Editor,
I have always had an insatiable curiosity. Today, that insatiable curiosity prompts me to ask this question: Is it possible that the people in this country who demonstrate against constructing an Islamic building near the World Trade Center site and/or commit violent acts aimed at impeding construction of the building are unaware that their actions are being used by Al-Qaeda and the Taliban as conclusive proof that Christians in this country are an enemy force that must be opposed at all costs?
I prefer to think that they are not aware of this, because if they are we have a much more serious problem.
These people — who seem to have deluded themselves into believing that they are living according to Jesus’ teachings — serve as ammunition for Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in their efforts to obtain recruits (and yes, suicide bombers).
I would like to see this emphasized on prime-time newscasts so that it becomes common knowledge. The path to harmony, love and peace is not constructed with violent language that only results in more violent language. Nor is that path constructed with violent acts that result in more violent acts.
My insatiable curiosity prompts me to ask another question: Is a person who provides physical or verbal ammunition to a terrorist group guilty of having committed a terrorist act?
Robert Gardiner
Community member
