Poll: A Split On Confronting Terrorism

Country Divided On Whether To Go After Terrorists In The Mideast

(CBS)  An overwhelming majority of Americans believe Islamic fundamentalism is a real and growing threat — and that terror groups like al Qaeda ultimately want to destroy the United States — but they are divided on what to do about it, according to a CBS News/New York Times poll.

Seventy-six percent of respondents say Islamic fundamentalism is a real and growing threat to the United States. Forty-seven percent think the U.S. will be safer if it confronts terrorist organizations and states in the Middle East, as President Bush advocates, while 45 percent say the country will be safer if it stays out of other nations' affairs in the region.

THE U.S. WILL BE SAFER FROM TERRORISM IF IT…

Confronts terror groups and states in the Mideast
47%
Stays out of other countries' affairs in Mideast
45%

While Mr. Bush and the Senate seek a compromise on new rules governing the treatment of terror suspects, most Americans, 63 percent, think the United States should generally follow international agreements on handling prisoners of war.

Most Americans, 56 percent, say torture is never justified, while 35 percent say sometimes it is.

IN TREATMENT OF POWs, THE U.S. SHOULD…

Follow international agreements
63%
Do what it thinks right, regardless of what other nations think
32%

Mr. Bush has had some success in convincing the public that the Iraq war is part of the broader war on terror. Forty-nine percent of Americans now feel the two conflicts are connected, up five points from a month ago.

But the president has failed to convince the nation on other matters. Fewer than half those polled think withdrawing from Iraq would increase the terror threat to the United States, as Mr. Bush and members of his administration have asserted, or that withdrawing now would mean admitting defeat.

The president has gained some ground on his handling of the war, with 36 now giving him a positive rating, up six points from last month and the highest rating he has received since January.

But overall assessments of the Iraq war are largely unchanged from last month, with six in 10 respondents continuing to say the war is going badly.

The president's overall approval rating remains steady at 37 percent, about where it's been all year.

BUSH'S JOB APPROVAL

Approve
37%
Disapprove
56%

Mr. Bush's numbers for his handling of the campaign against terrorism is unchanged — even in the wake of the five-year anniversary commemorations of the Sept. 11 attacks — though the issue remains his strongest, with 54 percent approval.

A separate CBS News/New York Times poll finds Congress gets even lower ratings than the president. Just 25 percent approve of the job Congress is doing, while 61 percent disapprove.

CONGRESS JOB APPROVAL

Approve
25%
Disapprove
61%

Americans even give their own representatives, who usually get positive ratings, the thumbs down. Just 42 percent of voters feel their own representative deserves re-election, while 47 percent say it's time for a change.

This disenchantment with Congress could bode well for the Democrats in their bid to regain control of the House.

Asked who they would support in the upcoming midterm elections, 50 percent of registered voters said they would support the Democratic candidate, while 35 percent would support the Republican.

For detailed information on how CBS News conducts public opinion surveys, click here.

This poll was conducted among a nationwide random sample of 1131 adults, interviewed by telephone September 15-19, 2006. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus three percentage points. Error for subgroups may be higher.

[rcdfarias]

ok i just do not believe this poll everyone i talk to HISPANICS think different espeicall on illegal immagration

all of the latinos i talk to are for securing our borders and sending folks back if here illegal

i am never ask on any poll never in my life have i been asked ,

where do they asked these questions ? at the democratic party headquarters

[alphaa10-2009]

This sample could be found at either the Republican or Democratic HQs since, as you probably know, at least 40 percent or more of the Hispanic registered voters went for Bush in 2004. Maybe not this year, however-- even if a majority of Hispanic-descent residents here (legally) favor strict enforcement of immigration laws, that is not automatically a GOP vote, by any means. I, myself, strongly favor stricter enforcement, if only for better border control/security.

But Latinos are only a subset of the overall sample, so you probably should do your own comparative check sample with a much broader segment (not merely more of your own family, friends and acquaintances), and THEN make up your mind about poll accuracy.

Actual poll numbers are not usually the issue, anyway, but how they are interpreted. This is why pollsters insist you stay with the question set as a group or cluster for your interpretation. Context is everything, just as it is when a friend tells you, "Kill the light, wouldja?!"

[alphaa10-2009]

How interesting-- an almost exact parity between those who want confrontational and non-confrontational approaches, yet even those favoring confrontation are frustrated with Bush and congress over Iraq and Iran. This is sheer political pressure slowly building out of control of simple spin campaigns and easy slogans. The American natives are restless.

