I strongly disagree that we were attacked because they hate our freedoms.  That's a mental band-aid the government handed us to put on because of its unassailable simplicity.

Which is why I said "among the reasons" and I do believe that they hate the freedoms (not just constitutional but cultural) we have as they are portrayed in our popular culture because it is in direct conflict with their interpretation of Islam.

Edited to add:

I didn't mean it as "Hannity" shorthand.

Geoff I do owe you a big apology, you are not the typical closed minded republican.

Thank you . . . but do you see the insult inherent in that statement? I know you didn't mean it so I don't take offense but "typical closed minded" is insulting.  There are many closed minded people of all political stripes. 

There's enough "close mindedness" for everyone!

Its the American waaaaaay . . .

(Just kidding, sort of).

Thanks, Jodi.

I can live with being seen as a curious guy with a self-deprecating sense of humour who has the occasional insight. It doesn't paint a wholly accurate picture of who I am and what I think and feel, but it's a lot closer to the real me than much of what's been suggested about me here recently.

Thanks for the pick-up. Much appreciated.

Al:

You cooky cannuck cut up -- you know we all love ya!  I sent in my papers for the Al Cook Fan Club -- I'm just waiting for the secret decoder ring!

you not wanting to elaborate on the definitions of Terrorists or combatant or defender speaks volumes.

I did elaborate to the extent I felt warranted.  Why is it that if it's not the answer you hoped for or you don't like or agree with an answer you resort to personal attacks?  Just curious.

Geoff, Matt, you know I love you guys like brothers, but I'm afraid I have to disagree on that statement.

I think it's possible, like Geoff says, that one of many reasons the religious fanatics attacked us was that, yes, yes, our cultural differences bother them (just as they bother our own home-bread religious fanatics.  Michael Savage, anyone?) - but if we continue to present it in the words of the propagandists - "they hate our freedoms" - that bothers me.  

I know that you guys - Matt and Geoff - you're intellegent guys but a lot of people hear this sort of jingoistic talk "they hate our freedoms" and they think we're up against Dr Doom or Ming the Merciless or something.  It's a lot more complex than that, and it bothers me when the complexity of the situation is reduced to bad comic book/action movie dialogue.

Having said that, Geoff, of course I agree that I'm all for strong national security.  Everyone is.  In fact, in this case, the FBI and CIA were trying their hardest to do just that.  They should continue this work. 

This is a big point of mine - we're not fighting a nation - we're fighting individual criminals; so why are we using soldiers?  Why aren't we using the FBI, the CIA, etc?

Thank you . . . but do you see the insult inherent in that statement? I know you didn't mean it so I don't take offense but "typical closed minded" is insulting.  There are many closed minded people of all political stripes. 

I stand corrected, but the intent was nothing but love for you and Al