A few days ago, there was a story in the Chronicle about the Reverend Terry Jones, who had orgainized an quran-burning stunt to commemorate 9/11. In today's paper, we learn that Jones met with Muhammad Musri, the president of the Islamic Society of Central Florida, who gave him his personal assurance that the plans for a mosque at ground zero would be canceled, and the mosque would be moved. According to Musri, however, the two had only agreed to go to New York and oversee the plans for the ground zero mosque. Initially, after warnings from the President and Secretary of Defense, Jones had called off the burning. He said Thursday afternoon that "he prayed about the decision and concluded that if the mosque was moved, it would be a sign from God to call off the Quran burning." Oh. Okay. Now, he insists that the imam lied to him, and that now he is threatening to do the burning again. Joy. When will this man's fifteen minutes of fame be over? Obama himself warned Jones that this display would endanger our soldiers abroad. I'm beginning to think that Jones is more interested in the attention he's getting from the country than his hate for the "evil" Quran. We've given him enough attention so that he feels like he has the power to "blackmail" us with this Quran burning. What do you think? Would completely ignoring him, a radical with few supporters, be benificial or detrimental to the safety of our troops?
Here's what Obama says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7igP-XwnDbo
19 comments:
Frankly, I don't see how this will affect the safety of our troops at all. Why would foreign nations take this isolated incident seriously?
Incidentally, I came across this lovely bit of news:
http://www.ocala.com/article/20100909/ARTICLES/100909743/1412?Title=Westboro-Baptish-Church-to-burn-Qurans-if-Dove-doesn-t
Could have expected as much...
Somehow this doesn't surprise me. But on the topic of Terry Jones, it's clear that he's getting international attention. His effigy is being burned in the middle east as we speak. Obviously, people are indeed taking him seriously, though I doubt that's inspiring Islamic radicals to retaliate on the troops. More likely, these protests are just directed at the burning of Islam's sacred text. It's ironic, though, that this little "holiday" will probably create more violence than Jones assumes the "evil" Quran creates by itself.
I feel this could potentially escalate to the point of further retaliation throughout the Muslim nations. It is important to realize that our media is watched throughout the world. On May 9, 2008, a Quran was used as target practice for a US soldier. http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-17/world/iraq.quran_1_quran-tribal-leaders-military-official?_s=PM:WORLD In the article "Sheikh Hamadi al-Qirtani, in a speech on behalf of all tribal sheiks of Radhwaniya, called the incident 'aggression against the entire Islamic world.'" From this very instance, we had to learn that this book is very sacred to the Muslim world. Though, there was no immediate retribution through increased attacks on our soldiers; the negative view of the Western world must have increased. We are attempting to rebuild Afghanistan and Iraq, but the citizens of those countries already see us as an annoyance. This instance will go to no ends to help, whether it is done in Florida or Alaska or New York or California. Though it may seem isolated, a lone gunman has the ability to kill a president of a nation; potentially weakening the very structure of a nation's executive branch. It is important to realize the possibility of increased attacks on our troops, who have already been viewed unfavorably by the Middle East. There also could be increased risks for American embassies or American citizens, who could be attacked by groups of extremists. It could also come from other countries, even potentially a country like Saudi Arabia. The potential effect is yet to be seen. Most importantly, it depends on how willing the media is to actually broadcast this report. The 2008 one was barely even recognized, even though Qurans were also burned. Though, they are allowed as a sign of protest; I feel it would be fine for the US government to recommend (but not stop) something like this from happening, but in the end it must be up to the individual to make the decision.
I think what this pastor wants to do is absolutely despicable. Our country was built on the basis of religious freedom. Terry Jones is only reinforcing hatred of America that many Muslims and other peopel already have. Obama is correct when he said it would give "terrorists a recruiting tool." Moreover, the reverend's and other Americans objection to having a Mosque near Ground Zero makes little sense to me. I would understand if they objected to one on the actual sight of Ground Zero, but this is only near the site. Also, I question why Terry Jones called off the burning of the Quran. I noticed that after he got international attention from people like the pope, Angelina Jolie, and Barack Obama, he decided to call of the thing. I don't know if he really intended to go out and burn the Quran or just wanted attention. Whatever his intent was, he certainly got an enormous amount of attention.
Reverend Jones has definitely gotten plenty of attention, and this can be blamed on the media. And it is this attention by the media that has made this ranting lunatic from Florida into a dangerous international trigger to anti-American violence. Ignoring him is theoretically the most effective way to counter such attention-seeking big-mouths.
Since a lot of media coverage has already been levied on Jones, it is time for the U.S. government to send a strong message of disapproval, one that especially reaches the ears of the Muslim world. We must make it clear that Jones is a horrendous person in our eyes too and that he certainly does not represent American views.
Looks like it's back on again.
RAYMOND LIM
I'm not too sure how to sign my name, so i'm going to put it here... someone teach me?
Ay..... this is really, and i MEAN REALLY, not going to do any good for anybody. I mean like i should be using scholarly language like all these students ahead of me posting on the blog but like....
