re: #74 Dark_Falcon

Oh well?! Killgore, if that were suggested in Chicago, it would draw immediate and intense criticism and alternate solutions to accommodate the additional people would be demanded. Chicago sees preservation of its architectural heritage as crucial, and it angers me that Saudi Arabia does not see Mecca in the same light. That sort of action reminds me of Bucharest under Nicolae Ceausescu’s rule.

My guess is that Saudi does not see Mecca as History, but as Truth, and also as Thing We’ve Got That No One Else Does, ie, Tourist Income and Envy Magnet. They’ll get rid of anything that isn’t of immediate theological interest to them, anything that contradicts their interpretation or practice, and jettison it without a second thought.

Horrifying, from a history student’s perspective, but I don’t think anyone has enough influence to even slow them down who cares much.

Saudis have this nouveau riche vibe going on, and this is a classic example thereof.