I’ve seen photo captures of the Berg beheading… in its entirety. I would not recommend this for anyone.

I’ve also visited websites such as Jihadwatch.org that discuss particular aspects of Jihad and how it should be combatted. Much of the commentary is xenophobic hysterics claiming that Islam is inherently violent, evil, etc. and must be opposed at all costs.

At the risk of leading us down a bad thread, I’m curious as to people’s thoughts on the subject. Is Jihadism a perversion of Islam, or is there something inherent in the religion of Islam that is conducive to such extremism (as opposed to Christianity, Buddhism, etc.)?

My gut says that such extremism could have found its root in any number of texts i.e. Old Testament, Quran, etc. In other words, killers/extremists will adopt and pervert any number of religions or ideologies to suit their evil aims. Such perversion is not inherent to the religion or ideology as a whole. But, am I being blind to something inherent in the religion/culture?

Seeing those images has really shaken me, and I’m wondering if folks felt the same way.

Today’s reason: it’s a trust issue.

Krugman writes an excellent Op-Ed covering the number of times the Bushies have asked for our trust only to reveal they aren’t worthy of it.

Just trust us, John Ashcroft said, as he demanded that Congress pass the Patriot Act, no questions asked. After two and a half years, during which he arrested and secretly detained more than a thousand people, Mr. Ashcroft has yet to convict any actual terrorists.