[Ebbtide]

Came into the office this am. My African American Muslim co-worker was waiting to tell (yell) me he thinks he the was watching High Noon last night, the war is un-ethical, the war is against Muslims, and I should not act surprised if we (our homeland) gets attacked real soon because of our unjust actions.

I really want to shut this guy down but am biting my lip. I can still see both sides to the argument (war vs. no-war, leave them alone) but happen to agree with the Bush plan. This guy can't see both sides and is never willing to listen to the facts. On the rare occasion that he does listen, he recites the Koran as the basis of his argument, which is impossible to debate as fact.

This guy recently spent a few weeks in Morocco where he claims he was getting married by arrangement (he is 52 yrs old.). He did not come back with a wife, but is now allowing this woman’s kids (young teens), who are from the Sudan to live with him. The wife, whom I am not allowed to see due to Muslin law, is apparently in her early thirties and attractive according to my female co-workers who are allowed to see the photos. I really find this alarming due to his recent vocal outbreaks on U.S. Policy, and casual displays of some form of martial arts he practices. I wonder if he has terrorist connections, and if so what could I do about it without it leading back to me.

I’ve worked with this guy for three years now and we have been pretty friendly up until now. We are both social workers and work with troubled teens in foster care settings. This information usually offsets my critical judgment of him but now he is just getting fanatical about this whole thing. We have no-CCW in this state but I have exercised my rights under the affirmative defense before, but not recently. I am seriously considering a p-32 in the pocket tomorrow.

ARGHHHHH!!!!

:cuss:

Vent mode off.

Anyhow, I would like to show him a list of nations that support us in this endeavor as he thinks we are essentially alone on this. Does anyone know where I can find one? I've done several searches and have come up empty.

Thanks,

[Edward429451]

Maintain discipline. The guy is only human and it natural to react to war talk very emotionally. You did to, right? Different sides of the same coin. He might have family over there or something, or may fear retribution of sorts because he's Muslim and the war machine is ready to roll with resulting idiotic actions by some people to follow in all probability. Unless he crosses the line you should probably leave him alone. A P-32 in the pocket is always a good idea, but carrying because of him alone sounds a little too much 'tunnel visioned'

Remain in condition yellow, watch your six, and dont go off prematurely.

I'm noy a peacenik or anything, but I seriously doubt that we should go into this war. OTOH, what do I know? It may in fact be the best solution to the threat.

[Henry Bowman]

Exercise your affirmative defense! It could use the exercise.

Social worker! Keep this nut (not you, ehenz) away from troubled teens!

Just my opinion . . .

[Ebbtide]

A P-32 in the pocket is always a good idea, but carrying because of him alone sounds a little too much 'tunnel visioned'

Good Point...I think I needed a breather. Thanks!

Social worker! Keep this nut (not you, ehenz) away from troubled teens!

Yep, as with most in this profession, he is not a very effective socail worker as it is.

[DeltaElite]

Tell him if this was a war against Muslims, you would already have kicked is whiny butt, so he is obviously mistaken. :D

[twoblink]

My cousin was dating a black guy, who complained that he lost his job because the "whities" were against him, always try to keep the man down.

He didn't like it when I ask.. "Oh maybe because you didn't show up for work 6 days in a row without calling in?"

They will find any excuse to scream biasness... That's the American way..

take a breather, and relax. Don't let someone like him ruffle your feathers..

[Leatherneck]

Delta Elite Tell him if this was a war against Muslims, you would already have kicked is whiny butt, so he is obviously mistaken. Skipped sensitivity training again, did we? :D

TC
TFL Survivor

[DeltaElite]

Heck no Leatherneck, I am an instructor. :neener:

[Desertdog]

The first thing I would do would be to inform the FBI.
With anti-American sentiments and 3 potential warriors living with him that seems like a prudent thing to do.

I may be opening a can of worms with this post, but better safe than sorry!!

[moa]

A good part of the mostly Muslim Arab world is currently supporting out efforts. We are based all over the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia is allowing us to fly over there nation for the purpose of attacking Iraq. We have 5,000 troops stationed in Saudia Arabia.

