Sherman Alexie, a self-described lefty, takes no prisoners.
He told Steve Scher, Thursday, on KUOW's' Weekday (m-f, 9-11a) that liberals are giving Moslems a pass on human rights they wouldn't tolerate of anyone in America.
No New Age Indian, Alexie, 40, is a prolific author, poet, filmmaker,
and stand-up comedian who was raised "reservation poor," on a reservation
near Wellpinit, WA. He's enjoyed acclaim equal to his works. His third novel, Flight, (Black Cat, April 2007) is about to be released.
As a political and social commentator, he has the abilty to make just about everybody uncomfortable- the right for sure- but also fellow leftists.
Since he is who he is- a real Indian, an artist and a poet- he usually gets a pass on when he makes known his politically incorrect purviews or searing observations that many- especially progressives- wouldn't dare make.
9-11 really changed him. "That morning, I saw the endgame of tribalism," he says, "If you follow tribalism to its natural conclusion, you end up flying planes into buildings."
That's heretical enough to liberals who revere tribalism as a Nirvanic
state enjoyed by peaceful primitives or a lifestyle choice they'd pursue if they didn't have a job.
But Alexie discovered the fundamentalism in his own tribalism as those planes wreaked their havoc in New York. "My cultural, ethnic, and racial fundamentalism was revealed to me that morning. A lot of what I believed before that day started changing my relationship to my tribe, to my race, and to other peoples tribes and races."
He said that after 9-11, he 's still bothered by the imperialism of the right, being of a "people who have experienced it first hand."
But he says, he's "greatly disturbed by the left's moral relativism when it comes to Muslim culture."
Alexie is talking about countries where women are degraded and subjected to abuse, violence and murder. Or countries like Iran or Saudi Arabia where gays are subject to capital punishment.
"Palestine we view as a victim country and certainly in its relationship with Israel there are all sorts of parallels with Native Americans and the United States- the powerless vs. the powerful. But when we look at that country and its culture, there are major league social problems with its treatment of women, gays, and children.
"We're talking about cultures and
belief systems that we, as lefty Americans are radically opposed to and
spend our entire political lives fighting minor league versions of
those same beliefs in this country.
But when it comes to this culture war- we forgive these international versions of what we hate domestically."
When they read Sherman is saying stuff like this, conservative talk radio producers will be flocking- and guaranteed: they'll get more than they bargained for- ask Michael Medved, whose lively and highly entertaining conversation with him a few years ago is one of our most memorable radio listening experiences.
Alexie is a local treasure, which we know is a patronizing way to describe someone under 70. But he's been around for a while- he got instantaneous success and recognition at such a young age, it took him a while to learn how to tame his ego and settle into his considerable self.
It's been fun to watch.
Socially aware, and politically active, he gives it away- mostly to poor people. He's the go-to guy for making rich people write checks for charitable organizations. "It's on my resume," he told Scher, "Can make rich people cry."
Interesting bio. [Only downside seems to be his WSU connection...ha, just kidding Cougs]
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 05:40 AM
Hey folks, it's a new day isn't it great to be alive and living in the finest Country on God's green earth. [As an aside, joanie can we try to be a bit more civil and less insulting today]...in terms of # of posts; I'm just trying to catch up to you...you're the queen/king/whatever...
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 05:46 AM
The Styblehead radio program Is more than just bad it's plan wrong !
Posted by: Brian | March 30, 2007 at 05:47 AM
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23390848-details/Air+miles+Travolta+urges+fans+to+%27do+their+bit%27+for+the+environment/article.do
When I want to know anything about gorbal warming, I always go to this source...
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 06:22 AM
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2993382
Yet another surprise! I really thought Mrs Clinton could count on him? What's happening here?
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 06:48 AM
B'lam
Thank you for the heads up.
Posted by: Pugetsound | March 30, 2007 at 07:33 AM
You know, Michael, I really admire Alexie for his independence and thoughtfulness. I respect his opinions.
But, I also think he shows a lack of sophistication in his views. I absolutely agree that the left should not support or give a pass to any group that denigrates or denies freedoms to all people.
But, I think he's painting with a very wide brush here. I don't live in the middle east. While I don't approve of many of their cultural habits, I also do not intend to go to war to change them. As for muslims living in the United States, they have the ability and the right to live their lives as they wish.
