Interview: Sam Harris and Murad Aldin Amayreh, Muslim Film Director (#1 of 3)

[pcgamer010]

Islam is the most evil religion on earth. The others can be bad, too. But Islam is the worst.

Its teachings and laws are malign in comparison to the other religions. Its fundamentals are the problem, not just the extremists.

[aburashdan]

murad aldin could be a filmmaker but not necessarily the right person to answer islam 101 type no-brainer questions on islam. i mean if 300 mil people of the world (approx population of US) doesn't know difference between salam or salami or muslim and islam or wrongly believes that the world gravitates around them and what they attribute to things, then its a waste of time to watch a video that dumbs down islam to a level that my even my dog doesn't want looking at it anymore.

[6thMessenger]

The reason why Islam stands accused of 9/11 is strictly because the people that commited the crime were devout Islamic fundamentalists.

Islam means submission is Arabic, and it is the duty to all Muslims to spread islam by any means, which the Quran very specifically even says through terror and ambush and every "strategem of war". Quran 9:05 and 9:29

Islamic moderates like Murad paint a pretty picture of Islam, but its not reality.

[SamHarrisCOM]

@6thMessenger you can say the same exact thing about every religion. There are more Christian fundamentalist terrorists than any of them. Nothing pretty about hate in any form. -- Sam's Web Guy

[6thMessenger]

@SamHarrisCOM

Really? More Christian terrorists? Please list all of the Christian terrorist attacks of the last 10 years.

Once you have that, we'll compare notes.

I agree that most religions can be twisted to justify crimes against society, but you'd be hard pressed to find an Amish or a Jain terrorist. The fundamentals of Islam are violent. Islam is by far worst example of bad religion that teaches violence, hate, arrogance, and vengeance.

[SamHarrisCOM]

@6thMessenger go talk to the other Sam Harris about it. -- Sam's Web Guy

[6thMessenger]

@SamHarrisCOM

Oh come now...I know you wouldn't make statements like "There are more Christian fundamentalist terrorists" without evidence of this, would you?

I urge you to please prove my view of Islam wrong.

[12ut5]

So, what we have here is one part political correctness and one part either ignorance or self-delusion. 1st, "Islam" means "submission" and not "peace" (It is said to mean "peace" by those who are going to argue that Islam's a religion of peace.). Another point is, whereas people of all religions commit acts of violence it's by far Muslims who do it in their religion's name. What's more, when this happens, most all those other Muslims just sit on their hands instead of taking to the streets.

[Xzibillionaire]

@SamHarrisCOM

Taliban(mujahedeen) was a creation of the CIA to fight russia.

"In the twilight of the Cold War, the **United States spent millions of dollars** to supply Afghan schoolchildren with textbooks filled with violent images and militant Islamic teachings, part of covert attempts to spur resistance to the Soviet occupation."

washingtonpost. com/ac2/wp-dyn/A5339-2002Mar22

[drdavey777]

So n=1 defines all Muslims? That is not research.  That is an anecdote.

[marcoesa]

Mr. Harris, does this mean if you would have the chance to talk to the engineers of the 9/11 attack, an attack that you might be afraid of, you can finally overcome your ignorance and understand this attack? I am scared as hell by the discrimination, honor killings, supressing of non-muslims, gays, non-100%-muslims, but hey, I am sure that's only because my ignorance. After "talking" to these people I will yell as loud as I can "hang the gays". I don't follow your logic, if there is one.

[AziMeX]

It must be noted that what Muslims say openly, and what they believe privately and amongst themselves are two very different things. Especially if you give them anonymity, like the commenter below.

[Bluefairy513]

@SamHarrisCOM Islam does NOT mean peace! Islam means to submit. Orthodox Muslims will tell you that there will be peace, this is Islam's goal but it will only happen when the entire world submits to Islam. UNTIL that happens there will be war and bloodshed.

Your friend and his friends may be peaceful, but Islam is not. The goal is the subjugation of all non believers. As long as the scriptures say that, and as long as the moderate Muslims do not demand reform there will be conflict.

[SamHarrisCOM]

@Bluefairy513 as long as there is religion, there will be conflict. Now trying watching all 3 videos.

Peace.

[Bluefairy513]

@SamHarrisCOM I completely agree!

