This is just a reminder: the real problem is not the muslims running around with bombs strapped to their chests. The real problem is religious extremists (and extremists in general, for that matter) – regardless of the flavor.

Oddly Enough News Article | Reuters.com

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – An outbreak of deadly bird flu in Israel is God’s punishment for calls in election ads to legalize gay marriages, according to Rabbi David Basri, a prominent sage preaching Kabbalah or Jewish mysticism.

“The Bible says that God punishes depravity first through plagues against animals and then in people,” Basri said in a religious edict quoted by his son.

There will be no freedom of religion until we can be free from religion. As long as people are willing to listen to the words of assholes like David Basri and believe they are handed down from some deity, the killing will continue.

For all you religious types out there, a suggestion: Make up your own minds. Don’t blindly follow someone because he talks pretty and tells you he’s closer to god than you. If there is a god, talk to him/her/it yourself. When some asshole steps up and starts telling you to change because “god wants it”, or that the latest disaster was “punishment from god”, beat his ass and send him packing. The world will be a better place for it, I assure you.

David Basri just happens to be today’s steaming pile, he’s certainly not alone in the field.