"asdfargeqgsdflb"... com'on
One can understand that citizens with strong sense of American Pride on the mind would be pissed off if not uncomfortable at the idea of building a religious building that would represent the same religion of the same terrorists claimed to have represented on the same site of the world trade center buildings they blew up... well, you get the idea...
Sure, they'll be some people who will feel relieved from the violent protest when as they relieve some frustration, BUT.. i feel that the nation as a whole is going to gonna get feel this later, like when you do something fun but would be called "stupid" with your friends all night and wake up the next day with a bad hangover. Out here in California in our little student blog my mindset is like "what are they thinking", and there are some other people out in various places across the United States who were seriously affected (example: death or injured loved one whether victim or rescue crew member etc.) needing a taste of revenge? or payback?.. I'm trying to be open minded but I wouldn't be able to feel the same kind of emotions they would feel....i'm trying to get an idea by following the facebook group for this...
(yes their is a facebook page for this: "international burn a koran day with 15,000+ likes"
HOWEVER I would like to point out though there that for every 1 page of support for the burnings, there is about 40 pages in protest and opposition to the burnings with countless more likes.)
but at the same time, people with islamic backgrounds are watching this happen in the United States, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and ALL OVER THE WORLD (My muslim friend in the philippines is really disheartened at the moment...) are going to be watching this as well.
Pause for thought: What kind of message are we trying to send? Theres a reason why in that package deal of Amendments we put "FREEDOM of RELIGION" and its not to do the same like oh so many centuries ago in england when one religion dominated over the minority.
And the radical islamic extremists and Al Quaeda? This incident can potentially be turned into propaganda for use in their efforts to recruit to their ranks.... the exact thing we've been trying to stop with our troops stationed in the middle east.
Not every Muslim is a terrorist fighting in a jihad!
But i am disheartened myself that the majority of those terrorists that we as Americans see on the news claim to represent Islam. It paints the wrong picture in our heads.
After words from obama, hillary clinton, even sarah palin, the pastor had cancelled the burnings, but then had second thoughts and he just might still do it...
http://www.mercurynews.com/faith/ci_16031369?nclick_check=1
is he going to do it? ... well we'll find out on saturday.
RAYMOND LIM
RAYMOND LIM
I'm not too sure how to sign my name, so i'm going to put it here... someone teach me?
One can understand that citizens with strong sense of American Pride on the mind would be pissed off if not uncomfortable at the idea of building a religious building that would represent the same religion of the same terrorists claimed to have represented on the same site of the world trade center buildings they blew up... well, you get the idea...
Sure, they'll be some people who will feel relieved from the violent protest when as they relieve some frustration, BUT.. i feel that the nation as a whole is going to gonna get feel this later, like when you do something fun but would be called "stupid" with your friends all night and wake up the next day with a bad hangover. Out here in California in our little student blog my mindset is like "what are they thinking", and there are some other people out in various places across the United States who were seriously affected (example: death or injured loved one whether victim or rescue crew member etc.) needing a taste of revenge? or payback?.. I'm trying to be open minded but I wouldn't be able to feel the same kind of emotions they would feel....i'm trying to get an idea by following the facebook group for this...
(yes their is a facebook page for this: "international burn a koran day with 15,000+ likes"
HOWEVER I would like to point out though there that for every 1 page of support for the burnings, there is about 40 pages in protest and opposition to the burnings with countless more likes.)
but at the same time, people with islamic backgrounds are watching this happen in the United States, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and ALL OVER THE WORLD (My muslim friend in the philippines is really disheartened at the moment...) are going to be watching this as well.
Pause for thought: What kind of message are we trying to send? Theres a reason why in that package deal of Amendments we put "FREEDOM of RELIGION" and its not to do the same like oh so many centuries ago in england when one religion dominated over the minority.
And the radical islamic extremists and Al Quaeda? This incident can potentially be turned into propaganda for use in their efforts to recruit to their ranks.... the exact thing we've been trying to stop with our troops stationed in the middle east.
Not every Muslim is a terrorist fighting in a jihad!
But i am disheartened myself that the majority of those terrorists that we as Americans see on the news claim to represent Islam. It paints the wrong picture in our heads.
After words from obama, hillary clinton, even sarah palin, the pastor had cancelled the burnings, but then had second thoughts and he just might still do it...
http://www.mercurynews.com/faith/ci_16031369?nclick_check=1
is he going to do it? ... well we'll find out on saturday.
RAYMOND LIM
RAYMOND LIM
I'm not too sure how to sign my name, so i'm going to put it here... someone teach me?
Ay..... this is really, and i MEAN REALLY, not going to do any good for anybody. I mean like i should be using scholarly language like all these students ahead of me posting on the blog but like....
"asdfargeqgsdflb"... com'on
One can understand that citizens with strong sense of American Pride on the mind would be pissed off if not uncomfortable at the idea of building a religious building that would represent the same religion of the same terrorists claimed to have represented on the same site of the world trade center buildings they blew up... well, you get the idea...
