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| In Defense of '24' -- An Arab-American defends the real-life Bauers. |
| 2007-02-07 |
| by Emilio Karim Dabul, Wall Street Journal I am an Arab-American as well as a fan of "24." The two things are not mutually exclusive, despite what the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other such groups have to say about this season's opening episodes possibly increasing anti-Muslim and anti-Arab prejudice in American society. Most of the terrorists represented in "24" through the years have been Arab Muslims. Why? Well, probably because most terrorists today are, in fact, Arab Muslims. As a descendant of Syrian Muslims, I am very well aware that the majority of Muslims world-wide are peaceful, hard working, and law abiding. That still does not change the fact that the greatest terrorist threat to the U.S. today comes not from the ETA, the IRA, etc., but from one group: Islamic terrorists. And this is what makes "24" a compelling drama every week. Instead of pretending Islamic terrorists don't exist, the show presents frighteningly real worst-case scenarios perpetrated by Osama bin Laden's followers. So CAIR thinks it's over the top for the terrorists in "24" to blow up Los Angeles with a nuke? Please, if bin Laden and his crew had nukes, most of us would be way too dead to argue over such points. There is a dangerous trend in the U.S. today that involves skirting the truth at the risk of offending any individual or group. . . . When "24" confronts America's worst fears about al Qaeda--whose goal remains to kill as many Americans as possible whenever possible--the show is said to be guilty of fueling anti-Muslim and anti-Arab prejudice. Well, here's the hard, cold truth: When Islamic terrorists stop being a threat to America's survival, viewers will lose interest in "24," because it will have lost its relevancy. Until such time, I will continue to watch "24"--because, believe it or not, the idea that there are Jack Bauers out there in real life risking their lives to save ours does mean something to me. . . . |
| Posted by:Mike |
| #4 IONews, NORTH KOREA > to test a 2,500-km ship-based missle. Possibly a derivative of the obsolete Soviet SSN-6 Gadfly liquid-fueled missle, and capable of "dual-use" = conventional-nuclear usage as based on Soviet specs. FOR THE FUTURE WID IRAN???. *US NAVY > NOT TO WORRY as USN has eight AEGIS Destroyers in JAPAN which can travel all around the PacRim = Norkie "near-abroad/littorals. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2007-02-07 20:58 |
| #3 It has become more evident than ever that non-violent Muslim Arabs, and Christian Arabs are afraid to speak out as Mr. Dabul has. Planet Dan; reprisals? Probably. It seems that what is called "culture", with such things as suicide bombings and "honor" killings is nothing but the manifestation a Mafia Don having control over the "family" and that if anyone dare speak against the "family" they are liquidated. If any of us knows, or knows of a person of Arabic descent who appears not to want to be a part of this, like Mr. Dabul, we have to show them our support in situations like this. If there were enough folks to stand behind people who are brave enough to do so, then it would be the leaders of the violent organizations and facilitating groups like CAIR who would be in fear... |
| Posted by: BigEd 2007-02-07 11:13 |
| #2 wow! such a shame this guy will meet with reprisals. *sigh* |
| Posted by: PlanetDan 2007-02-07 10:07 |
| #1 I just wonder how many people would defend Graem and Phillip Bauer. I do wager that around hour 18 Jack's |
| Posted by: Eric Jablow 2007-02-07 09:03 |