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To: GreatEconomy
I guess it boils down to semantics.

My wife and I had a similar discussion the other night.

She said something to the effect that I should "respect" an acquaintance's religion (not Islam).

Reminiscent of Voltaire ('...fight to my death your right...'), I replied that I DID NOT respect that particular religion, but that I DO respect passionately their RIGHT to believe whatever they want to believe.

Just as I expect them to respect passionately my right to believe as I choose.

Now, I really don't give one whit what Muslims (nor anyone else) believe, so long as they practice their dogma in a way that doesn't offend nor affect me.

Once some group starts attacking me (or us), then of course I (we) have a duty to defend my (our) system of beliefs.

That's what I mean by "getting along." Beyond the concept of live and let live, I have no idea what you infer "getting along" means.

I'm not suggesting group hugs nor sitting around in circles singing Kumbaya.

I believe in freedom and liberty. Isn't that what America is supposed to be all about ??

Assuming a perfect world, and you were left alone to pursue spiritual fulfillment in the manner of your choosing, does your stated "lack of interest" in "getting along" mean you prefer hostility and warfare ??

If so, then I suggest you are part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

Two wrongs do not make a right.

16 posted on 01/14/2004 6:58:56 AM PST by skip2myloo
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