Had no idea the majority of Salon readers could agree with a strawman man in the land of Oz. I read that Cole believes that Islam is essentially a good religion distorted by certain political appropriators.

Well, I guess these distortions began with the original political operator of Islam, Muhammad. The man that Islam recognizes as the most perfect example of ALL Muslims emulate and the most perfect human to walk the earth. This perfect Islamic example was: a rapist; ordered the murder of critics and political opponents; sanctioned the pillage of other people's property; ordered the genocide of whole groups of males, while enslaving their women and children.

The understanding of Islam begins with a simple Islamic truth: there are Muslims and there are non-believers. Those who do not believe in Allah and his messenger are Kafirs (non-believers). ALL kafirs are "despised and hated" by Allah and will be punished for eternity. Oh, by the way, Muslims have the perfect right to punish kafirs in the here and now. If you are unable to digest what that means let's spell it out. There is no golden rule in Islam.

Cole's comparison of any religion to Islam flies in the face of logic and reason. Only the ignorant or ideological stunted would consider this article more than someone suffering from a serious case of denial.

"I notice that none of the conservative posters denied the fundamental premise of the article..."

The premise of the article is ludicrous, just like the paranoids who appear to fly around in this enclave. Islam is designed to encompass all aspects of a society, both believers and non-believers. Your opinions about what Palin would do if she rises to power are really Kool-Aid stuff. I am not Christian so when I tell you this try to understand you loons are handing the Presidency to the GOP.

Cole is hopelessly misguided at the very least. All of you who like the Kool-Aid he is serving up should take the time to study Islam and what it really represents. It is estimated that Jihad has roughly claimed 270 million victims in 1400 years: 120 million Africans; 60 million Christians; 80 million Hindus; 10 million buddhist. That's 270 million people doctrine driven victims isn't history real.

You wrote

"If he does, of course, Palin will become the next president in name as well as in fact. But I think there will be some christian fundy out there, who will assassinate McCain in the name of God. To bring about God's kingdom on Earth, just like the Jewish fundy who assassinated Rabin."

I see that this is place is a watering hole for the Left leaning Moonbat, terribly amusing. But when I consider the the self-inflicted paranoid, intellectually dishonest, anguish it really is quite sad. Imagine to automatically think the worst of anyone who disagrees with the enlighten, world global warming, anti-religion class? No wonder you many of you can't spout such rubbish about Palin.

This cycle election is the past theater ever, you guys keep wadding your panties.

McCain is in wont of. While he is at it he might attempt to live up to the ethical standards of his profession. But I have to tell you his whining is most entertaining.

It reminds me of a 60 Minutes piece some years ago, which pictured a gun touting gang member playing with a handgun, showing off for the camera. After spinning the gun around and whipping it about he stuck it in his waist band. The gun goes off, the kid falls on the ground; shot himself in the foot. His peers laugh at him while he pleads for help.

Joe and you other mendacious partisans can't help but shoot yourselves in the foot. Keep the up the whining, complaining and out right bias Mc Cain can use all the help you unwillingly give him.

Joan Walsh hates Palin and she appears to be perfect example of a rabid, intellectually dishonest, mean spirited, liberal elitist. LOL, just keep smoothing the way for McCain.

David Talbot would have made great reporter during the Salem witch trials, reporting for the prosecution of course. So articles like this are what pass for journalism at Salon. Truly sad!

As I write this McCain is speaking at a town meeting challenging Obama to go around America with him and speak to the people. He even offered to even pay for the plane. He also asked his supporters to speak to their Democratic friends to urge Obama to accept this challenge. I doubt Obama has the testicles.

This is great, a bitchy attack on Palin's spouse. Some people just can't help themselves, I love it.

"Is Sarah Palin America's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? The two differ in many key respects, of course, but it is remarkable how similar they are. There are uncanny parallels in their biographies, their domestic politics and the way they present themselves -- even in their rocky relationships with party elders."_Juan Cole

To identify a Straw Man Argument, you must be familiar enough with the topic in question to recognize when someone is setting up a caricature. Understanding when someone is using this deceptive tactic is the best way to call attention to the weakness of the straw man position.

A Straw Man Argument is a statement a person makes if they want to more easily attack an opposing position.

Juan Cole is a man of learning? Enough said!

http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/011177.php