Sept 11: Thoughts on the 9 year anniversary

To me it seems appropriate to comment on the religious aspect of the event this year, since the idiot pastor in Florida is getting so much attention. Oops, guess that spilled the beans on my feelings--what a surprise.


Islam is not a violent religion, although the Koran has more about violence and resistance than the New Testament. I emphasize the "new" part, because if you aren't aware, the Old Testament is full of violence, war and horrible acts towards other people. The part about killing infidels or non-believers is not a blanket statement to kill anyone who doesn't agree with them, but only if the infidels are trying to prevent you as a Muslim from worshipping. What the Islamic fundamentalists use to recruit new soldiers is the belief that America is trying to take away their religion. A lot of these guys are willing to die because they think we are trying to convert them to Christianity.

Burning the Koran is THE WORST possible protest, because it plays right into the insurgent leadership's propaganda. It doesn't matter what any other American says, what any diplomat proposes, how much are military does to build schools and feed them. The insurgents will play the image of Americans burning their Koran because they want to wipe out Islam. And that will be seen over and over as they convince more and more Muslims to join the 'jihad'.

To my view, the person who deserves the most credit is the Muslim leader who visited the pastor. To confront someone filled with so much prejudice and hate towards you takes a lot of courage. And, ironically, is probably what Jesus would actually have done.

For the record, I'm not open-minded enough to support the building of a mosque at Ground Zero. There are plenty of other places, even in Manhattan, where a cultural center to expand understanding can be built. Moderate Muslims should be sensitive enough to understand.


Our founders, who so many people claim to channel, understood the sacrifices of freedom and peace. The weather vane on Mount Vernon is a dove with an olive branch in it's mouth. The quote from George Washington: "Peace with all the world is my sincerest wish." (Aug 15, 1798) If only this anniversary, as well as the ones which will follow, could be used to find peaceful solutions, understand those who are different than us as we show them our wish for peaceful co-existence. To educate rather than annihilate. That is how those who died would be honored in the best way possible.

In Memoriam

The many victims of WTC Towers, NYC & the Pentagon

The Courageous passengers of Flight 93

Those who knowingly made the ultimate sacrifice

and

Those whose efforts then are leading to their deaths now

FDNY, NYPD and PAPD

NEVER FORGET

In hopes for peace in and for our country, as well as the world, Laurie