And why would they want a basis for complaining of persecution if not for extracting more concessions ?
Claiming persecution is often a methodology for recruitment. It's very safe and effective, as you either receive the concessions you want, job's a good'un do not receive the concessions, claim persecution, and sheep start flocking to your "banner" You already know the answer to the question, "Why recruit?".
I've been thinking about this. My worry would be that traditionally, East London has been somewhere for migrants to settle, then move on as they integrate into society in general. Building something so big and central to one religion may promote population 'stickiness' and create something close to a ghetto. I can't see how that helps integration.
Recently the UN announced that we had crossed the seven billion mark - thirteen years after we reached six billion and 24 years after reaching five billion We only crossed the one billion mark around 1800 - two billion in 1923 If this continues in 2150 the population would be 256 billion :smile: Maybe the money would be better spent on some nice high rise flats
Interesting point, because the only thing known to stop rampant population increase (excluding major war or disease) is education. So what would be wiser : build a multi-million £ new mosque to further obscure mediaeval dogma that seeks to stand in the way of real enlightenment, or spend the money on a school?
Exactly, that's why we are better than those countries, we are free to live and worship as we see fit, one of the very foundation beliefs so many died for in the world wars. As to this mosque being built? I don't know enough about it to comment, but I'm proud of the fact we live in such a civilised part of the world that a mosque, a synagogue and a church can all exist side by side in harmony. I know a few Muslims, and they are lovely people. It's only ever the tiny few who cause problems.
The school would need to be built in a third world country where rampant population expansion is prevalent though. Hmmm, third world, Newham, insert your own joke here......:biggrin:
If people don't like the decision they are always free to exercise their right to vote with their feet and leave the country And its a shame a few more politicians do not stand up publically and say this
Regardless of the obvious religious aspect of this thread, surely aesthetics, sensible application of the planning rules and good old fashioned common sense should prevail. If I apply for planning permission, the architecture and building materials need to be "sympathetic" with the local existing buildings. Easier in the sticks than in London, I guess, however...... St. Paul's Cathedral would not look good in Thailand. Angkor Wat would not look good in Turkey. The Blue Mosque would not look good in London. Sometimes, folks have a real and valid point, which are often diluted by others who really do take the piss.
I wonder what would happen if the Church of Scientology tried to build a similar structure in a similar place. Apart from the fact that it would probably stay empty, that is.
Whadya mean, 'may'? Large parts of east London are already ghettos - try walking up Chrisp St. Stepney of a night, I did and a copper stopped me:"You're the wrong colour to be going up there, son", he said, shortly before my workmate got stabbed. You'd be better off building a huge crack house than a huge mosque. At least mixed races can mingle in a crack house... The three biggest killers on the planet are mosquitos, religion and politics. I think the mosquitos have been misrepresented.
Julia Gillard, Australia's PM, angered some Australian Muslims by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT.. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. ' 'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom' 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society ... Learn the language!' 'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs and will not question them. All we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.' 'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.' 'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.' This tale has done the rounds, but apparently it is a hoax and there seems to be no record of her actually having said this. However, is it a bad thing to have said and could it not be adopted by every country by substituting the founding beliefs of the appropriate culture/religion to take a stand against corrosive influences - never exclusively against muslims, but any dangerous and malevolent largely external influence?
That speech has been attributed to three different Australian prime ministers that I recall. However the fact that its done the rounds on the Internet means its true
On a side note they fire those ak's up in the air but never bother to think what goes up must come down
