Pressure rises on pastor who wants to burn QuranFirst let me be clear: I think this fundie pastor's plan is abhorrent.
By MITCH STACY, Associated Press Writer
7 Sep 2010
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The government turned up the pressure Tuesday on the head of a small Florida church who plans to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11, warning him that doing so could endanger U.S. troops and Americans everywhere.
BUT: That bit about the government "warning him that doing so could endanger U.S. troops" reminds me a lot of Nixon/Agnew rhetoric used against anti-war protestors in the '60s and '70s: that anti-war protests gave aid and comfort to the enemy.
It's about US. To the extent that burning Qurans is symbolic speech - and it's hard to interpret it otherwise - it is protected under the First Amendment.
For the government to attempt to restrict this speech is wrong.
Flag-burning is likewise fully protected symbolic speech.
Again, I'd hope that Pastor Terry Jones would reconsider his plans, but if he doesn't, it's his right!
I would guess Fox is saying he has that right and agree to that.
ReplyDeleteI also bet they would not take the same position if it were a flag.
Yeah, well... I'd like to think I have more principles than Fox...
ReplyDeleteThe guy pastors a church of 50 people and is getting world wide recognition. It's not about book burning it's about publicity. I don't think he deserves it.
ReplyDeleteNo news organization is obligated to cover the event... but all of 'em probably will.
ReplyDeleteI have some friends who are staging a counter-protest. Rights, right and left.
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