[patriotic9]

It is so unfortunate for United States that when Bin Laden was planning attack against us,the repubicans were paying all their attentions about President Bill Clinton's personal life whether he had *** withe Monica Lewinsky or not.When President Bush lied to the people about WMD,we Americans were shocked by the news that Britney Spears was no longer a virgin.We need to open our eyes now and start seeing the threat we pose in the way we should.

[sharncedar]

Maybe rcdfarias has a point, I didn't think about it until now. I kind of assumed that these polls weren't outright lies, but you know what, with the current government/corporate consortium that misleads our nation, maybe these polls really are just outright lies. Like under Hitler, the obvious forerunner in style and tactics to these guys. It would be the kind of bold, in your face, big lie their mentor Hitler would have loved to put over on people. Hmmm ... I have to say these polls may be whole cloth lies, given all the other lies about WMD and so forth. Wouldn't that be funny.

Maybe rcdfarias has something there.

[getcentered]

The general sentiment is what I'm looking for when I read poll numbers, and the sentiment currently running in the minds of the public seems to lean against the approach the GOP is pushing through with their majorities in our government.
That to me is good news!
Republicans have lost their way. Look at our countries history. The GOP of today looks and acts almost nothing like the GOP of the past. Republican/GOP/Conservative whatever, they don't have any independence at all! They just keep on repeating the same old *** that Karl Rove feeds them in talking point memos.

Fighting terrorism is a huge issue, and it requires an incredible criminal investigating power. Incredible smarts too, which the majority of our leaders LACK. Politics weakens the usefulness of intelligence and the GOP is the most political organization of all. We need to vote these fools out so the USA can look to the future and see hope and justice for all people. I think most people can listen and understand the sides of the argument about what to do about terrorism, but our problem is that the people in power who make the decisions do not listen to the debate. They are so self-righteous they don't even want dissenting opinion to have an audience. Shame on the GOP for their lack of imagination, their cursory performance as leaders and their willful ignorance when adapting policies that effect the lives of every American.
THIS IS NOT WHAT AMERICA IS ABOUT!
Get Centered and Vote, vote, vote!

[drgoodwin12]

I beleive the polls because I have been polled and I listen to my co-workers.If I were to judge this country assesment of Bush,the war on terror and the interrorgation techniques being used on detainees from my co-workers (blue collar/white collar non liberal company) then Bush would be enjoying the same freedoms Randy Duke Cunningham is enjoying but with a much longer sentence.There are over 300 people at my division and about 70 percent of them (a large number of them originally supported Bush)would throw him out and the republican majority.The elections are only a few weeks away and despite the drop in gas prices,thelack of info coming out of Iraq. They are still angry.

[alphaa10-2009]

drgoodwin said, "<b>The elections are only a few weeks away and despite the drop in gas prices, the lack of info coming out of Iraq. They are still angry.</b>"

The oil majors have insisted for years that crude and consumer prices will continue to rise, with probable spikes due to market volatility. However, there really is a little group of CEOs behind the curtain. Translated, their Greenspanesque prediction is simplicity, itself-- anytime speculative pressure hits market supply, all the brokers scream with commoditized delight, consumers groan and the oil companies cry in deep sympathy all the way to the bank.

The GOP fought to block efforts at a windfall profits tax on the oil majors-- this, despite their feeding frenzy on consumers-- because Bush is BigOil's poster boy and long-time patron. Don't expect the public to see consumer price drops at the pump as more than another proof monopoly is never having to say you are sorry.

[greg_h7]

The issue of terrorism and how to deal with Terrorists captured is going to hurt the Democrats at the polls.

American public are well aware at how the Clinton administration did nothing while Bin Laden was roaming around freely plotting his activities, the cuts to the intelligence budgets under the Democrat clinton administration and lack of effective response to Bin ladens attacks on the US embassy,Cole and khobar bombings. This is why Republicans are back , rising in the polls, national security and fighting terrorism are weakpoints for Democrats and Republicans consistently outpoll them on this issue.

[pwrslm]

The Demoncratic Party had 8 years to develope relations with ME Nations and quell anti-Americanism. They fell on thier face. The pot was boiling over when Bush took over. Clinton didnt even have the balls to nail OBL when offered his head on a silver platter.

We can not walk around on eggshells because of muslim sentiment. Anyone who has any sense knows that the real facts about these WMD never hit the front pages.