Kuwait is allowing the main attack to stage from its land.

Jordan has some US troops on the ground to assist in humanitarian purposes in case of the likelihood of large numbers of refugees from Iraq.

The Turks, who are not Arabs, but are mostly Muslims may allow coalition aircraft to attack Iraq in this war. They have a new Prime Minister who is pro-American and he will call a vote soon in the Parliment. The last vote was narrowly defeated but that vote was to allow tens of thousands of American troops to attack Iraq from Turkey.

Turkey has been allowing the coalition aircraft to inforce the northern no fly zone since 1991 and we have been agressively attacking Iraqi air defenses from Turkey for months.

I think I read too recently in the Washington Times (could not find the article on-line) that Muslim Albania is supporting the war against Iraq.

Saddam Hussien is currently the greatest terrorist in his neighborhood. Since 1979 he is responsible for the and war with Iran, and the invasion of Kuwait. It is estimated he is responsible for the death of at least a million Iraqis. The Iran/Iraq war caued 800,000 deaths, mostly Muslims.

When Saddam became the leader of Iraq, he immediately killed any potential rival, by murdering 500 leading members of his own Baath socialist party.

The only people who probably still support Saddam are his goons who have much blood over their hands, and know there will be no mercy for them among their own people if Saddam goes down.

If your colleague thinks a war against Iraq is unjust, then you might want to get him up to speed. War might be unjust if we end up killing a large number of innocent Iraqis. But we did that against Germany and Japan during WWII, and most people think that was a just war. 600,000 German citizens killed in air raids alone.

[D_Burchfield]

Desertdog,

Thanks a lot! Now I've got these slimy crawling things all over my keyboard.:neener:

Sometimes you have to open the can to see what's inside.

[Quartus]

Here's the very difficult problem. We know that

a few
some
many
most
the vast majority
virtually all

(pick whichever suits you)

of the Muslims in this country are decent, good people who would not in any way harm the United States. They will not commit acts of terrorism, nor will they help those that do.

And I'm not being sarcastic at all - I have Muslim friends. They're good people.

But how do we know who is who? How do we know when to drop a dime?

If this guy DOES turn out to be a terrorist, and you didn't tip the FBI when you could have, how will you live with yourself when he kills some people?

And if he's just a hothead (understandable) who isn't going to hurt anyone or donate a dime to the bad guys, and you drop the dime and the FBI turns his life into hell, how will you live with yourself?


This ain't easy.


But if he starts making threats - veiled or otherwise - it would become very easy for me.

YMMV.

[Blackcloud6]

Go to your HR department and file and EO complaint against him.

[Bainx]

ehenz, there is a time a place for what we call "an old-fashioned Tennessee a$$ whuppin'".

[ScottsGT]

I say Human Resources and the FBI !! Pull both triggers at once :D

[AnklePocket]

Here's the problem:
-9/11
-most Iraqis have had a loved one killed, tortured or missing as a result of the Hussein regime - I'm not there so you'll have to ask an Iraqi for final confirmation
-terrorists are promising attacks on US soil that'll "make 9/11 look like a snowball fight"
-anti-Bush, anti-war and anti-security head in the sand while driving their SUVs to Starbucks while their kids are with the nanny even though they don't work empty headed skancks bad mouthing our military even though it's full of the highest quality young men and women on the planet that can't be found in the civilian world at any price
-I beat you to "blowing". I'm gone, done, with a fork in me

Not to be a big talk'in freak, but I called the Marine Corps today ready to temporarily give up my career and family. Apparantly I'm too old - 39 or they need to first reach the bottom of the barrel. I so hope that I come face to face with a terrorist. I shall pray every night that I do. Please come to me. You need to learn about America before entering into eternal darkness. I am your hell and the United States has many millions just like me.

[Baba Louie]

Or you could tell him the next time he flares up to "Cool down Achmed", because "you're his associate and you really don't want anyone to report his anti-american pro-islamic tirade to HR and the Fibbies, since you know he's just sounding off. But that darned Patriot Act that was passed last Fall just might get him and maybe even his whole family in a lot of trouble if anyone thought that he was suspected of any, you know, anti-american activities".

