Statement of Purpose

This blog will focus upon the growing conflict between Islam and the West.

Specifically I aim to discuss the central features of what we loosely call "Islam" and the "West" as well as examine the history and future of their relationship. I consider myself an individual highly dependent upon the survival and flourishing of Western Civilization to realize my dreams and talents. I want to discern what it is about Western Civilization that makes it attractive not only to myself but anyone else who considers themself as an individual - as well as address the challenges of binding together a society tolerant of individualism.

Commentary on current events related to this cultural conflict is copious and excellent so I will not add my tinny voice to that fray. What I will offer is a series of commentaries designed to highlight the stakes in the conflict, awaken others to its importance, and to outline a set of strategies to win this conflict. I do not wish to tell policymakers what to do, where to station troops, which leaders to embrace, or which leaders to mount on a gibbet. There is an abundance of quality editorials elsewhere. Rather, I wish to enjoin the general populace of the Western societies to think and act in a manner conducive to victory - including defining a definition of what victory entails. This includes taking confrontational but legal action against radical elements within our societies.

As my first act of citizen journalism I intend to investigate my local mosque. I'll withhold the name and location of it until my full report is complete. I don't want any of its patrons searching their house of worship and being led to this blog; at least not immediately. I will write periodic updates and encourage everyone to do likewise in their own community. If the FBI is not going to monitor mosques for Islamism then the people must take that upon themselves.

Consider that Al Qaeda is not a government entity in the traditional sense. While deriving sporadic support from various rulers, Al Qaeda is essentially a realization via private means of a cultural desire to attack the West. This is a desire which is largely unmet by the various worldly lords of the Umma. Al Qaeda is an NGO made in the image of the culture and religion which dreamed it.

Here in the West there is another unmet yearning of the people: a desire to be safe and be free from such external and increasingly internal threats. Yet many feel let down by their governments. They are not lamenting a loss of blood or treasure in pursuing a distant war. Instead, they are eager to win and desire above all else that a soldier's life on an alien battleground purchases some measure of victory not to be abandoned in the next political cycle. They worry about a conflict being pursued too lightly, too slowly, without will or vigor.

The unmet desire of Western Civilization will not produce terrorism or wild vigilantism. That would not be a reflection of our values and standards. But while our governments and their fighting forces display great courage and cold efficiency in the physical eradication of our ultimate foes we are let down in the ideological struggle. We must instead supply the words, the speeches, and the legends that will enable us as a civilization to endure and succeed.

Or the world will fall into darkness.