Comment: Islamic fundamentalism and democracy

May 25, p. 6

Amid the hyped resistance of Muslim hard-liners to a planned concert of American singer Lady Gaga in Jakarta, there is reason to hope that ultimately the democratic process will offer a way for Islamic fundamentalism to coexist in society. (By Izhari Mawardi, Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Your comments:

Make no mistake; religious fundamentalism and democracy are not compatible.

The fanatics may use democracy to get into power, but as soon as they are in power they will dismantle the apparatus of democracy. Gently promoting their lifestyle will soon be replaced by brutally enforcing their lifestyle on everyone else.

We can see in theocracies there are religious leaders who are declared “infallible” and the citizens cannot even question their decisions. Watch out.

Deedee S.