I do believe 9-11 was the result of religion. Rather a criminal act by a lot of Saudi Arabians who have a political agenda. Perhaps religion was used to foster the hate but the reasons for 9-11 were political. Just as in America, Christianity has been used to foster hate for the left and the political agenda of abortion.
Kind of a rapid response . . . maybe more later. Not sure that I know what he wants the left to do.
Posted by: joanie | March 30, 2007 at 07:39 AM
more diarrhea of the mouth,Duff?
head's up about what, puts? The shows over.
Posted by: joanie | March 30, 2007 at 07:40 AM
A nice thoughtful post Joanie, but I believe you're missing a basic fundamental point. In the middle East I think politics and religion are intertwined (if not synonamous).
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 07:49 AM
But not in the US? No talking points from the radical mullahs in Lynchburg or Colo Springs?
Posted by: coiler | March 30, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Reading Alexie's comments you get the impression that he doesn't differentiate very much when he says "Muslim culture." I think that's his first error in judgment and a pretty important one.
I also don't see this huge inconsistency between liberal morality and the approach to Muslims worldwide. Sure we can say that women's rights and the right of children to grow up without extremist indoctrination but how is that incongruent with a balanced policy that takes into account the fact that we don't live there and we don't get to tell them how to live?
What he describes as 'liberal' in his responses is far more appropriate on the right. Which group of people think that we should be spreading democratic values (code for Judeo-Christian values) to the rest of the world? I don't think this is a liberal vice. Is he suggesting it should be? Hmm.
Posted by: cowpotpi3 | March 30, 2007 at 08:43 AM
Good points CP3..I believe our Pres Bush made that fatal error in 'assuming' we do 'tell them how to live'...ergo: 'this mess'.
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Taking a few days off from the
Puts/Duff/Steve circle jerk to spend time with some pleasant people.
enjoy...
Posted by: sparky | March 30, 2007 at 09:10 AM
"Taking a few days off from the
Puts/Duff/Steve circle jerk to spend time with some pleasant people."
We'll miss you La-La; enjoy your peasant people!
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Fabuloud piece, Bla'M...thanks for this!
Posted by: Fremont | March 30, 2007 at 10:14 AM
And I think we (as a Country) similarly give China 'a pass' in the way we kiss up to their lack of human rights. But, alas what can we really do when we've not exactly 'shined' lately in the eyes of the world...thanks to our brillant leadership.
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Ph(J)oanie,
The heads up was for the novel 'flight.'
Interesting point you made there Ph(J)oanie
"As for muslims living in the United States, they have the ability and the right to live their lives as they wish."
So how far does this extend, Ph(J)oanie. Can a Muslim cabdriver or shopkeeper can deny services to someone who 'looks Jewish' or to a woman not dressed in a Burqua?
Posted by: Pugetsound | March 30, 2007 at 10:33 AM
..or (in the case of a taxi-driver) refusing service to someone who might be carrying alcohol?
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 10:36 AM
PS, I would humbly suggest that (I can't answer for Joanie) that you're ignoring the obvious to make a political point. If a Muslim HERE in the US does those things, since we have a free market economy its going to be his loss. I would hope that media would whoop up on the guy and trash him for being a racist. Anyone would have the right to sue him for violating civil rights. This goes for Muslims, Whites or whomever. How much more American can you get? I think you're trying to oversimplify things and your point really isn't that valid because of it.
Obviously we don't get to tell people in other countries how to obey their laws, however much we dislike them.
Posted by: cowpotpi3 | March 30, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Above,
If they own the business and do not receive public assistance they can choose to serve who they like..if not, their employer can choose to fire them.
Posted by: Pilgrim | March 30, 2007 at 10:50 AM
"Anyone would have the right to sue him for violating civil rights."
Are you sure about that? Where does his/her religious rights end and our civil rights start?
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 10:52 AM
Was just listening to John Kerry being interviewed by Dave Ross of KIRO. Promoting his latest book (environment-related) evidently but answered some interesting questions relating to our current situation in Iraq and the British folks that were captured by Iran.
