Robert. Just bought 'The Politically Correct Guide to Islam.' I'm reading it quickly so I can give it to my Pop this weekend for his birthday.

All the Best,

Cornelius

I also believe the comments have there own merits - a barometer where we may not like the weather, but we know what it is. Also I, being less informed as some more resident posters, have found some interesting information in comments. Some good did come with the bad, but I understand and respect Mr. Spencer's decision. I will miss comments but will continue to be informed by JW.

our attempts to raise funds and expand operations keep hitting unexpected obstacles, and we have just gotten some more of those obstacles.

I dont know what you plan to do but the effort needs to turn its attention to the politcal structure in the form of a PAC or some other tax free effort.
I hope in the future the obsticles can be expressed and any help from those who support you can be mustered to help remove them .
I offer the use of my suite on the night of sept 21 to hold a meeting with whom ever you think would be helpfull in moving your vision forward.

I for one am incredibly greatful for the education I have been getting through JW/DW. The wide spectrum of comments provided a healthy debate exposing views I would not find in another single location.

I enjoyed the comments immensely but have a stronger desire to see your important message go mainstream.

I will remain a loyal reader and will continue to support you in your endeavors.

Once again:

This has nothing whatsoever to do with "going mainstream."

Nor is it a response to any complaints, including the one from the former subscriber whom I quoted in October 2004.

You can get my reasons from the two old posts I quoted above.

Cordially
Robert Spencer

I doubt Robert will lose any serious and worthwhile readers by closing the comments. This kind of site is unlikely to attract chat room airheads, except for a few, and they are probably the ones filling up the comments. And I do think that egregious comments hurt the reputation of this site. It confirms the left-wing view that critics of Islam are neanderthals or worse.

In 1727 Benjamin Franklin was an ambitious young man and had recently been made manager of Keimer’s, one of two printing companies located in the city of Philadelphia. At just 21 years of age, he oversaw five men, including Hugh Meredith, Stephen Potts, and George Webb, who were soon to form the nucleus of a club, the Junto (Latin for meeting). Franklin was an outgoing, social individual and had become acquainted with some of the businessmen at a club called the Every-Night-Club. This gathering included prominent merchants who met informally to drink and discuss the business of the day. Franklin’s congenial ways attracted many unique and learned individuals, and from these, he selected the members for the Junto, a club that was to be dedicated to mutual improvement and knowledge. All members lived in Philadelphia and came from diverse areas of interest and business. Along with Meredith, Potts and Webb, they included Joseph Breintnall, merchant and scrivener, who also loved poetry and natural history. Thomas Godfrey was a glazier, mathematician and inventor, and Nicholas Scull and William Parsons were both surveyors. Scull was also a bibliophile and Parsons a cobbler and astrologer. William Maugridge was a cabinetmaker, William Coleman a merchant’s clerk, and Robert Grace a gentleman. Grace’s wealth meant he did not have to work, but apparently he brought an intellectual element to the group, plus a fine library. The club met Friday nights, first in a tavern and later in a house, to discuss moral, political and scientific topics of the day.

Clearly the Junto was his creation, and Franklin led the group by example. Surrounded by men of similar intellectual interests, he recognized that the unifying force of this diverse group was an inquiring spirit and devotion to self-improvement. To guide and focus discussions, Franklin formulated a series of questions that included asking for reasons why local businesses were succeeding or failing, whether a citizen had done something praiseworthy and, if so, how might this be emulated. Common readings in literature were regularly assigned and used to debate topics related to morals, philosophy, and civic life. Members were required to write essays that would be critiqued by the group in the form of suggestions, hypotheses, and polite questions. Franklin required that any member who became harsh and assertive in his comments would receive a small but embarrassing fine. While being more of a skeptic than a rebel and refraining from disagreement just for the sake of argument, this fine was meant to keep him in line as well. He was one of the youngest members of the club, had no wealth or position to speak of, and yet, his leadership skills shone through in his intelligence and moral force.

The Junto was to continue for over 40 years, and as the members, including Franklin, assumed positions of leadership in business and society, their influence on the city of Philadelphia became broad and far-reaching. Acquisition of books and sharing of established personal libraries led to the establishment of the first lending library in the United States in 1731 and was key to the evolution of the American Philosophical Society in 1743. As a lasting testament to Franklin’s interest in life-long education, an academy of learning was formed in 1751 that went on to become the University of Pennsylvania.

'I enjoyed the comments immensely but have a stronger desire to see your important message go mainstream.'

This is surely the key point. At the risk of sounding like a 'Fast Company' editorial, Jihad Watch is a brand and the brand is (unwittingly) being damaged by some of the postings here.

I think your decision is correct.

Firstly let me say that I respect and appreciate Robert's decision. I guess we need to look at the greater picture here and it doesn't help the (political) cause if people post aggressive messages on here. I must admit I've sometimes been guilty of going OTT as well but when you discuss islam, muslims and terrorism you get very aggressive occasionally. And it requires a really cool head to keep the discussion subtle when these times come (7/7 and so on).

Most of the knowledge I have about islam has come from this website because I wasn't bothered to look into the implications of Mohammed's murderous ideas before I surfed here for the first time after 9/11. I think we should create a discussion group (i.e. Yahoo Groups) where we can discuss topics raised on Jihad- / Dhimmiwatch without the fear of hurting the actual fight against global jihad.

OK - it's not the key point...

I have grown rather attached to this site
and its fellow travelers,
gotten comfortable with its form
and delighted with everyone's insights.

I have used the articles from here to inform friends, family, newspapers,politicians,
homeland security,the fbi, businessmen,
and anyone else who would listen.

The comments and articles
have been important
to the work of the warrior
and for this JW/DW, you have my gratitude

You will be missed.

Some comments are good and informative. Some others are a waste of time.

Maybe the JW site has now hit critical mass and can safely disable comments without losing its core readership. I for one shall keep returning to this site, its part of my daily must-read list.

My sincere thanks to messrs Robert and Hugh (& Rebecca too) for everything about this site.

Robert:

I consult this site daily and value its information. However, I have been reluctant to recommend it to friends, or to make reference to it in letters-to-the-editor, simply because of the Comments. Some comments (Hugh Fitzgerald comes to mind) are superb; others, however, are cringe-invoking and, unintentionally, reflect badly on your site.

I wouldn't be sorry to see the Comments go.

PS: Have ordered my "Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades" and look forward to receiving it any day now!

Regards,

But Robert,

If you close the comments sections, how will you know if the savages have begun to behave?

Mr. Spencer,

Thanks for this website.

I would like to propose a new section called: Letters to the Editor...something like that. Let people send the comments to you. If you believe there is merit/thoughtfulness/usefulness to their comment, then you can post the comment under the Letters to the Editor section.

Also, it would be interesting to have a poll tab also kind of like a response to a particular article...like WND has in their polls. You control the list and people get to voice their opinions.

Anyway, some ideas.

Thanks for the good work on this helpful website.

I will continue reading your site. There are
not many voices like yours. Keep up the good
work. Sorry if my posts sucked I did try to
spark some debate but the three of you are
worth reading Hugh Rebbeca and Robert keep up
the good fight.

I just stumbled on JihadWatch a few weeks ago and have only just begun to read the comment streams. If you want more credibility with potential policy makers, canning the comments wouldn't be a bad idea. I read and occasionally post on the Ha'aretz TalkBack and am astounded by the nutters on both sides of the fence that post there. Still, Ha'aretz is an established name and its credibility isn't harmed by such posts. Your site doesn't have that luxury. By directly tackling Jihad as a problem with Islam and not "terrorists", you are already stirring up the pot enough as is and you don't want your views to be undermined by some of the extremist or racist posts that occasional appear here. Best to provide information only and let the nuts rant elsewhere. Keep up the good fight.

I respect your decision Mr. Spencer but I will miss the comments. Some Posters have become Brothers and Sisters in spirit. They will be missed. I have no political bent or axe to grind with anyone but I have trouble controlling my passion sometimes, especially with liars, haters, and bullies. I’ve said things here that were…uncivilized, and offer my sincerest apology in that I may have hurt your cause.

I have learned so much here. I can’t thank You enough.

I hate to see the comments go because many are almost as interesting as the articles. There is a vast array of interesting people from all over the world who post comments, and I find many of them quite fascinating and informative.

If the comments are adversely affecting your reputation and credibility, I can certainly understand your position. It is difficult not to "vent" after reading some of the controversial articles from the world of Islam, but among the rants, raves, and incoherent diatribes, there have been many excellent, insightful comments.

You are doing a wonderful job of exposing the dark side of Islam through your books, speaking engagements, and through radio and television. If eliminating the comments on this site will alleviate stress, make your work easier, and enhance your credibility, you shouldn't hesitate to do it.

I have no doubt that petty minds would try to discredit you and your work based upon the unmoderated comments on this site. But when the comments cease, their salvos will probably continue in their quest to locate your Achilles' heel. We love you but I don't think muslims appreciate your dedication to exposing the truth.

