Reading this thread on and off, I am coming to really appreciate some of the peaceful, moderate Muslims and want nothing more than to participate as equals in society. I have not read too many times where Muslims were afraid to criticize the extremists for there insane views (I had previously viewed the silence as support). It is refreshing to hear from your Muslims that, in fact, are vocal about believing in their faiths, but at the same time, able to stand up and say those extremists are not "us" (Islam) and do not represent "our" (Islamic) values.
I know it is not often that one changes their view or generalizations on entire group, therefore I think those of you that represent modern and peaceful Islam, not stuck in the "old", outdated, violent traditions. You have changed my views and I enjoy reading you well thought out, well-written responses.
Thank everybody involved in this important debate. I'm not much of a participator, but do follow this thread and have an open mind to opinions that traditionally have dissented from my own.
Blessing to everybody wishing for peace!
-tins
Indonesian Military Chief Defends “Two-Finger” Virginity Tests for Female Recruitshttp://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/indonesias-military-chief-defends-virginity-tests-female-recruits-n360626http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/05/17/407526194/indonesian-military-chief-defends-virginity-tests-for-female-recruitsThe commander of Indonesia’s armed forces believes that invasive virginity tests for female recruits are a good thing and the only way to gauge the women’s morality.
Asked for his response to growing international condemnation of the practice, Gen. Moeldoko insisted to reporters at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday that the so-called two-finger test was one of the requirements for women joining the Indonesian Military, or TNI.
“So what’s the problem? It’s a good thing, so why criticize it?” he said.
He conceded, though, that there was no direct link between a woman being a virgin and her abilities as a member of the armed forces, but insisted that virginity was a gauge of a woman’s morality – one of the three key traits he said a woman must have to serve in the TNI, along with high academic aptitude and physical strength.
The virginity test “is a measure of morality. There’s no other way” to determine a person’s morality, Moeldoko claimed.
His statements came a day after the group Human Rights Watch urged Indonesia to abolish the practice, pointing out that international treaties had described it as degrading and cruel.
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2015/05/indonesian-military-chief-defends-two-finger-virginity-tests-for-female-recruits/-----------------------------------------------------------
"not stuck in the "old", outdated, violent traditions"...