This man makes a lot of sense and I was just reminded of why I voted for him. Too much to go into detail herein but if anyone has the inclination to listen (tonite on Dave's show or elsewhere) it is worth the attention.
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Cow
i am neither trying to oversimplify or trying to make a political point per se, I am attempting to see how far did she want to take it here in the states since that particular point was on muslims living here.
"As for muslims living in the United States, they have the ability and the right to live their lives as they wish."
Right now we have quite a kerfuffel over Christian pharmicists that refuse to sell morning after pills based on religious grounds.
i applaud your free market response but sometimes the freemarket isn't all that free and open.
Posted by: Pugetsound | March 30, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Dori actually may be covering some interesting ground today...A pervert has been photographing young girls in public and posting them on his website w/ accompanying sick commentary..He also provides a calendar of upcoming events (sports events, fairs, etc.,)in which one might find these subjects..I guess he uses a fake name...The police know who he is and have been 'monitoring' him...Dori wants the police to out him and reveal his real name..The police refuse to do so fearing resulting legal actions if a viglante takes action..Apparently, he hasn't violated any laws - though that is part of the debate. Very interesting case for discussing the boundaries of free speech, police responsibilty, web hosting resp.s, "victim's rights", etc..
Posted by: Pilgrim | March 30, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Only SuperScher can leap tall metaphysical buildings (art to the Sonics) in one single bounding sentence...seamlessly!! You can hear his interview here.
Duf, re: Are you sure about that? Where does his/her religious rights end and our civil rights start?
This is the USA. Anyone can bring a suit against anyone for anything. A Court can choose to hear or adjudicate the case, but the suit can be filed. Your point is a molehill...
We'll miss your flames, Sparks..
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Thanks Fremont...my 'point' was a question; I believe you've answered it. I doubt a Court would hear it.
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 01:15 PM
...or (in the case of a taxi-driver) refusing service to someone who might be carrying alcohol?
LMAO, Duf....I thought that's why taxis exist! Grasping at straws there?! HAhahahaha!
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Not to steal Spark's thunder, but I'll be taking some much-needed vac time in t-minus 3 hours. Bye all.
Fremont: Can't make it to DL, but I think I will next time (10th?)
Posted by: mercifurious | March 30, 2007 at 01:18 PM
Fremont: sorry, I should have clarified...I've heard of refusals because someone was carrying a 'duty-free' container and then was asked if it was alcohol and when told yes - refused to carry the passenger.
Posted by: Duffman | March 30, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Pilgrim,
KING TV had a story on this clown this morning. His picture is up on the KING5 website if any parents want to see it and take mental note.
He does like to go where little girls go. I know it is not PC, however if parents know who this idiot is, they can make him feel unwelcome where our little girls are concerned.
Best Regards
Chuck
Posted by: chucks | March 30, 2007 at 01:21 PM
"I've heard of refusals because someone was carrying a 'duty-free' container and then was asked if it was alcohol and when told yes - refused to carry the passenger." And your point is.....?
Oh, no, MF's leaving too...what's a minion to do?
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Chux, what "is not PC" about making a guy feel unwelcome "where our little girls are concerned"? Huh?
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 01:39 PM
OMG...where am I? What's happening? Alone...so....alone...
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Freemont,
That was just tongue in cheek. I believe most that post on this site would agressivly stand up to some pervert hurting a child. That is not PC, that is instinct.
Posted by: chucks | March 30, 2007 at 02:09 PM
OMG...where am I? What's happening? Alone...so....alone...
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Pretty funny that most of the posts on this thread have nothing to do with what Alexie said..
Posted by: lukobe | March 30, 2007 at 03:21 PM
PS, interesting comparison, but I don't think it is quite the same thing. The pharmacist question brings public health questions up that are far different from some random mini mart. Indeed, if you want to talk about that issue, a pharmacist isn't even a doctor so where do you draw the line? Is it only limited to reproductive issues (which is the core of it) or can they just flat decide what their personal morality allows? That is a really slippery slope. Again, using my free market example, a pharmacist who won't proscribe things ordered by a doctor (unless it is clearly going to cause a drug reaction or such) is doing a crappy job and should probably find a new one.