[diwanibilal]

@SamHarrisCOM no religion was in germany nor in russia, and the number of lives that gone in human beeing trying to impose his ideas in WW" is more than any religious war

[diwanibilal]

@Bluefairy513 we are 1.5 billion, if islam tell us to kill, then if every one will kill only 3, 1 per month, then we will finish the world in three month, and if we kill one each week than we will finish the world in 3 weeks

[DenSinnDesLebens]

ein muslim lacht so nicht und diee modern bart trägt er auch nicht,,

[DenSinnDesLebens]

ein muslim lach so nicht und diese modern bart trägt er auch nicht

[Chibling]

The thing is that the people who are 'extremists' are actually following their holy text more faithfully than the moderates. Moderates ignore aspects of their faith, or are ignorant of aspects of their faith. I prefer moderates since they tend to include more secular morality and science. However, the moderate's position of fence sitting or having their cake and eating it too, it not a defensible or respectable position intellectually.

[aliiqrar]

The extremists are actually not following more faithfully, even 99% of Muslims do not understand Arabic Text of Holly Qura'an.

Extremists are fullfiling foreign agenda. They have nothing to do with Islam.

[Chibling]

"extremists are fullfilin foreign agenda". So I take it conspiracy theories are big among the people of the middle east as well? What foreign agenda? the Jews? the illuminati? the "new world order"?

[Nawas7]

Terrorists hijacked Islam before they did with any airplane. Blaming Islam is like blaming Boeing for building commercial planes which killed innocent people!

[Budguy68]

We aint blaming islam, we are blaimg radical islam.

U know, idiots who believing in stoning adulterers, homosexuals, blasphemers and infidels?

sharia law is all evil bullshit.

[greekmuslimgirl]

1) Yes, peace is embeded in the meaning of the word Islam but the main meaning means submission, surrender, obedience, sincerity and peace

2) The consensus of scholars declare that the Nation of Islam is NOT part of Islam based on what they preach although the do share some secondary issues of similiarity

3) The main message of all prophets is that there is no deity worthy of worship except the Creator, God (although what you mentioned is also true)

[greekmuslimgirl]

Very good video!! There were some points that should be clarifed though (in my next post).

[meandu55]

What happened in Beslan was sad but they did it as a revenge for CHECHENYA , unfortunately they used Islam name to gain some support from Muslims but that didn't work because we against this kind of inhuman acts. Our Prophet ( Muhammad PUH)said nobody kills children , women and elderly . If you Knew this before You would know that act wasn't Islamic.

[melaniestevens]

I want to hear him SING sorry I loved him on Star Search. I so wanted to see him in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

[nakedBison69]

is this the same sam harris that wrote those books expressing his atheism?

[MrAntihumanism]

@nakedBison69

No he's someone else.

[cacaselebro]

i love sam harris and ur cool!

[SamHarrisCOM]

Remember that God told George Bush to invade Iraq - where hundreds of thousands of innocent people have been killed. Yes, - he said that. He was inspired by a divine voice that said invade Iraq. And kill.... Uh, Pot - kettle - kettle - pot.... It makes me sick.

Sam

[SamHarrisCOM]

bigcherry - you are right. There are so many terrorist acts by a small faction of fundamentalist Muslims justifying their acts from quotes in the koran. What the videos (particularly part 3) helped me to understand was the CULTURAL circumstances that created the need for these acts. As I mentioned, Christians have been justifying war in the name of God for centuries. The VAST majority of Muslims are peaceful. But people who need to feel control can justify ANYTHING from Koran or Bible text.

[FTLNewsFeed]

So many people to bring to rationality... so many people...

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Big..what I claimed was that your ignorance prevents you from being able to hear any answer or explanation or opinion that I might have to offer. This topic is absolutely worthy of discussion, but you don't want to discuss, you want to be right. I haven't side stepped, evaded or dodged anything. I've very clearly stated that I won't discuss with one who only seeks to argue and that you need to go do your own work. Do the work or let it go :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

WC, that's exactly what I'm saying, thank you :) Also, I agree - both the Bible & the qur'an have violent & threatening quotes in them. Both have quotes that could be seen in another way when viewed from a historical, social & time relevant perspective. IMO, the thinking Muslim & the thinking Christian are easily able to see these for what they are, reject them as dogmatic rather than spiritual, & simply move on rather than act on them. Those who act on them are neither thinking nor spiritual.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

WC, you are correct, my response was to bigcherry :)

[missdivinestalls]

Most Christians are not all inclusive. Many are very divisive and judgemental.  True Christianity does not allow for such things.