The probability that Saddams WMD, which is still unaccounted for, is buried in bunkers under tons of sand is pretty good. There is a lot more evidence lending creadence to that fact then there is to the supposition that Saddam actually destroyed them....and this is a fact.

The same backers who put Clinton into power want to take control again. At this stage of the game, America can not again afford to rest on its laurels, we must remain pro-active against these Radical/Orthodox Islamists if we want to keep them out of our homes.

[mjv2944]

republican or democrat, if they are incumbents, vote them out, maybe the next batch will be a little better ha ha. What a case for term limits. These characters are media freaks, they have no clue what the real world is like. There isn's a single one that deserves to be re-elected. Look around and see just what they have done, they probably should be tried for crimes againts the American peple, especially the working folks.

[frankbowers]

NEWSFLASH FOR ---PWRSLM=== CLINTON WAS NEVER OFFERED BIN-LADEN ON ANY THING THAT THE RNC WHICH CONTROLLED THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WOULD ALLOW HIM TO GO FOR. THEY WERE THE REASON OF THE PROBLEM, THEY WERE TRYING TO CATCH CLINTON WITH HIS PANTS DOWN AND THE HEAD OF WELL YOU KNOW----AS IF THE MEN DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS DOWN THERE. THEY WERE TOO BUSY TRYING TO IMPEACH HIM TO ALLOW HIM TO DO HIS JOB. WHERE AS BUSH HAS BEEN GIVEN A FREE RIDE THEY HAVE PUT BLINDERS ON AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE U. S. TO SEE ANYTHING THAT IS BAD THAT HE IS DOING FROM USING THE DIXIE CHICKS, TO BRITNEY LOST OF VIRGINITY TO HER BABY BEING BORN. THEY THE CONTROLING BODY HAS PERMITTED KILLING OF INNOCENT, WATER BOARDING IN THE NAME OF TERROR,
PERMITTED THE WMD IN THE NAME OF TERROR ALL THE TIME THE BLINDERS HAVE BEEN PUT ON AMERICAN CITIZENS. THE LIST IS TOO LONG IT COULD GO ON AT PRESENT FOR 5 YEARS AND IN 2008 PROBABLY 8 YEARS. THE RNC HAS HAS OUR NATION IN THE GRIPE OF THE ULTRA RICH AND THE IDIOTS. MAYBE SOMEDAY PRIOR TO MY DEATH SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN THAT WILL WAKE US UP. AS THE PRESIDENT CHEVEZ SAID HE CAN STILL SMELL THE SULPHUR. I KNOW THE rnc AND THE idiots WHO PRAISE him WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THAT REMARK. rice SAID SHE WOULD NOT DIGNIFY THE REMARK WELL THE REASON IS IS SHE KNOWS IT TO BE THE TRUTH. FRANK IN AUSTIN, TX

[shutupmurtha]

Why has this poll yielded such different results from the USA today Gallop Poll (a company soley dedicated to polling and generally regaurded as the expert in the field) that was published 2 days ago? That poll said Bush's approval rating was 44% (the highest this year) and "For the first time since December 2005, a majority of people did not say the war there was a mistake; the split was 49%-49%."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-09-18-bush-poll_x.htm

http://www.galluppoll.com/content/?ci=24601

[groove12346]

OK why do you people care most of you will be gone by the time any huge changes take plaec im am a kid right now im 16 you all are older then me why should you care the kids are going to have to fix this prob. not you by the time you think you did anything we will be in a hole were we cant get out that is were the new poeple well talk your place in the world and fix eveything see what i am saying think about for now

[grumpas]

It's amazing there are still people around like the two who blame the current mess on Clinton! Who are stupid enough to believe anything that comes out of Dubya's mouth including that trite phrase "Keep them in Iraq by fighting them there"! Well, grow up fellas! How can we possibly be keeping them overseas when millions of Mexican's cross our boarders annually? Are you honestly naive enough to imagine there aren't terrorist's among them? How can he possibly be protecting this country from terrorist's when only 6% of cargo coming through our ports is ever checked? That's not as high on his list of priorties as Iraq and destroying the middle east! It's like that old Country song used to say "Talk me some Sense"! Because I have yet to hear anything come out of Bush supporters mouths but trite sayings Dubya has thought up! Dubya has "dumbed them down" like he does everyone!

