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Escape & Infidel

I've been reading two autobiographies by women who grew up and escaped from repressive religions. The first book Escape is about life in a fundamentalist Mormon sect, while Infidel describes life within several Islamic countries, as fundamentalism begins to take hold over the region. The two books are very similar in ways, yet quiet unique and therefore make good reading together. Perhaps most surprising to me was that overall life among fundie mormons in the United States was overall more severe and strict.  Escape Escape was a very easy, but harrowing and disturbing read about the life of Carolyn Jessop in the FLDS (Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints). You would think that since she was living in the United States, it would be a simple choice for her to just walk away from it all. But this was not an option. By telling her story from childhood on, one gains a glimpse into how religion contorts the mind and the spirit of each individual it touches. When taken to ...
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Who's the Terrorist Now?

From the moment Bush, Ashcroft and Co. began their attacks upon civil liberties in the aftermath of September 11, many on the left issued warnings as to the extent to the definition of terrorists could be construed. After all, as King George said himself, anyone not with him was against him, and, therefore, equated with being a terrorist. Forget the fact that definition encompased the majority of the peoples and nations of the world. Especially hand picked among nations was that obvious triumvirate of allies North Korea, Iraq and Iran, to which Cuba, Libya and Syria were posthastly added. Any question as to the foresight and wisdom of George W. was instantly quashed in this single moment of greatness. Most Americans, however, seemed to acquiece on these issues as it was apparently necessary to forego certain rights and privileges for the sake of 'national security.' Besides, they would not arrest innocent Americans, let alone foreigners. Unless, of course, you look Arabi...
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A Newer World Order

Since 911 we have heard time and again that this terrorist attack will demand the dawn of a new period in domestic and international relations. In just the span of one week the shape of this new period has taken very definite form. The heralded 'New World Order,' which only yesterday seemed questionable in light of the rise of anti-globalization protests throughout the world, has been jolted into fruition. For this the struggle for freedom and equality of the individual and nation states continues. A new perspective may be in order in this new environment. In order to free ourselves of the horror and the fear of terrorist acts we must understand its causes and effects. With this tool it will then be easier to orient oneself and others in the struggle ahead. Terrorism divides peoples and nations. Whenever a group engages in a terrorist action, that group becomes cast in opposition to the subjects of the attack. An immediate impediment is raised against the pos...
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