I certainly think you've got a point about what you said about Muslim countries not having the same freedoms and liberties that we have in this Christian nation. As you know, about a month ago I was in Uzbekistan visiting with my lady friend over there. And basically, Uzbekistan is probably about the most lenient of any Muslim nation; a typical Muslim over there is about the same as a non-practicing country is in this country.

Anyway, one time I asked Marina what she thought about their president, and she said that she didn't care for him, but she made me promise her that I would keep it secret and never tell anyone there what I said, for fear what could happen to her.

About the time I was over there, a Christian pastor in Andijen, Uzbekistan was sent to prison for four years because he told many people there about his faith in the Lord. And also, about a year ago, a civil rights violation took place in eastern Uzbekistan whereby several hundred government protesters stormed a prison and set free the prisoners. And subsequently, a standoff occured between the policemen and these demonstrators -- and all several hundred of these individuals were killed by the policemen. After this one incident, relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan became much more strained -- and honestly, I was probably lucky to be able to get a visa there. And also, relations between the EU countries and Uzbekistan became much more strained as well because of the incident.

Anyway, about a week ago, I e-mailed Marina and told her about these two incidents which took place, because I knew she didn't know because their government-controlled press would never let their people know about it. And she e-mailed me back and said that it may seem unfortunate and shocking that such incidents may occur. But she really wasn't at liberty to talk about the incidents, if they were true. And as long as I was corresponding with her, she didn't ever want to discuss political issues over the internet or over the phone again!

Boy, I sure am glad I live in this country with the many freedoms and liberties that we have here, that quite often, we don't appreciate. And for the life of me, I'm certainly not able to understand the Muslim religion or the mean, evil God they worship. And I still pray for the people in those countries and hope they may have a hope for a better future in their countries they live in. I wish you the best with Ultimate Oldies, Bob!!

• RE: Muslim countries - Rob Benwell 04/12/2007 23:28:47 EDT (1)
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