Sometimes, as a "conservative" -- e.g. one who thinks America's former Constitution and government form is a good thing, and believes in a limited government, and tries at random moments to be a good Christian -- I'm not always quite sure how to respond to the political "left" -- or even what the gripe is supposed to be...

For example, not long ago, CounterPunch's "Linda Heard", writing to a Muslim audience, implied that American conservative Christians -- besides being incredibly stupid -- hated Muslims and were backing efforts to start a religious war against them!

I was, of course, amazed.

Now, to my even greater surprise (given the last batch of allegations) Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters is implying, in Congress, that American conservative Christians are deeply allied with, and friends and supports of Islamic extremists!

Rep. Maxine Waters, California Democrat, charged yesterday that Pat Robertson and other religious conservatives were supporters of the Taliban in Afghanistan. But a top Justice Department official appeared puzzled by the accusation.

"Do you have conservative religious organizations in the United States who supply resources to the Taliban?" Mrs. Waters asked Barry Sabin, chief of the Counterterrorism Section for the Criminal Division, Department of Justice.

"I don't know what you're specifically referring to," said Mr. Sabin, who was appearing before the House Judiciary crime, terrorism and homeland security subcommittee.

"Well, I'm talking about Pat Robertson and some of the organizations that were involved with support of the Taliban before 9/11, and I'm told that still there may be some connections to them. Do you know anything about this at all?"

Mr. Sabin: "I don't know what you're referring to."

Did she forget to take a dose of something this morning?

So, let me get this straight: To a Muslim audience, Christians are trying to start a war against Muslims. But to an American audience, Christians are trying to start a war, in close alliance with Muslims, against America.

Gosh, we conservative Christians must be some pretty awful people! Guilty, apparently, of two exact opposite charges at once.