I watched you on Dayside today and I was impressed when you explained the significance of al Zawahri's black turban and white robes. These guys dress to impress, don't they? Did you notice how he pointed his finger in several different directions? Arthritis, body language, or signals?

This is my first comment here (and possibly my last). I've been reading Jihadwatch for quite a long time now. This is an invaluable site for news about our enemies and their intentions. But I've noticed that many (not all) of the comments here have indulged in inflammatory venting, which I think detracts from the educational potential of this site. There are plenty of other blogs I read regularly which have better and, frankly, more intelligent comments.

So, Robert, I can't blame you for wanting to close comments. It's too bad, but I can appreciate that it may be necessary.

(And I'm one of those folks who advocated nuking Mecca and Medina on 9/12/01. I can appreciate that the Bush doctrine of bringing democracy to the Middle East is perhaps a better idea, but I'm still not quite convinced I was wrong.)

The value of the comments section here is that it distinguishes this site from 'Frontpagemag' which has none.......or 'Little Green Footballs' which is just innundated with them (too many to read, and mostly brief and/or uninteresting).

Most of the articles posted here can be found at these two sites or others on the web. The comments section is what made it truly unique and interesting here.

It's just very unfortunate to see it scrapped. I'm hoping Robert will have second thoughts.

Hi all. I would be willing to create said yahoo group list. Is anyone serious about this or is it just frustration over the closing of the comments?

And for those who think that talking is enough... sometimes actions speak louder than words. What would you do if you had a gun and saw a wanted terrorist try to get onto a train?

a) Talk to him and convince him that Islam is a peaceful religion
b) Call 911 (or 999 if you're in the UK)
c) Shoot

I understand where all the inflammatory comments come from. A lot of decent and law-abiding people are simply p***** off and the war against terror will not exclusively be fought by our armies.

Ibn Rushd:

I think quite a few of us need to let off steam and I'm serious about creating a Yahoo Group. As I have had some administrative problems with Yahoo recently I don't want to be the one to do it. Whoever decides to create an Anti-Jihad Group needs to make sure they remain anonymous (regarding the sensitive topic we're talking about) though.

I also wanted to protest against Hugh's silence the last few times I addressed him here and through email. Perhaps I will try again.

And I think that after all the "death to Islam" and other nonsense comments, the comment shut-down might be a good idea. The couple Muslims here have not hurt anyone and I enjoyed reading some of their comments more than everyone elses. Although I don't think King Tolerance is a Muslim.

DG,

I was thinking of creating some time ago, a group that discussed the history of Islam and whether Muhammad existed or not. I realized that the subject matter was too dense for the average Joe, especially those who have no idea about it at all. I wouldn't call the new group Anti-Jihad, nothing so volatile, but I would like it to be a bit more broader, such as discussing why certain things are the way they are (eg. castration), and discuss with quotes and perhaps longer messages from members.

Would this be a good go-at-it? :)

Cornelius,

I agree that this comment shut-downs has created a disenchanted crowd. I used to post regularly at ISIS and it's disappearance has caused me some depression.

If you would like to talk to me about a new group of some kind, like DG, email me at ibn_rushd2@yahoo.ca and we can get the grits. :)

Well, Ibn Rushd, I'd agree with you if the couple of muslims on here had actually been constructive in regards to fighting against global jihad. But all they've done is being apologetic and that is what you get from most muslims. I don't take muslims as friends and live pretty well that way.

I know Robert wouldn't go that far but I believe it is a war against islam we are fighting. We'll all be living under sharia law before there's a majority of "moderate" muslims and therefore it's essential to isolate and fight them.

disillusioned_german:

Granted, we would still have to deal with the loony left but that's a fight that can be won (communism is dead as we all know).

I hate to say it, but while the Soviet Union is dead--and I'm not even sure about that--communism is still very much alive. You obviously haven't visited an American college campus recently.

I have found both jihad watch and dhimmi watch to be indispensable sources of information that would be otherwise difficult to find. I do not ofter post on websites, yet I have found the comments here often interesting. Robert Spencer, Hugh Fitzgerald, and the staff who support the website deserve all the support we can give them in educating Americans and the world in the civilizational struggle against the Islamic jihad. I applaud your courage and tireless energy and will continue to be a regular visitor here and spread the word to others.

I'm sure the jihadists are praising allah.

Good news for the new moon.

Say it ain't so!

I have learned a tremendous amount here at Jihadwatch not only from Robert, Hugh and Rebecca but also from the posters from around the world due to their breadth of knowledge and experience. Also, it has been heartening to see the new posters and that more people were becoming aware of this resource.

Since this was posted after midnight in the UK and Europe and in early morning in Asia, I'm curious to see the regulars' (in those areas) responses to Robert's posting as well.

I hope the comments will remain; if they are removed, at least more of the household projects and upkeep will get done. ; )

Robert
I found JihadWatch about a month ago, and I have visited it every day since. I have learned almost everything I know about islam from JW/DW and your books.

The comments section has provided me with an opportunity to test ideas, read some brilliant essays, and eavesdrop on some really intelligent conversations, through which I have gained much additional knowledge.

Yes, some posters are provocateurs, and some are "provocatees" like me, and I do apologize if any of my own comments contributed to your decision to end this feature. Other posters have become my friends, whether they realize it or not. I will miss them.

You could, I suppose, charge a dollar via PayPal or something for each post. That might eliminate a lot of the provocateurs who wouldn't want to pay for their endless arguments. And it would be a painless way to help for a person who had something "important" to say or ask. Someone else suggested a Letters to the Editor feature. I would welcome such a feature, because some of your knowledgable readers could continue to share their insights here, at your discretion. Of course, I will continue to visit JW/DW whether you institute such a thing or not.

Although I hope you reconsider your decision to end comments, I understand your reasoning and know you have given it a great deal of deliberation. In any event, I want to thank you for this wonderful site, and for the time and effort you are spending in bringing the truth to light.

Three cheers to you!

Thanks Robert, Rebecca and Hugh, your great efforts will be recorded in the Hall of Honor.

I think the comments section is a good thing, but like all things, even good things must come to an end...I learned a lot...thanks again...

I just got through the first half of 'The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades.'

Robert has obviously tried to speak the language of the common man in his attempt to reach a mass audience with his new book. I think it was an appropriate strategy and he's done it without any corruption of scholasticism whatsoever. His writing is thoroughly documented and his emphasis on using Muslim sources (the Quran and the Hadith) lends credibility and poignancy to the effort.

I was surprised that in his brief section on wife-beating, Robert failed to cite Verse 4.34, which is the most explicit legitimation of spousal abuse to be found in the Quran. He's referred to it often here at Jihadwatch, so I was a bit mystified why he overlooked it in the book.

Also, the Hadith of Bukari where Muhammad is quoted as telling the women of Mecca that they are "deficient in religion and intelligence" is a powerful testimonial of the Prophet's denigrating attitude towards women. Again, it surprised me that Robert omitted it.

Not trying to second-guess you Robert. Just a kindred soul sharing my thoughts on a worthy subject in a forum that will soon be extinct.

Still, Ha'aretz is an established name and its credibility isn't harmed by such posts. Your site doesn't have that luxury. Posted by Raynor

Huh? This site is phenomenal; it became "an established name" almost overnight! Compared to many obscure, struggling sites, Jihadwatch is practically a household name and became one in almost record time. It is so "well established" that it is banned in some politically correct, moral relativist European public libraries because they consider it a "hate" site. Not because of the comments, but because it dares to expose the festering underbelly of Islam.

OK. I've got some feedback (2) about the yahoo group idea. What should I call it? jihad-watch-comments? jw-comments? What?

We can discuss some other things not covered in JW, so I want to make this as wide as possible. Feel free to email me.

ibn_rushd2@yahoo.ca

Hi Sue, long time no email. How are things in sunny Calif?

Your old comrade-in-arms

I would prefer a strictly censored comment section to none at all. I enjoy the comments and will miss some of the regulars here. As far as making comments that can be used by those who oppose us; please...like they really need an excuse outside the Koran.
Kevin

Kevin-

"...like they really need an excuse outside of the Koran."

Exactly.

Unless you 'revert', you are contemptible.

EVERYTHING an infidel says is the noises of 'pigs and apes'.

Don't think that the 'moderate Muslims' praising you means anything but: "Good, you have surrendered enough [become dhimmis] for us to ignore you and move on to the ones still standing for their beliefs which are in opposition to Islam".

As much as I enjoy the comments, I am going to agree with Robert. I have printed up business cards with "Jihadwatch.org" on them, and I leave them everywhere, the mall, the gas station, everywhere. When I see some of the more, ahem, over-the-top (but often completely understandable) comments, I cringe a little, because it would not make a very good first impression on those people who may visit this site for the first time. I want people to become educated about Islam! I don't want them to dismiss this site as a hate-site, even though I personally enjoy the comments very much.

Thank you Robert for all that you do! I just purchased your latest book (at Barnes&Noble)..can't wait to read it. I'm finishing up "Islam Unveiled" right now. I read it in public and have gotten other people interested in it that way.

Thanks again!

