It's Christmas, which is time for peace on earth. As American society weighs its relationship with Muslims, I wish we would make peace with one Muslim, Cat Stevens, who is now known as Yusuf Islam.
He sang one of the better songs of all time.
"Cause out on the edge of darkness,
"There rides a peace train.
"Oh, peace train take this country --
"Come take me home again."
Some will never forgive him. 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. He had contributed to a Mid East charity that, in turn, gave to the terrorists.
Christmas being about peace on earth, let's make peace with the man who sang "Peace Train." We should see he is not a terrorist and does not live for violence. A few years ago, in one of his concerts, he sang, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." I would not be surprised if it was personal to him. I think he meant it, as a statement, as a plea.
Bless him, this time of year. Though he became a Muslim, bless him. I wish we showed the spirit of our religion, this time of year, and forgave him.
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