Burning the Koran: Why Not?

September 10, 2010 - Vincent Gioia

Once again the world shows Muslims we are deathly afraid of them and they can do anything with impunity. We might expect this of the wimpy states of Europe but not of the United States of America. What happened to the American spirit that repulsed the Muslim Barberry pirates? Incredibly we see leaders on the right and left all announcing fear of reprisals for the decision by a pastor of a congregation of about fifty people to burn the Koran as a reminder that it was Muslims who killed over 3,000 people September 11, 2001. These murders were not ordinary killers, they acted out of their belief in the Koran edicts to kill non Muslims. Why should anyone respect a book that's only message is that Muslims and their arrogant ideology must rule the world?

Consider the array of Americans of all stripes who denounce the burning of the Koran. Of course leading the pack is the self-avowed Christian of Muslim background, the illustrious President Barack Hussein Obama. This is not surprising but joining Obama is Tea Party favorite, conservative Sarah Palin. General Petraeus says burning the Koran will incite more Muslim killings; do Muslims need more reasons to kill American soldiers? Hillary Clinton, herself the perpetrator of numerous disgraceful acts, calls the burning of the Koran a "disrespectful, disgraceful act." It is reported that "In Washington, a broad coalition of religious leaders from evangelical, Roman Catholic, Jewish and Muslim organizations called Jones' plan a violation of American values." This is amazing since in virtually all Muslim countries the bible is prohibited and anyone preaching from it can be killed.

Attorney General Eric Holder, called burning the Koran idiotic and dangerous. This from the man who would not prosecute Muslim Black Panthers for intimidating white voters at election halls.

If that's not enough to frost your britches, get this, Obama's press secretary told reporters "Any type of activity like that that puts our troops in harm's way would be a concern to this administration." Really? You mean that if the Koran is not burned our troops would not be "in harm’s way?"

It gets even more ridiculous. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the administration hoped that more Americans would stand up and condemn the church's plan.

Crowley said "We think that these are provocative acts. We would like to see more Americans stand up and say that this is inconsistent with our American values; in fact, these actions themselves are un-American."

Un-American indeed! Since when is exercising free speech considered "un-American?"

Crowley added "We hope that between now and Saturday there will be a range of voices across America that make clear to this community that this is not the way for us to commemorate 9/11. In fact, it is consistent with the radicals and religious bigots who attacked us on 9/11."

Is the Obama administration really comparing burning a book equivalent to the destruction of the twin towers, an attack on the Pentagon, killing of all passengers aboard four airplanes and murder of over 3,000 people?

No Mr. Crowley and Mr. President Obama, it is my hope that more Americans will rise up in support of the Pastor and say to the world "I'm fed up and can't take it anymore."

Unfortunately after visits by the FBI (why would the FBI visit except to frighten the Pastor into submission) and incredible pressure from those in and out of the country, the Pastor has relented and agreed not to burn the Koran as he intended.

Now that we have caved in to Muslim demands and the Koran will not be burned, what message are we sending Muslims? We announced to the Muslim world that all they need to do is threaten violence and the world will give in to their demands. Why wouldn't Muslims at some point tell us to convert to Islam or face death? This worked centuries ago and, it seems, it would work again now.

Get ready for a Mosque near you and start learning Arabic.

FamilySecurityMatters.org Contributing Editor Vincent Gioia is a retired patent attorney living in Palm Desert, California. His blogs at www.vincentgioia.com and he may be contacted at gioia@gte.net.