Robert:
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

We may not be able to save the world but JW/DW had an enormous impact on myself and many people around me who are more and more concerned at what is happening around us and in the world and since the MSM and the government (and the trolls) do nothing other than obfuscate, deny, beautify and ignore the issue we will lose this, no doubt.

If killing the comments help to keep JW/DW going, do it, by all means!

If you publish the archives in book-form, you will have another book hit, regardless of contributions by left or right, trolls or 'nuke Mekka-types'- the religious or the anarchist, the born again Christians and the 'reverted Muslims'- it is perhaps the most truthful mirror of our society today and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

For my fellow Aussies, - but not only-, how are we going to get a movement going? How can we keep in touch?
How can we keep in touch with The Europeans, the Americans and all those concerned about the spread of Islam and the global Jihad?

Those of you who want to keep this thing going should write to Robert and support me. When I started to post here I thought that we are much stronger already.

Now I know that we are but a grassroots movement fighting windmills.

Now I know that PC and ignorance are as much our enemy as the Mohammedan cult.

It is ironic that this is not about left or right.

The global Jihad under the banner of Islam is our enemy since 1350 years.

Well and truly, all of you concerned, we must find a way to fight it and if you are serious about it lets find a way how we can go about it.

God bless you all and may the filthy profit rot with his moon-god Allah...

I will miss you all.

Without the additional human touch of comments, the information will have less yeast to continue the fermentation.

Flat champagne makes a good silver polish but sends no corks into the eyes of jihadists.

I say this section is a "keeper".

Robert,

I come here almost every day, and have read all your books. I eat up your interviews on the radio. Your work is VERY important. I rely on this site to keep up day to day on what is going on. I am glad to see the comments shut down. I read them now and then, but alas they are quite loose, and do indeed, as many here have mentioned, keep me from forwarding links to Jihad Watch.

I will continue to come here regularly, buy your books, and now even send more people to your site. Keep up the important work, and God Bless You!! Thanks again for all you do!

Yours,

Scott Potter

Scott-Man-

You've convinced me.

Shut the comments down right now!

Let us offend no one. Ever!

Shhh!

Enough of these obnoxious people scaring off those who can't handle any comments that do not play by the Marquis of Queensbury rules.

(If had known there were so many in favor of their own and others' polite silence, I might have thought twice about ever commenting.)

It starts to remind me of a folding bandstand sign posted in one of the salons of the only ocean liner I ever sailed on (Lee Harvey Oswald and his Russian bride crossed from Holland back to the U.S. on the same boat under its earlier name in the 1960's).

The sign insisted:

"Silence Please!
The Band is Playing"

A rambunctious group of senior citizens were laughing over a bridge game when the Polish band director glared at this behavior and shushed them, pointing ostentatiously at the sign with his baton.

Everyone in the room looked up at him, incredulous.

Then we all laughed.

If anyone I knew were too much of a shrinking violet to be able to handle the comments here, but could stomach the often horrifying and grisly facts highlighted in the lead articles, I'd have to say they were seriously schizophrenic.

Something doesn't jibe in my craw with this accumulating call to muteness.

(Or are the usual trolls emailing their pals to join in the amen chorus for silence?)

I will now retire to my fainting couch and let my vapors subside.

Scott-Man-

You've convinced me.

Shut the comments down right now!

Let us offend no one. Ever!

Shhh!

Enough of these obnoxious people scaring off those who can't handle any comments that do not play by the Marquis of Queensbury rules.

(If had known there were so many in favor of their own and others' polite silence, I might have thought twice about ever commenting.)

It starts to remind me of a folding bandstand sign posted in one of the salons of the only ocean liner I ever sailed on (Lee Harvey Oswald and his Russian bride crossed from Holland back to the U.S. on the same boat under its earlier name in the 1960's).

The sign insisted:

"Silence Please!
The Band is Playing"

A rambunctious group of senior citizens were laughing over a bridge game when the Polish band director glared at this behavior and shushed them, pointing ostentatiously at the sign with his baton.

Everyone in the room looked up at him, incredulous.

Then we all laughed.

If anyone I knew were too much of a shrinking violet to be able to handle the comments here, but could stomach the often horrifying and grisly facts highlighted in the lead articles, I'd have to say they were seriously schizophrenic.

Something doesn't jibe in my craw with this accumulating call to muteness.

(Or are the usual trolls emailing their pals to join in the amen chorus for silence?)

I will now retire to my fainting couch and let my vapors subside.

Type Key hiccough.

(Not trying to be doubly obnoxious.)

If by any chance Mr.Spencer thinks my attitude is not too extreme one way or another, I am willing to volunteer to moderate J-watch and D-watch for free until such a time as Mr.Spencer can afford a paid moderator. A lot of the posts here piss me off (you would be surprised to hear how often I kept my peace when I wanted to tell off some left- or right-wing lunatic), but I am sure that the site would suffer without public access. So how about it?

Mr. Spencer,

thank you for this site. It has been a tremendous education to come here and follow some of the links that are accessible (thanks for the internet -- in the days of physical libraries, I would not have mustered the energy).

Reading some of the comments has been amusing, but sad at the same time. Sure, it is a momentary buzz to read some of the gung-ho comments about how the white hats will win, but in real life, I don`t see that. Islam is winning big-time all over the Western world. While I won`t live to see this play out (I am 50 now), I now fully expect my 3 children to live in a mediaval theocracy. This is sad, sad, sad.

I can do without the comments section. Thank you for keeping up this invaluable site.

RR

Paolo,

I don't think censorship is the answer.

If we were to appoint a censor by popular vote I would opt for a Russian, not an Italian. You are too emotional.

The Russians have more experience with this kind of thing.

Lets ask Rublev!

(Haha, you get my drift?)

Paolo,

I don't think censorship is the answer.

If we were to appoint a censor by popular vote I would opt for a Russian, not an Italian. You are too emotional.

The Russians have more experience with this kind of thing.

Lets ask Rublev!

(Haha, you get my drift?)

Until now, Jihad Watch is mainly preaching to the converted. I'm a PhD student in political science in Germany, and I was hesitant to recommend JW to anyone because of the comments. People here are politically correct to the extreme. Although I personally agree with most comments, mainstream readers are not ready for this yet. I am sure that a wider readership could be won if the comments were deactivated.

Sorry Simon,

You are wrong! Just have a look at the SPIEGEL-Online Forum, "Nahost", "Terror" et cetera.

Many regards from a fellow German.

I paid for this microphone.
But we the people put you Ronnie the cowboy behind the microphone.

Robert, when you speak like this to your 400,000 daily JW supporters, I am reminded that we "freely" come here, with our comments.Many of us do hours of research so as to help make Jihad Watch one of the most important and intersting
anti-jihad sites on the web,we do this gladly without donations,subscriptions or proceeds from books.
Yes!Jihad Watch is now one of the most important sites on the web ,and as one poster mentioned most of the articles posted here can be found at other sites on the web,it is the comments section is what has made it truly unique and interesting site. It is the comments section here is what distinguishes this site from 'Frontpagemag' which has none.......or 'Little Green Footballs'
No doudt many people come here,for the comments as they contain a lot of info,
and are very happy to pass on information.It is the comment secton that has brought JW/DW to the forefront.It is very unlikely that JW/DW would have advanced without the support of the people who have been posting here.It is the posters who have been passing on the message,subscribing,making donations,helped to finance a billboard,

I hope, in the future, as I begin work on my new book, Jihad Watch will offer recommendations for future steps. After almost a year of posting, this site's archives are full of useful material for legislators, students, human rights activists, etc. I hope they will use it as such, and consult it daily for updates
Sounds good!!! but what are these so called legislators, students, human rights activists doing today,sweet F A, nothing. Do you really think they are going to do something in the future.
It is us who are spreading the word,some of us doing so at great risk.
For something to happen,it has to happen on the street level,we the posters are concernced about the threat of islam,who gladly give our time and effort freely not like the so called legislators, students, human rights activists who are more interested in their next meal ticket.
It would be very unfortunate to see the comment scrapped. I'm hoping you will will have second thoughts.As JW/DW in its present form is opening a lot of eyes.
Not only that,the jihadis will see this as a battle won.
If you really believe that legislators, students, human rights activists, will benifit from you have collected,would it not be better to open a new section direct at them,insted of closing the comments section.
I would like to say that many people like myself who have devoted a lot of time and effort to Jihad Watch without any payment {I have to pay for net time and noboby gives me donations} will feel very disapointed.I would like to point out that a lot of this material came from posters
This site may belong to you but without the help of the Jihad-Watch Cyber Army,JW/DW may not even exist today
But so be it,the final cut is Up to you

RS -- I, for one, have always appreciated your work and the opportunity to learn. The final call is up to you. I will be very sad as the commentary often has offered insight and the dual opportunities to link to sites that would have been impossible to discover as well as links to minds such as Hugh Fitzgerald and many others.

Thank you.

Argh... life gonna b duller without those tongue in cheek remarks of some of the posters here... btw Robert plz ppl like Granny & Hugh comment out here. As for me i think i need a new blog...

