re: #20 Bob Levin

Thanks, yes it does answer…the first part of my question. Here’s the second part.

Do you feel in any way captive to the…call them faux Muslims? Because I understand that if I were to visit Israel, I would automatically be a target of this same group.

So, what do we do? I’m not sure that exposing them is all that effective, since they take the exposure as a victory and source of pride. Violence certainly isn’t the answer. (I’ll tell you, I’ve had this discussion with quite a few observant Jews, and the conversation gets to this point and stops. We’re entering the vacant stare part of the program, followed by Act III, avoidance.)

But I can’t think of a more important religious question.

I think we have to recognize that everyone can spin an ideology to their own violent means. Meanwhile, Christians, Jews, Muslims, (whomever) will say, “They don’t represent us” but you’ll never stop others from disparaging the whole group. Every Jew feels a horrible pain when confronted with Jack Abramoffs and Bernie Madoffs. It sets us back. I suppose Christians feel the same about Fred Phelps and Terry Jones.

“Western” Muslims have a bigger problem. Removing themselves from extremism while retaining their customs and religion. And trying to make the world understand that it isn’t ALL like that.

Which is why I think we have to help. Tackling the issue from a different angle may be more healing. That is, say, a “million person march” on the Capitol of all religious groups, mainly the Big 3, in a peaceful, hippy hugging, love fest. hehe But I’m serious. Small town city marches or gatherings would be good start, but something huge that could be publicized, especially around the world would be awesome. In the least to show that Americans, the model melting pot, can rise above this.