"You know, just a word between friends".

Then you could say stuff like,"Is it true that Hussein's regime actually does all those horrible things to other muslims, like himself, you know, torture and stuff" and "Is that OK in the Koran?" "Cause if it IS true, maybe some of those muslim nations over there should make him stop it, IF its not an OK thing to do in the teachings of the Koran"

Or, "What WAS the truth behind the Iran/Iraqi war, and why did Hussein REALLY invade Kuwait?" And, "Why did Kuwait and Saudi Arabia ask GB (father) to help in that last war?"

And make sure you're eating a Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwich while you're asking...

If you wanted to. Might be an interesting conversation, if he doesn't break out into the yelling and if your asking him such leading questions wouldn't put you in a spot with HR.

As for carrying something with you, (to coin a phrase) wouldn't you rather have it and not need it...

Adios

[Blackhawk]

Glad he's your problem and not mine, ehenz. :D

My paranoia would convert him into a sleeper terrorist in no time (saw "Executive Decision last night).

I'd end up seriously considering going down to the FBI for an interview to let them worry about him. The duty agent would listen patiently, and it would be off my chest so that I'd never feel guillty about him really being a terrorist that I didn't pay attention to despite the signs I saw and didn't act on.

I wouldn't go to HR or anybody but the FBI. They're discreet....

[Mike Irwin]

I work with quite a few Muslims.

I haven't heard a peep from any of them.

In fact, politics plays a VERY low key role in my office of nearly 300.

[Bruce H]

Ask him three questions. Is he African? Is he American is that he is a citizen of the united States? He can't be both. As to the muslim part, religeon should be personal and not bandied about. Ask him what religeon has to do with anything involving another human.

[Quartus]

Ask him what religeon has to do with anything involving another human.


I've heard some weird ideas on TFL/THR. That's one for the record books.

[Brad Johnson]

He actually said this?

Came into the office this am. My African American Muslim co-worker was waiting to tell (yell) me he thinks he the was watching High Noon last night, the war is un-ethical, the war is against Muslims, and I should not act surprised if we (our homeland) gets attacked real soon because of our unjust actions.
Bolding is mine

If he actually said this, just like you wrote it, I'd be a little (make that a lot) suspicious about this wacko. Keep your six covered, and maybe make some notes just in case.

Brad

[Ebbtide]

He is pretty low key today. All he has been able to say is "Bush is a crazy madman".

I am having the 18 year olds sign up to vote today for the May 5 election. I gave him some registration forms; he seemed disgusted he has to teach his clients how a democracy works.

I think I am going to stay away from him for a while.

BTW: For the record he is one of a few Muslims I am associated with, he is the only one who actually disagrees with the war on all levels, and is the only Muslim of American decent. In addition to the "crazy" comment he went on about his draft number and how he got to go to school for free and avoided Vietnam (where is brother died). I think this may be a case of not being able to get over the whole Vietnam thing and a general distrust of the government (hey, we might have more in common than I thought).

Thanks for all the input,


ehenz

[Quartus]

Muslim of American decent.


?? Please explain. Is he a "black Muslim", ala Farakhan (sp?) ?


If so, he's about as Muslim as a Jennings is a serious combat pistol. I recall some Muslim friends of mine being very angry when Farakhan went to some Arab countries and was warmly recieved. They correctly identified what was happening as the real Muslims using the idiot Farakhan to embarrass the U.S. They were furious that he wasn't executed for blasphemy.


Now THAT would have been interesting!

[Felonious Monk]

Quartus--If this guy DOES turn out to be a terrorist, and you didn't tip the FBI when you could have, how will you live with yourself when he kills some people? And if he's just a hothead (understandable) who isn't going to hurt anyone or donate a dime to the bad guys, and you drop the dime and the FBI turns his life into hell, how will you live with yourself?I believe most of us can live with taking reasonable precautions.