[wcduke]

By it's very definition, some could say you are wrong. If you were to think of it in terms of God being in one column, and religion being in another, Christianity informs us that there is only one way to God, which is through Jesus. If I believed in God, I would probably take this notion more personally, because I surely would not be a Christian. So for me, "true Christianity" is separatist. God should not be limited to labels of religion.

[wcduke]

A quote from Mos Def, who was quoting someone else (unknown) - "No one really knows anything about God, and anyone who says they do is just a trouble-maker."

[missdivinestalls]

wcduke: I like your points. I do not think God should be categorized or limited as you say to the labels of religion. The Mos Def quote is a great one as well.  I think people come to God on their own terms, whether they chose to be Christian in a traditional sense or something more personal without organized religion or they chose to not believe in God at all and be atheist or agnostic or something. Thanks for replying.

[wcduke]

Thank you. I don't know about you, but I actually enjoy this kind of conversation. It is refreshing that, for the most part (there's a jerk who lurks in Sam's area here on YouTube) people are respectful of others and their beliefs, which is why Sam posted this series of videos. Peace to you.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Sam, I agree about the countless wars in the name of Christianity. I think if Jesus had a grave (maybe he does?) that he'd be rolling in it. As a Gnostic (faith through knowledge) Christian (follower of what I believe to be the teachings of the Christ) Pagan (one who honors the earth & all life forms on it), I reject any "christian" teachings that ascribe horror & atrocity to the soul we call Jesus & the energy we call God. That's just one of many reasons why I'm not welcome at Christian church.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Nope, I'm just going to throw that out there and let you find your own explanation :) Spirituality requires responsibility and self accountability for one's faith. When you're willing to do the work, I'll be willing to chat :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Why don't you do your own work and try to see them from another perspective yourself? I'd be happy to give you my thoughts if I thought for a single moment you'd be willing to hear & consider. But it is painfully clear that your goal is merely to argue and prove yourself correct. I'm not interested in that, sorry.

[wcduke]

As an atheist, I am not about to defend any religion. I agree with you that there are quotes which are violent, but as others have pointed out, so is the bible. Why focus your attention on Islam when Jesus has called for the death of those who don't believe? Maybe you could have contextualized your views this way so as to make it more palatable. Just a suggestion. I disagree with your statement that every Muslim interprets the Koran the same. It is impossible and unfair to assert this notion.

[MidgeDog]

Thanks for that interesting Friend Friday Sam - can't wait to watch part 2 and 3.

It's a very positive sign to me that most of the comments that are negative here all come from the same person, and so many more are open to hearing from "both sides" and making educated and informed decisions about the position they choose to take. My personal experience with Christians and their hatred of my gay and Muslim friends (I am neither)is just as offensive as those quotes from the Koran anyway!

[Lalasfavorites]

Wow! What a great, necessary conversation. Thank you both!!! Hopefully the truths of our commonalities, and the respect for (and fascination and celebration of) our differences can be what prevails here. I'm seeing too much posturing and arguing in the comments.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Another perspective to 'posturing and arguing' is to recognize the folks are passionate about their beliefs and to honor that passion, even when we don't agree with it :) It goes hand in hand with "I don't agree with what you're saying, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it".

A little debate is good for the soul :)

Lastly, I wholeheartedly agree with you that this is a great and necessary conversation, and that we need to celebrate our differences :)

[RiccardoVittorio]

It appears that right-wing talk radio is doing their job for the ignornance on this topic is stunning and disturbing. Christians, if anyone cares to open a history book has a terribly violent reputation. As an agnostic, I believe that mainstream Muslims are no more violent than main-stream Christians.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Love your comment Riccardo, and I agree with it. The ignorance and finger pointing going on in the world between fanatics on both sides needs to stop, but I'm afraid that's a long way from happening because of the strong ties between politics and religion. IMO, folks need to take from religion what helps them spiritually, and then step outside of religious dogma to grow spiritually BECAUSE of the bastardization of spirituality at the hand of politics & religion.

