Religious Extremism, Scourge of the West

Stardate 4793.2

Terrorists. Muslim extremists. These are the few that sadly, seem to appear to represent what many westerners believe *all* muslims must think like. It's a stereotype that is dragging us closer and closer to escalated conflict every day. The thing is, it is a contagious disease. As "educated and civilized" westerners, we are often apalled by the atrocities committed by these extremists, but sadly, we turn our heads with only slightly hurt pride when similar atrocities are carried out by our own. You hear common phrases like "an eye for an eye" or "what would they do to our boys over there?".

Lately, I have been seeing a lot of "Christian" sites showing articles about militant training camps, and beheadings, and making statements like "As a Roman Catholic its my God ordained duty to destroy the infidel. What's yours?" This statement really grabbed me. I don't want to link to the blog, but in response to my comment suggesting he is becoming the "enemy", the poster said "...we must destroy much of the middle east if the earth is to survive". Pat Buchanan said, "Our culture is superior. Our culture is superior because our religion is Christianity and that is the truth that makes men free". Ann Coulter said, "We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity". I have seen others say that Muslims hate them because they are rich, or christian, or white, or whatever. Seriously, if you believe that, then the brainwashing propoganda machine has already gotten you, and it is too late for the rest of us.

So the solution is to level their cities to rubble and ethnically cleanse them? It sure sounds a lot like that to me. No, really. Or how about just leaving the people alone? Let them have their faith and their culture. This isn't the dark and barbaric crusades anymore. We are supposed to be educated, civilized and above all of that nonsense. Freedom of religion should extend beyond the borders of a piece of paper. After all, muslims are not responsible for any terror attacks. Only a few extremists are. We should be the better "culture" and not stoop to the simplistic level of hatred that a few so willingly show. I suppose it is far easier to hate and destroy, than understand and cherish. If the majority of westerners weren't so damned arrogant, then the few extremists wouldn't hate them so much. How many times does the US have to meddle in other countries before they figure it out? Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran next? It is the abolishment of their culture and faith that they fear, EXACTLY the same way you do.

So what is the difference between the two types of people? Please, tell me.