I keep reading “They [ISIS] are a threat to our way of life!” And I agree.
The “land of the free and the home of the brave” has become a cluster of frightened prisoners cowering in a corner ready to lash out violently when the floor creaks under their own weight.
You are not free when you allow the idea of a threat to alter your morals to match those of your enemy.
You are not brave when you abandon your values out of fear for what might happen.
Where prejudice exists it always discolors our thoughts.
–Mark Twain
With silent lips ‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’
–Emma Lazarus, Statue of Liberty
I wish to forcefully reaffirm that the path of violence and hate can never solve the problems of humanity! … to use the name of God to justify this path is blasphemy.
–Pope Francis
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.
–Abraham Lincoln
So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments.
–Dalai Lama
Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself.
— Confucius
Our common values are stronger than those of the terrorists. Our common values will prevail.
– Ronald S. Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress
Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.
–Yoda
Do not fulfill the prophecy of IS. Do not let them win. Do not become them.