Last weekend General David Patreaus spoke out against a planned Koran burning event at a Florida church. On September 11th, 2010 the Dove World Church is planning an "International Burn a Quran Day." The church encourages others to follow their example and has even posted a video and how and why the Koran should be burned. The pastor behind the event has made himself available for numerous media interviews. The website behind the event says the purpose is "in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil!" Gen. Patreaus, head of the Afghanistan mission, warned that the church's event could "endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort."
There is some support behind what Gen. Patreaus' claim. Al Queda has already used some of the more extreme opposition to the "Ground Zero mosque" to recruit new members to their cause. The opposition to the Cordoba House fits perfectly with the al-Queda narrative of a western world bent on destroying Islam. Last week, hundreds of Aghans protested at the American embassy at Kabul after hearing about the Koran burning event. Some shouting "death to America" and called for the murder of President Obama. Other threw rocks at American military convoys.
Muslims consider the Koran a sacred text to be treated with the utmost respect. Mere rumors about the Quran being disrespected caused multiple violent protests in Iraq. Gen. Patreaus, as leader of the Iraqi "surge" effort, may therefore be all-too-familiar with the danger brought to his troops when others chose to degrade the Koran.
Gen. Patreaus is a well respected military leader among conservatives, so when he speaks out against an anti-Muslim event it is sure to gain the attention of many. Much has been made of the "insensitivity" and "disrespect" represented by the "Ground Zero mosque," but no one has thus far objected to "burn the Koran day" event. While the Florida church pastor gets his publicity by burning the Koran in front of television cameras, United States troops may face the consequences abroad.
Comments
"A North Carolina pastor plans to host a Halloween event at his church to burn heretical books. At the top of the list — the Bible.
Pastor Marc Grizzard claims the King James version of the Bible is the only true word of God, and that all other versions are "satanic" and "perversions" of God's word. "“We are burning books that we believe to be Satanic.”
On Halloween night, Grizzard and the 14 members of the Amazing Grace Baptist Church will set fire to other versions of the scripture, as well as music and books by Christian authors." 10-22-09
And nary a peep from the newly reformed religion hating leftists who have now been reformed to support Islam.
I hadn't heard about it - maybe because with only 14 members it is difficult to consider this a threat to freedom of religion or religious tolerance. - lg
First of heard of it. Of course, it would help if you cited a source.
But it's not the issue; it's not likely that a bunch of followers of a different version of the Bible are going to target the troops fighting in Afghanistan over this - if they are offended, I would expect them to aim at the correct target.
The problem with burning the Koran is that those offended cannot take their umbrage out upon the idiots doing the burning - but have a target-rich environment if they decide ANY American will do.
This religious extremist is just as bad as the Islamic ones; they want excuses to kill Amreican soldiers and this ignoramous is only too happy to give them one.
Want a source? Ever hear of google?
Uhm....feel free to clink on any of the links I did in fact provide as sources behind the story.
Ryan:
I think the source citing was about the Halloween thing from another commenter. I don't think anyone (at least up til now)was arguing whether your article needed more links or not. - lg
Good note LG. Thank you for clarification.
time to repeal freedom of religion...most people practicing religion have little idea what the original intent of their religion was...most religions start out great, then the "human factor" corrupts that religion...every religion on earth is corrupt, but they didn't start out that way.
You are a bigoted ahole!
do you pray with that mouth?
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