[shutupmurtha]

Who%u2019s right CBS or Gallop? The good thing about Bush and the reason he is a good leader and not simply an administrator is that HE DOESNT CARE. He does what is right regardless of whether evil world dictators or democrats call him the Devil. Ironically Jesus was also called the devil by some in his earthly ministry...no I am not saying BUSH IS JESUS, I am saying more often than not the good people are the ones who are most despised and hated by the world. Look who the world is glorifying on oprah, Former NJ Gov. James E. McGreevey who cheated on his wife with a Guy while she was in the hospital during a c-section pregnancy. How sick is that? He cheats on his wife with a man while his wife is giving birth and he is glorified by oprah.

[shutupmurtha]

At least Bill Clinton condemed Chavez for saying that stuff about the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. And this terrorism mess is not BECAUSE of Clinton or BUSH. It is because of Islam and these terrorists. But one thing that is true is that these sick dictators, Ugo Chopheads and Amadmanforjihad were emboldened to do what they did at the UN by the American left because the left has been degrading our government for the last 6 years. They knew that at least some would agree with them and Sean Penn...cilhead already has. WAKE UP THEY ARE THREATENING THE UNITED STATES NOT JUST THE PRESIDENT.

[shutupmurtha]

grumpas, you have an appropriate screen name for a liberal. Do you also beleive gas prices are falling because of the coming elections, that bush brought down the WTC, that Michael Moore-on is respectable documentary film maker, that GEorge W. Bush summoned hurricaine katrina on the poor people of New Orleans, that Condi Rice created the tsunami that hit destroyed indonesia, that Hugo "The Pineapple" Chavez was correct in what he said, that Iran's president Amadmanforjihad and his nuclear program is harmless, just as harless and peacful as the religion of Islam, that we in the united states caused this hate around the world (when you fail to realize that muslims are fighting in 8 countries around the world and most of the time they fight themselves). You beleive "Dubya" caused the coup in thailand, and dubya goes to war for oil and he creates thunderstorms on nice days to further persecute the American people, which is obviously his goal. W sure is a lunatic

[ronniehm]

"Who's right CBS or Gallop?"

Who cares? Used to be 99.9999% had the opinion the earth was flat. The only polls that matter are elections, and the Democrats haven't won one of those in a while. Give 'em their little CBS polls. They're needy. After 2004, you'd think they'd have an overhaul of their campaign strategy, but apparently they're staying the course -- hate, hate, hate. One day they'll realize that the welfare recipients they care about don't vote (It's too much like work), but for now, let them pretend their polls of registered voters mean anything.

[shutupmurtha]

sorry i was wrong, it isnt 8 countries it's more like 14-15 countries muslims are at war with currently:

AFGHANISTAN, ALGERIA, EYGPT, INDONESIA, INDIA/PAKISTAN, IRAQ, ISRAEL, IRAN, KOSOVO, NIGERIA, SUDAN (DARFUR), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Terrorism), PHILIPPINES

http://www.warriorsfortruth.com/muslim-world-conflicts.html

[ronniehm]

Don't forget CHECHNYA, KASHMIR....

Where there's a problem ... there's a muslim.

[ronniehm]

(ok, you had India. didn't spot it the first time)

[shutupmurtha]

RonnieHM, Right on! what makes sense about killing babies and loosening restrictions on terrorisits? What makes sense about killing babies and doing away with the Death penalty for murders? What makes sense about screaming hate all the time and giving no solutions? What makes sense about dumb conspiracy theories as basis for arguments? What makes sense about reaising taxes on those who pay 98% of the tax already? what makes sense of pulling out of war in the middle of it? what makes sense about allowing ILLEGAL immigrants to come in our country when they already fill over 25% of the federal prisons? what makes sense about calling a religion that blows people up nearly every day a peaceful religion and calling a relgion that has done more for the needy and hungry in the world than any government the real threatbased on an reactionary event that happend hundreds of years ago? What makes SENSE about LIBERALISM?

[shutupmurtha]

Thailand may also qualify if you take into account that the general who overtook that democracy is a muslim (which no mainstream media source mentions). They have also had a growing population of muslims so we can expect to see Muslim rage there in the near future. And there have been violent muslim riots in France, but these may not count as full blown conflicts.

[rev-maureen]

I am appalled at some of these comments, because so many of you STILL have your heads in the sand, waiting for Bush to "save" you from the "bad guys". Wake up, America!!