I understand why you are doing it and agree that the most important thing is get the information out so that people understand the nature and scope of the jihadists problem.

It is a shame though because ideology of neo-Conservatism, although having some positive aspects, unchallenged has the potential to be as destabilising an influence globally as the jihad. It could reasonably be argued that neo-Conservatism is the fuel that runs al-Qaeda's motor, wrongly in my opinion but it could.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4665133.stm

is a case in point.

If the response of America is to continue to pour fuel on the flames without reasonable and constructive engagement with their partners across the world then they will quickly find they have few friends in Europe. We're not going to fight a civil war in Britain to boost the profits of Halliburton. end of.

Terminator; I have agreed to signal to the Director (Robert Spencer) any posts that violate his criteria for acceptability. I will try to keep strictly to a minimum that may be described as good manners, keeping to the point, avoiding spamming, and avoiding extreme and violent positions. Let us all see whether we can keep this going as a forum for discussion - civilized and constructive discussion.

Probably a wise move. I would ask you every once in a while (perhaps weekly) to create an open post and allow comments on it. That way the comments can be clearly delimited from the editorials.

For me, the comments are as valuable as the articles and Staff commentary.

The reader comments add breadth and depth to the material posted. They broaden by expanding the geographies: we have people from everywhere here -- Americas, Europe, ME, Asia, Oceania -- each shedding light from their corner of the planet. They deepen by being local reports, being thoughtful, or just being learned. Some of these comments are things the site owners can never provide -- ground-level, local commentary, like from London, people living in the vicinity of the events; other perspectives which people bring in from their professional and personal lives; and diversity -- we have people from all walks here, don't know who you are, but I would say a good demographic slice. Some posters are very learned and informed. They flesh out history, correct inexactitudes, point us to outside materials.

Without the commentary this site will be like sphagetti without the sauce.

As for venting depreciating the value of the site, I can see that. That's where we NEED moderating. Someone, perhaps trusted volunteers, can read the threads and remove useless material.

Then we'll have our ideal site: Event Updates, Commentary from RS & Staff, Contributing commentary from all over the planet. And no empty, useless, depreciative venting.

Robert:
While the comments, particularly those provided by knowledgeable regulars, often contain very useful and interesting information, I must admit that some contributors definitely get carried away and voice extremist views. It is for this reason that I tend to provide people with direct references to material mentioned on your site rather than links to Jihadwatch.org. I think that many moderate people would be put off by the intermperate language used by some regulars, although they share many of their concerns.

Another solution to the problem that would avoid losing most of the valuable input provided by comments would be only to allow certain people, who have already established their responsibility on this site, to comment or to have a moderated letters to the editor section as suggested by Farah above.

Regardless of what you chose to do, I would like to take this last opportunity to thank you for all your work in making Jihadwatch.org a success and for increasing awareness of the threat of Islamic extremism. I will continue to regularly access your site and to read your many excellent publications.

Best wishes,
Patrick

JWers,

JW is an important website. The lack of a comments section won't subtract from that too much and just might do it some good. I think it is a wonder you have kept them open this long.

I'll continue to read the site, your books, and to pass what I've learned on to others. Good luck and best wishes.

f.g.

FrontPage does have comments. The LA Times has comments (letters to the editor). ABC has comments ("forums") as do other radio and television outlets like PBS, BBC, C-SPAN, etc. Some are moderated, some are not.

These are all clues that public dialogue is an important part of our lives. Without the ability to enable such dialogue, portals like JW/DW become just another mass media outlet like television programs that we all vainly shout at in our living rooms.

The idea to facilitate the comments on a separate site is probably the optimum solution. It is interesting to note that many blogs are merely collectors of MSM output with discussion boards anyway. So the range of models to chose from is quite wide. Adoption of a traditional newspaper model would be that JW/DW could still accept letters to the editor messages and when time to sift them is possible, post them on JW/DW. Otherwise folks would have to go to the unauthorised JW/DW "mirror" with a free-for-all comments facility.

I seldom post here, but will regret the comment section, and especially some of the posters here. It's usually great to have input from people from different countries on this global threat...

So...

Thanks to all, and perhaps some of us will be able to stay in touch - through a yahoo group or something...? Ibn Rushd, I'm intereted too - 'will write to you later about that.

Between bombardments by psychotic nazi-friendly trolls and some of the embarassingly intemperate remarks that are posted by some of the anti-jihad bloggers, I fully understand Spencer's frustration. Opposing Jihad and Dhimmitude is too vital a cause to be sidetracked or hijacked.

I would be very sad to see the Comments ended because I truly enjoy the opportunity to gain different perspectives from people around the world on what is clearly a global issue, not to mention some of the wit that is occasionally displayed.

Robert: I hope you are prepared to take Paolo up on his generous offer and see if that helps matters.

Greetings Everyone,
Well it was fun whilst it lasted. I am not a spectator who just wants to be spoon fed the facts & figures - I want to add my 2'penneth worth & read all other peoples 2'penneth worth. Its a great way of "feeling" the global tide regarding the subject at hand & being a part of that debate.

The great thing about JW comments was the fact that all opinions stretched across the radius of the same "Jihad awareness" arc, from lunatic abhorrent racists to distinguished libertarian thinkers to clear headed straight talking Muslims to Jihadi's - without that presence this site will be a library.

I will call in from time to time, but sterile fact / news based websites are not very engaging for me at all.

Take care all, & goodbye from England.

Simply following the comments of this and the linked threads, I counted over 150 members of this JW/DW family that will be sorely missed. Tears form as I recognize the final farewell to regular posters I have counted as kindred spirits. I raise my glass to honor all who contributed to this forum.

The lack of a comment section will be a loss for me and I expect, a loss for many others. Several posters have their own forums and provide extensive details specific to their regions. As does Fjordman who tirelessly covers details in the Scandinavian countries at his blog. Terminators musical adaptations, Cubed, G.Mason, JeffreyImm, and several others can be found online. . .but it will be difficult to keep up.

Others, as with sweet Grannyweatherwax I will be at a complete loss. Through her humor and wit I learned the fate of Leicester's procelain pigs, identified the White Horse of Uffington, and the meaning of "widdershins and seven times". Hugh, I guess you're on your own now.

Where else am I going to go to get such an education while enjoying my cup of tea?

In the meantime, I would consider another outlet that would be aimed at organizing the necessary counter da'wa. Last year, around this time, the heat was on to spotlight the subversive tactics of various social studies programs in the US public school systems. There are 60 days till 'ramadan' . . .and many 7th grade textbooks (houghton mifflin) continue to contain the month long islamic proselytization package.

Sigh, I understand why Mr. Spencer has decided to close the comments. I will continue to absorb all the material the staff at JihadWatch, DhimmiWatch continue to publish and wish them, each and every one, all the success in the world.

Another blog to facilitate comments to JihadWatch postings should be called "JihadWatch Watch", n'est-pas?

Robert,

You are doing all reader of Jihad Watch and all free people a tremendous service. Most probably do not realize the potential headache for the owner of a site such as this resulting from irresponsible posters. As one of the moderators of an online forum dedicated in part to discussion and analysis of jihadi terrorist activity, I know exactly where you are coming from when you are considering closing comments.

While I have in some comments found worthwhile links I would otherwise not have been aware of, 98% of the usefulness of Jihad Watch resides in the articles you and your staff post. I hope commenters clean up their act ASAP. But in case they don't, I venture to say that practically everyone you would want to read Jihad Watch will continue to do so, with or without comments.

In case you happen to read this, are you looking for additional stories of the type posted here from others than your staff? If so, what is the best way to send them to you, in case you decide to use them?

Keep up the good work!

Not all Imperial Japanese or Nazi Germans were "evil", obviously, but did that keep us from labeling them enemies of our way of life?

Enough of this dance, Robert.

Folks, I just re-read Robert's initial announcement. There is reason for hope that the comments section might yet be saved. Notice the language in the following statement of his:

"Consequently, unless the tenor of the comments remarkably changes, which I do not expect, I am going to close comments in two weeks."

Perhaps Robert is giving us a last chance. I implore everyone here to police themselves and avoid the incendiary language that threatens to leave us voiceless on this fantastic web-site.

It could be that if we all conduct ourselves with a disciplined restraint over the next two weeks, Robert might reconsider.

How 'bout it folks? Shall we make the effort?

Robert,

This is my first time to post on this system. I was thinking that if the comments were taken to a separate page from the article, that they then would not appear to be as much of a part of the article (which appears to be the problem currently).

You could then further separate the comments from the article by having an interim pop-up style page that says something like:

"[ ] I agree that the comments I am about to read do not necessarily represent the views of JihadWatch."

Then the comments would only be shown if the user checks the box next to the statement and presses OK.

Dug

To close the comments because some think we might offend delicate sensibilities of some superior readers is offensive to me. I am offended by the death and destruction being visited on the world by jihadists, the time to speak in flowery phrases is over. The facts need to be told, Jihadwatch has been a real resource of truth (as our newspapers and televisions won't give us the truth) and the comment section has been as educational as the postings. The snooty readers who would be offended by us had better get ready, there is a lot out there that will offend them, namely Sharia law.

