Reuters Photo

It is with extreme sadness that most of the world looks at the events that struck the United 
States on September 11, 2001. I say "most" because there are small pockets of extremists
that supported the actions and even rejoiced. The USA is resolved to rid the world of these
terrorists and terrorism in general. This is not the first time the United States has taken such
a stand. In the time of the Barbary Coast Pirates (who were Muslims that originally attacked
Catholic pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land) were using terrorism and extortion against
American merchant ships. In 1799 the United States paid for "protection" against the 
Tripoli-based "corsairs" (their ships). In 1801, the US stated they would no longer pay the
extortion. Quickly the Pacha of Tripoli declared war on the US. It was from an heroic response
from the United States Marine Corps that there bases were overrun and they were defeated. It
is also from this that part of the Marine Corps Hymn comes, "...to the shores of Tripoli." 
So, we're at it again - and it's against a Moslem foe again. See this page: 
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/ops/barbary.htm for more information.

What is even more troubling to me is hearing "Christian" preachers out there essentially
saying "We deserved it." Well, excuse me! The thousands of people that lost their lives
did not "deserve" this. They were people from all over the world just doing their jobs or
flying home or to work - where they were and who they were was not "deserving" of this 
senseless killing by a terrorist organization. Some of these "Christian" preachers condemn
the fact that people are gathering together to pray and share their grief, complaining that
most of these people haven't sought God in years, and it was this event that has "drawn"
them to such expressions. 

Still others argue that Christians should not pray with Jews and Moslems (some ignorantly say "Arabs") because they are praying to different gods. Why these "ministers" feel the need to attack such gatherings that are done in charity is beyond me. What such gatherings DO show is that we are not like "them" (the terrorists). We can handle diversity in our society - and that's part of what makes America a strong nation. The biggest "target" of this "ministers" was the Billy Graham meeting. This was not meeting of any "religion" it was a grieving/healing meeting for Americans who had just suffered a great loss. It can be argued that only God provides true healing, but that argument is at a much different level than what has transpired since September 11, 2001. Let us not lose sight of this. Of course, I, as a Catholic, would like to argue that Catholicism holds the fullness of the Truth - but I have refrained from using this platform as the means to that end. Yes, I am a Catholic - but I'm also an American! When our fellow Americans have been hurt so severely on so many different levels - this is
not the platform for apologetics.

Don't be hateful to our fellow Americans in this time of pain, recovery and defense. If you see Christians, Moslems and Jews praying together - don't be so upset, rather be hopeful that this witness of charity may reach those who harbor hatred.