The essay does a good job depicting the 'Islamism' movement, of which Al-Queda is the most visible part, as a religious manifestation of Totalitarianism, and the historical development of Totalitarianism.

It's important to note that Bin Laden's not just after the US - in fact he wants his extreme version of Islam to conquer the entire world. He wants to overthrow moderate Muslim governments in the process, and create a dozen theocratical Afganistan-like states instead of just one.

To those who think we must have done something really bad to offend all those screaming people in the pro-Bin Laden demonstrations in Kabul or Pakistan, and that must be why they're so mad at us, yes, as a matter of fact, we have deeply offended them.

Every time we go to a polling place and cast a ballot in a democratic election to choose our leaders.

Every time we insist on the proper separation of church and state, and the freedom of personal religious belief.

Every time we allow journalists to publish whatever they want.

Every time we send our daughters to school in the morning, help them obtain an education, and aspire to equal citizenship and opportunity in our society.

Every time we use scientific reasoning instead of superstitious belief.

Every time we insist on being free.