The site, as it is, is a direct reflection of our society here and now. The comments, perhaps not always on topic, offensive, obnoxious, etc., yes it's all there, including the attempted kitman & taqiyya by the trolls.

But nevertheless:

Invaluable contributions from around the world, translations and explanations from the Koran, hadith, sira, Reports from all walks of life and experience with Islam, where other cultures before have been wiped out, that makes this site.

If JW/DW doesn't go down the tube after cutting the comments off, I fear that since it takes the bite and the essence out of it, it will never be what it once was: A historic document of a wonderful grassroots movement that will save us from the Islamic scourge.

Well, well ... Oh my!

RS is threatening to go nuclear???

This is RS's site and he can whatever he wants with it, I suppose.

I personally don't think that that posting of comments should be stopped altogether. That would be too drastic. Perhaps more moderation and word limits should be imposed.

I think it might not be very fair on those of us responsible commenters if we are to be stopped because of the irresponsible behavior of others. (Exceptions allowed to this rule but is this an exceptional cases?)

I am stunned by all of you people crying out loud because of RS's threat.

Here is what I would do if RS did shut down the comments section.

Start my own blog and then post what's posted here at JW/DW and then let people post comments at my site.

Actually that was what I was thinking of doing ages ago. Read here http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/006235.php#c92527

You know create a mirror site to JW/DW (without infringing on copyrights and so on of course.)

It doesn't have to be me. Why don't you all create mirror blogs to JW/DW? I am so busy right now that I hardly ever get any time to post here.

If no one does then I at least will be doing that later on when I have time. Check my site at http://geocities.com/Informed_Christian/

I really don't want to run a site right now so if you all do your own blogs then I probably won't have to.

So why don't you all set up blogs? So we can comment there if RS decides to shut down commenting here.

Oh and if anyone does decides to create a mirror site to JihadWatch/DhimmiWatch (JW/DW) then could they email me and let me know so I can come and comment there.

My email: Informed_Christian@yahoo.com

And the more mirror blogs, the better. Saves me setting up my own blog. At your blog you can post items that are of interest to you as well as what Robert Spencer (RS) posts here. You get to be the boss.

Try this for a free blog

http://www.blogger.com/start

http://spaces.msn.com/

Or set up a Yahoo group at

http://groups.yahoo.com/

Or set up message boards. There are several places where you can set them up for free. Do a search.

Oh and once again if you did set up your own blog or site could you email me so that maybe I can come and comment at your site?

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RS Wrote

For too long the comments have been overrun by windy dweebs with agendas, Islamic apologists, apologists for the Left, apologists for the Right, Christian evangelists, etc. etc. etc. This is not the time or the place. We are trying to resist the jihad here.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007528.php

Am I included in the above list? Were you referring to me when you said "Christian evangelists" RS?

I don't know what RS means by "Christian evangelists." I sometimes try to correct people's misconceptions of Christianity by quoting the Bible and I see nothing wrong with that.

Why don't RS just stop those "windy dweebs with agendas, Islamic apologists, apologists for the Left, apologists for the Right, Christian evangelists, etc. etc. etc." and leave the rest of us alone?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well if if did come to that I would be a bit sad to see the comments section go. But I won't lose any sleep over it.

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Message Thread

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007528.php

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Like r.b (our news editor) would say "luv u all" in Jesus.

I have my own blog for a reason:

I believe in speaking the Truth and damn the consequences.

Now I see that my it was an undertaking not done in vain.

Islam is the Enemy. Reform It or Remove It.

A cautionary note to those who are concerned about the COMMENTS section being removed and especially a word to "ibnrushd" - who wants to start a yahoo group. Before I commence, please know that this lengthy advice/comment is being written with all good intentions to all sides [JW and any new group that wants to arise from it], so please accept this information in the spirit, in which it was intended. Let me thank you ahead of time for doing so:

I applaud you efforts to start a new group, which would be designed as a place for JWers to go and post their [feelings] on JW news and articles. It sounds like a noble effort, indeed. There are 2 subjects I'd encourage you to consider as you embark on this new journey:

1) There are SO many legal elements to consider when starting a group, as you are suggesting on yahoo, where there is not as much privacy as if you had your own site. Yet, I am not speaking in terms of legality but in safety, as well. There is a platform for 1st Amendment speech and then there is the Patriot Act. Regardless of what anyone thinks of the Patriot Act, one good thing it does is this: it clearly removes the gray area that used to sit next to the 1st Amendment - the gray area is gone and so now, there is either something being protected by the 1st Amendment or not. There's no 2 ways about it.

With that in mind, as the administrator of a forum, site, yahoo group, etc. YOU will be responsible for what you say and what you ALLOW to be said because NOT EVERYTHING posted is protected by the 1st Amendment. When people post threatening remarks, or other NON-PROTECTED speech, it is our responsibility to remove it or edit it (and you can say the post was edited), but you can't permit ILLEGAL activity on the site, and speaking WITHIN the bounds of the Patriot Act is illegal.

I can see how this noble effort of yours could backfire and, therefore, as a fellow JWer, I caution you to know what you're getting into before starting a blog or the aforementioned labels you want to give your yahoo group.

When Robert perused the site and saw posts, which fell into the categories he referenced in his initial post on this matter, I knew immediately where his mindset was coming from because there is a responsibility, which is JW [and JW being him] and to which, he cannot ignore.

2) I would secondly urge you to consider the name you're going to give this new venture because any association with JIHAD WATCH - by naming it some of the ideas you suggested - could erroneously link you to this JW and vice-versa and cause some liability.

Maybe you feel so strongly about JW, that you want to continue to comment on the news here [and surely, Robert & staff will have much more time to post MORE news once the comments are gone]. If you're going to do that, (just comment on JW articles, news and the like), then you'd need to say that you're not affiliated with JW in any way but that those posting on your yahoo group are merely commenting on the news and commentaries here - you might also have a place where people can comment on other sites, such as JW. However, always keep in mind that:

**in this era of war, no one is allowed to say "anything;"
**there is a strong difference between the 1st Amendment and the Patriot Act;
**Learn that difference;
**I am not here to bridle anyone's speech, but to keep you out of jail for speaking such and allowing such on YOUR yahoo group;
**posting your "feelings" (be it rage against the enemy or agreement with the enemy) is NOT protected speech because we do have the Patriot Act and, with such, we are responsible to abide by it.
**A moderator, owner or leader of a site which, not only promotes (speech not protected by the 1st Amendment) but ALLOWS it, is equally as culpable for not removing - regardless of the countless cautions you post at the top of your yahoo group or other blog, if someone were stating feelings which they wish they could act on, which are illegal, be in OUR people or THEIR people, you'd also be required to report it to the authorities.

Hence, PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER starting any new comments section which is not a part of JW, but is a part of JWers who want to see the comments section continue, because there are extreme liabilities to be had...all this said (from professional and personal experience) will let you know ESPECIALLY how difficult it is to control a place where there are 400,000 hits, though not as many posts - and the tremendous liability and responsibility that Robert has on his shoulders.

While cost plays a factor in any major decision, one can't put a price on liability. I wish those of you the best of luck in your endeavors to keep the circle of JWers alive - please be careful, expected the unexpected, define a purpose, stick to your agenda, and be careful to abide by the laws which are enacted, (now during wartime) because:

FREE SPEECH IS NOT ALWAYS FREE.

Thanks for listening. I hope you received this info in the spirit it was intended and it will guide you in your new endeavor.

Simon said
"I am sure that a wider readership could be won if the comments were deactivated."

I appologize in advance for deliberately twisting your words, but that's the most insightful commentary on the KORAN and islam that I've EVER read.

'skidd' stated: "Without the commentary this site will be like sphagetti without the sauce."

I don't post here often, but I wholeheartedly agree. I feel that way about 'Powerline' now.

BTW, Daniel Pipes' blog allows comments, but only after they have been reviewed, making any appropriate edit. That seems to enforce civility.

I don't know what RS means by "Christian evangelists." I sometimes try to correct people's misconceptions of Christianity by quoting the Bible and I see nothing wrong with that.

Gee-whiz, I guess he just means those “Christian evangelists” who put inflamatory things like "Worship (or return to, whichever it was) Jesus or Die!" and the like in the comments section.

I think any casual reader of the JW comment section would have already come to the conclusion that due to the overwhelming emotional undercurrent of the two “non-mentionable” subjects of religion and politics which are focused on here, regulating the content by administrators or self-policing by participants has become impractical if not unrealistic.

I personally have a problem quelling my own frustration and anger at times and probably shouldn’t have posted half of the things I have. For anything I may have said that conflicted with the spirit and purpose of JW/DW I apologize. If nixing comments puts JW/DW on better legs to get the message out then I'm all for it. It's the message (the danger of jihadist teachings), not the expression of my own personal beliefs that matter here.

