Very interesting discussion. I unfortunately, only because it seems so bleak, agree with much that Aquamander has to say. I am, every time I hear of ANOTHER suicide bombing in Israel, or another atrocity committed by so-called Islamic leaders on their own people, horrified by so much that clearly symbolizes a religion that, on one hand speaks of it's love of peace and goodwill, yet on the other hand offers such a fertile garden for hatred and intolerance.

Women are treated as secondary citizens....personal freedoms are virtually non-existent.....and control over the constituents and followers is oftentimes so brutal and totaliterian that any deviation from accepted practices can result in unbelievable punishment.

I do think that Islamic practice is one that does have a basis in good, and that most practitioners of the religion are good. But increasingly, leaders of Islamic based governement are successfully building a a framework of hatred against anything that counters their manipulative beliefs, derived from devining varied messages from the Koran.

I do see, unfortunately, a continued polarization between traditional Western philosophy and the Islamic world. A polarization that will result in many more untold deaths and destruction. And yes, I do believe that many more terrorist attacks will happen here, as they have continued to happen in other parts of the world. The Islamic extremists responsible for such behavior will take tremendous joy in watching you bleed, hearing your children scream and watching your homes burn. Do not fool yourselfs.

My question is when do we as a society, on the verge of such a very dangerous point in our existence, start to take these threats seriously, and act in whatever means necessary to defend ourselves and our children?

Hopefully soon enough that there is still something to protect.