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Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
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Is belief/non-belief a morally culpable state?
- By childeye 2
- Ethics & Morality
- 187 Replies
childeye 2 said:
There's the saying that wise men love instruction, but fools despise correction.
I believe I get your point and that your question looks rhetorical. But I'd still like to answer the question as posed. First, I'd say no, that's not who I had in mind. As I see it, there is a nuance in the term wisdom that is more descriptive than knowledge. I believe the proverb is alluding to the foolishness of pride, as in feeling put down by others because others know more, or feeling lifted up when looking down upon others due their ignorance. Galileo or Copernicus certainly would have understood the proverb from their experiences and point of view, yet they still might not have been able to escape their own carnal vanity.
I understand what you mean. People who know how to think critically, and why they need to be cautious about what they accept/believe as true, would not resort to populism.
While you're here, I'd like to get your view on something. Are you able to see how the following dichotomy is parsing opposite sentiments relative to that which is Truth? --> Knowledge/ignorance
To me it's self-evident, but others have claimed they don't understand or comprehend it.
And by the way, I'm not asking because I embrace populism.
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Israel-Hamas Thread II
- By Benaiah468
- News & Current Events (Articles Required)
- 4720 Replies
Disaster for the hypocrites: Anti-Israel flotilla bobs around in port instead of “liberating Gaza”.
For days, the ships of the self-proclaimed “Global Sumud Flotilla” have been stuck in port, while their activists try to turn the harbor basin into a stage for anti-Israel propaganda. What was announced as a spectacular action is turning out to be a grotesque spectacle with no effect other than to spread lies.
Global Sumud Flotilla tracker
They had spoken of a “historic departure,” of a “mission of humanity” that was supposed to reach the “besieged Gaza Strip.” In reality, however, the boats of the so-called “Global Sumud Flotilla” have been lying idle in Tunisian ports for over a week. At times it was said that the weather was too stormy, at other times the ships were allegedly unseaworthy, and then activists spoke of drone attacks for which they could provide no evidence. The truth has long been clear: the whole thing is less an aid mission than a political stunt designed to make anti-Israeli slogans louder than any ship's siren.
The scene in Tunis and Bizerte now resembles an absurd street theater: boats that are barely seaworthy, activists hoisting their smartphones instead of sails, and the constant repetition of the same accusations against Israel. Meanwhile, people in Gaza are dying not from an alleged “blockade famine,” but from Hamas' decision to abuse civilians as human shields and systematically confiscate aid. But this reality interferes with the flotilla's script.
The real goal of this “Global Sumud” campaign is not at sea, but in the headlines. Even in Barcelona, where the ships set sail in early September, the organizers were not seeking confrontation with reality, but with the cameras. Every delay, every alleged mishap, every exaggeration is used to portray themselves as courageous fighters for “human rights” – when in reality, they are doing nothing more than waging a campaign to delegitimize Israel.
The name “Sumud”, Arabic for “steadfastness”, sounds heroic, but in this context it is mere rhetoric. In fact, weeks of loitering in ports prove one thing above all: political steadfastness in distorting the facts. For those who denounce Israel as a “genocidal regime” while concealing the role of Hamas are not working for human rights, but for a one-sided, anti-Semitic agenda.
Particularly grotesque is the activists' attempt to reinterpret their own disaster as propaganda. The fact that two boats are not allowed to continue sailing due to technical defects is declared to be the “result of enemy attacks.” The fact that they are rowing back to Bizerte, of all places, even though the weather there is the same as in Tunis, is sold as a “strategic decision.” Anyone who argues in this way exposes themselves: it is not about achieving something, but about making a statement.
And while a second group of sailboats is gathering in Sicily, supposedly to head for Gaza, it has long been clear that even if these boats do eventually set sail, they will not deliver what they claim to be delivering: humanitarian aid. They deliver headlines, images, and slogans. A spectacle staged at the expense of the truth.
Meanwhile, Israel is sticking to its clear line: aid deliveries will only reach the Gaza Strip via coordinated corridors, not via media stunts on the high seas. This is the only way to prevent aid supplies from ending up directly in the hands of Hamas. Anyone who wants to undermine this principle is consciously making themselves a tool of the terrorist organization.
In the end, the Global Sumud Flotilla is one thing above all else: a symbol of hypocrisy. While they portray themselves as saviors of the Palestinians, the activists are in fact accomplices in the service of a murderous ideology. Instead of liberating Gaza, they are shackling the truth. And the longer their ships bob around in the harbor, the clearer it becomes that this flotilla is not on course, it has long since been shipwrecked.
For days, the ships of the self-proclaimed “Global Sumud Flotilla” have been stuck in port, while their activists try to turn the harbor basin into a stage for anti-Israel propaganda. What was announced as a spectacular action is turning out to be a grotesque spectacle with no effect other than to spread lies.
