When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
The Wall Street Journal reports on the reaction of Gen. Petraeus to International Burn a Koran Day, not to be confused with Patriot Day:
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said the planned burning of Qurans on Sept. 11 by a Florida church could put the lives of American troops in danger and damage the war effort. Gen. David Petraeus said the Taliban would exploit the demonstration for propaganda purposes, drumming up anger toward the U.S. and making it harder for allied troops to carry out their mission of protecting Afghan civilians.
FOX News reports meanwhile on the reaction in Afghanistan:
"We know this is not just the decision of a church. It is the decision of the president and the entire United States," said Abdul Shakoor, an 18-year-old high school student who said he joined the protest after hearing neighborhood gossip about the Koran burning.
UPDATE: With a little help from a local friend, Jonah cautions against the hype.
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Aug '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
As much as I disapprove of Koran burning in principle, we must allow it to happen. Censoring ourselves would be stupid, cowardly, and in the end, suicidal.
We're being allowed a do-over for our bungling of the Muhammad cartoon flap.
Muslims burn Bibles and persecute Christians every day with impunity, in many countries. Even our so-called allies, the Saudis, forbid any display of Christian worship; and according to Sharia Law, can execute anyone for it.
We wouldn't think of making an issue of that. Perhaps we shoud?
How about this: We'll begin to consider their accusations of our intolerance when they allow Jews, Christians. Hindus, and Buddhists to worship in Muslim countries.
Why is tolerance always a one-way street for the Judeo-Christian world? I've had it up to here with these conceited hypocrites.
Jul '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
When the Taliban were in power, they didn't allow women visit the zoo, so it's no surprise that these creepy thugs would exploit just about anything for propaganda.
That said, I am curious to know if Mr. Shakoor is as adamant in his denunciation and protest of the Taliban as he is of an obscure church in America. Probably not. Human nature being what it is, it's much less appealing to protest someone who will cut your face off with piano wire than someone who won't.
May '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
He can't even conceive a free society.
So sad. And worrying.
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Just when I thought 'Draw Muhammad Day" was as boorish, stupid and un-American an event as I would ever see, along comes burn the Koran day.
Jul '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
"Have lighter fluid....need books" ....wonder what Mr. Petraeus thinks of ground zero?
May '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
For the record, I oppose the Koran-burning. It's grotesque and worse than counter-productive to insult the religious sensibilities of whole populations in that way.
I'm for challenging it in civil, open debate and discussion. And contrasting its principles, values and moral effects on adherents with those of the Bible and the American Constitution.
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
I am applying the President's position re the GZM on this one: "They have every right to do this; I am not taking a position on whether they should."
I am sworn to uphold the rights of flag-burners and Christian-baiters ("Piss Christ", "Dung Madonna", Bible-burners), not going to draw the line now at the Qu'ran.
I understand Gen Petraeus's position - tough to explain actions on the home front in terms of Jeffersonian democracy to people who last updated their thinking in 800 CE. I am convinced that actions at home extended the late unpleasantness in SE Asia at the cost of many lives. I don't recall the left saying that they would abstain from protests to avoid giving aid and comfort to the enemy. OK to help the enemy, not OK to stir them up? The leftists are going to tie themselves into knots trying to stay consistent on this one
Jul '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
I'm no devotee of the Koran.
But this is just foolish. It enrages Muslims and accomplishes nothing.
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
The only reason to do it now, is that radical Muslims have warned us not to. Until that, the stunt had no redeeming value. It's a book. It's not a person. And if Muslims want to burn Bibles, go for it. Zondervan Publishing, Tyndale House, and Thomas Nelson will print more. It's just paper.
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Great idea! Let's ship them a couple of containers-full of the KJB and let them have it. Tit for tat, an eye for an eye, proportionate response, cure for bad speech is more speech etc. But the problem is their one-sided world view: Of course mosques can be built in New York, Allah wills it. Of course no church can be built in Mecca, it would be a blasphemy. Of course if a Bible is burned mere paper is scorched. Of course, desecration of a Qu'ran must be avenged by blood.
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Pilgrim
..........But the problem is their one-sided world view............
If I were the pastor of this tiny church in Florida, I would never go through with the Koran burning, simply because I don't want to get my head cut off with a dull knife someday, But, it's not like this event will create a murderous tension that's not already there. This just brings what's already there out in the open. I just hope the pastor can afford the security he'll need.
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
etoile #11 : If I were the pastor of this tiny church in Florida, I would never go through with the Koran burning, simply because I don't want to get my head cut off with a dull knife someday...I just hope the pastor can afford the security he'll need.
Coming at them with suicide Qu'ran burners, that will show them we are serious
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Opposing blasphemy with blasphemy. It lowers us.
May '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
James Poulos, Ed.:
UPDATE: With a little help from a local friend, Jonah cautions against the hype. ·
The Koran burning is dumb. But since we're talking about some tiny congregation led be an opportunist, the bigger question is why this has gained international attention. Is it YouTube? Or is it American press gleefully reporting on provocative Christians?
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Aaron that's a VERY interesting question. Kudos.
Jul '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
I have a counter-proposal:
Let's burn The Audacity of Hope and Dreams From my Father.
Jul '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Perhaps they should have named it "Islam Tolerance Day."
Sep '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Why should we knuckle under in any way to the demands of these medieval hotheads? In what way will burning the Koran make the Islamofascists hate us more? They are already committed to the total destruction of America and Western Civilization. General Petraeus has accomplished nothing except to make himself look like a four-star gutless wonder.
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
If you're not a Muslim, it's not blasphemy to burn a Koran. It's just a book. It's not sacred if you're non-Muslim. I wish the World's Muslims understood that for most Americans, the Koran is about as sacred as an expired phonebook. But, so what? If you love the Koran, good for you. Just don't force other people to "love it."
Jun '10
Re: When Is Book Burning Especially Bad? Ask Gen. Petraeus
Yes, probably. My point was that I think when we describe something as "blasphemous" we mean "unnecessarily offensive, in poor taste," they mean "somebody is going to die." I just hope the high road doesn't have an IED on it