>>The only question that remains is "how large is the gap between Islamic orthodoxy and fundamentalism?" I suggest it is not as large as some people think, or hope.
>>JLK
>
>I've met several Muslims in my lifetime and take offense at this statement. The best analogy that I've heard is that the bin Laden view is to Islam as the KKK is to Christianity.
>
>I consider myself to be a Christian, but would take offense if you compared what I believe to the tenets of the KKK. However, there are stronger comparisons between the KKK and the fundamentalist Christian sects.
>
> -cjh

You "take offense"? So. What does that mean? I cannot ask a question or suggest an answer if it doesn't agree with your world view?

I know of several Muslems too, and work with a couple. What does that prove? They are all ok? The fundies don't exist in significant numbers in this country? Your analogy is flawed. The KKK doesn't have millions of followers in several nations around the world, or even in this country. And, the fanatical Muslems don't wear white sheets. They've shaved their beards, got hair cuts, don't wear the turban or the robes. They have deliberately blended in so as to be un-noticeable. Where do you suppose they worship? At the traditional mosques, of course. Representatives of Ben Laden toured the mosques in California during the last year collecting donations and, according the the FBI, collected sizable amounts. Why did those in charge of those mosques allow the collections if they were 'against' Islamic fundamentalism? They were ignorant of the reason for the collections?

We considered somethings so outlandish as to be impossible... before Sept 11, when the unimaginable became reality. No is not the time to drop back into poltical correctness. Too many lives are at stake, as is our way of life.