Global Sumud Flotilla tracker
They had spoken of a “historic departure,” of a “mission of humanity” that was supposed to reach the “besieged Gaza Strip.” In reality, however, the boats of the so-called “Global Sumud Flotilla” have been lying idle in Tunisian ports for over a week. At times it was said that the weather was too stormy, at other times the ships were allegedly unseaworthy, and then activists spoke of drone attacks for which they could provide no evidence. The truth has long been clear: the whole thing is less an aid mission than a political stunt designed to make anti-Israeli slogans louder than any ship's siren.
The scene in Tunis and Bizerte now resembles an absurd street theater: boats that are barely seaworthy, activists hoisting their smartphones instead of sails, and the constant repetition of the same accusations against Israel. Meanwhile, people in Gaza are dying not from an alleged “blockade famine,” but from Hamas' decision to abuse civilians as human shields and systematically confiscate aid. But this reality interferes with the flotilla's script.
The real goal of this “Global Sumud” campaign is not at sea, but in the headlines. Even in Barcelona, where the ships set sail in early September, the organizers were not seeking confrontation with reality, but with the cameras. Every delay, every alleged mishap, every exaggeration is used to portray themselves as courageous fighters for “human rights” – when in reality, they are doing nothing more than waging a campaign to delegitimize Israel.
The name “Sumud”, Arabic for “steadfastness”, sounds heroic, but in this context it is mere rhetoric. In fact, weeks of loitering in ports prove one thing above all: political steadfastness in distorting the facts. For those who denounce Israel as a “genocidal regime” while concealing the role of Hamas are not working for human rights, but for a one-sided, anti-Semitic agenda.
Particularly grotesque is the activists' attempt to reinterpret their own disaster as propaganda. The fact that two boats are not allowed to continue sailing due to technical defects is declared to be the “result of enemy attacks.” The fact that they are rowing back to Bizerte, of all places, even though the weather there is the same as in Tunis, is sold as a “strategic decision.” Anyone who argues in this way exposes themselves: it is not about achieving something, but about making a statement.
And while a second group of sailboats is gathering in Sicily, supposedly to head for Gaza, it has long been clear that even if these boats do eventually set sail, they will not deliver what they claim to be delivering: humanitarian aid. They deliver headlines, images, and slogans. A spectacle staged at the expense of the truth.
Meanwhile, Israel is sticking to its clear line: aid deliveries will only reach the Gaza Strip via coordinated corridors, not via media stunts on the high seas. This is the only way to prevent aid supplies from ending up directly in the hands of Hamas. Anyone who wants to undermine this principle is consciously making themselves a tool of the terrorist organization.
In the end, the Global Sumud Flotilla is one thing above all else: a symbol of hypocrisy. While they portray themselves as saviors of the Palestinians, the activists are in fact accomplices in the service of a murderous ideology. Instead of liberating Gaza, they are shackling the truth. And the longer their ships bob around in the harbor, the clearer it becomes that this flotilla is not on course, it has long since been shipwrecked.
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Israel-Hamas Thread II
- By Benaiah468
- News & Current Events (Articles Required)
- 4720 Replies
For years, the emirate has presented itself as an indispensable mediator in the Middle East. But behind the shiny façade lies a long history of supporting Islamist groups: from Hamas to the Taliban, from the Muslim Brotherhood to networks in Europe. The Israeli attack on Hamas cadres in Doha exposes the illusion: Qatar is not a neutral mediator, but a key promoter of forces that undermine peace.
Following Israel's targeted strike against high-ranking Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar's leadership is portraying itself as the victim. Prime Minister Abdulrahman al-Thani spoke of “barbarism” and “betrayal.” The message: Israel has violated the rules of diplomacy. But in reality, it is the rulers in Doha who have been speaking with a forked tongue for years. While they present themselves as supposed partners in Washington, Berlin, and Brussels, they court Islamists and offer them protection, money, and a political stage.
For over a decade, billions of dollars have been flowing from Qatar into the Gaza Strip. Officially, the funds were said to be used to pay salaries, run schools, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. In reality, however, Qatar has been strengthening the rule of Hamas, which controls all administrative structures in Gaza. Anyone who pays salaries there is indirectly financing the terrorist organization that declared war on Israel and planned and carried out the massacre of Oct 7, 2023.
Even more seriously, Hamas has maintained an official office in Doha since 2012. For years, the political and military leadership was able to operate there undisturbed, protected by a regime that touts itself as a “mediator.” The fact that Western countries tolerated this is an expression of geopolitical convenience: they wanted to keep a channel of communication open with Hamas. But in effect, they made Qatar a safe haven for terrorist planners.
Qatar not only supports Hamas, but has also been supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, the ideological breeding ground for Islamist movements worldwide, for decades. The Taliban also found a home in Doha: in 2013, they opened their political office there, from where negotiations with the US were conducted. The fact that the Americans chose Qatar of all places as their stage was a mistake of historic proportions – because it ennobled an emirate that does not fight terrorist groups, but embraces them.
In Syria, Libya, and even Africa, Qatar has repeatedly protected Islamist militias. The method is always the same: extremist actors are given legitimacy and influence in order to portray themselves as indispensable mediators.
