Petraeus Condemns U.S. Church's Plan to Burn Qurans

KABUL—The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said the planned burning of Qurans on Sept. 11 by a Florida church could put the lives of American troops in danger and damage the war effort.

Gen. David Petraeus said the Taliban would exploit the demonstration for propaganda purposes, drumming up anger toward the U.S. and making it harder for allied troops to carry out their mission of protecting Afghan civilians.

"It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort," Gen. Petraeus said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere in the world we are engaged with the Islamic community."

...but that doesn't mean I can't criticize the content, does it?

Absolutely not! That's the right I'm all hot about. I think it's a dumb thing for a church (or any religious organization) to do. I have not said so before, here or anywhere else, because I try not to criticize any religion. Islam excluded. If this were a demonstration held by citizens not associated with any organization I would have more respect for it myself.

Petraeus has that same right.

He certainly does have the right. But he has responsibilities and obvious political affiliations that make his words far more influential and therefore far more open to criticism. We have enough doubts about the loyalty of our Federal government without a top general in our military adding fuel to our concerns.

...will likely win a sizable settlement...

I have my doubts about that but that's kind of a small side issue in light of all the others we're discussing here IMO.

But I still have the right to call a spade a spade with respect to the conduct of the "pastor"...

Without a doubt. I have done my best to avoid saying what I think about that for a couple of reasons. One being to keep my discussion of it centered on the principle of free speech and not the act itself the other a personal matter more or less.

FReegards, Abundy. Stay safe.

I would say Florida churches should listen to a general, if he says his troops would be put in unneeded danger.

This "church" has supported Westboro Baptist Church earlier this year. They clearly do not care about our American soldiers and Marines.

http://www.doveworld.org/blog/in-support-of-westboro-baptist

Anybody who supports Westboro Baptist Church is against this country and our military, and should be considered to be plants trying to do the right and Christians harm.

I don’t think I’d like it a bit. Most sane people don’t. But we keep kissing their asses and I’ll find out. And so will you. Because we won’t have to go anywhere to be at the “front lines.” What is this a WWll movie to you? THERE ARE NO FRONT LINES.

Yes, there are front lines, jackass. Ask my fellow soldiers who get shot at multiple times on a daily basis.

And that was pretty much the point, wasn’t it?

I'm sorry, did you make a point, jackass?

My tune won’t change, I know that about myself, but I don’t know about what you’ll do, since I know nothing about you. As far as the rest of your nasty little message goes, consider this; you just did to me what you so disapprove.

Ironic isn’t it?

Irony? I served my time. You?

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