In the aftermath of 7/07.

Another tragic, senseless, coordinated attack. Another series of questions about what/where/why/when/how (but no longer who, even though the perpetrators haven't been identified). Another speech about resolve and not letting the terrorists win. Another collection of opinion-whores spewing out angry diatribes and asking where the moderate Muslims are to prove that this isn't indicative of the violence that must be inherent in their religion. Another community/faith/opinion leader from a beleaguered and tired community who must come onto the airwaves proclaiming love of nation-state, love of freedom, love of peace, and declaring that these terrorists, these perpetrators must be stopped, conduct acts against humanity, and are part of a fringe group.

I don't understand why the mainstream press doesn't tackle this issue. I don't understand why people can't see how humiliating, and sometimes self-defeating, it is to have so-called Moderate Muslims (as if they are a rare breed) parade on television and proclaim their outrage.

First, do people really think that the perpetrators of these crimes are truly of a faith? Or is this racial and ethnic stereotyping in the guise of religious branding?

Second, does it really quell the anger and resentment of white and other citizens to have someone come on television with a damnation of terrorism when they are only seeing red, or brown, and looking for someone to blame?

Third, why does everyone expect them to come out, anyway? Do we just take for granted that everyone should be a public apologist and dartboard for the actions of fringe extremists who claim to share your faith? If so, there are a whole lot of Christians in the United States who should be hemming and hawing about all the handiwork of the Cross burners continue to do around the nation.

Finally, engage these communities more deeply, and stop asking questions with the hope of trying to get someone to admit that they were rooting for the fringe few. These are not foreigners amongst us, if only we open our hearts more fully to them. In the carnage strewn upon our broken streets, dreams, and skyscapes, our bloods mingle, our ashes are spread together to the wind.