Geov Parrish, I always like your columns and I agree with you about the nightlife situation which you addressed in your column in the Aug. 1 Capitol Hill Times. But I have a quibble over language. It may seem minor to you, but it is important, in my view.
You casually, carelessly misused the term jihad ("Nickel's jihad") to mean something akin to "a bad/evil/misguided cause," or "a war upon" or a "vendetta," etc. This parallels the meaning given to the word by the mainstream media whenever they discuss or exaggerate or malign what Muslims are up to.
I am aware that extremist Islamists use the word to describe nefarious plans and actions, but that is not what the word is really about. It means something such as a personal religious goal-something between an individual and God to a devout Muslim (I am not sure exactly; I forget, even though it has been explained to me in the past).
But I do know that jihad is not a word to use as a synonym for bad things, as listed above. Please don't fall into the trap laid by the mainstream media, as misuse of this and related words only serves to foment hatred and prejudice against Muslims. I am sure you do not intend that, but the continuing misuse of words relating to Islam and Muslim culture, and the repetition of negative connotations, do have an effect on how people think, consciously or unconsciously.
Erin Wade
Capitol Hill
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