Clint, I did not intend this to be an all day debate. You are absolutely right in that too many people of all races and religions have died because of this attack. And I agree that the U.S.A. had political as well as emotional reasons for toppling the Iraqi government. But don't think for one minute that I don't care about Iraqi civilians. It doesn't matter if they are black, muslim, or anything else. First and foremost they are people. Muslims have not only a right, but a duty to try to convert others to their Faith. What I object to is the terrorists who do not strive to convert, but to enslave not only people of other countries, but their own as well. I don't know what would have happened if the U.S. hadn't retaliated for 9/11. Perhaps it would have been a recruiting poster to more 15 and 16 yr olds to strap on explosive belts. Who knows? Surrey and Nanaimo aren't far enough away to be safe. No place is safe.

This is the last I will say on the matter, but know this. My family is made up of African Canadians, Orientals, Native Canadians, Russians, Italians, and yes, several different Faiths including Islam. I am not a bigot. Never have been - never will be. My father sheltered Japanese Canadians during the time when they were wrongly imprisoned in Canada.

That's it Clint. Nothing else to say. I guess we just have to agree to disagree. But I don't think our beliefs are that far apart.

Marlinspike