Wade Fransson

Author of "The People of the Sign" & "The Hardness of the Heart"

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Home
  • Meet Wade Fransson
  • Author
  • Publisher
  • Public Speaker
  • News
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Events

Islamic State Has No Dignity

Wade Fransson December 6, 2014 Leave a Comment

Flag_of_the_Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_LevantI just read a most fascinating article by Nadim Shehadi which answers a question that comes to my Western mind with regard to the Islamic State (ISIS, or ISIL).  The article states “Islamic State has been described as a virtual entity, its visibility a product of a sophisticated media strategy designed to make it seem like the fount of all evil.” My immediate reaction to this is “Why?”  Why choose a path of such obvious offense?  The article answers this, using history and regional legal practice.

But it doesn’t for one second diminish the horror of what is occurring, nor, for those who see beyond and behind today’s headlines, does it do anything to diminish the ominous nature of the gathering global thunderclouds.  A global polarization is occurring, one that is so dramatic it threatens to reverse the polarity of the planet, turning everything upside down.  At its center is the tiny nation of Israel.

Israel is the primary focal point of an intolerant fundamentalist hatred that has come to permeate much of the Islamic World.  Supporters of Israel, such as the United States, are caught in the dragnet.  Labels like “The Great Satan” are applied not only for supporting Israel, but also for representing a different civilization, a different way of life. Support for Israel is a topic for other blogs, as is the soulless materialism and hypocrisy of the West, all catalysts of Islamic antipathy.  But while two wrongs do not make a right, there are degrees of wrong.  Just as there are degrees of, dare I say the word… Evil!

Seeing Evil for what it is

See evil for what it is.

I use Virtues to filter my thoughts now and for this blog I randomly selected Dignity.  The card I pulled calls Dignity “a sense of worthiness and respect.  It comes from remembering who we truly are and our purpose for being.”  Dignity requires us to stand up for what is right and true, for the good of ourselves and those who are behaving in ways that destroy Dignity.

I’ll leave you with the request to read the article that inspired this one and reflect on how an inherent deception, the desire to “establish” legitimacy by covert, and vicious means, is anything but dignified.  Millions are impressed, and inflamed with adoration and emulation for an entity that establishes itself by mounting a propaganda campaign that appeals to the most base and destructive urges of friend and foe alike.  This is destined to cause irreparable damage.

We’ve seen this movie before. We cannot follow the example of Neville Chamberlain.

We, as a species, must oppose Evil.  We, as a species, must find a means to stop it.

Not in reaction.  Not in anger.  But with Dignity.

Before the havoc it wreaks can grow to unstoppable proportions.

 

 

Filed Under: Geopolitics Tagged: Dignity, Islamic State, Israel, Materialism, Nadim Shehadi, Virtues

Proudly brought to you by

Something or Other Publishing

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

RSS Other news from Something or Other Publishing

  • SOOP’s Annual Short Story Contest Winners 2024 February 5, 2025
    New year, new adventures! And we’re thrilled to get things going with a special announcement that some of you have eagerly awaited! Due to a slight delay, we were unable […] The post SOOP’s Annual Short Story Contest Winners 2024 first appeared on Something or Other Publishing, LLC.
  • Announcing the SOOPcast Podcast Network: Connecting Authors and Podcasters Like Never Before! January 23, 2025
    In today’s dynamic digital landscape, podcasts have become a powerful tool for storytelling, knowledge sharing, and fostering meaningful connections. At SOOP, we figured out a unique way to build synergy between authors […] The post Announcing the SOOPcast Podcast Network: Connecting Authors and Podcasters Like Never Before! first appeared on Something or Other Publishing, LLC.
  • A Western Tale of Faith and Redemption: An Exclusive Holiday Interview with Stephen Harlow December 28, 2024
    Something Or Other Publishing is delighted to present Stephen Harlow, a talented and ambitious author hailing from the scenic hills of West Virginia. With an extraordinary imagination and a passion […] The post A Western Tale of Faith and Redemption: An Exclusive Holiday Interview with Stephen Harlow first appeared on Something or Other Publishing, LLC.
  • A Season of Growth and New Beginnings: A Holiday Message from SOOP December 19, 2024
    As 2024 comes to a close, we at Something Or Other Publishing (SOOP) are reflecting on a year of growth, innovation, and transformation. From launching new platforms to reimagining our […] The post A Season of Growth and New Beginnings: A Holiday Message from SOOP first appeared on Something or Other Publishing, LLC.

Brought to you by

Brought to you by

Visit the Book Store

Visit the Book Store

Return to top of page

Copyright © 1999-2025 · Website Managed by Xieno · Log in