Hi, Phil.

My sympathy to you all in Boston. You must be heartbroken.

Although biological weapons are equally dangerous to the attackers, it's worth remembering that any group waging a so-called "holy war" believes fervently that anyone who dies fighting the infidel gets a ticket punched for heaven, no questions asked.

They don't care if they die trying to kill people. If their own families die in the effort, they are going to heaven too.

Although in its early history, Islam was spread by conquest, as was Christianity, mainstream Islam has rejected the murder of innocent people in the name of God. Even in the beginning, conquest was just that, and those who wished to keep their own religion were not accorded full citizenship but, unless they resisted their new rulers, were accorded protection under the law. These horrible acts are perversions of the teachings of Mohammed.

Anyone who says this is an Islamic attack is plain wrong. I'm glad no one here has said that, and I'm proud to be the friend of so many people who have refused to apply blanket blame to whole peoples or religions. Thanks, everybody.

Regards--
Mary Anne