religion immigration at Brave New Films

Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Tolerance for Islamic Radicalism

2008-10-27T09:30:58Z

Complete video at: fora.tv

Author and former Dutch Parliamentarian Ayaan Hirsi Ali argues that political tolerance of radical Islam threatens the security of liberal, secular values in the Netherlands and other European countries.

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Seeking a New Global Order: The Viability of Hope featuring Ayaan Hirsi Ali in conversation with David A. Harris.

Former Dutch Member of Parliament and author of Infidel Ayaan Hirsi Ali has a conversation with American Jewish Committee Executive Director David A. Harris about her life's journey from being raised a devout Muslim to leaving her religion and seeking asylum in the Netherlands.

They cover issues of tolerance, freedom of expression, and how Muslim immigrants integrate into western culture.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is an outspoken defender of women's rights in Islamic societies, Ms. Hirsi Ali was born in Mogadishu, Somalia. She escaped an arranged marriage by immigrating to the Netherlands in 1992, and served as a member of the Dutch parliament from 2003 to 2006.

In parliament, she worked on furthering the integration of non-Western immigrants into Dutch society, and on defending the rights of women in Dutch muslim society. In 2004, together with director Theo van Gogh, she made Submission, a film about the oppression of women in conservative Islamic cultures.

David Harris is executive director of the American Jewish Committee, a leading global advocacy organization. Harris is a widely recognized and quoted specialist on international affairs. The author of six books, Harris has written scores of articles in leading newspapers and magazines, has a weekly commentary on the CBS radio network, and is a frequent contributor to the Jerusalem Post blog. He has been honored by the Bulgarian, French, German, Latvian and Polish governments.

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Deportation of Classmate sparks Immigration Teach-in

2008-05-23T16:49:04Z

6-8th graders at St. Bernard School in Wisconsin learned more about the painful side of deportation when one of their classmates--Miriam--was deported to Mexico.

The students were quite unaware of immigration policies and had questions. Some expressed their closeness to Miriam and were saddened by her absence from the school.

“For me it was kind of difficult,” said Jasmin Torres. “This is my first year here and she was like the only person I knew when I got here. It just made it a lot harder coming to school without her.”

Elle Bellisle attended St. Philip the Apostle School with Miriam before it closed two years ago. “When it closed down we came here,” she said. “She was like the only one I hung out with.”

The teach-ins led by an immigration counselor from Catholic Charities was eye-opening for the students. Many expressed that they had no idea that it took about 14 years to immigrate to the United States, or immigrants who seeked asylum because they feared persecution in their country.

It is heartening to see the Catholic Church on the right side of the immigration debate, promoting understanding and education instead of intolerance and hatred. Teaching kids about the painful side of the immigration debate at an early age builds tolerance and understanding of the matter. It also helps to form a stronger community and enable kids to be helpful and pro-active.

The entire story is here.

Bruce Thornton - Muslim Immigration and European Security

2008-10-14T11:27:31Z

Complete video at: fora.tv

Author and CSU-Fresno Professor of Classics Bruce Thornton argues that muslim immigration is negatively affecting European security.

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Peter Robinson interviews Fresno State Classicist Bruce Thornton about his new book Decline and Fall: Europe's Slow Suicide.

In his new book, Decline and Fall: Europe's Slow Motion Suicide, Bruce Thornton asserts that Europe has turned its back on the Western tradition to which it owes its greatness. It has abandoned pride in the nation, discarded traditional Christianity, and, in so doing, is without unifying values, ideals, and beliefs.

But if Europe is still democratic, and if it still embraces the free market, why should anyone care that Judaeo-Christian religious beliefs are slipping away. The answer lies in the coinciding rise of radical Islam - Hoover Institution

Bruce S. Thornton is a classicist at California State University, Fresno. He is a frequent guest on talk radio shows across the United States and appeared regularly on ABC's Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. Thornton is a regular contributor to the popular, conservative website www.CaliforniaRepublic.org and has written several books.

Peter M. Robinson is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, where he writes about business and politics, edits Hoover's quarterly journal, the Hoover Digest, and hosts Hoover's television program, Uncommon Knowledge.

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What Would Jesus Do? Immigration, God, and Politics

2008-03-01T11:41:21Z

Dream Activist’s recent posts on the political discourse that people (mis)use sparked my interest in exploring the language that religious activists use to either encourage compassion towards immigrants or condemn them. Recently, I came across an article entitled “Shut Up, Cardinal Mahony!” by John W. Lillpop. As I examined the article, I came across some interesting observations about the way some opponents try to denigrate religious leaders who advocate for immigration reform. One such leader is Cardinal Mahony, who has actively favored humane comprehensive reform. He has also spoken against legislation that have punitive measures, such as the Sensenbrenner legislation.

Even before reading the article in full, the title itself reveals that some of the opponents would attempt to limit our freedom of speech if they had the power to do so. I believe that one of the great aspects of this country is that everyone is free to speak as they wish. But to silence someone that has opposing views is just plain sick. Yes, I admit I have often thought to myself that someone people just need to zip it. However, I would not proclaim such in the middle of the streets and have a nasty attitude about it.

Mr. Lillpop describes Cardinal Mahony throughout his article as a “meddling old man,” “morally superior” (sarcasm intended), “elitist”, and “immoral”. He criticizes his diocese because of some questionable transactions regarding child abuse scandals. Thus, he proclaims that Mahony and other religious leaders are purely hypocrites who disguise themselves as benevolent people who want to help out the immigrant population.

This, in effect, turns into a battle of pointing fingers against one another’s shortcomings. If Mahony and his church did not have to deal with the sexual abuse scandal, what else would they be condemned for in order to discredit their attempts to help out the poor and the oppressed? I am sure others accuse Catholics in many other ways, such as idolatry and excessive greed.

Before I explore this issue further, I think it’s important to consider whether it is a good idea for religious organizations to advocate for immigrants in the United States. To what extent should they be involved?

Random interesting headlines

2008-01-12T20:34:11Z

Since I've got nothing this afternoon.

Suitcase Nukes Said Unlikely to Exist

Mukasey sworn in as attorney general (Awful quiet about it weren't they?)

Gov. Perry praises Giuliani, warns GOP women against Clinton

2007 deadliest year ever for U.S. troops in Afghanistan

25 Years of Vietnam Offerings

Keeping the faith: Study outlines young adults' struggle with religion

Phone cards cheating immigrants of millions

UN chief visits Antarctica

Family: Paternity test from Gipper's DNA proves negative

pic via Cat of course, entitled "November Dune".

CAP's The REAL Values Voter Event with Melody Barnes Part 1

2008-10-15T21:30:23Z

The REAL Values Voter
What Voters Valued in the 2006 Election
TO WATCH THIS EVENT IN ITS ENTIRETY PLEASE VISIT:
WWW.AMERICANPROGRESS.ORG

From immigration, stem cells, and corruption to paychecks and war, the issues voters cared about in the midterm election reflect deeply held values far beyond those promoted by right-wing conservatives. On November 7, voters sent a strong message for change in domestic and international policies and for government that is ethical and accountable.

What do the midterm elections tell us about the concerns and hopes of the country? Do we remain a deeply divided, polarized nation? What role did faith communities play? Please join our distinguished panel of experts for a provocative, enlightening conversation on 2006 and beyond.
What if we could have unity without uniformity?
www.americanprogress.org
Contribute to the collective genius.

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