DTJ
I'd never defend any person, from Tim McVeigh to members of Al Queda, but lumping all Muslims together as a hate-filled religion is the same as saying that all Christians are represented by those who plant end clinics, or that all Athiests are represented by some teenagers who stole Jesus from manger scenes. None of those groups are represented by the fanatical nutcases who choose to kill in the name of a belief. Those who are sure of their beliefs are able to lead through example rather than fear.
There are ways that all governments are similar, but I think Bush is more of a bumbling figurehead than anything else. Like Clinton, he's an easily marketable face for the cameras.
I am certain that Christians and Muslims have things in common, like both are members of religions I can respect, as long as they respect that their beliefs are simply that. They also accept many of the same prophets, and much of the same stories. To say Muslims and Christians have no similarities is an obvious falsehood.
Thousands have died in the name of Christ, thousands have died in the name of Allah. Both religions have started holy wars because of infidels. Call it a Jihad or call it a Crusade, a holy war by any other name still leaves the dead in its wake.
Both religions taken to an insane extreme have end innocent bystanders. Need I go on?
Beliefs are a great thing for a great many people, but they have to realize that their beliefs are just that, and nothing more. Just because someone doesn't see the world in exactly the same way doesn't necessarly mean they have the agenda others like them have.
If all Muslims are persons, then all Catholics are child rapists, all blacks like watermelon and chicken, all Mexicans rip off the health care system, all Irish are drunks, all Germans are Nazis, and all Jews are cheap and make movies. See how judging a whole population based on a few people can misfire?
A belief is something everyone has to choose for themself, and others may have differing opinions. Some people are just f***ing evil, regardless of their religion, beliefs, etc.
As long as most of the members of different groups keep that straight, I'm fine with the group. I really could care less if someone wants to be a Nazi, as long as they don't go around injuring others because they think they're better. I know what I know and that's enough for me.
Dave "call me a Dimocrat, call me a Repubicrap, I don't care; discuss the topic" Hogan
