From the BBC:
Leading politicians have distanced themselves from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s belief that some Sharia law in the UK seems “unavoidable”.
Gordon Brown’s spokesman said the prime minister “believes that British laws should be based on British values”.
The Tories called the archbishop’s remarks “unhelpful” and the Lib Dems said all must abide by the rule of law.
Dr Rowan Williams said the UK had to “face up to the fact” some citizens do not relate to the British legal system. (Archbishop sparks Sharia law row)
I’m going to sound like a right-winger for this, but I’ll say it: it seems to me that if you have problems relating to the legal system of your country of residence, perhaps you should consider changing your country of residence; if you desire Sharia law, perhaps you should go to one of the countries where it is enforced — Iran and Saudi Arabia come to mind.
Amen. It’s what I’ve been saying for years. Don’t like the system where you are? Move.
Does that really make me a right-winger? Eeek!
As you know, I’m torn about this. On the one hand, “if you don’t like it, lump it” is an inappropriate response for what is supposed to be a Democratic society. On the other hand, a Democracy shouldn’t have to tolerate blatantly anti-democratic movements.
It doesn’t sound like your torn, Thud. How can you have a democracy if you have portions of the country run as a theocracy? Civil rights, equal protection under the law, etc. are sacred democratic rights; the right to an undemocratic pocket of government is not.
Kinuk, I think it only makes us right-wingers if we want to chase them out with pitchforks.
I think what sticks in my craw is that “if you don’t like it here, then move” is an authoritarian, anti-democratic attitude as well, often used to shut down discussion and debate on issues other than the lack of imposition of theocracy. It’s an argument very familiar to your good friends over on the Dixie thread…
What seems to be being missed here is that these people don’t believe in or accept democracy. Sharia law says, “We don’t want your system of laws. We want our own where women don’t need to be educated, etc. Where “our ways” trumps your ways. I say, “[redacted]. Go back where [redacted] you came from. What are you doing here anyway. You need to be in the caves of Afganistan or Paskistan.” A bit strong but to the point.
See, I knew it made me sound like a right-winger. :)
In essence what I’m saying – when not so riled up – is, “Why come here wanting to change our laws and customs? If you want Sharia law then stay where you originated where it’s socially acceptable to hang your daughters for committing fornication; where it’s socially acceptable to beat your wife for showing her ankles publically (or in some places the Taliban will even beat her for you); where homosexuals can be hanged without right of appeal; etc. etc.
Fundamental to “right wingers” beliefs is in the dignity of mankind and the inherent right of freedom from persecution and the “pursuit of happiness” as well as freedom of speech.
It is my perception that “left wingers” believe in freedom of their speech, freedom of their religious – or mostly non religious – expression. They don’t seem to want to tolerate the rights of eveyone.
Yeah, you are totally right!!!!;-)