Posted by: cowpotpi3 | March 30, 2007 at 03:25 PM
I guess all the liberals are heading for the hills. I leave Monday for 2 weeks in South America and while I like the blog and all I think I'm going to be a bit busy sitting on my ass with a cold drink. Ciao for now.
Posted by: cowpotpi3 | March 30, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Hey, Pie, do you work for the DEA? Don't leave now...your blather is endearing!
Wow, Chux, FoxNoise has picked up your "instinct" story...gotta change the channel....now...!
Don't worry, Lu'be, Joans will be home and posting soon...
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 04:39 PM
OMG...Lu'be, how about pretending you're one of Alexie's "moral relativism lefties", and post from this side of the fence, thus relieving the lonely emptiness that is assaulting Joans and me...
You're so close...sittinng there in the libertarian middle. Just a few steps away....
Posted by: FREMONT | March 30, 2007 at 04:53 PM
I should have said "I do not think 9-11 was the result of religion."
I don't have serious conversations with putsie anymore. He talks in circles and I get frustrated. I find him no longer endearing when I get frustrated. So, now, we're just very good friends, huh, putsie ? :)
Posted by: joanie | March 30, 2007 at 04:54 PM
Cow
"PS, interesting comparison, but I don't think it is quite the same thing. The pharmacist question brings public health questions up that are far different from some random mini mart. Indeed, if you want to talk about that issue, a pharmacist isn't even a doctor so where do you draw the line? Is it only limited to reproductive issues (which is the core of it) or can they just flat decide what their personal morality allows? That is a really slippery slope. Again, using my free market example, a pharmacist who won't proscribe things ordered by a doctor (unless it is clearly going to cause a drug reaction or such) is doing a crappy job and should probably find a new one."
You can apply it to housing, employment, education, etc. Not just a deal where if I don't like the way I am treated at a local mini-mart shopping for Snapdoodles and Cheeze one can go across the street.
Take good care and enjoy South America.
Posted by: Pugetsound | March 30, 2007 at 05:20 PM
The Captain wrote this...
"I guess all the liberals are heading for the hills. I leave Monday for 2 weeks in South America and while I like the blog and all I think I'm going to be a bit busy sitting on my ass with a cold drink. Ciao for now."
It would be so easy to change a few words here to make it sound much better the way both, the Captain and Joanie do to my words, but I am not that type of an individual, and I wont dip to their level of ignorance towards others. Have a great vacation Capt Cow, and if you see Chavez, make sure to say hi for Cindy.
Posted by: Steve | March 30, 2007 at 11:15 PM
"Palestine [the Left] views as a victim country [although it never was a country] and certainly in its relationship with Israel there are all sorts of [weak] parallels with Native Americans and the United States- the powerless vs. the powerful. But when we look at that country and its culture, there are major league social problems with its treatment of women, gays, and children."
Yes, but its worth noting that on the day of its UN mandated birth, Israel- comprised mostly of Jews who'd been living on that land for centuries- was attacked by five Arab countries.
Then the Israelis kicked their asses back across the boundary, and they whined "naqba! naqba! allah help us!" The Arabs who could have been a part of the new Israel were left behind after the defeat /retreat and are now called "Palestinians." The region, territory called Palestine is just a spot of land that used to be Trans-Jordanian. But the term "Israeli/ Arab conflict" left tiny, outnumbered Israel with the unmistakable moral high-ground (known in Leftese as 'victimhood') Thus, the fabrication of "Palestinians:" not a nation. It's propaganda, and frankly brilliant: now, the outnumbered and surrounded victim nation is considered a bully / oppressor by a vast swath of otherwise intelligent and liberal people.
If only Israel wasn't so darn prosperous and successful, they wouldn't meet with such enmity in the UN.
It is shocking that the sole bastion of liberty in the Middle East, the only nation with a plural democracy, gays on the Knesset (openly), with freedom of speech-- its flag gets burned by "progressives" (along with America's) wearing kaffiyehs to honor the cause of murderous, corrupt, xenophobic, homophobic, racist fascists like Fatah, Hamas and hezbollah....
Kudoes to Alexie...
