Is Bill Maher the only left wing commentator with the courage of his convictions?

I've pointed out before that feminists are going to be surprised one day to find out that cultural conservatives are going to be the only ones to stand with them against Islamists and their multicultural enablers. Except, apparently, for Maher, who for all of his crudities, appears to actually be willing to believe what he believes in public. Maher has been upfront about this a couple of times, as well, arguing that Western civilization is good and has things we should cherish, and that valuing multiculturalism over that is bad.

Video here:

...“There’s no mention here of connecting this to the religion, which is always what I am seeking to do because I think that’s the elephant in the room,” Maher said. “And that in the religion at large, women are seen as property, second-class at best, often property.” ...

“Where it becomes dangerous is that liberals like yourself do not stand up for liberalism. Liberalism means, one, mostly, equality of women,” Maher said to guest Baratunde Thurston.

Thurston argued there are radical Christians who commit terrorist acts like Islamists do, but Maher retorted that religions and cultures change, and that by comparison, Islam “kind of” has a monopoly on extremism.

“It this was the 14th century, I would be coming down on the Christians because that’s when they were too violent,” ...​

cpwill said:

I've pointed out before that feminists are going to be surprised one day to find out that cultural conservatives are going to be the only ones to stand with them against Islamists and their multicultural enablers. Except, apparently, for Maher, who for all of his crudities, appears to actually be willing to believe what he believes in public. Maher has been upfront about this a couple of times, as well, arguing that Western civilization is good and has things we should cherish, and that valuing multiculturalism over that is bad.

Video here:

...“There’s no mention here of connecting this to the religion, which is always what I am seeking to do because I think that’s the elephant in the room,” Maher said. “And that in the religion at large, women are seen as property, second-class at best, often property.” ...

“Where it becomes dangerous is that liberals like yourself do not stand up for liberalism. Liberalism means, one, mostly, equality of women,” Maher said to guest Baratunde Thurston.

Thurston argued there are radical Christians who commit terrorist acts like Islamists do, but Maher retorted that religions and cultures change, and that by comparison, Islam “kind of” has a monopoly on extremism.

“It this was the 14th century, I would be coming down on the Christians because that’s when they were too violent,” ...​

Click to expand...

Don't tempt me to start actually liking the guy.

X Factor said:

Don't tempt me to start actually liking the guy.

Click to expand...

I don't like him. But I do have a very high level of respect for him. As the thread title implies, he stands firm on his convictions, and that is a respectable and very fleeting trait in our society.

I like Maher. I watch him every Friday night that he's on. Sometimes he really pisses me off, but he's funny, is in love with MJ, and more often than not tells it like it is.

I used to love Bill Maher, but once he took the position that "the 2nd Amendment is bull****" he went full retard. Never go full retard.

I can't stand Maher's self righteous delivery. I find his politics abhorrent, but it's his personality and delivery that piss me off. I am an unapologetic atheist, and I can't stand it when he talks about the ridiculousness of various faiths, even though I notionally agree with him in this single category.

Gonzo Rodeo said:

I can't stand Maher's self righteous delivery. I find his politics abhorrent, but it's his personality and delivery that piss me off. .

Click to expand...

This is true with a lot of pundits.
I find Rush Limbaugh's pompous windbag schtick extremely aggravating.
A few million other people love the guy.:shrug:

I like Maher but don't always agree with him. I think his 2nd amendment stance is wrong, for example.
He is also wrong is this instance.
Every religious holy book seems to have passages about violence towards non-believers and women. Every single holy book reads like it was written by misogynistic shepherds. To single out one religion is silly.
The difference between christianity and islam is education and time. There will always be diehard literalists like Schlafly or Fisher or Robertson who think a woman's divine purpose is to STFU and pass the potatoes.
Educating islamic women that they are equal is the fastest way to negate the more negative aspects of islam.

Maher is wrong. Islam isn't really any different from its cousin religions in advocating violence, treating women as chattel, hating learning, homophobia, or genocide. He makes the mistake of comparing secular nations like the United States with fundamentalist religious ones like Iran or Saudi Arabia. The United States isn't a modern Christian country. It's a modern secular country. He should be comparing fundamentalist Muslim countries with fundamentalist Christian ones, like Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, or Rwanda. Those countries are every bit as barbarous as their Muslim equivalents. It isn't the strong presence of one religion or the other that drives people to commit these kinds of atrocities. It's the strong presence of any religion.

Paschendale said:

Maher is wrong. Islam isn't really any different from its cousin religions in advocating violence, treating women as chattel, hating learning, homophobia, or genocide. He makes the mistake of comparing secular nations like the United States with fundamentalist religious ones like Iran or Saudi Arabia. The United States isn't a modern Christian country. It's a modern secular country. He should be comparing fundamentalist Muslim countries with fundamentalist Christian ones, like Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, or Rwanda. Those countries are every bit as barbarous as their Muslim equivalents. It isn't the strong presence of one religion or the other that drives people to commit these kinds of atrocities. It's the strong presence of any religion.

Click to expand...

Nigeria is not a fundmentalist Christian country.