It is that kind of thinking that got us the Patriot Act, Domestic Spying on Americans, Abu Ghraib, illegal detentions and torture. It's gotten over 2500 of our sons and daughters killed in an unnecessary war that had NOTHING to do with Al Qaida, Bin Laden, or terrorism.

How many more of your rights and freedoms must you lose before you realize that your support for Bush is gradually destroying this nation you claim to love so much?

The terrorists are winning - because of Bush, and because we are, out of fear, letting him destroy the very things that made America a great nation. Bush cares nothing for his oath to protect and defend our Constitution (which he would like to change in several areas), or the American people. We are so far "beneath" him economically that he views us as little more than worker ants whose only purpose is to feed the corporate machine.

It is more than time for a change. We need a REAL leader, with the courage to stand up to injustice, and the integrity to be honest with America and the world, and do what is right regardless of their party affliation or the interests of their big campaign contributors.

[rev-maureen]

Are the bigots the only people who read CBS news? Stop hating all Muslims for the actions of a relatively small faction of them. MOST Muslims hate what is happening in the world as much as you do - and they hate taking the rap for it when they are not the one's supporting or perpetrating these things.

Do you really think these people actually believe they are doing their god's work? Don't be fools. They are militant sadists who enjoy inflicting terror and brutality on people. There is nothing remotely religious about their behavior or their goals. Religion for them is nothing but an EXCUSE they use to "justify" their actions, and get the ignorant to follow them. Which, by the way, is no different than what the Christian leaders did during the Crusades.

I have yet to see one person on here make an intelligent comment based on facts and evidence rather than rhetoric, propaganda, and ignorant bigotry.

[shutupmurtha]

Rev-Maureen, The reason you HATE george bush has nothing to do with politics. Because the very things you hate are things that help save YOUR life. You hate bush because he stands up and say this is right that is wrong. You do not like words that are ABSOLUTE. And to answer your question I WILL gladly sacrifice some of my rights and even my life for the saftey and furtherance of this nation. If you would stop being so selfish and think about your kids and grand kids maybe you wouldnt say this garbage. And what rights have you lost that you are so upset about??? your right to free speech? your right to privacy? The only way you will loose these rights is if you are a criminal terrorist? What is so bad that bush has done that merits such HATE? The only way we will loose rights is if we follow the lefts agenda, look at CHAVEZ, HE IS A LEFTIST!! He advertised Chamsky's book at the UN. That is where the left will take us, to the ways of Hugo Chavez, is that what you want?

[shutupmurtha]

Bigot: A republican winning an argument with a liberal.

[shutupmurtha]

The left wants to censor tv shows, not show pictures of Muhamoud, collaborate with terrorists.

[shutupmurtha]

Rev-Maureen ...From the KORAN, Intelligent enough?
002:178-179: [2.178] %u2026retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the slain%u2026 [2.179] %u2026there is life for you in (the law of) retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may guard yourselves.

002:190-191: [2.190] %u2026fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you%u2026[2.191] And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the recompense of the unbelievers.
002:193: %u2026fight with them%u2026
002:216-218: [2.216] Fighting is enjoined on you%u2026[2.217]%u2026fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter%u2026persecution is graver than slaughter%u2026 [2.218]%u2026strove hard in the way of Allah

002:244: %u2026fight in the way of Allah

003:121-125: [3.121]%u2026to lodge the believers in encampments for war%u2026[3.123]%u2026Allah did certainly assist you at [the Battle of] Badr%u2026[3.124]%u2026[3.125] Yea! if you remain patient and are on your guard, and they come upon you in a headlong manner, your Lord will assist you with five thousand of the havoc-making angels.

[shutupmurtha]

003:155-156: [3.155] (As for) those of you who turned back on the day when the two armies met%u2026[3.156] O you who believe! be not like those who disbelieve and say of their brethren when they travel in the earth or engage in fighting: Had they been with us, they would not have died and they would not have been slain%u2026

003:165-167: [3.165]%u2026you had certainly afflicted (the unbelievers) with twice as much [with Jihad]%u2026[3.166]%u2026when the two armies met ([the Battle of] Uhud)%u2026[3.167]%u2026Come, fight in Allah's way, or defend yourselves%u2026If we knew fighting, we would certainly have followed you%u2026

003:169: %u2026reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord [meaning they are enjoying their 72 virgins in heaven];
Dont be an ignoramus, You meant to say that you have not heard any comments you agree with because Hugo chavez and Michael Moore are not talking on this site.


