Quote from Martinghoul:
It's complicated, isn't it? In the case of slavery I would probably have to think long and hard about the specific circumstances.
What if the petition in question was about the support for the "barbaric" American custom of possessing firearms?
Good for you and wish y'all the best...Quote from gwb-trading:
The second amendment to possess firearms is in place to avoid an oppressive nanny government that dictates every aspect of our lives while allowing minority religious groups to cut our heads off if they dislike something we do. Firearms and Stand Your Ground laws are very effective at avoiding these problems and maintaining our freedom (from countries like the U.K. which we rebelled against in the 1770s).
Quote from Martinghoul:
Pls see above...
You haven't read it carefully enough, it seems... Pls note I specifically said this:Quote from Lucrum:
Read it. So you're OK with Muslims in the UK cutting your head off. Since it's not up to you to tell them otherwise, even in your own country. How very noble of you.
I do get you're trying to apply your hands off approach to telling others what is "wrong" or "right". I just think you're carrying it to the extreme.
This is relevant due to what I believe was the context of the original article. Specifically, to the best of my knowledge, the anti-FGM campaigns in the UK are looking to eradicate FGM globally (specifically, in Africa).Quote from Martinghoul:
...
And, to be sure, everything that I have been talking about applies to what the "bumfuckistanis" do in "bumfuckistan", to use PiggyBank's terminology.
Quote from gwb-trading:
The second amendment to possess firearms is in place to avoid an oppressive nanny government that dictates every aspect of our lives while allowing minority religious groups to cut our heads off if they dislike something we do. Firearms and Stand Your Ground laws are very effective at avoiding these problems and maintaining our freedom (from countries like the U.K. which we rebelled against in the 1770s).
Quote from Martinghoul:
Erm, you're confused, AAA... I am on your side in this, but I believe in applying this logic in a consistent fashion.
Specifically, I believe that it's your inalienable and fundamental right as a society to make your own laws and to abide by them. So if the law of your land permits you to stock up on ARs, Glocks etc, I don't think that I should have the right to tell you that it's "wrong" and shouldn't be allowed, regardless of what my personal views on the matter might be. If you apply this logic consistently, I don't see why I should be telling women in Africa (or Jews all over the world, for that matter) that their customs are "barbaric" and should be stopped.
"Moral equivalency and relativism"? Maybe, but it is my considered opinion that much more harm has been done throughout history by "moral absolutism".
And, to be sure, everything that I have been talking about applies to what the "bumfuckistanis" do in "bumfuckistan", to use PiggyBank's terminology.
I am not having a bit of fun with you. I have stated my opinions, such as they are.Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
You're right. I am confused. I still think you're just having a bit of fun with us, but maybe not.
I agree that interfering in other countries is generally a poor idea, unless they pose a direct threat to you. That said, we generally believe that humans are endowed by our Creator with certain rights, one of which is to not have our private bits and pieces cut off against our will. Would I support an invasion of a country to stop it? No, but neither would I sign a petition supporting a barbaric practice. So what if it is their "culture?" Why should I respect it? I don't respect their religion or other aspects of their culture either. If they are offended, too bad.
About our gun "culture." I support your right to be aghast at it. You certainly won't offend me by having that opinion, but don't expect me to give it any more weight than I do your views on FGM.
This whole discussion however stemmed from the desire of muslims to impose their beliefs on others , not in bumfuckistan, but in the UK. There are certain things we and I hope your lot are not going to tolerate, no matter how much they try to claim it is a religious custom.