I don't think I've seen much of anything here about the pastor who wants to burn copies of the Koran on this Saturday, the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, so I'd like to reprint this comment opposing the idea that I left over at The Hostages late Tuesday/early Wednesday (depending on your time zone) with a couple of edits...

First of all, I find book-burning repugnant in general. I hate Nazis, but I wouldn’t encourage the burning of copies of Mein Kampf. You can learn a lot from reading your enemies’ ideas, after all.

I should take pains to note here, which I did not in my original screed, that Muslims in general are not our enemies. I have Muslim friends, at least one of whom has appeared on The O'Reilly Factor a few times, who are kind and decent people. (In an otherwise serious comment, I should note that, sadly, nobody I personally know has been on Red Eye or punched Shep Smith in the dick.)

Also, behaving in the same manner as the people you’re condemning is hardly a good way to take the high ground.

Secondly, if you find parts of the Koran objectionable, why not scan it for some of the more repugnant verses and hold a protest where you read them out loud on a day like 9/11? That would seem like a more educational experience.

Third, while the guy who’s doing this has every right to do so, it’s an attention-seeking dick move pure and simple. Just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do it.

Does that last point sound anything like something else that’s been in the news as of late? Hm?

Well, that's my take on this controversy, and I'd be happy to hear what you think about it, especially if you agree with me. Because, if we've learned anything over the last twenty or so months, having people refute your arguments is kind of a downer.

Posted by: Sean M. at 04:50 AM | Comments (40) | Add Comment
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