Obama Slams Florida Pastor’s Quran-Burning Plan

It’s amazing what one bigoted gesture can do in these, our volatile times. All you have to do is be a professional ignoramus masquerading as a Christian clergyman, such as Florida pastor Terry Jones, let your incredibly poor sensibility about global politics and religion compromise both your better judgment and the safety of your local community, and next thing you know, you have the attention of the president of the U.S.A.

That’s what happened Thursday morning, when none other than President Barack Obama held forth on “Good Morning America” about Jones’ widely condemned plan to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11. — KA

BBC:

In an interview with ABC television, Mr Obama said he hoped Mr Jones “understands that what he’s proposing to do is completely contrary to our values as Americans, that this country has been built on the notion of freedom and religious tolerance”.

“And as a very practical matter, I just want him to understand that this stunt that he is talking about pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women who are in uniform,” the president said.

“Look, this is a recruitment bonanza for al-Qaeda. You could have serious violence in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan. This could increase the recruitment of individuals who’d be willing to blow themselves up in American cities, or European cities,” he said.

“I hope he listens to those better angels and understands that this is a destructive act that he’s engaging in,” the president said.

Read more