'Death to anyone who says we're violent!'

This business with the pope and the outrage over his statements about Islam is crazy.

Last week he gave a speech where he referenced a record of a 14th century conversation between Byzantine Christian emperor, Manuel II Paleologus, and a Persian scholar. Here is the piece of text he quoted:

“Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

The pope didn't say if he agreed with that sentiment at the time, but he sure is backing off from it now.

Muslims took this as a criticism. They thought the pope was saying Islam was a violent religion.

So how have they responded? With violence. Churches in the Middle East have been attacked. A nun in Somalia was murdered.

On Sunday the pope said he was “deeply sorry” about the angry reaction to his speech. The Vatican says the pope's use of the quote is being taken out of conext. Nonetheless, a militant group led by al Qaeda vowed a war against the “worshipers of the cross.”

But Islam is not a violent religion, right? At least it's not supposed to be. The Muslim leaders of the world need to do a better job reminding their followers of this fact.

Who Wants to Live Forever

Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, would have turned 60 years old today. Wow.

Sadly, Mercury died of pneumonia complicated by AIDS in 1991.

Mercury was a great performer and Queen was truly one of the best bands around in the 1970s and 80s.

Freddie died much too soon. I’d love to know what Queen would have done throughout the 90s and into today.

Meanwhile, Mercury’s birthday is causing controversy in Zanzibar. He was born there when the country was still a British protectorate. A huge beach party is planned for this weekend there to celebrate the occasion. But a Muslim leader in Zanzibar wants the party banned because Mercury’s gay lifestyle conflicts with Muslim teachings.