punditry imitates blog imitates life

Sarfraz Mansoor waxes ironic:

All Muslims who consider themselves liberal and tolerant could apply for a special card which when presented would show the holder was a "pre-approved Muslim", thus saving time at airports. Sure, some may say that such a card would represent a gross violation of human rights but I think it could be marketed like a credit card: membership has its privileges – in this case not being indiscriminately arrested or held up when travelling. Those who feel uncomfortable carrying a card could be offered an alternative – a white girlfriend perhaps, someone to vouch for the fact that they have successfully integrated into society and have no immediate plans for a holy war.

Perhaps I could carry a sandwichboard with the slogan "I 'heart' John Stuart Mill". That may prove too subtle, maybe something more permanent is needed to convince the sceptics. How about all moderate Muslims having "Don't panic – I'm Islamic" inked on their forearms by a government-approved tattoo artist.

I was there three and a half years ago, Sarfraz. And remember how the ID card was originally marketed as an entitlement card?

Comments

[ejh]

I'm sure it was Sarfraz who wrote a piece a few years ago saying there was no such thing as stress. I'm less sure that this actually appeared while I was off work for thirteen weeks with stress, though they may well have coincided.