Fight Fire With Fire

Florida pastor, Terry Jones, wants everybody to remember the 9th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 by burning the Quran (or Koran, or whatever).  And, although I can understand his sentiment, I think he is misguided.  But, I don't think he is nearly as misguided as his critics.

The media is collectively exasperated at this heinous plan.  They are frightened of provoking Islamic extremists (although they usually act as if "Radical Islam" doesn't exist).  Even the U.S. Commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, decided to chime in.

“[Images of the burning] would be used by those who wish us ill, to incite violence and to enflame public opinion against us and against our mission here in Afghanistan"

Do you know what I have to say to these people who would like to suspend a man's Constitutional right to Freedom of Speech (not to mention Freedom of Religion) based on the fact that they are fearful it might be too provocative for Muslims around the world?...

Boo--

fucking--

hoo.

Terry Jones shouldn't burn the Quran on the anniversary of 9/11.  He and his parishioners should back off-- not out of fear for retaliation or because the media told them to-- but because it misses the point.  The Quran didn't do anything wrong.  It is just a book, written by men.  It has no power, and causes us no harm. 

By burning the worthless book on 9/11, Jones' flock does nothing to honor the memory of those lost 9 years ago.  Really, in my opinion, I think there is a better way to burn the Quran than this (if they feel so inclined): Burn it every single day of the year.

Quran burning aside, Americans should not alter their behavior for the outside world.  Especially based on fear of the outside world.  The reason the South Park/animated Muhammed fiasco was so troubling is because Americans were being asked by their superiors and the media to stop doing things they would've NORMALLY done out of this fear of retribution.  Book burning isn't normal behavior.

And the media are pretty well full of it on this one (as Ann Coulter so aptly described).  They wonder aloud about what effect images of American Quran burnings would have on "Moderate Muslims".  I wonder to myself what "Moderate Muslims" think when they see countless videos of terrorist attacks, beheadings, threats, stonings, and the other violent acts of their own people.

In conclusion:

- Nobody should listen to the media.
- Burning the Quran is a Constitutionally protected act.
- Burning the Quran is pretty silly.
- If you want to burn something to honor the fallen of 9/11, I think I have your solution:

Now that makes sense!