Fred,

First happy thanksgiving, in the spirit of the tradition from which it comes.

Second, (scratching my head on this one) I think you misread my response re: reforming Islam. Christianity is a good alternative, IMO. The Pope still moves with the grand march of humanity.
The Abraham Lincoln Quote of the day, “I destroy my enemies when I make them my friend.” It is not always possible, but it is doable. There comes a time when for us forgiveness is the better part of valor, at the very least giving hope to those who are hopelessly lost in their bad choices gives us a wedge a weapon and an opening to destroy the vile thing. That thought can only excuse actions is true enough, but actions can be moderated by thought, planting doubt, inserting fear, diminishing confidence. Take away the perceived moral high ground of the terrorists will reduce the effectiveness and support for terror pigs. Forgiveness is a tool it is not an excuse for inaction. Fatalism is not an excuse either.