It would appear that hate groups are on the rise once again in New Jersey and in America in general, and while there are some people of religious faith who do step forward to challenge this rise, too many more of us do not. One would think that those who believe that God, the One and Only, created us humans in God’s image, would be pounding the pavements and streets of our American towns and cities to call upon us all to cease our acts and words of bigotry and hatred. But too few of our clergy of every religion take the time to stand up and challenge the bigots and haters.

Our American forefathers gave us an incredible gift when they created our United States Federal Constitution. But that was only the start. Their gift to us included a responsibility for us to continue to grow into an even better nation. We still have a way to go, and those who claim a faith in God and in religion need to show by their actions that their claims are valid. Differences in opinions between one human and another deserve a civil discourse. If God truly created us all, the differences in one’s skin color, one’s tribal heritage, one’s religion or anything else deserve our understanding and our respect, for the remaining similarities among us all be they the structure of our bodies or the structure of our brains far outnumber and outweigh our very few differences.

One doesn't have to go far or wait long to hear or read about anti-Muslim rhetoric. And there are good reasons to be concerned about today's Muslim extremists. But, it is such a complicated subject, made all the more so by those foolish things called history books. If only I could focus solely on the threats and challenges of those in the Muslim world who feel comfortable abducting school girls who dare to seek an education and equality with men. If the news was only about adult Muslims who feel compelled to send their children to their death through the use of suicide bombs in order to kill persons perceived by Muslims to be infidels, it would be easier for me to understand the constant roil over Muslims. But here's my problem. My history books don't allow for this myopic focus. My history books force me to acknowledge the death and destruction that occurred through the wars between the Hebrews themselves. Not to be outdone, the Christian crusades left an incredible mark among the human specie. Likewise the wars between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland and elsewhere created a long term disaster. The power of the British Empire waving its strength in the middle east created tensions and bitter feelings among the Arab world that linger to this day. And our America of today, some might say, has not helped to overcome Muslim extremism with our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yes, I know, there are always two sides to any argument, and given that this argument, which has lasted for many centuries, could keep on going for many more, I'm prone to digress to another subject.

Take a listen. I think the Jackson 5 were a decent sounding group.

                                              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxEcOoUsUs

                                                           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-bkFfpOFqw