It wasn't Asian teenage girls or African geriatrics who wantonly killed and injured innocent Americans (and many OTHER nationalities), civilian and military, on the Cole, the various embassies, or the Twin Towers.

It was Muslim, Middle Eastern Males.

If life in the U.S. becomes tougher for these folks, EVEN THE INNOCENTS, tell them to take their unhappiness with it to their fellow Muslims who are DOING the bombing. Sorry.
I have NO second thoughts about it.

If this be profiling, then Cry Havoc, and let loose the dogs of profiling.

[Ebbtide]

?? Please explain. Is he a "black Muslim", ala Farakhan (sp?)

Yes, he is a black (African American) Muslim but not a jail house Farakahn Muslim. His mosque is comprised from people from various ethnic backgrounds. Not sure on the difference, but he thinks Farakahn is a joke.

[Russ]

Put in a call, even if you do it anonymously, to the FBI if he concerns you that much. They will see if he is a total nut job or just has no tact. Perhaps he should leave the U.S. since he hates it here so bad. I think he would like the Sudan.

[Quartus]

Gotcha, ehenz. I probably should habve capitalized Black Muslim. I wasn't referring to his color, but to the American born bastardization of Islam that is preached by Fara-con. I don't know what they are calling themselves these days, but back when they were getting started they were referred to as Black Muslims. And it's NOT a jailhouse phenomenon. Ever heard of Muhammed Ali? Kareem Abdul Jabar?


But it's a fragmented movement. I don't think any of it could be truly called Islam.

Hmmm. Just found a summary here (http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0807794.html). Don't know how reliable it is.



As for YOU, Monk:

If life in the U.S. becomes tougher for these folks, EVEN THE INNOCENTS, tell them to take their unhappiness with it to their fellow Muslims who are DOING the bombing. Sorry.

I FIND THAT ATTITUDE ABSOLUTELY RE... RE... RE...

... uh, reasonable.

[Felonious Monk]

Quartus--
LOL! Good one. Glad you found it reasonable.
Sometimes I have short moments of lucidity in the midst of my delusions. :D

[Quartus]

The tough part is that I KNOW there are good people among them, and I hate to see them taking the rap.


But how do we sort them out? And we must.

:(

[MrAcheson]

It sounds like this guy is a very strict Muslim. Especially since he wouldn't let you see a picture of his wife. Most members of the Nation of Islam are not that strict and most Muslims in general are not that strict. The Turks and Bengalis I know are not that strict.

Ask him if he speaks Arabic and reads the Koran in that language. One of the big sticking points between the Nation of Islam and "true" Islamic Sects is the language used to read the Koran. The NoI reads it in english which is sacreligious (sp?) to most other Muslims.

I think you have a good reason to be suspicious of this guy, but I don't think you have reason to take action. Listen to him when he talks though, because he may give away something important if he is dangerous or knows people who are dangerous. Now is the time to be a good witness.

[Quartus]

I have worked with quite a few Muslims, and despite their boasts of unity, they are all over the map on many issues. Three of them (2 good men, 1 jerk) that I worked with all got 'summonses' from their parents to come home (Pakistan) and get their wives.

The first one (very nice guy) came back walking on air. With pictures. :what: He got a KNOCKOUT! She turned out to be a very sweet person, too.


# 2 showed no pictures, but I have heard that his wife is also nice looking. I just never saw her, but others did.


# 3 (the jerk) came back snarling and complaining. No pictures, and his wife walked the traditional two steps back even after they got to the States. Noone saw her unveiled, AFAIK.


All three Sunni Muslims. All from the same region.

[Ebbtide]

Ask him if he speaks Arabic and reads the Koran in that language.

He is a student of the language and often has to interpret questions I have about the faith. I was never sure if he was having trouble with the language himself, or a difficult time explaining in terms I understand.

He is down in the Capital (Columbus) today. I was schedule to go with him to the meetings but my company makes us share hotel rooms. This may sound awful, but my real reason for not going was he. I would not be able to smoke, watch the war, or watch TV with suggestive ladies (regular programming) as he feels all women should be covered so men could think more clearly. Plus, my days of having to listening to other men snore are long over (I'm an ex-convict).

