Petraeus: Burn a Quran Day Could 'Endanger Troops'

[proud2BlibKansan]

A Florida pastor's plan to burn Qurans at his church on Sept. 11 ignited a protest today by hundreds of Afghans, who burned American flags and shouted "Death to America," and drew a comment from the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan that the preacher could be increasing the threat to his troops.

The crowd in downtown Kabul reached nearly 500 today, with Afghan protesters chanting "Long live Islam " and "Long live the Quran," and burning an effigy of Terry Jones, senior pastor from the Dove World Outreach Center in Florida who is planning the event.

The protesters were well aware of the pastor's inflammatory comments, such as the "Islam is an evil religion," since they have been spread wide on the Internet. Jones has also authored a book, "Islam Is of the Devil."

The protesters' anger wasn't limited to Jones, however. Chants of "Death to America" echoed through the crowd, and U.S. flags were set ablaze alongside the effigy of Jones.

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Afghanistan/burn-quran-day-sparks-protests-afghanistan-petraeus-endanger/story?id=11569820

[msongs]

1. does burn kids using a drone endanger anybody...except the kids? nt

[SnakeEyes]

2. The only thing I care less about than these Christian nazis

Is the muslim nazis protesting eldewhere around the world about how our nazis exercise their free speech rights.

That is all.

[Ikonoklast]

19. Thank you for your concern.

That is all.

[cherokeeprogressive]

3. How profound, General Sir.

I would respectfully point out though that Troops involved in the occupation of sovereign nations who've never attacked the US are in danger 24/7, burning Qurans or not.

[livingonearth]

4. Dove World Outreach Center?

Sounds so peaceful and loving doesn't it? O8)
And yet, it is where a hateful nazis- like book burning is scheduled to take place. Who would have guessed in America.

I hope Jesus doesn't find out about this. Actually, I hope he does and comes back to kick some butt.

[FirstTimeVoterAt37]

5. If an Afghan version of this Jones a-hole...

...hosted "Burn a Bible Day" in some tiny village in Afghanistan, the screams for nuclear war from Christian fundamentalists would be deafening.

Nutballs are nutballs, and ours are just as bad as theirs and theirs are just as bad as ours. Our social rules may be all that's keeping us from a genuine christian taliban group, because I do believe the desire for one is more prevalent than anyone is willing to admit.

[_ed_]

6. I think buring Qurans

is silly, but I really find the General's attempt to chill free speech very troubling.

[chimpymustgo]

7. I find the General's urging SANITY very encouraging.

[Phx_Dem]

9. +1

[_ed_]

10. He's not an elected official,

and I don't give a damn what he thinks about any aspect of domestic policy, including free speech. This reminds me of when we staged the anti-war protests and were accused of "giving comfort to the enemy." It's propaganda meant to stifle our right to free speech, as distasteful as it may be.

[vaberella]

13. Uh..if domestic policy directly affects foreign initiative policies...

well then yes, he does have a say (you can give a damn or less). Most people ignored the Coast Guard in regards to the oil spill---Admiral Thad Allen gave press conference after press conference. If most people had paid attention to anything he had said then there wouldn't have been yelling and screaming that the US government isn't working fast enough or doing what they're supposed too. The Coast Guard gave all the facts. So when these things spill into each other...I think they have a say.

[_ed_]

15. You're comfortable

with unelected Generals using military propaganda to stifle free speech? Use my above example about the anti-war protests and see how you feel. Just because most of us agree that burning Qurans is stupid at best and offensive at worst doesn't mean that Generals get to tell us what we can and can't say based upon unproven assertions about "danger to troops."

[vaberella]

16. Stifle who's free speech.

He put it out as a warning that said action by preacher can cause unrest in the socially connected world we live in and there was a proposed incident listed in the article---which can pose a danger. I don't see him stifling free speech. And I find it questionable that people support antagonistic and hateful speech. When free speech can hurt someone---it needs to be nipped in the bud. I get the feeling then you're a advocate for Glenn Beck to spout his hateful and antagonistic message which stokes the fires of violence then---because this would be in the same vein.

Yeah a General can say that...because for all intents he is not only a general but a citizen of America. I'm sure many citizens would have stated something similar even if Petraeus had said nothing. Or DU wouldn't be DU if they did support the actions of this preacher.

[_ed_]

20. Scary

"And I find it questionable that people support antagonistic and hateful speech. When free speech can hurt someone---it needs to be nipped in the bud. I get the feeling then you're a advocate for Glenn Beck to spout his hateful and antagonistic message which stokes the fires of violence then---because this would be in the same vein."

Your quote is scary. Sorry, but I don't accept attempts by the executive branch through its military generals to "warn" me that my speech may be harmful. Sorry, but I support each citizen's right to free speech without military intimidation. Do you support the ACLU? I do -- card-carrying member. Am I really defending free speech on a supposedly progressive website? Like I said, it really scares me to think that people who self-identify as "progressive" would be so comfortable with the military attempting to stifle free speech.

And, yes, I support Glenn Beck's right to say whatever he wants, whenever he wants, and however he wants because IT'S THE SAME FREEDOM I DEMAND FOR MYSELF. Is that really hard to understand?

The general is not just some citizen -- he is one of the highest-ranking persons in Obama's military. Are you really comparing one of our highest-ranking generals to any other civilian on the street? I would think the oath of office and uniform would be obvious differences.

Extending your logic, you should shut your mouth about Bush's wars if Petraeus thinks you might "hurt the troops." Or, did you think that was offensive when Bush tried it during the anti-war protests in 2003? Free speech is free speech, no matter who in the government is trying to squelch it. Or does your opinion change based upon who is in office?

Can you identify other forms of speech that "need to be nipped in the bud?" Who will be the thought police? You? Obama? His generals? Someone else?

[SusanaMontana41]

11. I appreciate your post very much.

Never thought about it that way. Thanks!

[Phx_Dem]

8. I love the way "Christians" preach Christianity. By burning another

religion's "bible."

:sarcasm:

Perhaps they should read their own bible . . . particularly where it preaches tolerance.

[Mz Pip]

12. Being in Afghnaistan endangers troops

Condemning the burning of the Koran is a good thing, a wise thing but it will do little to protect our troops. The Taliban will hate us no matter what we do.

I object to the burning of the Koran because it's a pig ignorant dumbshit asshole kind of thing to do. I am much more concerned about the feeings of American Muslims who have to witness this intolerance in their own country. The Taliban will hate us no matter what but we must honor and respect the beliefs of our own citizens.

What part of "World OUtreach" does Terry Jones not understand?

[styersc]

14. Petraeus us absolutely right. Currently there are troops overseas

trying to convince cililians to side with the US against members of their culture and religion to take a chance on progressive change. Enemies of the process are trying to convince those same civilians that Americans are hate filled bigots. They would prosper if they can convince local populations that all Americans are like Beck, Hannity and Limbaugh.

Burning books may be a right but this vulgar display is a great recruiting tool that will result in fueling hatred. Friends and neighbors are more likely to come home in bags as a result of this exercise in hatred.

Makes one wonder, "What books would Jesus burn?"

[LatteLibertine]

17. Monica or Martha whatever on Pox News

actually called these people, "Anti-Muslim bigots" and "kooks". Color me surprised.

Nothing good can come from it and it's rather stupid.

[golfguru]

18. Does US Constitution forbid burning of religious books?

Is the general against the 1st amendment?