[debv5354]

Thank you that was great! so informative and comprehensive. Will you please pet Miss Emma!

And while you're at it give one to the Coop-Man too.Great video Sam

[rainyjane10]

Thank you Sam. People fear what they don't understand. To say that all muslims are terrorists is like saying all Christians are like David Koresh and the Branch Davidians. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3. peace and love...Cindy

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

As I said, we can talk more once you pull your head out :)

Later days dude :)

[torigirl35]

hey sam. i appreciate hearing another persons truth. thanks for sharing this. take care. ((hugs)) to your family and a special little hug for cooper. ciao for now.

*tori*

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Big...hon...you're peering deep alright, but if you expect to see anything other than the darkness that draws your attention, you will need to remove your head from your ass :)

Keep trying, I have faith in you :) Please let me know when you've pulled your head out. I'd love to have a real and honest debate with you, but not unless and until you're willing to do the work.

Feeding time is over :)

Be Blessed :)

Kelly

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Your "simple concept" is incorrect & not worthy of acceptance.

It is not hard to believe that terrorists & fanatics kill due to the bastardization of spiritual text. Christian history is full of examples, and more recently, George Bush.

The shock big, is your acceptance of lies as truth, your refusal to listen & learn, & your lack of perception that you are demonstrating the very thing you're denouncing here today.

If you want to debate, then you have to do the work. No free pass dude :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

All Muslims do not believe the Koran is the literal word of God and then act on those words to horrible consequence. I dispute your insistence that the opposite is a true statement.

Tip: Blanket statements are often false. Statements beginning with "All" "Every" "None" "Never" "Always", etc. I'm sure you get the idea. You're not stupid. Isn't it about time you stopped playing as if you are? Educate yourself, free yourself from fear based thinking. Life is better when you do :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Big...there is a clear connection between fanatics using spiritual text to justify atrocity, and the fact is that this connection is found in many of the world's religions. It is not limited to Islam, not by a long shot. Fanatics in any religion make up a very small percentage of the overall population of a religion. Only you can determine if your spiritual compass is on target. From where I sit, it's pointing at Fear and refuses to move. Maybe it's been demagnetized.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

LOL that's not true! Now you're just being ignorant and argumentative :) I encourage you to look deeper to discover what the real root is for you on this issue. As for saying that the same cannot be said about 'xtains'...well... there are many who have said the same is true for Christians. They are just as wrong as you are. If you're looking for a good debate, you need to educate yourself first. Education is the difference between debate and senseless arguing. You've got some work to do :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Hi Bigcherry,

Excellent questions that you have! I am not able to tell you what your spiritual understanding "should be", as that is between you and the God of your understanding and it is absolutely up to you to do your own spiritual work.

Just as there are two sides to every coin, there is always more than one explanation or understanding or perception of just about everything. The question becomes then, why do you CHOOSE to make your's negative? What prevents you from looking deeper?

[orpheustansen]

LOL! 72 virgins... Funny stuff, Sam! Thanks for trying to "edumacate" the people. :o) As a muslim, queer and an American I appreciate it greatly.

[SamHarrisCOM]

alpacino456, part two is about to go up soon with part three to follow shortly after. 

Sam's web guy.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Oh bigcherry...you need to do some research rather than pulling random quotes commonly misused to spread ignorance, fear & intolerance. In fact, the Bible and the Qur'an are nearly identical in their statements and message. I know it's easier & faster to subscribe to propaganda of any kind than it is to do your own work, but little is more important than spiritual understanding. It's worth it to do the work because the payoff is huge.

[SamHarrisCOM]

So well put. Thank you EmpSanc.

Sam

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Thanks Sam :)

[AmyRoseXOXOXO]

Thanks Sam!Great video.XOXO

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Wow Sammy! Awesome vid! You're bringing such an important message with this series of interviews because it is way past time for the world to begin the healing process, and that begins with communication. When we take the time to compare our similarities and differences, what we walk away with, if we're good listeners, is that we are all more alike than we are different. I did a show like this one recently and got the same positive response you're getting here. Keep up the good work!

[SamHarrisCOM]

Thank you! Parts 2 & 3 come to that conclusion as well. I appreciate your appreciation.

[grillgirll]

great FF. You never cease to amaze me.