I'm sure regular commentors will continue to buy Robert's books, read them, and then pass them on to someone else. Also, if you haven't already, hit the donate button and support Jihad Watch in a more practical way.

f.g.

Robert, Rebecca and Hugh, you guys are wonderful and I'm grateful that you produce this website. You're providing a service that no one else is, and it's so needed right now.

Do whatever you have to do. Lots of blogs and websites don't allow comments (instapundit, relapsed catholic), and it makes for a "cleaner", easier-to-read site. I'm tired of warning the people I refer to Jihad Watch about the comments section. Overall, I think it will be an improvement.

abolitionist-

Bullseye!

The first line of the Koran is its intellectual death knell (and you captured its essence in a nutshell by excerpting SIMON's remark):

"This book is not to be doubted."

(circa 1960 Penguin Books version.)

Comments are the answer to such proclamations.

If they go, then my final posting will be to take a line from Calvin "Silent Cal" Coolidge:

"NO COMMENT. AND DON'T QUOTE ME."

It is encouraging to me see so many posters here that are wise to the racist cult of Islam.

We notice that the so-called moderate Muslims always have an excuse for the dirty deeds of the extremists. We also notice that Muslim words and treaties can't be trusted.

The criminal rap sheet of their great prophet Mohammed is enough to arouse the suspicion of any objective person.

Islam should not receive protection under freedom of religion; rather it should be included with all of the other subversive and racist organizations.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007528.php#c116508

I don't know what RS means by "Christian evangelists." I sometimes try to correct people's misconceptions of Christianity by quoting the Bible and I see nothing wrong with that.

Gee-whiz, I guess he just means those “Christian evangelists” who put inflamatory things like "Worship (or return to, whichever it was) Jesus or Die!" and the like in the comments section.

Posted by: f.g. at August 5, 2005 11:28 AM

f.g. (http://profile.typekey.com/frozenghost)

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To those who might not be aware, f.g. was referring to this http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/004479.php#c63220

When I said "REPENT and return to the Lord JESUS or DIE" I didn't mean that in an Islamic sense of "accept Islam or DIE."

I am not saying that Christians will kill you if you don't worship my True God.

What I meant was, as it is written in the Bible, if the West disobeys God and go "a-whoring" after other false religions such as Atheism or whatever, then the West will be annihilated.

This is not me saying, it is in the Bible.

So what I meant was that God will destroy the West. Christians won't destroy it. It will be destroyed by non-Christians, Westeners themselves self-destructing or by outsiders such as the Muslims and others.

I have already refuted him there at http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/004479.php#c63220

f.g. was misquoting me and it seems that it was deliberate. I never said anything like "worship Jesus or die."

Go back and read it again if your dementia is making you forget things you "Freaking Ghost."

The recent 7-7 London bombings are further proof that I am right. Christians are not killing anyone. Its the Islamic terrorists that are doing it. And more people are going to die too. They are also killing themselves by committing demographic suicide by not having any children for selfish reasons and letting all sorts of hostile aliens to come into their lands in a flood. I don't see them repenting. They persist in sin. God will continue to punish them.

I gave the Northern Kingdom of Israel as an example earlier. Now I will give the example of the apostate Judeah. Just like the apostate Judeah the West is also in apostasy. And guess what happened to Judeah then? The Babylonians got them. Today's Babylonians are the IslamoFascists. Unless there is a change in West towards God it will follow the way of Judeah.

I hope RS won't be too disappointed with what I have just written. But I can't let this person's slanders go unanswered.

By the way f.g. I said those so long ago, before RS complained. After that I didn't say as much anymore.

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And here is a suggestion to RS. Why don't you tell people via email if they make inappropriate comments? Why not give them a warning?

To all-

It is indeed regrettable that the Comments section will be closing down soon - the posts have been a great source of information (particularly when Hugh is prowling the threads) and will be dearly missed. We all owe Robert a great big thank you for the opportunity to share our observations and opinions amongst one another here. It's been a very informative and enjoyable experience.

On the other hand, as Robert stated, the Comments section was never intended to serve as an outlet to vent people's frustrations and anger. As the 'Comments Era' comes to a close, now is the time for everyone to start thinking where they can channel that energy and knowledge into constructive efforts to produce positive change in our communities and countries. Instead of focusing your energies here preaching to the choir, it is now time to take your particular skills, talents, energy and everything you have learned here, out into your communities where your efforts will benefit the people around you. Many have done this already. Some have started their own websites and blogs, some are writing articles for the Web, newspapers and other media outlets, while others are taking the battle to Congress. Jihad/Dhimmi Watch will still be here to inform and to educate, but, now it's time for you to DO YOUR PART. By showing up here, you've shown that you are concerned, that you choose to be informed and that you want to DO something. Well here's your opportunity - GET OUT THERE!!

Now would also be a good time to truly show your appreciation for all Robert, Hugh and the rest of the JW staff have done for us by submitting a donation to Jihad Watch.

Thanks again, Robert !
It's been great everyone. Now, let's get out there and do our parts to win this war!

DEATH BEFORE DHIMMITUDE!

it seems that it was deliberate.

Nonsense, although I directly attributed that quote to no one in particular I tried to remember (and included alternatives to) what preceded the "Jesus or die" part, but failed. Ok then, it was you, Informed Christian and you said "REPENT and return to the Lord JESUS or DIE". In bold yet if I recall. No one is slandering you. That is plain silly. I’ll have to ask you to forgive my mistaken quotation, good Christian person that you are.

Reading your latest post, I believe you've missed Hugh's and subsequently the point I was trying to make entirely. In fact, it would be a waste of your time to try and figure what I mean until you stop seeing others as "apostates", "sinners", and "dementia" suffers and start seeing fellow human beings who have a different point of view than yours and a right to have it. And that is a fundamental right that isn't countermanded by anyone's god, gods, idols, fetishes, prophets, channeled entities, tea leaves, alien space brothers or holy inspired writings.

Threatening people with hellfire, damnation, spiritual death, or consignment to the outer darkness unless they subscribe to your views is something called “coercion.” All forms of coercion are wrong and frankly intellectually dishonest. If an idea has any merit it can be adopted without threat of spiritual or physical violence, it is only meritless ideologies, doctrines, and viewpoints that must be forced into people through coercion.

Also, having had loved ones who have suffered with dementia (one now dead) because of a variety of medical conditions I find your reference to it unusually hurtful and callus for such a good Christian man as yourself, but I do sincerly forgive you from my secular humanist heart and wish you well.

f.g.

P.S. All you have to do to see a commentor's profile page (if they have set one up) is to click the icon next to the posting parties name at the end of a comment. Try mine. I have no problem with anyone looking at it; that is why I put it there.

One more thought.

When the Internet first came online in people's homes worldwide, some thought that it would change the way politics is done, didn't know exactly how, just a deep gut feeling that politics would never be the same again.

Now we know. This is the how. You're looking at it.

Now every poster on the Net has a voice. Political voice. We are able to present our views, knowledge, experience, interact and influence readers, connect with like-minds, even start something that carries off the Net into the real world, like the 'Quick guide to Islamic Terrorism' booklet publishing project that reset and gang started here in the JW/DW comments threads.

There is also an unexpected thing: this medium is self regulating. People whose posts have merit gain respect and attract attention. Posts without merit lost respect and attention. The same goes with sites. That is why Robert is doing this. Rants lower the merit, hence the value and attention paid to this site.

Carolyn2 has a point above. Many of us have strong feelings about the matter at hand -- it affects us and our progeny deeply -- and the emotions show in our words. Is that rant? I think it adds immediacy, humanity and reality to the words. A call Robert has to make.

If the site drops the commentary, it would disable the part of this medium that "revolutionises how politics is done", and takes us back to a 19th century paper newsletter under the door, and that level of political interactivity, one way, from publisher to the masses. In the Internet age, it would appear the masses no longer waits by the door.

I'll still come back for the site content though. It has merit!

Thanks, Robert for doing this.
I think you have your place in Internet history already. Cheers!

Carolyn2

To close the comments because some think we might offend delicate sensibilities of some superior readers is offensive to me. I am offended by the death and destruction being visited on the world by jihadists, the time to speak in flowery phrases is over. The facts need to be told, Jihadwatch has been a real resource of truth (as our newspapers and televisions won't give us the truth) and the comment section has been as educational as the postings. The snooty readers who would be offended by us had better get ready, there is a lot out there that will offend them, namely Sharia law.

