Response to "Riots point to basic religious differences"

Mr. James Roller stated in his opinion on June 5th that the "Islamic extremists" who committed murder because of the desecration of the Qur’an demonstrated a "fundamental difference between Christianity and Islam."  First, I believe the riots resulted in killings not murders or perhaps Mr. Roller was referring to something else?  Second, it’s a misconception to say that Islam endorses murder.  Neither Islam nor Christianity endorses murder.  The riots and the unfortunate deaths were caused by the deep hurt and scars of injustice endured by people in the Muslim world, not some fundamental Islamic teachings.  Extremists will use any excuse to incite hatred as we can easily witness here in America. As Americans, we don’t experience oppression and therefore find the emotions expressed by a few in the Muslim world shocking.  We must recognize the state of mind that some Muslims are in throughout parts of the world today.  Compassion and understanding is our best weapon against terrorism.  It calms and soothes the sores of the Muslim people.  Don't forget about the thorn in the lion's paw and what happened to the lion when it was finally removed.