Posted by: Overzellis | March 31, 2007 at 12:36 AM
For those who don't act or think or look like Republican fascists, watch out- even the Sea-Tac region has rightwing types who will try to set you up. A decade or so ago, I was working on a novel everyday down at the Des Moines Washington Public Library. I would spend hours and hours there evey day, becoming quite the curiosity to the anal-retentive, uptight fellow suburban white people who ran the library. (This was before I was computer literate and I happened to be sharing a house with 70 year old Ukranian ex-pro wrestler who hated my guts, hence the hours away from home. By the way this fellow had the habit of talking about an imaginary Mr. Smith from Chicago who owned the house and would be displeased with various things I was doing there. He would threaten that "Smith" was due to arrive from Chicago at any moment for a surprise inspection, in his thick Ukranian accent. "Smith don't like this," he would say. I suspected that there was no Smith , and confirmed the fact when I called King County and verified that the Ukranian bastard indeed owned the house. ) Occaisionally kids would come up and ask me about my writing and I would briefly chat with them. One day a strange man sat down across from me at my table, which was odd because I almost always enjoyed the table in solitude. He almost seemed to be doing some phony "busywork" by the bogus, pretend way he was reading a book and writing notes on a paper. Some time after he sat down, I returned from the restroom to find he was gone but that a small photo was left on the table. I paid no mind to the photo, and continued to write until my normal quitting time. The next morning, as I sat down at my table the head librarian, approached me, followed by two Des Moines Police officers. The head librarian, a prim, prissy prick who I'd never cared for, said they wanted to talk to me about a picture I left on the table the day before. It was the picture of a twelve year old girl, and "one of our women librarians knows her," he told me."She was quite concerned." Well, of course I let the putz know in no uncertain terms that the picture wasn't mine, and I didn't appreciate his assumptions and insinuations. He backed off from his selfrighteousness somewhat, but I still hated this guy with an intensity. The cops asked me a few questions about the man who had been sitting across from me at the table, and I opined that it really seemd to me that I was being set up. The cops left, I gave the head prick a few words of warning about them messing with me, and nothing ever came of the incident. Was I being set up? Was I just an overreactive paranoid? I guess I'll never know, but I'll always have a sick feeling about this incident, and the vague suspicion that evil was afoot. My advice is- be careful out there folks.
Posted by: Tommy008 | March 31, 2007 at 01:15 AM
Interesting story, Tommie.
When I was a new teacher, I was subbing in a south end school, a fifth grade classroom. I'm pretty firm with kids but definitely warm and fuzzy as well and have a good sense of humor. They were very hard to manage. One boy sneaked out of the room and told the office that I had pushed him.
He and a woman came up and called me outside. She told me what he said and, at first, I tried to remember what had happened, started reconstructing the time. Suddenly, I looked at him and siad "I never touched you."
He started laughing and she yanked him back downstairs.
I was the third sub in three days. They asked me to come back the next day and I declined.
I know that is not nearly the same as your experience, but you don't ever forget those moments when your honor and decency is on the line.
Anybody who thinks we don't need the ACLU or Constitutional protections in this country have no clue about everyday realities for average people.
I'm sorry that happened to you, Tommie.
Posted by: joanie | March 31, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Thanks, Joanie. One of my theories, is that one of these smallminded, uptight bitch librarians,took it upon herself to retrieve some of my daily rejected writing(I tore them in half, but they could easily piece them back} and was shocked, shocked at some of my racier passages. She decided I was an enemy of the state, or at least of the library, and she worked with her confederate to set me up with the photo of the girl she just happened to know.
Posted by: Tommy008 | March 31, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Jethro posts,
"She decided I was an enemy of the state, or at least of the library, and she worked with her confederate to set me up with the photo of the girl she just happened to know."
Joanie earlier posted,
"Do you wan Big Brother sneaking peaks at everything you do"
Can anyone say Paranoia.
Posted by: Steve | March 31, 2007 at 05:25 PM
If you knew what paranoia was, Steve, I don't think you'd ask that question.
But, with you, I always consider the source. :)
Posted by: joanie | March 31, 2007 at 06:16 PM
I know what it means Joanie, but in case you forgot,
Main Entry: para·noia
Pronunciation: "par-&-'noi-&
Function: noun
1 : a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations
2 : a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
Posted by: Steve | March 31, 2007 at 07:48 PM