Understanding Islam: Why we Don't

What has done more damage to Islam, the cartoons, or the demonstrations? What has resulted in the eyes of the west is a reminder that some who follow Islam have taken a violent path and their intent on the destruction of the Western world. Funded by oil money, diamonds, and false charities Muslim terrorists groups have run havoc over the world killing thousands of men women and children.

Often, we see not only the destruction by their bombs with promises of more to come, but we are subjected to their onslaught of hate and despise for all that is western. Many Muslims just don't like us, our policies or our ideas. We can accept dislike and we can tolerate hate. We draw the line when they plan to kill us.

On the other hand, other Muslims desperately want us to understand them, to see their purity in belief, and their closeness to God. And the vast majority of Muslims have offered a positive contribution to the good of all.

Yet, if we are to understand Islam as a peaceful religion, it is very hard to reconcile when the message given by some of their religious leaders preach for our destruction. And it is difficult to swallow the cruel practice of Sharia law that beheads and stones violators for seemingly minor offences.

The images of the protesters offer more confusion, and perhaps has done more damage to the understanding of Islam than any cartoon could ever do.