Religion in Nigeria - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

cpwill said:

I've pointed out before that feminists are going to be surprised one day to find out that cultural conservatives are going to be the only ones to stand with them against Islamists and their multicultural enablers

Click to expand...

I lol'd

Why, seriously, why when people bring up the treatment of women under Islam they totally forget that misogyny outdates Islam by a couple thousand years

instagramsci said:

Why, seriously, why when people bring up the treatment of women under Islam they totally forget that misogyny outdates Islam by a couple thousand years

Click to expand...

True, but it's 2014 and Islam is still mutilating girls genitalia. That's been going on for thousands of years, but Islam is really the driving force here in the modern world. I'm no Christian and definitely pro-choice, but let's be real.

I have to say the best part of the show was his defense of Donald Sterling's right not to be bugged in his private home, then publicly castrated for such. I completely agree with him on this and personally think it's a bit sickening that nobody else (at least, not many prominent liberals on his level) is condemning this disgusting use of an illegal recording to fine him millions of dollars and force him from his business.


edit aw **** here's the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxwRqQNDUSs

instagramsci said:

Why, seriously, why when people bring up the treatment of women under Islam they totally forget that misogyny outdates Islam by a couple thousand years

Click to expand...

:roll: It has nothing to do with forgetfulness. The abuse and subjugation of women simply doesn't exist today among christians, the West, etc on the same level that it exists in the Muslim world. That's why Islam is often singled out in discussions on women's rights.

Of course this hasn't always been unique to Islam, but today it is. Which is something that Maher points out. The chrisitian world underwent an enlightenment. People stopped taking the bible and the church as literally and seriously as they used to. Islam needs the same. Badly.

cpwill said:

I've pointed out before that feminists are going to be surprised one day to find out that cultural conservatives are going to be the only ones to stand with them against Islamists and their multicultural enablers.

Click to expand...

Nonsense. The tolerance of the ugly parts of Islam under the umbrella of multiculturalism amongst the left is simply a case of the pendulum having swung too far (which is not to excuse the left for being quiet on the issue, that's inexcusable). It's momentum carried over from a movement away from the christian right. If Islam were to noticeably start encroaching on women's rights here at home, the pendulum will swing back. Just look at Europe. Look at France. Look at the UK. There we already are seeing an emerging backlash against Islam as immigration brings it to their doorstep.

This entire clip was an argument under false pretenses.

Nothing in Islam is misogynistic. Islam allowed for inheritance rights for women centuries before many Western nations. Specially I'd point out England.

Now, as with Christianity, Islam is a tradition which allows for the incorporation of local customs and norms into its faith system. Here is where the misogyny comes into play.

to give few examples of the supposed misogyny and present the true Islamic interpretations

Hijab. The head scarf women must wear. Hijab means barrier and it is also imposed on the men as well, their beards. This is supposed to retard the passion in the viewer, a barrier so that you may get past the physical attraction and be allowed to focus on the person.

The savages...

The inappropriate mixing of the sexes, i.e. women pray on one side, men on another behind a drawn curtain or wall. Now, there is nothing in Islam that states that this must be done. This is a cultural aspect and not a decree from the Prophet (saw) nor does it come from the Quran. As a side note, it is actually a smart thing though, I mean how can you be focused on your rakats when you're staring at a scrumptious booty bending over in front of you?

Stoning.

Stoning in Islam is a person's choice. It is a temporal punishment offered to ease the severity of the punishment in the after life. It can be stopped by the person being stoned whenever they choose.

Honor Killings.

Cultural not Islam

Cutting off a hand for theft.

This they do and it is prescribed, for banditry, in other words armed robbery. Not just for swiping a falafel off the cart when no one is looking.

Death for leaving Islam

This one is in Islam, but as with all the above that is actual Islam it can only be permitted when the Sharia is implemented fully lest how if as a society you are not fully aware of Sharia and it is not being implemented in its entirety can one be at fault?

(Death might be allowed for leaving Islam even if Sharia is not fully implemented I am having a hard time remembering the nuance of the opinion but I know it is a debated subject amongst modern scholars, but the rest I am definite about)

Bottom line is that so many people are misinformed about what Islam is that they really would show how smart they were if they kept quiet about it...

I'd also point out that women in Islam have rights in marriage through a marriage contract. They can demand that they're the only wife to their husband, they can demand the husband provide her with servants to cook and clean, she can demand a myriad of other things, these only being an example. How many women in Christianity can by marital contract get a maid and cook?

cpwill said:

I've pointed out before that feminists are going to be surprised one day to find out that cultural conservatives are going to be the only ones to stand with them against Islamists and their multicultural enablers. Except, apparently, for Maher, who for all of his crudities, appears to actually be willing to believe what he believes in public. Maher has been upfront about this a couple of times, as well, arguing that Western civilization is good and has things we should cherish, and that valuing multiculturalism over that is bad.

Video here:

...“There’s no mention here of connecting this to the religion, which is always what I am seeking to do because I think that’s the elephant in the room,” Maher said. “And that in the religion at large, women are seen as property, second-class at best, often property.” ...

