As I sat listening to the Hallelujah Chorus, the 1812 Overture, Pachelbel's Canon, Wellington's Victory, and the end music to 'Mission to Mars', had an epiphany of sorts. I don't know if some of you may have thought of this, but the thought of it happening saddened me to the quick. The soaring beauty of the Chorus would be gone, the triumphant ending to the Overture is no longer heard, the stirring paean of the finale of the Victory, Pachelbel's continuoes and countermelodies would not enchant and the serenity of 'A Heartbeat in Space' would not soothe. Oh, how I would miss them.

What happens to all the beautiful music, the wondrous art, soul-stirring writing if the jihadis win and a worldwide, or even a continental Caliphate is established? In my mind's eye, I see the lights of human knowledge and beauty extinguished, never to cause the human spirit to soar and exult for a very long time, if ever again. I saw a world darkened in a greater sense than just the lights of streets and cities gone.

I read a book some time back by Tom Kratman called "The Caliphate". I hope you make it a part of your 'to read' list.