003:173: %u2026Surely men have gathered against you [in battle]%u2026

003:195: %u2026who fought and were slain%u2026I will most certainly make them enter gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from Allah, and with Allah is yet better reward.

004:071-072: [4.71] %u2026go forth in detachments or go forth in a body [to war]. [4.72] %u2026hang back [from Jihad] %u2026not present with them [in Jihad].

[pmalone4]

With little exception the postings concerning this country's present situation (terrorism, poverty, lack of education, lack of social services) are nothing but finger pointing by the two major political party's puppets. We as a nation have become so divided by them that we can no longer solve our problems. If the American people continue to use terms like liberal and natzi while each side blames the other we will eventually destroy ourselves and save al-qaida the trouble. Not only do we waste time slinging mud at each other we are in danger of becoming a terrorist nation ourselves, and isn't that what we are trying to avoid? Why would we agree to change the very constitution that we are so proud of? That would be a real victory for bin Laden. And why would we seek to bend the Geneva Convention? Again a win for their side. Surely as a nation that has done more for the world than any other nation there are better ways to protect not only ourselves but other countries and people who also depend on our protection. America needs to quit blaming ourselves by pointing fingers like school children and figure out what to do to save our country while preserving it.

[shutupmurtha]

MORE?

004:084: Fight then in Allah's way%u2026rouse the believers to ardor maybe Allah will restrain the fighting of those who disbelieve%u2026

004:089:%u2026if they turn back [to their homes], then seize them and kill them wherever you find them%u2026

004:091%u2026seize them and kill them wherever you find them%u2026

004:094-095: [4.94]%u2026when you go to war in Allah's way%u2026 [4.95] %u2026those who strive hard [Jihad] in Allah's way with their property and their persons are not equal%u2026Allah shall grant to the strivers [i.e., Jihadist] above the holders back a mighty reward:

004:100: %u2026whoever flies in Allah's way [forsakes his home to fight in Jihad], he will find in the earth many a place of refuge and abundant resources, and whoever goes forth from his house flying to Allah and His Apostle, and then death overtakes him [in Jihad], his reward is indeed with Allah%u2026

004:102: %u2026let them take their arms%u2026let them take their precautions and their arms%u2026there is no blame on you, if you are annoyed with rain or if you are sick, that you lay down your arms%u2026

004:104: %u2026be not weak hearted in pursuit of the enemy%u2026

005:033: The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land%u2026

005:035: %u2026strive hard [at Jihad] in His way that you may be successful.

[shutupmurtha]

still not enough?

005:082: %u2026you will find the most violent of people in enmity for those who believe (to be) the Jews [compare %u201C with %u201Cwhenever Jews kindle fire for war, Allah [Muslims] puts it out%u201D (K 005:064)] and those who are polytheists [while they are converted to Islam on pain of death]%u2026

008:005: %u2026though a party of the believers were surely averse;

008:007: %u2026Allah promised you one of the two (enemy) parties, that it should be yours: Ye wished that the one unarmed should be yours, but Allah willed to justify the Truth according to His words and to cut off the roots of the Unbelievers;-

008:009: %u2026I will assist you [in Jihad] with a thousand of the angels following one another [see 008:012].

008:012: %u2026make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.

008:015-017: [8.15] %u2026when you meet those who disbelieve marching for war, then turn not your backs to them. [8.16] %u2026for the sake of fighting%u2026 [8.17] So you did not slay them, but it was Allah Who slew them, and you did not smite when you smote (the enemy), but it was Allah Who smote [Allah gets the credit for Jihad] %u2026

[shutupmurtha]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1128382/posts

http://www.jihadwatch.org/

[shutupmurtha]

Are the bigots the only people who read CBS news? no ussualy it is just the regular idiots like yourself, but the "BIGOTS" if you mean people who disagree with your illfounded opinions and your wako liberal conspiracy theories, thean yes I am a Bigot.
I am a conservative who makes logical arguments that liberals donnot agree with therefore I am a BIGOT. How dare I say the religion of Islam is not peaceful, Please dont declare a Jihad on me now. Im sorry i need more muslim sensitivity training, perhaps i shouldnt base my opinion on muslims BY WHAT THERE SCRIPTURES SAY AND THE ACTION OF THEIR FOLLOWERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY Rev-Maureen, G-WIZ I AM DUMB TO MAKE AN OPINION ON THAT. WHAT IS STUPID IS DO DENY IT WHEN ALL THE EVIDENCE SAYS OTHERWISE.

