jon, i agree - the links cause pain. when we search for what is bad in different faiths, we need to hold a looking class and see ourselves. we look at the islamic faith and see only the far right, yet we in usamerica (within the christian faith) have the far right (those who claim christianity is for the "white race" - as if there is one - only) to the far left (those who just talk about what needs to be done, and do nothing). when we look at extremes to define the whole, we miss the point. we should never see the extreme of anything as the all of anything.

if we look at christianity in usamerican, as an example, we see major problems with the faith that could cause those outside to not want to come in - we speak a good game, but do very little to solve any problems - i know, some will say that over the past many good works have been formed to help with the poor, the hungry, the hurting and the homeless - really? many of the "chriatian hospitials" are some richest for profit organization around (most are not even owned byn the christian organization they are named for). we have given billions to "fight hunger, homlessness and cloth the needy" - yet all we did was create huge business' that care more about keeping the structure going then solving the problem. before we look at the "evils" of those who have a different tradition then we do, we truly need to look into our hearts and clean our own house.

pax