h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi,

I only joined hootoo a few days ago. I like it, so far
I expect it'll get a bit busier as we 'recover' from winter hols.
You must be feeling a bit warmer than me, atm. I live near Birmingham (England ) and it's frosty here.

The only time I've been to Morroco was to Agadir on 2 weeks hols. That was 18 yrs. ago. I ventured into the mountains, they made me feel very welcome.

Hope to 'see' you around.

Hi - welcome to HooToo. There is plenty for everyone here.

It is not at all warm in Casablanca although frost is rare (but not unknown).

Never been to Agadir - I generally avoid the 'tourist' places altogether and LOATHE Marrakech these days - dreadful place.

Out of curiosity, how did you stumble across my tread?

Ah, I am interested in 'serious debate' and our friend SWL commented in your journal ( Christmas message ). I'm not 'stalking' anyone

Pleased to 'meet' you!

Aha - I wasn't for a second thinking that you were stalking, just curious about what you had read (of my entries) that inspired you to write. I too prefer 'serious debate' rather than one liners, like a half overheard conversation in a pub.

I certainly welcome SWL's comments (though not always agreeing with him). As it happens I don't entirely agree with his comments on my 'Christmas Message' posting. I do agree that Ahmadinijad is by no means one of the best people in the world but what he said (rather than what the critics ALL interpret his saying) - as a statement, as a message, was perfectly good and - if anything - a rebuke to Muslims rather than Christians.

I read the critiques in most of the main British papers and had to go back to the original text as I just couldn't believe that they were talking about the same thing. It seems as though the very mention of the name, Ahmadinijad, means that all reason is thrown straight out of the window and replaced by strange attempts to read into the message, something that is not there. It also showed little or no understanding of the 'Muslim mind'.

When were you last in UK? Sadly, imo, there is growing enmity towards Muslims in UK due to world events. I think the growing tensions in Afghanistan might have something to do with it.

My concern is different from many others because, as you can see, I was raised as a Christian.

Putting aside the intentions of Ahmadinejad as a person/ruler, I also am trying to 'promote peace & unity', in the same way. I'm up against the same obstacles as he is.

I'll keep trying

When was I last in the UK - 1999 and 'yes' I am aware of the enmity towards Muslims - fuelled enormously by Dubbya's 'You're either for us or against us'. I regret that I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to 'go home'.

It is all the more sad because I am without the slightest shadow of doubt, convinced that the 'Muslims are all terrorist' hysteria has been quite deliberately concocted and encouraged because of the West's insane lust for oil.

Hopefully - after the recession - there will be an entirely new - different 'World Order'. Whatever that it, it is hard to imaging that it could be worse.

I was raised a Christian - from a long line of Anglican priests but am now married to Moroccan and therefore (technically, by law) a Muslim. I prefer to describe myself a 'of the book'.

I have studied most of the great religions, especially the monotheist ones and the difficulties I have are with 'man's interpretation' of 'the word of God'. I no more believe that the Acts of the Apostles are the word of God any more than the Haddiths of Islam - both are 'man's interpretation' and the 'believe it my way or I'll slaughter you' syndrome has been rampant in both Christianity and Islam since a couple of days of the prophets' dying.

I am quite happy living in the midst of a rural Moroccan community. If you go to A36703316 you can read all about a rather different way of living.

Anyway - may I take this opportunity of wishing you a very happy New Year.

>> different 'World Order'. Whatever that it, it is hard to imagine that it could be worse.<<

Well, we'll try to do what we can for the best
Fortunately, UK's not the worst 'culprit' when it comes to oil.

>>believe it my way or I'll slaughter you'<<

Ignorance, perhaps?

And a very happy New Year to you too (wa iyaa kum )

Ma'asalam