Religion’s role in state affairs

[trotsky]

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/opinion/27-Oct-2014/religion-s-role-in-state-affairs

Some days ago comedian Bill Maher expressed his viewpoint about the Muslim world and Islam but, as usual, Muslims rejected his viewpoint and labelled him a racist. I agree with Bill Maher. We know what he said is true but the difference is that we do not have the courage to call a spade a spade; Bill has and he did. The whole Muslim world is suffering due to the fact that the people in it are in a state of denial. If someone tries to educate them they call it racism and Islamophobia. I am here to defend Pakistan and I agree with Bill Maher. Do we not know that there are many shocking examples that prove how religion’s role in state affairs has proved to be more dangerous than cancer, AIDS and Ebola? I am afraid that Pakistan is going to become another Syria or Iraq due to religious fanaticism. After 67 years of independence, we have failed to develop patriotism in our nation due to religious fanaticism. There is news regarding fanatical and sectarian killings every day but nothing is done in this regard to save Pakistan. I am very clear in thinking that the way religion is practiced here in Pakistan, it has turned us away from the modern world. These shocking revelations are a clear sign that the authorities should seriously think about saving our homeland from disintegration.

...

History tells us that whenever there is a vacuum of leadership, the average Muslim relies on clerics from seminaries. An interesting fact is that even then they hatch conspiracies to conquer the world. In the past, the sword was handed to the Muslim youth and today a suicide bombing kit is given to them. Unfortunately, Pakistan has become a victim of large-scale suicide bombings. I hold the so-called ulema (scholars) of Islam responsible for this mess. We are suffering because of their shortsightedness and are moving away from science and technology. When humans ascended the moon, our so-called ulema said it was equal to challenging God; this is the level of their mentality and sadly many Muslims read their books and literature. Still, we believe that in the name of religion they should be given a vital role in our society. Still we rely on their consultations about whether a polio vaccine is acceptable or not. Islamist terrorism is a hindrance to polio eradication in Pakistan. I condemn these enemies of our society.

...

The writer is an advocate for Pakistan and humanity with a keen interest in humanitarian assistance programmes. He can be followed on Twitter @SaifRK

[Wellstone ruled]

1. Should include Utah and Idaho

as well.

[Bluenorthwest]

2. Are Red States lacking in criticism here? When Utah is criticized for being anti gay, does anyone

get huffy and claim that criticism stems for Utahaphobia, that you simply hate all Idahoans and claim they are just horrible? No, no they don't. And that's sort of the point of the OP.

[rug]

3. Does anyone in Pakistan know who Bill Maher is?