I agree with you 100%,and I would like to add that in many cases the comments have been more informative than the posting.
From what I can understand,this site has not gone in the direction Mr Spencer has intended,but neverless it has developed in a very positive direction,and that is spreading awareness to a broader mass,which in turn can influence the policymakers.
So wouldnt it be better to develope what JW/DW is in it present form.Let it developed into a force to be reckoned with,a movement that the policymakers will take notice

a) Informed Christian - not so informed as I was not trying to scare anyone, but merely suggesting there is more to taking on a site than they may realize. I did not have to spend my time today to explain this to anyone - I could have let them go out and fail or learn for themselves, (hopefully, succeeding);

b) there is no possible way for Robert to respond to e-mail to say you have a warning or your speech was offensive or illegal - unless, of course, you want to hire someone full time, to do that and then debate in court why they called the other person's speech offensive...the law speaks for itself and it's not his place to inform of it but to enforce it or not partake in it;

c) Robert's talents are not best served answering mundane email - DELETE WORKS FINE....

d) if you were invited to someone's wedding and they said "no children allowed at this wedding,"
you'd leave the kids home. Well, he said, many times, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR OFFENSIVE, etc remarks... and it's not. It's great to have a place to vent but JW is not it - so if the masses can't abide by the rules, he ends it. To my dismay, surely. I think the readership will drop, my personal opinion, but he's not getting paid so readership only matters for FIANNCES and for EDUCATION - he is an excellent eductionalist. For that reason, he needs to use his talents were they serve he and the masses best.

Shiva,

I think the problem is when we get on our soapboxes and attempt to either viciously slam one another, Liberals on Conservatives and visa versa, or mercilessly proselytize for our particular ideology/belief system. I think the subject matter of religion and politics has been long been seen as the subjects you don’t broach unless you’re ready for some “friction” and the only real solution would be to have a comment moderator. If JW/DW is unable or unwilling to hire a fulltime moderator then I can’t see how they can regulate comment content. Pleas for sanity have been ignored. Warning and banning anonymous users is well … futile. This isn’t a comparative religion website. Neither is it a Conservatives vs. Liberals website. This website is about educating the public on the growing danger of Islamic Jihadist ideology. It’s about the intolerance of Islam for anything else and where that is leading the world. Somebody jump in here and correct me if I’m wrong. Like it or not Jihad Watch is judged for its comments section probably as much as for any content that Robert, Hugh, DC, or Rebecca put up. The abundance of nasty bickering amongst people whose differences really have nothing to do with Islam is distracting. The baiting of Islamic apologists and the Allah’s scripture vs. Yahweh’s scripture endless quoting thing is pointless and redundant. There are numerous websites comparing the scriptures and ideologies of Islam and Christianity that do a much better job than the comments section here.

I visit this site pretty much every day and use it as my "go-to" resource for news and information regarding the ever-deteriorating relationship between Muslims and the west. I think we are all in agreement that the current level of political correctness that is practiced and expected from civilized countries is what most puts our way of life in jeopardy. The question is, where does political correctness end and bigotry begin? A site such as JihadWatch does a great service to the cause--Mr. Spencer is not afraid to tell it like it is. For that he is to be commended.

In this fight against radical Isalm, all Muslims need to either join the civilized world in denouncing Terrorism, or face racial profiling in the near future. I wish it did not have to come to that but what other solution is there? Given another terrorist attack in this country and perhaps even the ACLU will shut their mouths (although that might be a stretch). Really, it's all up to the moderate Muslim population to turn the tide.

The key is communication. I think that most of the JihadWatch audience understands this and realizes that with rational discussion of the situation at hand we aren't being racist or bigoted but more just trying to accept the current state this world is in. Hopefully, eventually those people who continue to be offended by discussion of the facts will eventually see this and join in the movement in figuring out a path to peace and resolution. It's a long road, but we'll get there.

God bless Mr Spencer and the good work that he does. Take care everyone!

Mistake to do away with the blogs, much as I'm grateful to you Robert, and especially to you Hugh for your elucidations on stories (where will those go now ?).
Most of the parties here are the very opposite of "those who submit" and hence constitute the imaginative and WINNING respose to an ideology of hate.
Robert, you might be shutting down your fine role as an enabler, and your finest legacy.
As for all my fellow decent wonderful bloggers, and to Robert, Hugh, Rebecca, MAY YOU ALL LIVE LONG AND PROSPER.

I would be sorry to lose the comments section although I can understand Mr Spencers concern and desire to move this site on to the next stage of influence. Now that so many of us have begun our education we must spread our knowledge about. But I do feel that the moral support and encouragement that we give each other is invaluable. I know that while I am dropping, for example, copies of the Wolfgang Bruno essay posted here (The stages of Jihad) around England, other women in the US are doing similar things appropriate to their particular neighbourhood and that knowledge gives me courage and confidence.

I may have been guilty of angry comments at times, I know that I am guilty of going off thread. I have an old slow computer. I suggest that we try what I have to do of necessity, which is draft a post first in word, where it can be spell checked and saved in case it is lost during dial up, and re-read and re-considered before it is pasted into the box. It does take time, but if reflection is what is needed to keep comments balanced, and thus to keep comments, then it will be worthwhile.
However if, after our 2 week period Mr Spencer does decide that comments must go, I would be interested in commenting elsewhere, or making contact with those posters I have formed a rapport with.

f.g

Whilst you are right in what you say 90/100 this site comments are a valuable insight, and we have all sorts of people religious and otherwise saying what they feel. Perhaps when a person overuses religious rhetoric he should be warned that his speech is detestable, and his comments unworthy. I have been called 'hateful' by He'man for my piercing view of the antithesis to Christianity that Islam is, but for years and years Christians associated the God of Abraham with Islam, and this unquestioned One God agreement was used as a front by Muslims to gain sympathy and friendships with Christians.
This has changed because the Christian perception of 'following the Commandments" has been demonstrated in sharp focus to the actions of Jihadists, and the silent connivance of muslims from all walks of life.

Many people coming to JW realize this difference of faith, when they come into contact with Muslims, who are quick to reject Christians, so it is of immense importance to be able to clear up these confusions when Church leaders who only see the 'smiling face' of muslims try to encourage inter-faith dialog at all costs policy. So do not secularise JW :)

Just another thought G Galloway was the man that when confronted with the news a reporter had communicated the build up of the Iraqi war machine in 92 on the border of Kuwait,was arrested, on hearing appeals in the press to save the man from being hanged, confirmed the Iraqi courts position that he was a spy and that it was none of the British Govts business to interfere !

This man shows signs that he is adopting the swaggering mannerisms of another famous but failed politician ADOLF HITLER, I bet he thinks that is a compliment?

f.g

Whilst you are right in what you say 90/100 this site comments are a valuable insight, and we have all sorts of people religious and otherwise saying what they feel. Perhaps when a person overuses religious rhetoric he should be warned that his speech is detestable, and his comments unworthy. I have been called 'hateful' by He'man for my piercing view of the antithesis to Christianity that Islam is, but for years and years Christians associated the God of Abraham with Islam, and this unquestioned One God agreement was used as a front by Muslims to gain sympathy and friendships with Christians.
This has changed because the Christian perception of 'following the Commandments" has been demonstrated in sharp focus to the actions of Jihadists, and the silent connivance of muslims from all walks of life.

Many people coming to JW realize this difference of faith, when they come into contact with Muslims, who are quick to reject Christians, so it is of immense importance to be able to clear up these confusions when Church leaders who only see the 'smiling face' of muslims try to encourage inter-faith dialog at all costs policy. So do not secularise JW :)

Just another thought G Galloway was the man that when confronted with the news a reporter had communicated the build up of the Iraqi war machine in 92 on the border of Kuwait,was arrested, on hearing appeals in the press to save the man from being hanged, confirmed the Iraqi courts position that he was a spy and that it was none of the British Govts business to interfere !

This man shows signs that he is adopting the swaggering mannerisms of another famous but failed politician ADOLF HITLER, I bet he thinks that is a compliment?

Allow me to be brutally blunt:

Closing the comments section is no less than appeasing Muslims and the Left that are obviously in favor of controlling the thoughts of everyone that doesn't agree with them anyway.

Some of the language might be offensive here or on other forums, but you have not seen offensive until you've witnessed the monstrous behavior that Islamic Terrorists are capable of.

How quickly we replace beheadings with words.

from Terminator:

"The Russians have more experience with this kind of thing. Lets ask Rublev! (Haha, you get my drift?)"

Actually, I am from Cuba (another country with plenty of censorship experience). I don't know if I get the joke -unless you are implying that my comments about comments are going to make me a "the censor from Hell." Hmmm....

At any rate, I am posting much less these weeks due to a new job that is much more demanding of my time. Even so, I would very much hate to see an end to the comments. Hence, I second the motion for jihadwatch to take up Paolo on his generous offer.

Robert, I will add my thanks to those already posted and to those who read and do not post but feel the same greatfulness I do that JW exists!

I have read your book "Onward Muslim Soldiers" and have the latest on order, I have listened to you on "Cable" and "Talk Radio" long before finding this site.

I have only recently started to post since finding you four weeks ago; and although I will miss the comments section, if you do pull the plug, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is to refute incorrect and supposed factual information and thought placed in the comment section. I respect your decision as the owner of the site, and the fact that you are remaining true to your values!The site is a reflection of your values by the fact that whatever is posted regardless of the disclamers is deemd approved by you!

Please keep crying out as the "Watchman on the Tower", then the blood of the people will be on their heads not those of the "Watchman". A little Bible paraphrase there!

kwg1

Foehammer has a very nice site, look it over.
http://www.foehammer.net/

"Department of Redundancy Department"

(to quote the Firesign Theater)-

In the event that the COMMENTS are scotched, I set up a quick blog for a back-up as: "watchmyjihad.

