According to George Carlin, the Islamic fundamentalists are going to win. Why? Sheer numbers, and the fact that they have a cause, are willing to die for that cause, and because we Americans are distracted by our way of living. It's certainly something that causes one to think.

Personally, I'm very curious as to how all of this is going to pan out. Yes, there are millions of them. And, from what I've seen, heard and read, most are extremist. How long, then, until they get their little raghead hands on a nuke? Maybe they have one now, and are waiting for the right moment. Will they strike a major city, as in 9/11, or this time will they hit rural America, just to show they can?

For the first time in our nation's history, we can't just bomb our enemy into oblivion, because he is everywhere, in some instances right under our noses. Do you ever think that maybe part of the reason for invading Iraq was to vent some frustration? Maybe we felt like we had to do something, and Afghanistan just wasn't getting it. Never mind that we're pissing off more arabs now than ever before. At least we're feeling good about it.

As for them "winning," I'm not sure I agree with Mr. Carlin. Then again, it depends on what is meant by "winning." If it means the people of Iraq will eventually thwart US occupation, ignore our efforts to democratize their nation, and thumb their noses at us, then I agree. All of the above will happen.

If, however winning means America converting to Islam, or some other silly notion, I'd have to disagree. The Billy Bobs and Bubbas of this country would find a cause to die for, rather than be ruled by an aay-rab. I believe there are many christian fundamentalists in this country with latent extremist tendencies. Religion is religion, whether it's Allah or Jesus, and both have their fanatics. Both would kill and die for their cause.

I do believe this may lead to a sort of Armageddon, though not in the traditional sense. I don't believe Jesus is going to come down with a sword (why not an M-16?) and slash all those heathen muslims. I do see a lot of bloodshed, though, on both sides, and I see it going on for the better part of this century, possibly into the next.

So why is this happening? Is it the muslims fault? Is it our fault? I'm going to get metaphysical here and say that it's simply Universal energies at work. Regardless of your beliefs, a new age is upon us. In this new age, organized religion will all but cease to exist. It's outlived it's relevance, and is now taking it's last, dying gasp. Good riddance.

The coming bloodshed may be viewed as growing pains of this new age. Think about it. A lot of institutions rely upon the masses blindly following dogma. I view dogma as encompassing both religion and politics, both of which are endangered species in the years to come.

So far, most of the fighting has taken place in the middle east. That will change soon. I used to believe that when a government official said that "it's a question of when, not if," that he or she was just trying to paralyze us with fear, or create more justification for our repression of the Iraqi and Palestinian people. Not anymore. I believe, unfortunately, it will happen. I don't believe there is a lot we can do to stop it.

Bear in mind the reason for all this bloodshed. Religion. In my opinion, it's the Great Evil. No matter if it's Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, it's all based on ignorance. Almost every war ever fought was over religion. If God condones this behavior, then I say Fuck God.

Winners? Losers? I say the losers are the ones who will cling to their God, and at the same time ask why he "would let something like this happen?" The winners are the ones who see the futility of it all, and learn to live and let live.