September 3, 2014
Yesterday, it was reported that a second US journalist, Steven Sotloff, was beheaded by ISIS (or the Islamic State). This comes two weeks after James Foley was executed the same way. The brutality is unbelievable. Journalists are not military targets any more than women or children would be. And these decapitations are in no way “accidental” or “collateral.” In light of what’s going on in that part of the world – and the effects that are being felt in my part of the world – and with another anniversary of 9/11 coming up, I thought I’d share some statements. Here are some things that I have come to believe very firmly.
I believe…
- That evil is real and active in the world. It is not just misunderstandings and cultural differences. There is evil. And it is real.
- That freedom is an inalienable right from God. That all people should be free to choose his religion, his thoughts and exercise free speech. Yes – even if i disagree with it.
- That true freedom also comes with great responsibility – freedom doesn’t mean I can do anything I like – but it does mean I can think as I like and worship as I like and share my ideas as I like.
- That forcing people to convert, public amputations, lashing women, cutting off journalists’ heads and publicly displaying dead bodies to terrorize local populations is NEVER doing God’s work. None of it is consistent with God’s character. None. Of. It.
- That wars happen, that innocent people are sometimes killed, mistakes are made and many people and nations pursue self-interests. But using journalists as terrorist propaganda, killing anyone who doesn’t agree with you, raping women and recruiting and training children as terrorists is different. And evil. And should be stopped.
- That it’s interesting how many FB “friends” lit up social media against Israel, when she was defending herself against Hamas, but none of them seem to be concerned at all about ISIS. There is something very, very wrong with people and their thinking. Darkly and indefensibly wrong.
- That political correctness causes more problems than not. Being overly afraid of offending people has allowed entire cultures, freedom and ways of life to come under threat.
- That people are easily misled by media and disinformation campaigns.
- That David Cameron (UK Prime Minister) made some intelligent comments recently. He was clear about the difference between extreme Islamists and Muslims who worship peacefully and involve themselves in kind works. He was also clear about what needs to be done about the threat of radical Islamic terrorists.
- That Barak Obama is seriously confused by the nature of the world – and that is not good for the US or anyone.
The Global Nexter 
This was a powerful post with so many excellent points, Dr. Phil.
Well done Dr. Phil. I also believe that Eastern Europe is a another area where evil is lurking while America’s leaders are talking big but doing little.