“Where it becomes dangerous is that liberals like yourself do not stand up for liberalism. Liberalism means, one, mostly, equality of women,” Maher said to guest Baratunde Thurston.

Thurston argued there are radical Christians who commit terrorist acts like Islamists do, but Maher retorted that religions and cultures change, and that by comparison, Islam “kind of” has a monopoly on extremism.

“It this was the 14th century, I would be coming down on the Christians because that’s when they were too violent,” ...​

Click to expand...

Maher's tired of pretending not to see where the problems are. BTW, the real star of this discussion was Dinesh. Its easy to see why Obama would want to target him, I think.

ChezC3 said:

I'd also point out that women in Islam have rights in marriage through a marriage contract. They can demand that they're the only wife to their husband, they can demand the husband provide her with servants to cook and clean, she can demand a myriad of other things, these only being an example. How many women in Christianity can by marital contract get a maid and cook?

Click to expand...

I guess those schoolgirls in nigeria, kidnapped and forced into Islam, to be sold as slaves are living la vida loca. Thanks for the perspective.

US Conservative said:

I guess those schoolgirls in nigeria, kidnapped and forced into Islam, to be sold as slaves are living la vida loca. Thanks for the perspective.

Click to expand...

Or the numbnuts who did it are not living their faith because they're ignorant of it... That's not a universal when it comes to religion. is it?:wink2:

You're welcome.

ChezC3 said:

Or the numbnuts who did it are not living their faith because they're ignorant of it... That's not a universal when it comes to religion. is it?:wink2:

You're welcome.

Click to expand...

Actually, they think they are. Just like they do in Sudan, and Egypt, and Iran, and Pakistan, and Philippines. Did you watch the clip? Its time to admit it-Islam has some real problems. Note that the vast majority feel that converting from islam should be punished by death. Stop making excuses.

US Conservative said:

Actually, they think they are. Just like they do in Sudan, and Egypt, and Iran, and Pakistan, and Philippines. Did you watch the clip? Its time to admit it-Islam has some real problems. Note that the vast majority feel that converting from islam should be punished by death. Stop making excuses.

Click to expand...

I'm not making excuses. None of the countries you've mentioned are truly Islamic States, why? Because there isn't a truly Islamic State in the world. Any scholar will confirm this for you.

I don't subscribe to stats spewed out by Bill, what now because he's on "your side" of an issue you take him as the gospel? C'mon man...

What conservatives don't realize and yes, I'm going to include you into this since you're doubling down, is that Islam, true Islam, the Islam that is represented by the hundreds of hundreds of millions of Muslims out there are your natural ally, much more so than they are or would be with liberals.

Unfortunately that batty ass NeoCon nonsense is currently the prevailing thought (but fading thank God) of the Conservative movement so the only Muslims you'll see, the only Islam you'll see is this crap which isn't Islam and those who practice and follow Islam as they should go to the side who's not carpet bombing muslim countries (Obama sure fooled the hell out of them, didn't he? Suckers...)because of a few idiots who make wonderful poster children for the Boogeyman Neocon ninnys so desperately need.

You're free to disagree, but you'd be wrong. No offense...

Bill Maher is not that funny of a comedian. He is better critic I think.

Christopher Hitchins as quoted from Bill Maher about the word "Islamophobic" in min 10.55:

"A word created by fascists and used by cowards to manipulate morons" :lol:

Someone should put that in their signature LOL!

ChezC3 said:

I'm not making excuses. None of the countries you've mentioned are truly Islamic States, why? Because there isn't a truly Islamic State in the world. Any scholar will confirm this for you.

I don't subscribe to stats spewed out by Bill, what now because he's on "your side" of an issue you take him as the gospel? C'mon man...

What conservatives don't realize and yes, I'm going to include you into this since you're doubling down, is that Islam, true Islam, the Islam that is represented by the hundreds of hundreds of millions of Muslims out there are your natural ally, much more so than they are or would be with liberals.

Unfortunately that batty ass NeoCon nonsense is currently the prevailing thought (but fading thank God) of the Conservative movement so the only Muslims you'll see, the only Islam you'll see is this crap which isn't Islam and those who practice and follow Islam as they should go to the side who's not carpet bombing muslim countries (Obama sure fooled the hell out of them, didn't he? Suckers...)because of a few idiots who make wonderful poster children for the Boogeyman Neocon ninnys so desperately need.

You're free to disagree, but you'd be wrong. No offense...

Click to expand...

I know more about Islam than you know. And I have very close friends both Arab and Christian. What do you call a state where 90% are Muslim, the legal system is based on Islamic law, minorities are persecuted, and even killed?

A true arab state is a totalitarian state.

DDD said:

Bill Maher is not that funny of a comedian. He is better critic I think.

Christopher Hitchins as quoted from Bill Maher about the word "Islamophobic" in min 10.55:

"A word created by fascists and used by cowards to manipulate morons" :lol:

Someone should put that in their signature LOL!

Click to expand...

Leftist comedians here want it both ways. They are all about political satire until they make a stupid comment, and then they hide behind the "just a comedian" defense. He was never very funny, but he does the smug sneering liberal thing quite well.