Your Rights null and void, if you offend.

My Blog ^ | Sept. 8, 2010 | Jesse Ellis

[51773photo]

If harm is done as a result of this guy burning some books, then it is not a commentary on what he has done by exercising his RIGHTS to do as he wishes with his OWN PROPERTY, but it is a commentary on those who react to his right to do so.

[pnh102]

We Christians are far, far, far better people than the moslems. While we may get angry at people who desecrate symbols that might be holy and sacred to us, we generally do not go and act like a bunch of violent savages when it happens.

If we Christians have to respect the rights of others to do such things, then we DEMAND that muslims respect the same rights.

[51773photo]

People are people. No mater what clothing they wear.
People have always done bad things in the name of their religion. The problem is, they do not truly know what their religion teaches. They only know, and adhere to the parts they want. History is filled with people doing wrong in the name of their religion. Even people who claim to be Christian. To claim it, is not the same as being it.

[cvq3842]

If you offend MUSLIMS, who apparently, according to the Obama administration, are more prone to react with violence than others. Did the Obama administration ever tell anyone not to offend Christians because it would put other Americans in danger?

[Smokin' Joe]

If Muslims were burning Bibles, there'd be outrage from Christians, too.

Maybe it would not result in violence, but even Christian sects have resorted to violence between denominations.

I think this is a useless provocation, and treating copies of the writings of any religion thus would be a provocation.

Crap on anyone's altar and they're going to be ticked off.

[Paved Paradise]

You said, “maybe it would not result in violence.”

I would like you to show me where Christians (in the last 100 years) have resorted to violence when artists have put crucifixes in urine and other mean-spirited stuff, or when pundits and writers have mocked Jesus, our scriptures, or anything to do with Christianity.

Just find one event for me. I’d like to see it. Really. And not just one lone wacked out mentally ill person. I mean a real orchestrated reaction the way the Muslims do all the time?

Thanks. That’s your homework.

[timlilje]

While I support this guy’s right to free speech but do not support his actions (burning a Koran) I just think it is ironic that the Press, Government and the Administration does not apply their outrage equitably. Case in point: a few years ago there was a display in New York City at an art show that depicted a crucifix in a jar of human urine—No ourtage. Then there was a statue of the Virgin Mother covered in Feces-No outrage. Burning public officials in effigy (mostly at muslim events)- No ourtage. These guys are afraid of inciting outrage in the muslim world?? Give me a break—We are told to be tolerant of their religion but tolerance here seems to be a one way street. Tolerance goes both ways not just towards muslims.

[RichInOC]

This is a public...service...announcement...
With guitar!
Know your rights...all three of them.

Number One...
You have the right...not to be killed...
Murder is a CRIME!
Unless it was done...by a
Policeman...
...Or an aristocrat
Know your rights...

And Number Two...
You have the right...to food money
Providing of course you
Don’t mind a little...
Investigation...
Humiliation...
And if you cross your fingers...
Rehabilitation...

Know your rights...
These are your rights...
Wang!

Know these rights...

Number Three...
You have the right...to free speech...
As long as you’re not dumb enough
To actually try it...

Know your rights...
These are your rights...
All three of ‘em...
It has been suggested inn some quarters...
That this is not enough!...
Well...

Get off the streets!...
Get off the streets!...
Run...
You don’t have a home to go to...
Smush...

Finally then I will read you your rights...

You have the right to remain silent
You are warned that anything you say
Can and will be taken down
And used as evidence against you

Listen to this...
Run...

—Joe Strummer and Mick Jones

[bk1000]

If they burn the Korans, what will they use for toilet paper? Should have thought this out further

[51773photo]

People are really getting themselves all worked up over the burning of books. They are nothing more, that paper, glue and ink. I could understand their anger, if someone were trying to destroy the message the pages contain, but the book is nothing more than the medium of choice for the message. Would as much attention be given to the act of deleting a Koran folder on someone’s computer? Or the Burning of a Flash Drive that has words of wisdom on it? Maybe if the press was involved. Maybe if someone would call the press in before they deleted their Koran file. Too much importance is inferred by the destruction of some paper. Or, is it that Muslims are so unsure of their faith and it's validity, that they see this as somehow an affront to their faith?

[Rammer]

The exact same arguments can be used in this situation as those used concerning the “9/11 Mosque.”

He has a legal right to do this under the 1st Amendment.

However, it is in poor taste and disrespectful and should not be done.

Exactly the same as the mosque. Opposing his actions does not make anyone “intolerant” or “bigoted.”

[the lone haranguer]

I agree, and yet when OUR OWN COUNTRYMEN burned Bibles in Afghanistan for fear they might be used to proselytize, there’s no mention in the news or any demonstrable outrage among Christians.

Makes no sense.

[51773photo]

“Poor taste”? Yes I believe it is.

“Disrespectful”? Yes, it may be.

“Should not be done”? No. His rights supersede taste and respectability.

Rights should NEVER be contingent on offensiveness.

To subject himself to the whims of an ever changing societal perception of man made ideals of correct behavior, subjugates his written, unyielding constitutional rights to what ever PC flavor happens to be popular at any given time. To just let it go as distasteful or disrespectful, does indeed place asterisk’s beside each right. I am not sure there are any in the Constitution, nor, based on how flippant man’s idea of right and wrong is, do I feel there should be.

[pnh102]

Crap on anyone's altar and they're going to be ticked off.

Shrug. Tough excrement. We have to deal peacefully with this stuff, let them deal with it peacefully too.

[51773photo]

agreed

[ThePatriotsFlag]

Like I said on another thread about the USA cheerleaders having to "cover up" for a basketball game with Muslims. I don't have a problem with that as long as they meet us half way. 1st half, everyone does cheers in Burkas, second half everyone wears the cute little short skirts. If the Muzzies don't want to meet us half way ... then tell them to go play soccer with North Korea.

Its the same with this "discussion." Let's meet half way ...when Muslims stop burning the bibles (with no press reports or outrage) and when Muslims stop burning the USA flags, then maybe we could all sit down and have tea. Until then ... enjoy your protest.

[Smokin' Joe]

I have two words for you: Northern Ireland.

[Smokin' Joe]

We only "have to" deal peacefully with this stuff because our morality constrains us. We turn the other cheek. We submit to authority (render unto Caesar?), and we believe in the Rule of Law.

Those whom might be offended and who have a demonstrated propensity for orchestrated 'spontaneous' violence might not feel so constrained.

You see, they have studied civil unrest (the US Gov't did, too,in the late 60's--a worthwhile read, BTW), and use it as a tool in their quest to conquer the world.

We tend to use force when we are threatened, and the threat has to be serious to not let those we have hired take care of it. We're getting over that, little by little, or more people would not be getting CCW permits.

Still, despite the actions of othere, there is a time and a place for everything, and I can see nothing to be gained by the egregious destruction of books some people deem to be holy.

It is a useless antagonism. YMMV

[Paved Paradise]

OMG... I am cracking up. I have actually waited for someone to talk about this for a long, long time. I hate to say it but I really think that is political and not religious. They couch it with religion but if you look at it in depth, they really aren’t arguing religion at all.