[TheVideoEditGuy]

Religion Sam! That's going to drive this video count through the roof. Going to get bumpy around here in the comment section.

Cutting through all the smoke of conflict over religion arguments and wars. Fear masking itself as anger is what drives one religious belief against the another.

The 1st step in tackling fear is, understanding. Thanks for taking a step towards that Sam.

[SamHarrisCOM]

I know you are right. This video was not meant o create conflict, but I suppose it is unavoidable. I hope that never keeps me from trying to learn more, expand my mind and ideas and come up with educated opinions rather than spun ones based on fear or someone else's fear. We shall see what comes from this. In parts 2 & 3 I directly question more about our cultural differences in an effort to understand what is behind the faction of violence and the true meaning of the religion without the anger.

[TheVideoEditGuy]

Like Dr. Bonner says.. "all are one"

:)

[onepeacenow]

Maybe sweet Emma is saying, hellooo.... it's simple, we are all one. : )

As long as one promotes and enables separateness, one cannot be whole.

One Peace

xoxo Tresa

[VLPRESL]

tresa, you are absolutely right about that. my "church" preached that we were the chosen ones and anyone not in it was doomed to go to hell. if we even dated outside the church, the members were ex-communicated. cultish...isn't it?? -vicki

[bobmccollar]

I'm sure you mean well Sam, but give me a f-ing break. Name me a Muslim country where they have a gay bar Sam; how about one where you can be gay without fear of being murdered by your own government; or a muslim country where they have even the basic level of human rights of most western countries. Look at the muslim countries' voting records at the UN. How about their collective reaction when the President of Iran threatens to eliminate all of Israel--hear any objections to that from them???

[grillgirll]

How about France? I'll bet they have gay bars. And a huge Muslim population. If it were up to the religious fanatics in this country, we'd have no gay bars either. There is a difference between culture and religion. Do not mistake culture for religion.

[wcduke]

While I agree with your last sentence, I think the intent of bobmccollar's question was to name a country which is historically/traditionally Muslim that does not discriminate against gays and other minorities. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think there is one. Not that Americans on the whole are much better, but at least our government doesn't stone to death its citizens who are known homosexuals as a matter of law.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

Hi Bob,

Consider for a moment that there are far more people who's spiritual understanding & beliefs far exceed those taught by the religion they ascribe to. When one's spiritual understanding grows beyond the teachings of their chosen religion, then that one is not bogged down in the man made dogma that is inherent in every religion. Besides, Grill is right - Religion, Spirituality, & Culture are 3 very different things. Lumping them together diminishes understanding & breeds ignorance.

[RenaissanceMan929]

this is pretty cool stuff, I can't wait for part II

[onepeacenow]

This is great. I love learning more about everyone.

I'm looking forward to more. : )

Thanks Sam and Murad!

xoxo- tresa

[Nobbyboy2]

uh..... have you ever talked to a Christian? The Bible is, indeed, thought to be the literal word of God. People who call themselves fundamentalist Christians believe in the literal word of the Bible as the literal word of God. Watch a few evangelical TV shows!!! I think Sam is trying to talk to a peaceful and intelligent person about the vast numbers of Muslims who are peaceful and good. The spin, I am afraid, my friend, is that Islam is a dangerous faith.

[HowardThomasWatt]

My god this has to be one of the best video's,

It is time to see how the muslin has been pulled over our eyes. Sam your Murad video has been much needed! What a nice guy Murad is. PEACE

[Nobbyboy2]

There are so many quotes from the Bible about violence, support of oppression against women, "whoever doesn't believe in me...", "an eye for an eye", etc. I agree with the person who said those koran quotes are out of context. From what I've read and hear, the overview of the koran is not about war, it is about peace. In all these ancient texts, a person can find anything to support anything. I can't wait for part 2 to see where else this goes.

[ArchieAA]

I disagree Sam, this individual's video "I am a muslim" was extremely disingenuous. Watch this Capn0awesome video:

watch?v=POV4sVlQ5cc

He sums it up quite nicely.

[princessjoots]

hey bigcherry, i dont know who you are or what slant you are coming from, and i dont know anything about the koran, but its not very useful to quote things out of context like that...peace x

[ArchieAA]

"out of context"??? WTF... I'd pay money to watch somebody try to put those quotes into a context that would seem logical and rational to any modern, intelligent individual.

