[muaddirac]

That's perfectly reasonable. Sorry if it seemed like I was making a fuss.

Wasn't trying to pass judgment on the kid; even if he bought a brand new clock and stuck it in a case, I still think that's an admirable quality. The media is picking it up as he "made" a clock, and to me that didn't fit well with the photos.

[waterlesscloud]

It's kind of annoying that everyone says he "made" a clock, which he clearly didn't do. To me, that's kind of a slam to kids his age who really are out there making clocks from scratch.

But it's also very much a secondary or tertiary issue in the story, and just not worth fighting over.

[exodust]

But it's absolutely worth mentioning.

Ahmed Mohammed mentioned his "invention" several times in his initial viral video, and again in interviews.

His "invention" always looked suspicious to me, in that it was an unlikely hobby electronics build, what with mains power and far from hobbyist looking circuit boards.

At 14, fibs like this are not cool. Fair enough his arrest was over the top, but this new information shouldn't be swept under the carpet just because it makes everyone from NASA to Obama look potentially foolish pandering to a fibber.

Also, I couldn't help but notice his (re)-tweet thanking Allah for the opportunity to visit the white house and all the other places.

[yongjik]

> Also, I couldn't help but notice his (re)-tweet thanking Allah for the opportunity to visit the white house and all the other places.

Is this the tweet you're referring to?

> Allah rewarded him for all his struggles. alhamdulillah.

Yeah, how dare he retweet someone saying "Thank God!"

[exodust]

In that he's more into religion than science/tech/making things.

The latest news is that his father his giving him a break from school and taking him on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Cos you know, that's where every 14yo wants to be right?

The father: "I ask Allah to bless this time. After that, we'll see" [referring to what school to put the kid in since so many have offered him places].

When they return, that's when they'll meet Obama.

It's really worked out for them hasn't it? The whole putting a clock in a case thing has opened so many doors.

[yongjik]

Oh right, I forgot that this is a secular country where a 14-year-old kids uttering "Thank God!" or "God bless you!" or "I found strength in God." would get weird look and chided by responsible adults. Thank God (oops), at least Ahmed is just a kid. Imagine what it would be like if contenders for the White House would speak like that!

And now (it seems) you take a pity on him because he's obviously being dragged into a family trip to some place he doesn't want to be, because you just know he wouldn't like it even though you've never met him?

[exodust]

I don't want to argue so this is my last response on this subject.

TL;DR... my view on how religion has no place in topics related to science, and I no longer think freedom of religion is sensible.

In recent years I have lost all respect for Islam. When before I believed in freedom of religion, now I don't due to ongoing global incidents and deep-seated problems getting worse not better.

When "God", any God, comes into the discussion related to matters of science, social relations, or other completely Earthly events, it should be called out for what it is. It's misguided distraction; a contamination of thought; an irresponsible disregard of reason. Often used as a manipulative crutch, either deliberately or unconsciously habitually. An "assumed free pass" replacing otherwise needed hard work earning respect in everything from politics to community relations. An untouchable value, exploited exactly because anyone who takes aim at religion is swiftly labelled as unfit, rude, discriminatory.

There is way too much division and combative ideology associated with Islam for it to be thrust to the forefront of everything someone does in a modern society. Nothing to do with race. You could be my blood brother and embrace Islam... and just like that, I've lost at least 50% of my brother. When the worst aspects of 21st century Islam comes knocking at your door, maybe then you'll think twice before accepting all religions with open arms.