After the 2001 attacks on America, articles appeared in the popular press posing the question, “Why do they hate us?” The idea was to try to understand the mindset that led to the deaths of nearly 3,000 individuals on American soil.
Much was written about American
foreign policy transgressions and the arrogance of
American ideals, but the reasoning is much simpler:
They hate us because they are
taught to hate.
The behavior pattern points to
Political-Religious Movements, in which people are brought together through
common ideals and energized by a common hatred.
In the case of the Islamic Political-Religious Movement, the ideals are
based on the Koran, and the hate is directed at Christians and Jews.
The religious component of the
movement does not require hate. That is
brought to us by the political leaders who see this increasing the power and
authority of the movement.
(It is sad to note that throughout
history, when a political organization becomes a political-religious movement
or a religious organization becomes a political-religious movement, great human
suffering follows.)
The actions of a few activists at
a White House gathering last week focus our attention on the transformation of
the Democratic Party. It has become a
political-religious movement, with hatred for Republicans as its central tenet.
Our culture sees no problem with
this, other than the use of the word “hate.” That terminology is construed as a
bit too stern; perhaps uncivil. When Republican women
are disparaged, it is name-calling, not hate. When Republicans
are subjected to dehumanization, it is just a game, not hate. Republican
dhimmitude is simply a fact of life.
And now, indignities to Republican
presidents are right and natural, and suitable for Facebook. The behaviors are justifiable
acts of defiance.
Still, Republicans should be
concerned with that question, “Why do they hate us?”
We ignore it at our peril.
UPDATE 6/26/2012:
This is just sad. (h/t Glenn Reynolds)
UPDATE 7/10/2012:
Deroy Murdock, writing at National Review Online provides some data on the level of federal expenditure on AIDS research during the Reagan years. Click on the hotlink under the photo of Matty Hart (above) for a different take.
UPDATE 6/26/2012:
This is just sad. (h/t Glenn Reynolds)
UPDATE 7/10/2012:
Deroy Murdock, writing at National Review Online provides some data on the level of federal expenditure on AIDS research during the Reagan years. Click on the hotlink under the photo of Matty Hart (above) for a different take.
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