PZ Myers has a more visceral response to the rioting in Afghanistan, entitled “Shades of gray.” I won’t quote it, because it really should be read in full. What I appreciate most is that he identifies motivations such as honor and vengeance that obscure the fact that humans are murdering other humans in cold blood. It’s what disturbs me about seeing a New York Times headline that reads “Afghans Avenge Florida Koran Burning.” No, they’re not. To avenge is to retaliate for harm done to oneself or to loved ones by striking back against those who caused it. Myers would not consider even that acceptable, but it is not what is happening here.