Thanks for the link, BTW.

Oh, almost forgot...I’m not really an ex-con.

[spacemanspiff]

dude, most hotels have decent lobby's for your co-worker to sleep in.

you better start fighting to exercise your rights, cause if you cant watch the tv you want, ogle the women you wish, or smoke the cigarettes you crave, THE TERRORISTS HAVE WON!!!!


sorry, couldnt help it... :evil:

seriously though. in this day and age, how is it that you have to listen to anyones religious rants while at the workplace? cant you complain to HR that it creates a 'hostile work environment'? use the system against him.

[Quartus]

he feels all women should be covered so men could think more clearly


That might not be such a bad idea, folks.


Can we start with *******?



:D

[Ebbtide]

seriously though. in this day and age, how is it that you have to listen to anyones religious rants while at the workplace? cant you complain to HR that it creates a 'hostile work environment'? use the system against him.

It really is not worth it to have to listen to his "feelings" on watching TV, women, smoking (which is understandable), and the war. I just assume we be done with this was ASAP so I can get on with what's important when we are not a war.

If you read my post you would see that I'm a social worker, thus I am the minority that is creating a hostile work environment. :D I think this is a case where it is best to keep my mouth shut. At least until I get the dirt on him. I don't suspect he will be around much longer, he really can't keep up anymore and is burned out.

You all should see this place I work, nothing but a bunch of libs, and me. The BIG boss actually comes to our staff meetings from time to time to pitch issues and candidates and how to vote, more or less. I get group e-mails from my "peers" expressing disgust at HB 12, our current run up to Ohio getting CCW.

Before you all tell me to get a new job, and not to sound like a pansy, but I really feel a calling to my work, and if this is what I have to put up with, I can live with it. Yet besides, I also feel a calling to get these folks to change their brain washed minds. And from initial post I seem to have a hard time keeping quite! :D

[spacemanspiff]

okay, i've got a plan that could help you out ehenz, but it will take doing some things that you dont want to do....

find a laotian transgender, take a couple polaroids of 'her', preferably in full makeup/dress, and have 'her' put a lipstick 'kiss' on the picture(s) with a phone number on the bottom of the polaroid.

send the pics with a fabricated letter to the office, but not addressed to your co-worker. the mail room will open the envelope, discover your co-workers weakness for laotian tranny's, along with photographic evidence of his 'indiscretions'.

problem solved!


*no offense to any laotian transgenders that may be part of our audience. this post was entirely in jest and 99.99% sarcastic. do not try this at home as it is all too effective and will wind up getting the object of your irritation removed from your vicinity. i do not charge for my idiotic ideas or thoughts, but should you wish to contribute to my work, please PM me so i can give you an address to send money orders to.*

[Quartus]

Watch it 'spiff! Next thing we know you'll be slandering Left Handed Lithuanian Lamp Lighters! :what:


Personally, they're my favorite minority, so watch your step! :fire:


:D

[Labinnac]

To address the thread, I hate preachy worms. Not just Muslims, but christians, the Amish, branch Davidians, Jews, NoI, ALL of them. It irritates me to no end that people spread their ignorance around at random to people who don't want to hear it. Keep it to yourself unless some one asks you about it.

As for the anonymous call to the FBI, I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand you have a sneaky and potentially effective way of shutting him (a preachy worm) up. But, on the other hand I hate the idea of an Orwellian police state...

A friend of mine a few years back said something that I've always thought would be great if it were possible. That was, if stupid people would regenerate their heads when you blew it off for them being stupid. It would sting like hell and take about 5 minutes to grow back and everyone moves on with life. If I ever find a genie in a lamp...

Finally, there was a mention earlier about Muslim women having to remain covered to allow males to think clearly... What could possiblly be THAT important? The only terrorists who willingly sacrifice themselves while being terrorists are Muslims. Coincidence? Maybe!

"Who can think about strapping a block of C4 to your butt and walking into a grocery store to kill a bunch of women and kids when your gettinga lap dance from a NICE brunette with blue eyes anda blue bikini?"

Well?