Ban the Qur'an, says Dutch MP

We now have a theme developing, what with bombing Mecca... Geert Wilders, leader of the far-right Freedom Party in the Netherlands, called for the ban of the Qur'an in a letter published in De Volkskrant newspaper. In his letter, Wilders compares the Muslim holy book to Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler's autobiography, and said the Qur'an has "no place in ourconstitutional state". He described the book as "fascist" adding that "there is no such thing as moderate Islam."

One has to wonder about the current state of the Netherlands. It prides itself on being a liberal democracy with relaxed laws, allowing for drugs, prostitution and pornography. And which also leads to the kind of ideas that allow Wilders to state: "I am fed up with Islam in the Netherlands: no more Muslim immigrants allowed. I am fed up with the worship of Allah and Muhammad in the Netherlands: no more mosques," his letter concluded. He admitted though that he thought his ideas would never make it through Parliament. However, his ideas will certainly foment further vilification of Muslims and Islam in a country where this seems to be turning into the national past time.

"Let's bomb Mecca and Medina" says US congressman

Tom Tancredo is a Colorado Republican congressman and presidential candidate for the USA. He stood by his assertion that bombing holy Muslim sites would serve as a good "deterrent" to prevent Islamic fundamentalists from attacking the United States.

"If it is up to me, we are going to explain that an attack on this homeland of that nature would be followed by an attack on the holy sites in Mecca and Medina," Tancredo said. "That is the only thing I can think of that might deter somebody from doing what they would otherwise do. If I am wrong, fine, tell me, and I would be happy to do something else. But you had better find a deterrent, or you will find an attack."

A case of very back to front logic. However, it is perturbing coming from a would be presidential candidate and long standing member of congress. Although perhaps not entirely surprising or unexpected.

He also claims to be both pro LIFE as well as pro GUN, which seems to be another minor inconsistency. (er, guns suck the life right outta ya)

P.S. In case you were wondering the US State Department had condemned the comments by Tancredo as "absolutely outrageous and reprehensible".

Heaven and Earth

Just got back from appearing with the delightful Gloria Hunniford on Heaven and Earth on BBC1. She really is most charming. She was very taken with my skirt! (which, by the way, I have been stopped in the street and asked about). I was on the discussion panel on this show which deals with religious and spiritual matters from all walks for life, with Richard Schoch and the (in) famous Roy Hattersley, who was on good form.