Fortunately, not all was negative on the world stage as a former Bin Laden supporter breaking with "brother Osama" for spilling the blood of innocents and tarnishing the image of Islam.Religious intolerance is flourishing around the globe, and in 2007, the world witnessed fierce outbreaksof repression and violence, hatred and bigotry.
In the U.S., the GOP presidential contest features a disturbing contest between Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee over who is the better Christian. Huckabee asked disingenuous questions designed to fan doubts about Romney's Mormon theology, suggested that religion is a suitable test for public office and said that Americans should choose a president who speaks "the language of Zion" as a mother tongue. Romney warned against those "intent on establishing a new religion in America -- the religion of secularism." He went on to assert that "freedom requires religion, just as religion requires freedom." These statements betray a militant theism that has become alarmingly common in our national dialogue.
"My heart pains me when I think of the number of young people who had so much potential -- who would have made such great and original contributions to society, who had so much to offer that was constructive and positive -- who have been turned into living bombs. Here is the vital question that you need to ask yourself and that others have the right to demand an answer for: What have all these long years of suffering, tragedy, tears and sacrifice actually achieved?"