Sure, they'll be some people who will feel relieved from the violent protest when as they relieve some frustration, BUT.. i feel that the nation as a whole is going to gonna get feel this later, like when you do something fun but would be called "stupid" with your friends all night and wake up the next day with a bad hangover. Out here in California in our little student blog my mindset is like "what are they thinking", and there are some other people out in various places across the United States who were seriously affected (example: death or injured loved one whether victim or rescue crew member etc.) needing a taste of revenge? or payback?.. I'm trying to be open minded but I wouldn't be able to feel the same kind of emotions they would feel....i'm trying to get an idea by following the facebook group for this...
(yes their is a facebook page for this: "international burn a koran day with 15,000+ likes"
HOWEVER I would like to point out though there that for every 1 page of support for the burnings, there is about 40 pages in protest and opposition to the burnings with countless more likes.)
but at the same time, people with islamic backgrounds are watching this happen in the United States, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and ALL OVER THE WORLD (My muslim friend in the philippines is really disheartened at the moment...) are going to be watching this as well.
Pause for thought: What kind of message are we trying to send? Theres a reason why in that package deal of Amendments we put "FREEDOM of RELIGION" and its not to do the same like oh so many centuries ago in england when one religion dominated over the minority.
And the radical islamic extremists and Al Quaeda? This incident can potentially be turned into propaganda for use in their efforts to recruit to their ranks.... the exact thing we've been trying to stop with our troops stationed in the middle east.
Not every Muslim is a terrorist fighting in a jihad!
But i am disheartened myself that the majority of those terrorists that we as Americans see on the news claim to represent Islam. It paints the wrong picture in our heads.
After words from obama, hillary clinton, even sarah palin, the pastor had cancelled the burnings, but then had second thoughts and he just might still do it...
is he going to do it? ... well we'll find out on saturday.
RAYMOND LIM
I would like to point out, however, that Reverend Jones does have supporters, small may they be. Remember, if the congregation did not support it, they would not have allowed it to go through. My guess is that they aren't using this as blackmail, but as a form of legal protest.
However, see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7883uNTiMM&feature=channel
The church has just called it off. We can all breath a sigh of relief now. Perhaps we should try to talk to WBC now, though I believe that the WBC is of smaller consequence. I hope the media has learned its lesson and ignore the WBC's threats. This really should not be given any attention, especially as this is such a small minority faction.
It's interesting how this scandal has worked out. I first thought that perhaps Reverend Terry Jones' comments could be used as a learning lesson about the dangers of extremism and that the media could effectively portray Obama's response to it to the rest of the world (especially the Muslim world). Instead, it seems much of the attention of the media has been focused on merely describing the reverend's bizarre and erratic behavior, his fifteen minutes of fame, and merely glossing over the real problems of intolerance that he symbolizes. Sure enough, response from Islamic countries has been negative despite repeated condemnations of Reverend Terry Jones. Just today, protestors in Afghanistan attacked a German NATO base: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-20016041-503543.html
It's a shame that this scandal has turned into a fiasco.
The media is a mighty tool. If Al Qaeda catches wind of this recent negative hate towards Islam, their feelings toward Americans are likely to run south. Remember in unSpun, that many people have the wrong idea, not because of any intentional deception, but because people often associate publicity with bigger importance. In America, far more people are against the Quran-burning than for it. However,since Reverend Terry Jones gets most of the media exposure that Middle Eastern countries will watch, it will be his face that characterizes the American character towards Muslims.
This false but powerful message might anger Al Qaeda, sending our troops into more dangerous territory. I won't say that this issue will drastically change the safety of our troops, but this isolated incident is not to be dismissed so carelessly. We shall wait and see.
Whether this situation will impact our troops or not remains to be seen, but it still poses the question: Is Jones to blame for seeking attention (clearly pious righteousness was not his only motive), or should we blame the media for inflaming the situation? Essentially, the media gets the most attention for stories on the worst of everything--the worst spill, the worst disaster, the worst offense (sometimes against Islam). Should the media be responsible for censoring themselves, or at least more sensitive when it comes to issues like this? I'm still of the opinion that if the media hadn't inflamed the situation in the first place, there would be no question as to whether any of the States' enemies would be upset.
This guy is crazy! His actions will definitely cause an aggravation within the Islamic community. I'm surprised he isn't dead yet! The Quran is the religious text of the Muslim. Suicide bombers are Muslim! Burning their books would be detrimental to the safety of our troops AND ourselves! There is a fairly clear and direct link from the burning to our safety. Alex's statement of how Jones is "blackmailing" us is a more than capable description of what is happening here. Once again, I'm still not surprised that the guy hasn't been assassinated yet or something by Muslim extremists.
Responding to the first comment posted. This WILL affect the safety of the troops, as well as the safety of Christians.
In the world there are at least 28 countries who recognize Islam as their national religion(s). Included are Afghanistan and Iraq, the two countries we are fighting wars in.
We have used 9/11 as a recruiting tool to recruit soldiers on our war against terror. If we burn Qurans, the holy book of Islam, we have given the terrorists a recruitment tool. If we burn a country's holy book only hate and anger will come of it. here's a simple equation:
Buring+Quran= Hate. Hate=Recruits. Recruits=More people with weapons. More people with weapons=More soldiers dead.
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