To be openminded is to frequently be uncomfortable and uncertain. Most people dislike openmindedness as much as they dislike truth. Perhaps the most difficult task is to openmindedly give thoughtful consideration to ideas which we initially find abhorrant.

Who has ever been more abhorrant, in word and deed, than Osama Bin laden ? And yet, at least one of his central ideas might have some merit.

Bin laden believed that the United States is too heavily involved in middle eastern affairs, that the U.S. wields too much influence too far from its shores.

This is not altogether unreasonable. It could reasonably be argued, as it has by many Americans, that America should become self sufficient in obtaining energy sources, and less involved in middle eastern matters.

The merit of any idea or opinion should be measured independently of its originator or adherants.

If we can openmindedly measure the merit of an idea from Bin Laden, we can do anything...