Hey, It's His First Amendment Right...Right?

[Conan71]

Anyone following the story of Rev. Terry Jones?  Sure, he's got the First Amendment right to do this, but it's a provocative move and defies common sense.   Should the White House and other government figures butt out?


"Clinton slams 'disgraceful' Koran-burning, but pastor defiant
By Mike Bernos (AFP) – 3 hours ago

GAINESVILLE, Florida — An evangelical pastor insisted his plans to torch the Koran would go ahead after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemned the "disgraceful" burning ceremony in Florida.

The leader of the little known church found himself in the eye of a rapidly swirling storm Wednesday with several Muslim and world leaders deploring his plans as fanning flames of intolerance, as well as Muslim hatred of the United States.

Clinton was the most senior US official to speak out against the burning scheduled for the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, saying she was "heartened by the clear, unequivocal condemnation of this disrespectful, disgraceful act that has come from American religious leaders of all faiths."

The White House added its voice to warnings that the move could trigger outrage around the Islamic world and endanger the lives of US soldiers.

"It puts our troops in harm's way. And obviously any type of activity like that puts our troops in harm's way would be a concern to this administration," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Tuesday.

He was reiterating comments by top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, who warned burning the holy book of Islam would provide propaganda for insurgents.

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan," said Petraeus of the plan, adding that it could cause significant problems "everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."

But a small church, the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, has vowed to mark Saturday's ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks by burning Korans as they remember the almost 3,000 people killed by Al-Qaeda hijackers."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jgUMumAxcnsOKCDs4L32WtHcGoqw

[nathanm]

I think they are right to warn of the foreign policy issues raised by the church's action, but beyond that they should indeed keep out of it.

Personally, I think it's offensive and disgraceful. How would they like it if I burned a bunch of bibles? If you've seen the guy's interviews, you'll likely have noted he's apparently also a moron.

Not that I should be talking. I'd probably also look like a moron if I were interviewed on national TV.

[Conan71]

I think they are right to warn of the foreign policy issues raised by the church's action, but beyond that they should indeed keep out of it.

Personally, I think it's offensive and disgraceful. How would they like it if I burned a bunch of bibles? If you've seen the guy's interviews, you'll likely have noted he's apparently also a moron.

Not that I should be talking. I'd probably also look like a moron if I were interviewed on national TV.

Only when interviewed on national TV? 

I'm having a hard time not likening this to the "Ground Zero Mosque".  While it's his right to do this and perfectly legal, it's very provocative and is flying against good taste and what is sensible.  Hell even the Vatican is chiming in saying this is a bad idea.  I think what pissed me off the most about this Jones character is even when asked about this putting more troops at danger, he basically said it's worth it.  I wonder if the God hates fags crowd will show up....

Oh, and this is what an asshat looks like:

[carltonplace]

Well, its just a book...they'll make more copies.

Someone should set up next to him and burn bibles and torahs and the harry potter series.

[nathanm]

Only when interviewed on national TV? 

I'm having a hard time not likening this to the "Ground Zero Mosque". 

OK, OK, local TV, too.

I don't get the comparison with Park 51, though. One is an attempt to be destructive, the other is an attempt to be constructive.

[guido911]

One is an attempt to be destructive, the other is an attempt to be constructive.

Says you.

[Red Arrow]

I don't get the comparison with Park 51, though.

Try a little harder to get out of your own viewpoint.  Start with the title of this thread.

FWIW, I think the burning is disrespectful.

[we vs us]

Says you.

Sorry for the derail, but:

"Cordoba House will be built on the two fundamental commandments common to Judaism, Christianity and Islam: to love the Lord our creator with all of our hearts, minds, souls and strength; and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We want to foster a culture of worship authentic to each religious tradition, and also a culture of forging personal bonds across religious traditions."

Not too much loving our neighbor as we love ourselves apparent at the Koran burning, now, is there?

[nathanm]

Try a little harder to get out of your own viewpoint.  Start with the title of this thread.

I think I explained why I don't think the two are comparable. I'll say it again: One is specifically intended to be offensive to an entire faith. The other is specifically intended to foster interfaith understanding. Any comparison beyond the fact that they both have the right to carry out their actions enshrined in the first amendment doesn't seem accurate to me.

I think intent matters. Some people disagree.

[Red Arrow]

Sorry for the derail, but:

Quote
"Cordoba House will be built on the two fundamental commandments common to Judaism, Christianity and Islam: to love the Lord our creator with all of our hearts, minds, souls and strength; and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We want to foster a culture of worship authentic to each religious tradition, and also a culture of forging personal bonds across religious traditions."

Assuming you accept the premise of the Cordoba House as presented.

[nathanm]

Assuming you accept the premise of the Cordoba House as presented.

Do you have any evidence to the contrary?

[guido911]

Sorry for the derail, but:

Not too much loving our neighbor as we love ourselves apparent at the Koran burning, now, is there?

I am just loving all this pro religion talk coming from the left these days....

Edited to add:

What's your thought on this? You equally outraged about his attack on Christians?

[Red Arrow]

I think I explained why I don't think the two are comparable. I'll say it again: One is specifically intended to be offensive to an entire faith. The other is specifically intended to foster interfaith understanding. Any comparison beyond the fact that they both have the right to carry out their actions enshrined in the first amendment doesn't seem accurate to me.

I think intent matters. Some people disagree.

You can say it as many times as you have the time to type it.

I don't believe the publicly stated intent of the mosque to foster interfaith understanding.  Hopefully it will be the case but I am skeptical.  (I agree they have the legal right to build it.)

[Red Arrow]

Do you have any evidence to the contrary?

Mostly just a distrust of organized religion.  (Not just Islam.)

[we vs us]

I am just loving all this pro religion talk coming from the left these days....

Edited to add:

What's your thought on this? You equally outraged about his attack on Christians?

Putting a crucifix in a jar of urine is an attack?