Terrorists and Islamic extremists (every group has them, no group should be judged by the extremists among them) have been calling the people of the world to Jihad, the so called holy war. The fact of the matter is, Jihad refers, for the most part, to a very holy war; it refers to the struggle within oneself. Are they wrong in calling you to Jihad? I do not believe so, even if they believe they are calling you to kill innocent people because "they are the great Satan."

I echo their cry: people of America, people of Earth, fight this holy war. Engage in that struggle within. Instead of sitting at home and cowering with fear of these terrorists, beat them at their own game. Fight them in two ways. 1) Don't fear and don't let fear keep you from living. Fear is their weapon, destroy it, conquer it. Continue to live your life and to go out with friends. 2) They want a Jihad, give it to them. Better yourself. Learn new things. Be a better neighbor and a kinder stranger. Take up a new hobby. Find interest in a life besides your own.

If we beat them at their game of terror by conquering fear, their weapon has no power. They will be fighting in vain. If we beat them at their game of "holiness," they lose their credibility and will not be able to recruit more people. They gain credibility because we are perceived as arrogant, rude and controlling. This cannot stand if we are fighting, and hopefully winning, this struggle within.

Should only religious people answer a call to Jihad? No, I don't think so. Economic theory suggests that coopetition, or cooperatively competing with each other, yields better results. When we work together, we are all better. Most people recognize that kindness to others makes the better world for all, including the original giver of kindness. Jihad could very well be secular. As the bumper sticker says, "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty." It will make America and even the world a happier, more peaceful place. It will also rob those who would cause harm to others, to strike fear into hearts, of their victory and their power.

People of the world, unite in true Jihad. Fight and win the struggle within.