[rev-maureen]

Bigot - a person who despises and labels an entire group of people based on race, religion, gender, or other factors - without distinguishing between the "good" and "bad" elements that are present in ANY group.

Murtha - if you would "gladly give up" your rights, then you are no longer protecting the "safety and furtherance" of this nation. Because what made America great was the very freedoms and rights you're so willing to sacrifice.

It's quite evident from this kind of thinking that those who already DID give their lives to establish a country where everyone had the right to free speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and a government that was in service to the people (rather than itself), are rolling in their graves right now to see so many of today's American's willingly sacrificing what they gave their lives to protect.

Like I said - WAKE UP AMERICA.

PS - I don't "hate" Bush. I don't hate anyone. However, I do call a spade a spade, and Bush is the worst US President we have had in my lifetime. He has violated his oath and the laws of our land many times over. He has destroyed America's credibility with other nations, lied to both his own people and the world at large, thrown us into unmanageable debt, and violated the Geneva Conventions.

He should be impeached, and most of his cabinet with him.

[shutupmurtha]

Are the bigots the only people who read CBS news? no ussualy it is just the regular idiots like yourself, but the "BIGOTS" if you mean people who disagree with your ill-founded opinions and your wako liberal conspiracy theories, than yes I am a Bigot.
I am a conservative who makes logical arguments that liberals do not agree with therefore I am a BIGOT. How dare I say the religion of Islam is not peaceful, Please dont declare a Jihad on me now. I%u2019m sorry I need more Muslim sensitivity training, perhaps I shouldn%u2019t base my opinion of Muslims BY WHAT THERE SCRIPTURES SAY AND THE ACTION OF THEIR FOLLOWERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY Rev-Maureen, G-WIZ I AM DUMB TO MAKE AN OPINION ON THAT. WHAT IS STUPID IS TO DENY IT WHEN ALL THE EVIDENCE SAYS OTHERWISE.

[ronniehm]

"How many more of your rights and freedoms must you lose before you realize that your support for Bush is gradually destroying this nation you claim to love so much?"

I've lost my right to call my al qaeda friends and I have to put my toothpaste in my checked luggage.

Rev, I want to know why muslims around the world have yet to protest the attacks of 9/11, but they come out in force over a cartoon. I want to know why muslims aren't outraged by people who firebomb churches over words, but they show up in droves when we damage a mosque because people are firing missiles from it. I want to know why not one muslim has held up a sign protesting a beheading, but they're offended that one of their own had to strip naked and walk like a dog. I want to know why I ever bothered to defend these people against hate speech, and there's not one bit of evidence they give a sh*t whether I live or die. I really really want to know. If MOST muslims hate what's happening in the world, then MOST muslim need to get off their rugs and do something about it. Either they save their "religion" or the rest of the world is going to destroy it. Europe won't appease them forever; a few more train attacks and a bombed embassy or two will change that. Before you blame Bush for infecting my mind, let me make it clear. Muslims made me feel this way, not Bush. They can keep their religion of peace. I've had enough.

[shutupmurtha]

Actually George Bush will go down as the Best president in American history, He LED us through 911, KATRINA, World JIHAD, terrorism and the world hates the fact that America is fighting back, albeit not hard enough, but fighting none the less. The Jihadists expected us to do what President Clinton did, maybe launch a few missiles back, but we are going to destroy them under Bush. Dont you get it? look at the BIG picture, think of your kids and your grand kids, not the rights you perceive as being violated. We are reacting to the Muslim extremist just like the crusaders did and they managed to subdue the jihadists up until now and now they are back. You will still undermined and criticize George bush if he got rid of terrorism and made peace with every country, got rid of world hunger, and stopped this global warming issue that Al Gore thinks will destroy the world in 10 years. In the 60's it was global freezing now we have a drastic turn around in just 40 years to the earth melting. Make up your mind scientists. The fact is you dont like bush because you dont see terrorism as a world threat and you dont think we should be at war with anyone. You think this hate was a reaction to bush just like Chavez, and the American Left because it fits your agenda due to the fact that there is nothing legitimate that is substantial, you can find wrong with this president. After all that is why he was elected to 2 terms.

[shutupmurtha]

RonnieHM, true i am still upset about my Al Queada friends. Siandidk and Mubakodklla were some of my good buddies, but you know they had to go declare a few jihads after those danish cartoons came out and now the pope.

