Our government and the media refuse to tell the American people about the truthful reason why so many young Muslims are easily radicalized by terrorist groups. It is far more simple than the “experts” would like you to believe. The truth is connected to the reason why Christianity is failing to receive more converts, while atheism and Islam are experiencing an increase in the numbers of younger individuals are deciding that they support alternative religions, or none at all.

First of all, let’s address what we know. There is no way to know the number of people around the world who refuse to align themselves with any religion. What we do know is that more than 65 million Americans have denounced organized religion. I am one of the many who refuse to be told how to live my life and what to believe by another man. If we believe in any form of a supreme being, we are certain that he or she has given us the tools to know right from wrong, and how to become spiritual beings.

After this fact is the truth about the religion of Islam. Muslims are experiencing the fastest growing religion in the world. The reality is that this is in direct response to nations who claim that Christianity is their only religion, and are both opposed to the existence of Muslims, but also encourage violent responses to their very existence.

Before you become angry, and fallaciously claim that I condone terrorism, you must reverse your emotional response, and consider the truth.

There is never an excuse for any group or any individual to commit violence against innocent men, women, and children. These are actions of pure cowardice. Religious extremism is the greatest evil perpetrated upon the people of the world, and if it is encouraged, it will continue to grow.

On September 11, 2001, a small group of brainwashed and self-proclaimed religious extremists attacked the United States of America. These individuals lacked the courage to attack our government, or the military, they chose to commit crimes against the Quran and murder thousands of innocents who had never challenged the religion of Islam. The aftermath is why terrorism is growing in the world, and young Muslims have been easily radicalized.

The lack of intellect and understanding by our nation’s government encouraged young men and women around the world to join in the fight against countries perceived to support the annihilation of Muslims.

Today’s Republican politicians have joined their standard bearer and aggravated the situation. The labeling of all Muslims as terrorists encourages young Muslims to join radical Islamists, who in fact reject the teachings of Muhammad.

Although I am among those who denounce all organized religion, and am convinced that they are no less than cults, I defend any individual to practice the faith of their choosing. Millions of people all over the world feel the need for instruction about how to live their lives. This is freedom of choice, and any true American will defend their rights.

However, the facts speak for themselves. Organized religion is the cause for most of the violence and death of innocents throughout the history of mankind.

Many in our nation have created a war against Islam. This is the reason why the leaders of ISIS and Al Qaeda have discovered an easy path to find recruits for their false and self-serving ambitions. The uneducated and uninformed minds of humans are easy to control. Our government is complicit in the aid of terrorist groups who find it easy to convince immature minds to believe in their ambitions.

The war against terrorism will not be won on the battlefield. It is a war of changing mindsets and of information. When governments engage in emotional warfare there can be no victory. Our government is run by ignorant men and women who seek personal gain over the future of our nation and the world.

The solution in the defeat of terrorism is based on factors which are simple and logical. Nations must recognize human rights and equality for all of their citizens. Isolation or the damnation of any group is unforgivable. Humanity must be allowed to make choices in regards to the manner in which they live their lives. Extremism, racism, and prejudice in any form results in fear, anger, hatred, and eventually violence.

The United States of America leads much of the world in the evils which create negative values. Our politicians seek the division of our nation’s people for the sole purpose of retaining office in our nation’s government. Our people must deny efforts to brainwash our people and recognize the fact that we have a common enemy. Reject professional politicians, and our nation will once again be free and offer justice for all.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Arian Zwegers

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