Why an accurate understanding of Islam is essential

Most of our leaders have a  grossly deficient understanding of Islam.  Our failing foreign policies reflect that deficient understanding.

Both Bush and Obama expressed that Islam is a great religion of peace.  Bush stated as much immediately following 9-11.  Obama proclaims Islam a “great religion” almost daily.

Mit Romney recently said this about Islam and jihadists:

“There is, however, a movement in the world known as jihadism. They call themselves jihadists and I use the same term. And this jihadist movement is intent on causing the collapse of moderate Muslim states and the assassination of moderate Muslim leaders. It is also intent on causing collapse of other nations in the world. It's by no means a branch of Islam. It is instead an entirely different entity. In no way do I suggest it is a part of Islam.”

Read more HERE and HERE.

That Romney statement reflects a dangerously ignorant understanding of Islam.  The United States is fighting two wars based on ignorance of the pervasive influence of the Islamic ideology.  We have lost thousands of young men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan because we are obsessed in believing Islam is just another religion to be defended; we continue to ignore the reality that Islam, not merely a few terrorists, is fueling these wars and seeks to destroy the western way of life.

Some will suggest we need to focus on our economy – that we don’t need to be concerned that our leaders and political candidates are ignorant of the reality that the Islamic ideology fuels the evil, intolerant terrorist actions of Muslims throughout the world. 

How wrong they are.  These issues are all interconnected.

Islamic nations control the middle east and our primary sources of energy.  Our economy is greatly impacted by energy prices.  Most of our energy dollars go toward Islamic nations that are funding terror and our own demise.  Our resources our being drained in wars of Islam-inspired attrition designed to destroy our economy.

Demanding an accurate understanding of Islam of our leaders must be an essential ingredient of our vetting process.  Voting for a candidate who has expressed the degree of ignorance of Islam that Romney has expressed should be summarily dismissed from serious consideration.

And here are some words of wisdom from a Catholic who has several other nits to pick with Romney.  Catholics, of all people, should seriously question not only Romney’s ignorance of Islam, but his lack of character in dealing with other critical issues…