A description of your defense of religion.
First you say that religion is to blame. Then you say that religion is not to blame, except when religion is to blame.
Millions of Muslim people are not attacking the West. Worldwide. Even when Westerners are making ignorant remarks about their religion. Now, they haven't gotten their act together, these silent people, to confront their violent co-religionists, but this is something new for them too, for which they have no structure. Muslim nations tend not to be democracies, a fact that we, with our strategic aims, have encouraged. We have undermined the one structure that might have produced a means for moderate Muslims to find their voices in the face of extremism on the one hand and authoritarianism on the other.
Our President thought he could just wave his magic wand and create democracy among people with no tradition of democracy and no experience of self-government. Obviously, history was not one of the subjects in which he excelled in school. Democracy can't be created. It must be chosen, and chosen by the people who will practice it.
The Muslim extremists are misusing their faith. Misuse of faith for political reasons is nothing new. Hatred of all members of a faith by those who identify its criminals with its whole membership is also nothing new.
Anyone who encourages this should not be surprised when the religious hatred thus fostered is turned on other faiths.
You never addressed the "out groups" issue, which has plagued this country, and which is being played out again on Muslims. I know you prefer not to listen to audio files, but I have one for you that puts a face on this problem. "Shouting Across the Divide":
A Muslim woman persuades her husband that their family would be happier if they left the West Bank and moved to America. They do, and things are good, until September 11. After that, the elementary school their daughter goes to begins using a textbook that says Muslims want to kill Christians.
Select "2006" from the archive menu on the left, and look for the title "Shouting Across the Divide". Think about this story told a million different ways, and tell me that this will encourage moderate Muslims, or provide common ground among the citizens of the world who really wish to live together.
One good quote deserves another:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Where are the peacemakers, hm?