Rudd keeps up the fine (but futile) tradition of seeking a moderate,
non-myth, non-stereotype form of Islam. Have fun, Kevin, and look for
the pot at the end of the rainbow and the elixir of life while you are
on your quest.

===========================================================================

Rudd's quest for true blue Muslims
Richard Kerbaj | March 11, 2008

SPORTING figures, academics and mainstream Muslims will be sought out by
the Rudd Government to help recast the overly religious image of Islamic Australia.

A new-look Muslim advisory body is being considered in a bid to help
dismantle the stereotypical picture of Islam, despite infighting - fuelled
by ideological rivalries and conflicting egos - racking the former government's board.

And the Rudd Government will also consider reviving the Council for Multicultural Australia - featuring leaders from a cross-section of ethnic backgrounds, including the Jewish and Muslim communities.

The previous government abolished the trouble-plagued Muslim advisory board
- set up by John Howard after the London terrorist attacks in 2005 - and the multicultural council after their terms ended in 2006.

But Labor is intent on recasting the two bodies, shifting the focus from the spiritual leaders the Howard government courted - at times with disastrous results - to everyday Muslims.

In the Rudd Government's first statement on Muslims, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson told The Australian yesterday it
was time to tackle the myths surrounding Islam, arguing religious leaders
were not representative of the mainstream Muslim community.

[...]

Full article at "The Australian" http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,23353731-601,00.html

---
* Origin: Xaragmata / Adelaide SA telnet://xaragmata.thebbs.org (3:800/432)

Hello Mullah,

[..]

In the Rudd Government's first statement on Muslims, Parliamentary Secretary ML>for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson told The Australian yesterday it ML>was time to tackle the myths surrounding Islam, arguing religious leaders ML>were not representative of the mainstream Muslim community.

What is representative of the mainstream Muslim community? What is
mainstream, when it comes to Islam? Is there such a thing as mainstream
Islam?

--Lee


* SLMR 2.1a * This tagline stolen by Silly Little Mail Reader!

--- Maximus 3.01
* Origin: Xaragmata / Adelaide SA telnet://xaragmata.thebbs.org (3:800/432)

Mulling over Lee Lofaso to Mullah Lodabullah 12 Mar 2008

Hello Lee...

In the Rudd Government's first statement on Muslims, Parliamentary ML>Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson told The
Australian yesterday it was time to tackle the myths surrounding
Islam, arguing religious leaders were not representative of the ML>mainstream Muslim community.

What is representative of the mainstream Muslim community?

Anyone, everyone, and noone? Islam is a bit like a chameleon
when it comes to pinning down who or what represents it. Anyone
who doesn't follow (X's) views is likely to be denounced as a
shirker or an infidel, & on the receiving end of a fatwah.

What is mainstream, when it comes to Islam? Is there such a thing
as mainstream Islam?

Much the same as above - there is such a thing, but it is a closely
guarded secret like the formula for Coca Cola. Western politicians
seem to think they can communicate & work with it, but I suspect
they are in for a nasty surprise - they might get their heads
handed to them, literally.

- Origin: Xaragmata / Adelaide SA telnet://xaragmata.thebbs.org

This could be the basis of a conspiracy theory. :)

Mullah L.

---
* Origin: Xaragmata / Adelaide SA telnet://xaragmata.thebbs.org (3:800/432)

Hello Mullah,

In the Rudd Government's first statement on Muslims, Parliamentary >ML>Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson told The
Australian yesterday it was time to tackle the myths surrounding
Islam, arguing religious leaders were not representative of the >ML>mainstream Muslim community.

What is representative of the mainstream Muslim community?

Anyone, everyone, and noone? Islam is a bit like a chameleon
when it comes to pinning down who or what represents it. Anyone
who doesn't follow (X's) views is likely to be denounced as a
shirker or an infidel, & on the receiving end of a fatwah.

Muslim leaders often portray Islam as a religion of tolerance, and that Christians and Jews are referred to as "people of the book". As such,
how can Islam be viewed as a religion of the sword? Is not Islam a
religion of peace, that all should show "peace and submission to Allah"?

What is mainstream, when it comes to Islam? Is there such a thing
as mainstream Islam?

Much the same as above - there is such a thing, but it is a closely ML>guarded secret like the formula for Coca Cola. Western politicians
seem to think they can communicate & work with it, but I suspect
they are in for a nasty surprise - they might get their heads
handed to them, literally.

But only one hand, the other one being needed to wipe oneself.

- Origin: Xaragmata / Adelaide SA telnet://xaragmata.thebbs.org

This could be the basis of a conspiracy theory. :)

Well, it is true the ASCII values of the letters of my name
add up to 666. And we all know He comes from a very hot place. :)

--Lee


* SLMR 2.1a * This tagline is umop apisdn

--- Maximus 3.01
* Origin: Xaragmata / Adelaide SA telnet://xaragmata.thebbs.org (3:800/432)