Comments on: Secret Muslim, Would-Be Prince

By: eatbees

eatbees — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:56:53 +0000

@Mohamed (EKM) — I’m not sure that distaste for the arbitrary use of authority in one’s country is the same thing as beating up on one’s country. As an American I can say that we have the same problem here. Many Americans who love their country hate what Bush has done to it, with his illegal spying, use of torture and secret prisons. It’s just not right. And I think the Moroccans who defend Fouad and protest “justice under orders” love Morocco equally well. They just want to see leaders who reflect what is best about Morocco, not what is worst.

The question of terrorism is a tricky one, because clearly it is a real threat and won’t go away, whether in Morocco or the U.S., Britain or Spain, Tunisia or Pakistan… but we should acknowledge as well that the way the state responds to that threat is an important indicator of that state’s values. I would suggest that any state should use investigative procedures that strive to protect the right to privacy of its citizens who are not suspected of terrorism, and judicial procedures that demand proof of guilt for those who are. I don’t accept the argument that for the state to obey its own laws would expose the public to a greater risk of terrorism. But even if it were so, my personal choice would be to accept that risk rather than empower a state to act like Big Brother. My favorite words on this matter are still those of Benjamin Franklin:

“Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither.”

By: eatbees

eatbees — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:42:38 +0000

@yunir — Glad to be of service ;) and it’s true that this “angle” of Obama’s remarks didn’t get much attention. I didn’t see it myself until I checked the transcript on the 60 Minutes website. I read somewhere yesterday that right-wing fanatics are going to try to paint Obama as a “disquieting stranger.” Ultimately the only way to fight that is to preach tolerance. If he is the nominee, it will be an interesting few months!

By: Mohamed (EKM)

Mohamed (EKM) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:09:34 +0000

Je comprends pas l’acharnement de certains marocains contre leur pays ! ceux qui pensent qu’il est mieux de subir le terrorisme que l’injustice, ils n’ont qu’aller en Bagdad, Gaza ou Alger pour vérifier la véracité de leur propos !

By: yunir

yunir — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:03:37 +0000

I have always found it disturbing that Obama didn’t point out that even if he was a Muslim, it should not be an issue.

And so, as with you, I’m glad he finally did say that the ‘secret Muslim’ label is offensive to Muslims. (I Would not have realised it if you hadn’t mentioned it…. so thx!)