[rev-maureen]

Murtha, would you like me to quote for you the myriad verses in both the Old and New Testament that order Christians to behave just as brutally? What, did you think Muslims cornered the market on bad religious rules?

You seem to have overlooked the fact that that "Rev" in my name means that I am a minister. I have all the references, although it would take many more posts than I have time for to put them all here. But please, go read your Bible for yourself, and see how many times Jews and Christians have been exhorted to those very same acts of violence, often for the same reasons - just with slightly different words.

The truth is that all religions have an element of brutality and unreasonable hatred. And all religions also have elements of peaceful coexistence, brotherhood, charity, and compassion as well. Only the names change from one religious tradition to another. The underlying tenets and beliefs have been the same for nearly all of them, and for thousands of years.

[rev-maureen]

Ah well, sadly I have no more time today to debate these issues with all of you. I have duties to attend to for my own congregation.

I really do recommend re-reading your own Bible though, or Talmud if you are Jewish. Both are rife with commands to commit what we in today's society would consider abhorrent and illegal acts.

But then, all such "holy" books were written by men, and as such are imperfect because we humans have the natural tendency to put our own spin on things - even instructions from our gods.

[rev-maureen]

One final comment before I go, to RonnieHM:

I wonder how you feel that is any different than our President claiming that "God is on our side", or Pat Robertson calling for the assassination of Hugo Chavez? Is calling for the outright murder of someone simply because Mr. Robertson disagrees with him a Christian stance? What about those pesky 10 Commandments?

As I said, there are bad elements to ALL religions, and especially when religion turns to fanaticism. It is up to each individual to take an OBJECTIVE look at these things, derive what they may that is good from their own or other's religious teachings, and discard what is not.

The real battle is between those who allow their passions to rule their thinking, and those who are able to take an honest, objective look at the FACTS, without adding their personal bias. This applies not only to religious thinking, but to politics, philosophy, sociology, economics, etc.

It's a tough task, but it can be done.

[thgdriver]

The poll takers did not call or ask me, and therefor, the above poll's must be flawed.

[shutupmurtha]

Hi is this where the fringe lunatic left hangs out? The Wal-mart haters and the conspiracy people? Is this the Chavez, Chomsky, Moore left hangout? "Im looking for the real world say it how it is section" where is that? Oh.. the White House.

[ronniehm]

You know what, Rev? If you can't tell the difference between the christian reaction to Pat Robertson calling for an assassination and the muslim reaction to Usama bin Laden calling for jihad, we're not even using the same dictionary (or bible). Quote whatever book you like, and I'll quote the signs held by demonstraters in London because they didn't like a cartoon: "Europe, your 9/11 is coming." If there is a god, and he's not on our side, I'm not interested.

[shutupmurtha]

Muslims show there love infidels by making them pay a tax to live in their countries or by cutting off their heads so they dont have to live in humiliation under the psycho muslim law. It is true Allah is merciful because he lets people be slaughtered for him and sent his"righteous" prophet Muhamoud to spread his peaceful religion through his peaceful offensive war against those who do not beleive the same way as him. They show love to their wives by beating them if they deny ***. And if they are good muslims they get all the virgins in heaven and little boys who are a beautiful as "scattered pearls".

Koran Verses:

002:178-179: [2.178] %u2026retaliation is prescribed for you in the matter of the slain%u2026 [2.179] %u2026there is life for you in (the law of) retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may guard yourselves.

002:190-191: [2.190] %u2026fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you%u2026[2.191] And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the recompense of the unbelievers.

002:193: %u2026fight with them%u2026

002:216-218: [2.216] Fighting is enjoined on you%u2026[2.217]%u2026fighting in it. Say: Fighting in it is a grave matter%u2026persecution is graver than slaughter%u2026 [2.218]%u2026strove hard in the way of Allah

[shutupmurtha]

RonnieHM, all you need is the HOLY KORAN to say what Muslims beleive. You just need to look at history to see what they believe, Look at the 17 countries that are being tormented by the PEACEFUL religion of ISlam. And according to the democrats the big issue isnt Islam, terrorism, or Lunatic Dictators... It is Wal-Mart, Global Warming, The Auto Industry, and America

[ronniehm]

Rev, just to give you an idea of what I think about the "underlying tenets and beliefs [that] have been the same for nearly all [religions] ... for thousands of years," when most religions were formed, the world had not yet reached a consensus on whether the earth is round.