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Hazelmere

'If we can't be friends let's not be enemies'

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Published Date: 10 March 2010
To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war, said Winston Churchill and he had plenty of experience to back him up.
So he'd probably have approved of Aylesbury Muslims' challenge to the
English Defence League that goes right to the heart of the matter.

The EDL, which has pencilled in a demo in town on May 2, has been wrong-footed by what the Muslims have to say. Because the challenge from them isn't to get out of town, or take their jacket off for a bit of fisticuffs to sort out the matter for good.

The invitation to simply talk over their differences in open, face-to-face debate and 'if we can't leave the hall as friends, then perhaps we can leave without being enemies'.

That is offering a rose with a fisted glove. If the EDL take up the offer, they risk the possibility of humiliation by losing a public debate.

But equally, they will lose face by not attending and being regarded as chickening out.

The Muslims advise the EDL to 'know your enemy' but then sugar the pill by pointing out that maybe they aren't the enemy after all, if only the EDL would make the effort to really find out about the very people they are opposed to.

This is what every right-minded person knows at heart - that the vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving people who just want to get on with their lives in the way they choose, not would-be terrorists hell-bent on world destruction.

The Aylesbury Muslims point out that a discussion would be preferable to a demonstration and this brings us to the very heart of the matter.

It is a long-held British tradition that demonstrations should be allowed, provided they are peaceful and that the police are informed, in the interests of free speech and democracy.

But we all know that demos sometimes breed counter demos – and that's when we really get in trouble, because they attract the wrong sort of person from both sides who just enjoys getting involved in confrontation and trouble. There's no perfect answer here but the opportunity for open debate is an intriguing one.

Even if it never happens, it's a right step along the long road of reconciliation which is centuries overdue.

What do you think? Let us know below.

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  • Last Updated: 10 March 2010 10:04 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: Aylesbury
 
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Rypee,

Sussex 10/03/2010 19:09:34
As you mentioned, Sir Winston Churchill did have plenty of experience to back him up. I will quote him also:

“How dreadful are the curses which Islam lays on its votaries! Besides the fanatical frenzy, which is as dangerous in a man as hydrophobia in a dog, there is this fearful fatalistic apathy. The effects are apparent in many countries. Improvident habits, slovenly systems of agriculture, sluggish methods of commerce, and insecurity of property exist wherever the followers of the Prophet rule or live.

A degraded sensualism deprives this life of its grace and refinement; the next of its dignity and sanctity. The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property‹either as a child, a wife, or a concubine must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men. Individual Muslims may show splendid qualities. Thousands become the brave and loyal soldiers of the Queen; all know how to die; but the influence of the religion paralyses the social development of those who follow it.

No stronger retrograde force exists in the world.

Far from being moribund, Islam is a militant and proselytizing faith. It has already spread throughout Central Africa, raising fearless warriors at every step; and were it not that Christianity is sheltered in the strong arms of science -the science against which it had vainly struggled -the civilisation of modern Europe might fall, as fell the civilisation of ancient Rome.”

Or are these quotes only valid when used "one way?"
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jonnie 5,

11/03/2010 14:11:36
Welcome to the Bucks Herald and your right "These quotes are only valid one way".....
Just as its ok to call all moderate right - "far right, and racists" to push your liberal agenda
Its also Ok to quote emails out of context (not sure of that was just poor journalism or deliberate bias)?


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jonnie 5,

11/03/2010 14:29:43
Having considered the letter from Aylesbury Muslims I would ask?
Are these guys the enemy of the EDL? I would assume they are actually more moderate Muslims, and therefore not the Extremists the EDL are against? Do the muslims actually believe that the EDL are as far right as the paper claims they are. Perhaps we could be in for a big love in???
Do the "Aylesbury Muslims" actually represent the vast majority of Muslims in the area - or are they just some left wing group of muslims despised by the hardline right wing muslims? If they are simply an independent group who represent noone and have no authority within Aylesbury Islamic society, can they offer much?
I found the tone of some of the letter a bit condescending, personally I admit to being extremely ignorant of muslim culture. I wasn't taught about it in school, often they speak a language I don't, often they appear to deliberately segregate themselves, and they come across as a secretive organisation that is not open. I fully admit I may be wrong but that is my impression. therefore yes we are all ignorant but we only hear what is in the newspapers and often that is not good -otherwise it wouldn't sell papers.
Personally in the UK i would say that Islam would win an award for worst public relations with most white voters if it is such a moderate organisation....
But fair play to these guys for offering to come and educate us a bit, a bit of good PR for a change!!
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