So here's a random local news story I came across the other day: http://www.wsmv.com/news/15325676/detail.html If you are too lazy to stick that address in your browser, here's the summary: a couple of guys set fire to a mosque in Columbia, TN (about 50 miles south of Nashville. To add insult to injury, they painted swastikas and hateful words all over the mosque as well. I don't really see any reason why religious hate crimes are still happening in the United States in the 21st century. In a country based on ideas like freedom of religion and diversity, specific groups shouldn't be targeted for their beliefs. Not in 2008. It's kind of ridiculous in my opinion. This incident serves as a perfect example of the two faces of America: the nice, accepting face we want the world to see and the hateful, angry face that we all know actually exists. I hate hearing about religious-based violence. Being a skeptic, I do not personally adhere to a particular religion, but I still have a lot of respect for people who hold strong religious convictions. What I don't understand is why people feel the need to harm others who have beliefs different than their own. Obviously, it's expecting way too much that everyone will one day randomly stop hating each other and become friends. It just seems kind of pathetic that the world still fights about religion. When people become embroiled in a godly struggle, they tend to ignore other pressing issues.