David has now arrived at his FOB (Forward Operating Base) in Afghanistan, so we can now send him packages and snail mail.
He has requested packets of laundry detergent. Cindy, Craig, and I are endeavoring to find him some. On Thursday, I'll be sending him a package of goodies -- Cadbury eggs and several editions of The Economist.
That's David for you.
Today's link is to a New York Times story that tries to explain why Afghans riot when a Koran is burned but show a more muted response to the deaths of 16 civilians at the hand of a murderous American Army sergeant.
We have such a fundamental gap in our values. To the Afghans, according to this article, religion is more important than lives. Lives lost are mourned, but justice is found in blood money.
Ironically, the concept that religion is more important than this short life on Earth is shared by the Amish, according to the Feb. 28 PBS documentary on their lives. Think how the Amish rose up to forgive a gunman in 2006 who killed five little Amish girls in their school house.
The difference, of course, is that the Amish seek peace. Afghans seek -- what? Survival? A passionate worship of their God?
Here's a quote from the story:
"Mullah Qayoom is surprised that anyone is surprised.
“Humans were sent here to worship and protect religion,” he said. “That is what the purpose of a Muslim’s life is.”
In a world that is becoming intricately intertwined, how do all of us overcome such a fundamental difference?
He has requested packets of laundry detergent. Cindy, Craig, and I are endeavoring to find him some. On Thursday, I'll be sending him a package of goodies -- Cadbury eggs and several editions of The Economist.
That's David for you.
Today's link is to a New York Times story that tries to explain why Afghans riot when a Koran is burned but show a more muted response to the deaths of 16 civilians at the hand of a murderous American Army sergeant.
We have such a fundamental gap in our values. To the Afghans, according to this article, religion is more important than lives. Lives lost are mourned, but justice is found in blood money.
Ironically, the concept that religion is more important than this short life on Earth is shared by the Amish, according to the Feb. 28 PBS documentary on their lives. Think how the Amish rose up to forgive a gunman in 2006 who killed five little Amish girls in their school house.
The difference, of course, is that the Amish seek peace. Afghans seek -- what? Survival? A passionate worship of their God?
Here's a quote from the story:
"Mullah Qayoom is surprised that anyone is surprised.
“Humans were sent here to worship and protect religion,” he said. “That is what the purpose of a Muslim’s life is.”
In a world that is becoming intricately intertwined, how do all of us overcome such a fundamental difference?
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