Make Peace with the Peace Train

'Tis time to make peace with the man who sang "Peace Train."

"Cause out on the edge of darkness,
  "There rides a peace train.
"Oh, peace train take this country --
  "Come take me home again."

America was never his home, never home to Cat Stevens. And Cat, now known as Yusuf, or Yusuf Islam, has gone through much since he first sang that song. He became a Muslim, said something that was taken as calling for the death of Salman Rushdie (author of "The Satanic Verses"), and when he was flying to America, was turned around when authorities took him for a terrorist.

Forgive him. Let bygones be bygones, with it clear he is not a terrorist and does not live for violence. This is the man who sang "Peace Train." A few years ago, in one of his concerts, he sang, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." I think he meant it, as a statement, as a plea.

'Twill be a tragedy if he goes to his deathbed without peace being made with America. He is not a dangerous war criminal, and should be welcome on American soil.