david jary

Ben Affleck calls Bill Maher’s arguments about Islam “GROSS” and “RACIST” over extremism and violence committed by Muslim extremists — but Maher argues that fear is why Muslim moderates stay silent. Ben Affleck: So you’re saying Islamophobia isn’t a real thing? That if you’re critical of something. Bill Maher: Well, it’s not a real thing when we do it. Sam Harris: I’m not denying that certain people are bigoted against Muslims as people. And that’s a problem. Ben Affleck: Why are you so hostile about this? It’s gross. It’s racist. It’s like saying, “You’re a shifty Jew.” Bill Maher: You’re not listening to what we’re saying. We have to be able to criticize bad ideas. Ben Affleck: You’re painting a whole religion with the same brush. What about the more than a billion people who aren’t fanatical and just want to go to the store? Nicholas Kristof: Plenty of fanatics and jihadis are Muslim, but the people standing up to them are Muslims too. Look at Malala and others risking their lives to speak out. Bill Maher: A billion people don’t hold any of these pernicious beliefs? Ben Affleck: They don’t. That’s just not true. Bill Maher: One reason moderates don’t speak out is because they’re afraid. It’s the only religion that acts like the mafia, that will kill you if you say the wrong thing, draw the wrong picture or write the wrong book. Ben Affleck: You’re making a career out of talking about ISIS, ISIS, ISIS. Sam Harris: It’s not just ISIS. It’s a global phenomenon.