"...an utterly corrupt new religion called environmentalism..."
If the history of this planet's climate over millions of years is any guide, we are about to enter a new ice age.
CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper indicated in a 1993 interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he wants to see the United States become a Muslim country.
Kidnapping Copts? Seeking Civility and Safety in Egypt, Part I
By Sally Bishai (02/28/06)
Despite the fact that the calendar says "2006" rather than "1006," Copts in today’s Egypt are sometimes kidnapped from their homes, jobs, or schools and forced to change religions, as in the recent case of Theresa Ghattas Kamal, missing from el-Saff (30 miles south of Cairo) since January 3.
A recent phone call alleged to have been made to Kamal’s aunt, however, suggested that Kamal did not convert, which is exactly what she told her relative.
The February 26 communiqué managed to get attention back on the case, and, in fact, on the whole practice of kidnapping people—generally girls, always Christians—in Egypt.
There were, by the way, two interesting facts about this case that took root in my mind: first, the fact that police had previously claimed Kamal’s conversion was both supported by the necessary paperwork—which Kamal’s brother investigated and found false—and voluntary—a notion which the phone call to the aunt effectively dissolved.
For the record, people trying to find out what happened to their kidnapped relatives—like Kamal’s brother—run the risk of being arrested. (So do protestors.)
For the record, the “official” word on conversions in Egypt is that the person wishing to convert is supposed to meet with clergy from the church, not once but twice, and fill out appropriate paperwork.
Also, underage girls wishing to marry are required to have their father’s signature in order to go through with the marriage.
This doesn’t mean that the officials are so conscientious that they dutifully follow “protocol” every time a girl wishes to get married... especially if she’s a copt and her husband-to-be is a Muslim.
The second interesting thing that stood out to me was the fact that Kamal’s father had converted to Islam in 1955, though others in the family stayed Christian.
This prompts me to wonder whether Kamal was a target because her kidnappers thought she was “unfinished business” that began 1955—or if the mark’s proximity to a convert in this alleged kidnapping was merely coincidence?
I say “alleged” because many—in Egypt, especially—wonder whether “missing girls” are simply runaways who are too scared or upset to face their families.
On one hand, Egyptian parents—especially fathers and especially in villages—can be seen as tyrannical, dictator-like, and little better than the warden at a maximum-security prison.
On the other hand, many of the girls taken in recent years have been described by family and community as peaceful, serene, religious, and devoted to their families. This tranquility may have made these girls appealing targets to would-be kidnappers.
Or, as the afore-mentioned skeptics have suggested, this religiosity may have been an act.
In any case, it must be mentioned that the U.S. State Department has expressed concern over this spate of kidnappings, and is trying to help.
You know, I do think the true problem here isn’t the kidnappings, for we can never hope to quash the few unpredictable and fanatical elements in any society. Rather, I think that the problem is that the Copts aren’t prepared for the eventuality of a kidnapping.
I, however, have an idea.
In short, it’s a legal document that will make it impossible to allege that the girl was seduced into leaving, or simply a runaway.
But more on that tomorrow, same bat-time, same bat-channel!
(Printer friendly version) Email: Sally Bishai
Sally Bishai is a writer and journalist who founded X Culture Magazine in January, 2004, and Photo X Quarterly in January 2005. She is also president of the Copt X Fellowship, a non-partisan group dedicated to promoting love, harmony, and respect among Egyptians (and friends). Sally is Egyptian American (or, more specifically, Coptic) and loves to tell people what that means!
Her previous titles include "Mid-East Meets West: On Being and Becoming a Modern Arab American," and "Date like An Egyptian: The Egyptian's Guide to Finding a Mate...Or Date."
Sally is the host of "Sally Bishai's 30 Minutes With," a webshow that largely focuses on Coptic, civil, and human rights issues, as well as topics dealing with the Middle East.
Her documentaries include "Back To Square One? Fifty Years After Emmett Till," "Strange Behaviour: How Westerners Feel About Gender Roles in the Middle East," and the soon-to-be-released "Children of Kemet: The Copts, Culture, and Democracy of Egypt."
Sally's blog, "The AntiSocialite," holds information about current projects, as well as impassioned articles about politics, current headlines, the trouble with society, and many other things that will probably end up getting her killed. (Check it out at http://sallybishai.blogspot.com )
Sally's Bachelor's of Science was in psychology, but her Master's and the Ph.D. she's currently working on are in speech and intercultural communication. She teaches various classes at the university level, and finds time to lecture (off-campus) about her books, her culture, and other controversial topics.
Sally has worked in radio (international and "domestic"), fashion photography, and film, most recently working as a documentary filmmaker (as mentioned above). Her current project deals with the persecution of Egypt's Copts, which, if you'll remember, she happens to be.
Send Feedback To Sally Bishai
Site: http://sallybishai.blogspot.com/
UPSSA
United Progressive Socialist States of America
|
"Mexico, Canada partnership underway with no authorization from Congress"
The United States Is Being Overthrown By Our Politicians - "A silent but all-reaching coup is taking place within the
United States. This coup is not being directed by bomb-laden Muslim terrorists, nor will it ever be covered by the mainstream media.
The seditious act is being carried out by our very own elected officials, with President Bush leading the insurrection."
"The FDA has conveniently used the excuse of looking out for consumer safety to increase their perverse regulatory power,
undermine free speech, disrupt commerce, and generally get in the way of helping people improve their health. The "half-truth" of
the safety issue is used as a ploy to reduce the rights of Americans, one freedom at a time. Once again, the FDA is seeking more
police power to intimidate supplement companies. This is one step in an overall FDA master plan to eliminate therapeutic nutritional
supplements from the free market. Those who lose are the American public." The FDA - A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
|
|