I hope it won't be necessary, but, as NASA has learned (after killing two entire shuttle crews) a redundancy plan it a nice thing to have handy.

It is:

http://watchmyjihad.blogspot.com/

With the heading "Watch On The Mind" (instead of "Rhine").

Comments at the bottom.

"Dos moi pou sto, kai tan gan kinaso."
-Archimedes.

(Give me a place to stand and I will move the world.)

Please, please, please don't shut down the comments.

l. They keep people interested, as people have a need to express their opinion.

2.I've actually learned quite a bit from a FEW posters, and some are considerate enough, and knowledgeable enough in html to provide very useful links.

A good portion of my bookmarks are because of links from comment posters.

Hopefully the irrational and immature posters will either grow up or find a brain in their sock drawer.

I think a site is judged by its contents, all of it.

If Robert continues with the comments, this site will be judged by that too, as exemplified by the reader above who won't sent the JW link to a friend, but only references to the articles mentioned.

The options seem to be:
1. Have a moderator to snip unsuitable comments.
2. Have a mirror site for the comments.

And this one, a "sphagetti hold the sauce", which would lose the irreplaceable richness of reader inputs.
3. Lose the comments altogether.

Well, Robert, this certainly caught our attention! Didn't it?

Regardless of whether or not you decide to eliminate the "Comment" portion of this site, you can count on me to continue to turn every day to Jihad/Dhimmi Watch. Were it not for this site, I would not be as well informed as I am regarding Islam. (And I must admit, although I sometimes felt comments were offensive or a bit long-winded, I was rarely bored by what posters had to say.)

Thank you Robert, Hugh, Rebecca - you are truly great Americans.

Dear Robert, Rebecca and Hugh,
Please reconsider your rescinding the comments. I have learnt much from them as I have from you. Gotten in a few good laughs as well! I will dearly miss the regulars here (too many to mention, not worth trying to list them all). I regard all those who posted here who oppose jihad and dhimmitude as my friends, and I hope you feel the same about me. I will continue to visit JW/DW, but probably not as often as I will miss the colorful exchanges of wit and wisdom. Nevertheless, do as you will RS, but I would like to keep the comments intact. Just thought I'd like to give you my two cents' worth.

Personally, I think it's absolutely ridiculous that anyone, be it an academic type (scholar,professor), a politician, a politically-correct European, or a PC elitist, could be so offended by the comments that they would shun this site! After all, nobody HAS TO READ the comments.

I have read comments that I disagreed with, a few that were a bit vulgar, but I have never read one that offended me enough to whine about it or make an official complaint. I like to know what other people are thinking and feeling, even if they are boorish reprobates or unmannered jerks. Words do indeed have great power, but they cannot jump through a computer screen and kill anybody. I have yet to read any comments on this site that compare to the "prayer" from a muslim who asked allah to rip Mr. Spencer's spine out, put it back, and do it again. It's on the cover of his new book. If the prudes, Acolytes of the Order of Sacred Multiculturalism, moral relativists, and PC Gestapo want to get insulted and huffy, shouldn't that rankle their sensitivities?

Irrespective of my feelings, I still think Mr.Spencer should do whatever serves his best interests.

I've done away with my old comments engine and put in place the new standard Blogger comments. This will allow anyone that registers a nickname with Blogger to comment securely on my site now at:

http://www.foehammer.net

(or http://www.foehammer.com)

Any nickname you may have set up for that will then will also allow you to easily leave comments at:

http://watchmyjihad.blogspot.com/

Both blogs use the same host (Blogger) and BigSleep's very useful blog and my own can be used by anyone that wishes to continue commenting on events at Jihad Watch, should these comments sections here be removed or heavily censored in the future.

Foehammer

So sorry this is not going to continue.
It is extraordinarily important for people like myself to know there are others who wish to support the anti-jihad movement..Please reconsider

Closing the comments is the right decision. Sometimes the editorial articles provoke useful discussion, but mostly the comments are more trouble than they're worth. I agree that the comments deter people from reading or linking others to the site. People will not focus on the positive, especially if they are being told things that they don't want to hear. They will read some insane rant about "coffee filters" or a snide compliment to Milosevic, and they'll run right back to their comfortable prejudices.

It really doesn't matter anymore what choice is made here. The comments will continue. One way or another.

I appreciate the efforts of Robert and Hugh very much, and their final choice with regards to this site is their own, but I obviously know what this is all about ultimately.

If this site can and does go more mainstream, do not be surprised if comment blogs start to surround it like a wagon train. The truth here is so important that any sane readers will want to havew a say on the matter eventually, and not giving them a voice here will just force them to go elsewhere to do so.

So, in the end, everyone will eventually get what they want, and what matters the most is that Islam is confronted for real. Finally.

Dear Mr. Spencer, The thinking was you gave us more credit than this. Don't you think the "vast majority of Americans" can discern for themselves what is hate speech and what is a constructive response to those who wish us dead no matter what?

Instead we're all made to feel like the keys to the car is being taken away for bad behavior..

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007528.php#c116562

a) Informed Christian - not so informed as I was not trying to scare anyone, but merely suggesting there is more to taking on a site than they may realize. I did not have to spend my time today to explain this to anyone - I could have let them go out and fail or learn for themselves, (hopefully, succeeding);

Posted by: JW gal at August 5, 2005 04:40 PM

JW gal (http://profile.typekey.com/Caprice)

Hey Capricious Girl, thanks for the suggestion but surely it can't be that hard to run a site. In fact I have just set up a blog right now at http://informedchristiannews.blogspot.com/

Why don't you come check it out? Refugees from JihadWatch are welcome there.

So what do you think? Do you think I would fail "Caprice"? Do you wish I would fail? :) Or has your Capricious mind changed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I will reply to the rest of including to what seems like a feigned piety and victimhood by f.g. here at http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007528.php#c116523 later. Too busy.

I have seen this kind of trick used far too many times by the IslamoFascists. You know where Islamic terrorists kill millions and then claim that they were the victims. LOL.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Message Thread:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/007528.php

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Informed_Christian (Informed Christian or IC)

I will reply to the rest of including to what seems like a feigned piety and victimhood by f.g. here ...

Do you really think anybody cares? I really don’t.

And if you remember, you were the one crying about possibly being included in Hugh’s evangelical Christian remark. Not me. What a laugh, come on now. And what are you really intending by parading your religion around with the tag of Informed Christian anyway? Can you say a little puffed up? My goodness man, get a clue and stop embarrassing your religion. You behave like an immature Christian who thinks he is plugged into some eternal Truth but hasn't internalized the basic behavioral guidelines yet. Some of the things you have written are embarrassing even for a backslidden, apostate, non-believing, heretic like myself to read. Your hellfire and brimstone approach, as I said before, is rather counterproductive to your goals.

I am pleased you have set up a blog where you can work through some of these things. I hope you get some good contributions. If you are serious about Christianity I hope that you'll actually start applying some of principles to your writings. I also would like to suggest to you once again, to print out the things you been saying in here and show them to your pastor or priest and get his opinion on the tone and approach you are taking. I would honestly be quite surprised if a mature Christian thought you were doing a good job representing Christ. If that is your intention, which by your moniker, you seem to be.

Your attempts to associate me with IslamoFascists are quite silly and very dishonest since you know full well what I think of Islam and IslmoFascists. Again, you betray yourself here.

I do honestly wish you well and hope you find what you’re looking for inside the Bible and that you will be able to actually make it work in your life. I would also like for you to meditate on the concept of coercion and how it applies to your evangelistic style. Good luck.

f.g.

Herewith, i sincerely apologize for calling Robert a girlyman..just perturbed..why let some complainer who doesn't have to read comments
make him think he needs to cancel community
discussion?

Robert .for sure, you are a Courageous Ironman.

otter

see LGF..there is a "hide comments" button

don't shed your site's dynamos..many of Hugh's
most erudite commentaries have been elicited by comments from informed members..

Perhaps when a person overuses religious rhetoric he should be warned that his speech is detestable, and his comments unworthy.

While your analysis is in keeping with my own in that the overuse of religious rhetoric is undesirable and often results in comments deemed unworthy of consideration by those the commenter wishes to sway, warnings are meaningless to a zealot.

but for years and years Christians associated the God of Abraham with Islam, and this unquestioned One God agreement was used as a front by Muslims to gain sympathy and friendships with Christians.

The fallacy of the gods of the Bible and the Koran being one and the same, and not necessarily only amongst the “faithful”, is a long running problem. The secular world needs to be told the difference.

I have no grief with anyone who points out the differences and highlights the mistakes in assuming Allah and Yahweh are the same. When the exercise grows from being an academic discussion to an evangelical sermon the usefulness of the exchange is severely diminished if not entirely sabotaged.

The reality is there are folks who would rather get the imagined spiritual points for evangelizing the world via the internet than promoting understanding and cooperation amongst those fighting the Islamic threat.

f.g.