The consequences of this policy are felt not only by Israel and its neighbors. Qatar's support for the Muslim Brotherhood has strengthened networks that have long been deeply entrenched in Europe and North America. Mosque associations in Germany, clubs in France, lobby structures in Brussels, money often flows from Doha. Officially, this is support for culture, education, or religious freedom. In reality, however, narratives are being spread that undermine Western democracies and reinforce anti-Semitism.
In the US, Qatar buys influence through think tanks, sports sponsorship, and university funding. The methods are subtle, but the result is clear: Qatar is creating a sounding board for Islamist ideas – not on the fringes, but at the heart of Western societies.
The Israeli air strike in Doha was therefore not just an attempt to eliminate Hamas leaders. It was a blow against the double standards of Qatar, which presents itself as a “peace broker” while offering terrorist strategists a comfortable exile. The fact that the government in Doha now fears for its security shows the weakness of its model: soft power, major sporting events, and gas exports are no substitute for genuine responsibility.
Those who brand Israel as an aggressor must ask themselves: What about a country that courts Hamas and the Taliban?
What about an emirate that finances Islamist networks that threaten synagogues in Europe and radicalize universities in the US?
Qatar wants prestige and influence, wants to appear indispensable as a “mediator.” But this status comes at a high price, on the backs of those who suffer from terrorism. While Hamas fires rockets at Israel from Gaza, Doha presents itself as a force for peace. In reality, it is complicit in every further escalation because it protects terrorists rather than weakening them.
The hypocrisy must finally be called out: Qatar is not a bridge builder, but an accelerant (of islamism). Those in Europe or the US who turn a blind eye to this today are accepting that Islamist networks will continue to grow – and that terrorism from Gaza to Berlin has its supporters.
Following Israel's targeted strike against high-ranking Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar's leadership is portraying itself as the victim. Prime Minister Abdulrahman al-Thani spoke of “barbarism” and “betrayal.” The message: Israel has violated the rules of diplomacy. But in reality, it is the rulers in Doha who have been speaking with a forked tongue for years. While they present themselves as supposed partners in Washington, Berlin, and Brussels, they court Islamists and offer them protection, money, and a political stage.
For over a decade, billions of dollars have been flowing from Qatar into the Gaza Strip. Officially, the funds were said to be used to pay salaries, run schools, and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. In reality, however, Qatar has been strengthening the rule of Hamas, which controls all administrative structures in Gaza. Anyone who pays salaries there is indirectly financing the terrorist organization that declared war on Israel and planned and carried out the massacre of Oct 7, 2023.
Even more seriously, Hamas has maintained an official office in Doha since 2012. For years, the political and military leadership was able to operate there undisturbed, protected by a regime that touts itself as a “mediator.” The fact that Western countries tolerated this is an expression of geopolitical convenience: they wanted to keep a channel of communication open with Hamas. But in effect, they made Qatar a safe haven for terrorist planners.
Qatar not only supports Hamas, but has also been supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, the ideological breeding ground for Islamist movements worldwide, for decades. The Taliban also found a home in Doha: in 2013, they opened their political office there, from where negotiations with the US were conducted. The fact that the Americans chose Qatar of all places as their stage was a mistake of historic proportions – because it ennobled an emirate that does not fight terrorist groups, but embraces them.
In Syria, Libya, and even Africa, Qatar has repeatedly protected Islamist militias. The method is always the same: extremist actors are given legitimacy and influence in order to portray themselves as indispensable mediators.
The consequences of this policy are felt not only by Israel and its neighbors. Qatar's support for the Muslim Brotherhood has strengthened networks that have long been deeply entrenched in Europe and North America. Mosque associations in Germany, clubs in France, lobby structures in Brussels, money often flows from Doha. Officially, this is support for culture, education, or religious freedom. In reality, however, narratives are being spread that undermine Western democracies and reinforce anti-Semitism.
In the US, Qatar buys influence through think tanks, sports sponsorship, and university funding. The methods are subtle, but the result is clear: Qatar is creating a sounding board for Islamist ideas – not on the fringes, but at the heart of Western societies.
The Israeli air strike in Doha was therefore not just an attempt to eliminate Hamas leaders. It was a blow against the double standards of Qatar, which presents itself as a “peace broker” while offering terrorist strategists a comfortable exile. The fact that the government in Doha now fears for its security shows the weakness of its model: soft power, major sporting events, and gas exports are no substitute for genuine responsibility.
Those who brand Israel as an aggressor must ask themselves: What about a country that courts Hamas and the Taliban?
What about an emirate that finances Islamist networks that threaten synagogues in Europe and radicalize universities in the US?
Qatar wants prestige and influence, wants to appear indispensable as a “mediator.” But this status comes at a high price, on the backs of those who suffer from terrorism. While Hamas fires rockets at Israel from Gaza, Doha presents itself as a force for peace. In reality, it is complicit in every further escalation because it protects terrorists rather than weakening them.
The hypocrisy must finally be called out: Qatar is not a bridge builder, but an accelerant (of islamism). Those in Europe or the US who turn a blind eye to this today are accepting that Islamist networks will continue to grow – and that terrorism from Gaza to Berlin has its supporters.
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