(via leilockheart, leilockheart)
The traditional view of suicide bombers is well established, and backed by the scholars who study them. The bombers are, in the post-9/11 age, often young, ideologically driven men and women who hate the laissez-faire norms of the West — or at least the occupations and wars of the United States — because they contradict the fundamentalist interpretations that animate the bombers’ worldview. Their deaths are a statement, then, as much as they are the final act of one’s faith; and as a statement they have been quite effective. They propagate future deaths, as terrorist organizers use a bomber’s martyrdom as propaganda for still more suicide terrorism. But Williams is among a small cadre of scholars from across the world pushing the rather contentious idea that some suicide bombers may in fact be suicidal.
Ya Think?
“Thanks to those who hated me, you made me a stronger person. Thanks to those who loved me, you made my heart bigger. Thanks to those who envied me, you made my self-esteem grow. Thanks to those who cared, you made me feel important. Thanks to those who worried, you let me know that you care. Thanks to those who left, you showed me that not everything is forever. Thanks to those who stayed, you showed me the meaning of true friends. Thanks to those who entered my life, you made me who I am today.”
(via briannaxolynn, simplynorule)
I once told a girl she was the smartest person I have know. She didn’t believe me.
What I didn’t say was that she is also the BEST person I know. That everything about her is perfect, and not in the “love makes you blind” kind-of-way. I can’t remember the last time I spoke in absolutes. I’m not the kind of person who has set views, set beliefs. ”Im right, you’re wrong”; I KNOW for certain ~ My immediate natural reaction to these terms is usually a rejection. But in this case, its true.
I have never known her to belittle anyone, or insult with anything more that playful intent. I have never known her to impose her will, her wants, or her beliefs on anyone else. I have never known her to discriminate against anyone, or talk badly of them behind their back. I have never known her to hurt anyone else.
She focuses on the good in people. She is hilarious and witty without it being at another’s expense. She is humble and modest, in a ridiculously genuine way. She always has an opinion, and is ready to defend them, but also just as willing to take on board an opposing one. She is the most moral person I know, the person that, when faced with a dilemma, you try to do what they would do. She is one of the most genuine, unpretentious people I know.
I guess what I’ve come to realise is that she is, and has always been, the type of person I want to be. I just wish I had consciously known all of this earlier.
