I realize that you are going through some tough times with a nutbar going ballistic in Sydney (we had the same in Canada a few weeks ago). The loss of brave and innocent lives is heart wrenching.

However, I am awed by your response with the "I'll Ride With You" message to honest to goodness Muslims in Australia. "No greater love...."

Difficult times call for clear thinking and compassion for the victims, their families and friends, but equally for those who might be "implicated" or otherwise caught in a generalization purely by association with a legitimate belief.

We must together draw on the best inside us and demonstrate the ideal our two societies embrace.

At this time it is difficult to say Merry Christmas but I must because of all the very fine people I met in our travels around Australia. You, they deserve heartfelt greetings and we give them freely.

May the New Year see more not less insanity and determination to see that human beings are treated as equals by others.