[ryinthesky9]

Sam this was fantastic. Can't wait for your talk show.

[VLPRESL]

i grew up in a religion that was very exclusionary. growing up in this, i didn't feel right about it, even back then. as an adult, i realize how wrong it really was. i don't go to church for this reason but... what i try to do in my life is what you mentioned sam. "due unto others as you would have them do unto you". this vlog is so enlightening to me and i can't wait for the rest of it.xoxo-vicki

[sparkybennett]

I agree Vicki...this was a very good friend friday interview. Definitely left me wanting more!

[grillgirll]

Wow. Thank you Sam. Thank you Murad. Cant wait for Part II

[SamHarrisCOM]

Please click "watch in high quality" under the video.

[t4705mb6]

The phoney war on terror is really a war of "christians" against "muslims". Destroy some icons, kill a few thousand people and they'll rise up...with enough well placed propaganda. What else were the planners in there ivory towers to do? The "cold war" is over. Wars make them LOTS of money! (Sell arms to blow it up. Sell goods to build it again and again and again.) These guys play our fears like a fine tuned violin. Wars on cancer, poverty, illiteracy, drugs, crime...all make money. Who GAINS?

[wcduke]

I agree. If you accept and understand that fear is part of the human condition, which (unfortunately) is the emotion most responsible for causing people to act out, then the notion of those with power using that fear to control the masses should not be a surprise.

[t4705mb6]

Thank you. I'm not used to rational responses to my comments.

'War on terror' was set up by internationalists- wealthy investors. (Profits are down after the end of the bogus 'cold war'.) The 'war on illiteracy' was set up to privatize schools & has to do with profit, NOT education. The 'war on drugs' was set up by government & business for BILLIONS- INFLATING price of drugs. They smuggle drugs & launder $ through Wall St. banks (Citi & Chase). Notice how it gets WORSE & the $ is NOT shared!

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

This is my 3rd attempt to respond, I must be using a word that's being snagged by the filters for whatever reason. So I'll keep it short and sweet. I agree with your statement and am unsure why it got negative ratings. There is far too much reliance on govt to 'protect" us from this that and the other, and govt uses our fears to slowly and surely strip away our freedoms, telling us its for our won good, and the fearful believe it and support it. As a result, Govt & friends keep getting richer.

[t4705mb6]

This will probably sound insane. I had a HORRIBLE childhood but saved myself. Instead of becoming a serial killer I understood others motivations that caused suffering- GREED.

We are headed for a world government. There is no denying that. Communication & OVERpopulation show us that.

Here is what "I" think we need to do NOW. Put a cap on individual PROFIT! Change the laws. Release ANYONE from prison jailed for victimless crime. Only arrest those that cause misery & suffering through greed.

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

hmm I don't think that sounds insane at all actually. I think your point about greed is a valid one. I would add to that, as a cause of strife in the world, is a lack of compassion and the prevalence of fear. While I think it might be difficult to define what exactly is a victimless crime, I agree with the thought in general. Its ridiculous that murder often gets less time in jail than a dime bag for example.

[t4705mb6]

My statement was VERY condensed. I think one of life's biggest problems is that we pick apart everything until we can't put the pieces back together. Im "MY" opinion, those out to "profit" on the suffering of others is the very WORST crime.

People who live in 32 room mansions on 2000 acre estates, don't do ANT 'work', don't pay taxes & RUN the world while BILLIONS work til they drop but can't afford FOOD...ARE criminals.

Is THIS what we want? Is THIS our end?

It's 97% against 3%!!

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

You're right, having to condense statements due to text limitations can lead to misunderstanding.

I completely agree with what you're saying here - "those who profit on the suffering of others is the very worst crime" - very well said! There should be a very special place for folks like that...maybe sentencing them to life in the ghetto while we move the folks that suffer there to the mansions. Wouldn't that be a kick in the ass? I wouldn't mind being witness to that :)

[EmpowermentSanctuary]

To clarify, I agree with comments about govt and war on this and war on that. I don't agree this is a war between Christians and Muslims. I see it as govt using religious fear between the two groups to garner support for a war that's entirely about oil, money, power & domination, which IMO is based on a twisted interpretation of the Christian bible at the hands of our dictator...errr.."president" and his ignorant buddies.