As I seek to understand Islam, there are fresh pieces of evidence to consider.

Do Muslims hate Jews?

I occasionally hear that Muslims don't hate Jews.  I find that hard to stomach based on what I see in the news almost everyday. 

• The conference in Iran that is entertaining the notion that the Holocaust didn't exist would be like the Jews hosting a conference to say Muhammed never existed. 
• A casual reading of Al-Jazeera makes it clear that every conspiracy that would incite hatred against the Jews is given credibility and top billing on the site.
• Muslim dictators have long held power by using the Jews as a common enemy with the people.  It's like the charges of racism or rape, they always work whether they're true or not and they seem quick to pull that trigger.

Do Muslims hate other Muslims?

Obviously this is a generalization at an extreme, but Fatah and Hamas slaughtering even the little children of their enemies and Sunnis and Shiites slaughtering faceless crowds of Muslims of a different flavor tells me there is more hate in Islam than can even be spent on non-Muslims.

Is Islam just a cover for violence?

This cannot be true.  But most Muslims seem complicit in their silence towards the evil actions of the radicals.  If they're scared of the radicals, who do they think will stand up to them?  So far it looks like Bush, Blair and Australia along with a few Eastern European nations.  This should shame Muslims.

Do Muslims want to control the world?

That seems clearly true.  For the reason that they read the Koran as instructive of focing everyone to be Muslim or be dead - though there is some contradiction in verses that indicate you should live peaceably with other religions.  It depends, apparently, on which verse you choose to apply.

Do the crusades mean Christians have no moral ground to stand on?

I don't believe this at all.  Any more than I believe that since I've told a lie before that I can't tell my children or others that it's wrong to lie.  The truth is still the truth and rises above history.

Are Christians as devoted as Muslims?

It doesn't seem so.  Muslims are quite intense about their prayers, giving and study.  Though, being human, there are sins committed by any Muslim, they are quick to be self-sacrificial while Christians seem less altered by their faith, at least in America.  I'm speaking about averages here and not all Christians or Muslims, but this is my observation.

Can Muslims live in a democracy?

Tough question.  I don't know.  But I think they are as likely as anyone to desire human rights and freedom, which are famously violated by any militaristic dicatatorship.  The life-risking blue thumbs in Iraq indicated a willingness to risk their safety for the chance to be free and Turkey is an excellent example of a democracy that works well.

....the search continues.

sharp

...where is the critique of Annan?

His criticism of Bush may or may not be valid, but he certainly has a lot of explaining to do with regards to:

• His own families personal benefit (and corruption) during his term
• Numberless dead Africans
• A major oil-for-food scandal
• Utter U.N. ineffectiveness in the face of rising world tyrants and terror

Not a record that gives much of a platform to criticize from.  In fact, he should have disappeared quietly in disgrace. 

sharp

The Fed is convinced the economy is strong and inflation is about to pounce.  Investors don't seem to agree.  There are good arguments on both sides, but the one I settle with in the end is foreign investment and the unemployment rate.  There is just too much foreign investment driving up equities and too low a rate of unemployment (meaning too much consumer liquidity) to see much of a drop in economic activity in the short term.

Being in the CPG industry I know that rising costs from fuel to health care to commodities has put intense pressure on prices.  And the low unemployment rate will soon overtake productivity increases in pressuring wages to surge (as in "bidding war").  

The old argument that deficits cause higher interest rates has finally (at least to most of us) been put out of its misery with the high deficits and low interest rates of the last few years.  The Fed couldn't even get rates to rise when they raised the funds rate. 

So, I look for inflation to show up in the Christmas numbers, the economy to show fairly robust growth in the 4th quarter (3+%) and the Fed to resume raising interest rates in the New Year.

I'm done boring you now.  Merry Christmas.

sharp 

This day is especially good because my neighbor (a Vietnam vet and a thoroughly class individual) is having a liver transplant in Nashville. God has blessed us with the ability to perform some amazing life-giving surgeries. And today my prayers are with him and all those who sit and wait for life.

My wife and I have signed our donor cards and I would encourage anyone else to who thinks they won't need the organs as much as someone else after they die.

Have a terrific day. It's truly a good one.

sharp

...will other Arab countries step up to keep Syria and Iran from further destabilizing the region?

Will the U.N. shed it's worthlessness and actually do something?

Will Democrats have the stomach to do something about it before (or when) the Syrians and Iranians attack Israel?

Will the New York Times leak America's battle plans if we do go to war?

Will they give the locations of our troops during battle to try and damage President Bush?

sharp