Posted on 09/07/2010 6:19:50 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The United States' top commander in Afghanistan has warned that a planned Koran-burning event in Florida could put US troops in danger.
Gen. David Petraeus added his voice to mounting protests from both the US and abroad over the Dove World Outreach Center's plans to burn Korans on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. His comments ratcheted up the pressure on once-obscure pastor Terry Jones to call off the event.
The controversy comes as some 120,000 US and allied troops are waging a counter-insurgency campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan, a campaign whose goals include winning support for the US-backed government from the largely Muslim population.
General Petraeus said that burning Korans "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," according to CNN.
""It could endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort in Afghanistan," Gen. David Petraeus said in a statement issued Monday ...
"Even the rumor that it might take place has sparked demonstrations such as the one that took place in Kabul yesterday," he said. "Were the actual burning to take place, the safety of our soldiers and civilians would be put in jeopardy and accomplishment of the mission would be made more difficult."
"Mr. Jones, the pastor of the center in Gainesville, Florida, has touted the activity as "International Burn the Koran Day." Jones also authored a book titled "Islam is of the Devil," which has a Facebook page and Twitter account.
(Excerpt) Read more at csmonitor.com ...
It is you who are ignoring the consequences.
They are offended that we even exist in the first place.
I believe that our troops are equipped to deal with wartime situations and will defend themselves valiantly under fire from anyone at anytime. Some are dying now, which is to be regretted. More will die whether or not korans are burned on 9-11, also to be regretted, but Freedom isn't Free. This is the primary lesson that needs to be learned.
If we do not wish anyone to be in harm's way then we should not be there at all. But our volunteer forces *are* there and I have every faith that those putting themselves in harm's way for ME and my family and YOU and your family would not want us to surrender our unalienable God-given and Constitutionally-protected rights under ANY circumstances. To do so would render their noble sacrifice meaningless.
I hate war. America is a peaceful country. But the war was escalated on 9/11/01 and we are still fighting it as best we can given the current feckless administration.
The direct answer to your question is that as long as a fully volunteer force is willing to fight to the death to ensure my personal liberties then I am not going to minimize their courage or their ultimate sacrifice by willingly surrendering exactly those rights they are fighting for. That would not be "worth it" to anybody, especially those who may be killed on our mutual behalf.
And if we have to engage in symbolic warfare against our enemies then so be it; our troops can and will defend themselves well. I happen to think that, at this particular moment, burning the korans is a *good* tactic to help draw otherwise hidden enemies out of the woodwork. But that is another post. This one is too long already.
And there was clear evidence that Paul wisely picked and chose such events, and that to liken that with today’s occurrence is not even like comparing apples and oranges. It’s like comparing apples and quasars.
Oh,in what way?
Exactly, never forget, they started it. During WWII we regularly mocked Emperor Hirohito, who was considered to be a God by the Japanese.
Good to know that some know they're actually thinking. It's always helpful to mind-readers available.
Good to know that some know what they're actually thinking. It's always helpful to mind-readers available.
Good to know that some know what they're actually thinking. It's always helpful to mind-readers available.
Why aren’t we seeing things like Roe v. Wade burnings? Someone riddle me that one.
It sounds self promoting. Very similar to the Westburros.
Reading comprehension is a friend.
Also good to know you’re being consistent. Not content to take Acts 19 out of context, you now take what I said out of context!
This act a slap in the face of true Christianity. It's on the level of that preacher who prayed for the death of Obama.
People say that radical Islamists are going to hate us anyway. If that's the case then why not try to behave in a blameless manner? Why contribute to a cycle of hate? Why stoop to their level? Why set up a stumbling block for relations with the non-radical adherents of Islam?
Too bad you can’t seem to make that friend.
Bingo.
Aww, that “blameless” stuff is old fashioned. It was long crossed out of many bibles.
Can’t believe I hadn’t seen this yet - my heart breaks for this poor decision on the part of somebody who couldn’t be bothered to just send them back with a note.
Colonel, USAFR
It could be they have some spare marshmallows to roast.
And it could be they’re tired of everyone being afraid of the muzzies and are setting an example.
And it could just be they want to see if the killers will actually attack over exercise of free speech.
And it could be they want to see if the Fed will attempt to abuse its power to prevent free speech.
All of which are reasons for an allah-bonfire.
Cowards hate and resent brave men.
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