Islamists and Democracy

Two posts from Jihad Watch highlight the unpleasant fact that many Muslims do in fact want to change our political system. This would not be significant, except for the fact that most of the US is trying desperately to ignore the radicalized portion of Islam and pretend that we can get along peaceably with them.

The first article describes an essay posted by the treasurer of the Muslim Student Association at San Diego Mesa College on Oct 14. In it, Farhad Akbari urges his friends not to vote because supporting either candidate would be "poisonous to the cause of Islam".

The other post refers to an article by Anwar Al-Awlaki, a New Mexico-born imam currently living in Yemen. He describes democracy as "an un-Islamic system," and says that "we as Muslims should have nothing to do with it."

I honestly can't be too disappointed that at least some of those who hate our way of life will refuse to participate in the electoral process. At least that way they can't directly influence the outcome. On the other hand, one would assume that they still desire to effect change. If they can't do it through the ballot box, that does not leave many other options. Based on the propensity of others who hold similar ideologies to use violence, it seems reasonable that these people might feel the same way. Cause for concern, in my opinion.