Some people are simply, mind blowingly stupid. Why do this?

[..]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/7986497/Koran-book-burning-will-endanger-American-lives-warns-Gen-Petraeus.html

[valkMJ]

Well, I started reading the article and stopped once I saw "The Dove World Outreach Centre in Gainesville, Florida".  These whackjobs have been in the news before.  I don't think they're even a real church to be honest.  They seem more interesting in stirring up hate than sharing the word of God.   

[Kaiser]

Yeah - it's gonna get pretty interesting around here real soon.

[R J]

They are about like the family in Kansas that protests any funeral they can of a fallen soldier at their funeral.

They are the ones the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) was formed to form flag lines to block them from view.   I have been a member of the PGR for a long time, however Capt Morgan has way more missions than I do.    O2 has slowed me down some.

[Brad]

The answer is simple because they can.  It is their right to do as they please as long as it doesn't interfere with any one else's right or break any laws.

A better question is why does some small group of whack jobs get world wide media attention for planning a book burning.  Which is just what they wanted.  The media, through what they choose to show the world, causes the problems.  They want to stir up Islam.  They will most likely also report on it 9-11 if it does happen.  Just look what they did to get the pictures released from the government of the treatment of the prisoners in Iraq.  It was not important to print those pictures for any reason other than to cause unrest in the world.  Which then gives them more stories to write.  Reminds me of third grade, one kid goes around the whole class causing trouble, starts something like this "Sally says that you are ugly and pick your nose" and then goes and tells Sally what you said in "their" own words.  Before you know it several people in the class are fighting with one another.  The media almost NEVER reports on anything of value or that is praiseworthy.

But to answer your question, there is no good reason for doing this.

And as an aside I am not allowed to watch the news when my wife is home, she claims that yelling at the TV wont change anything

[Kaiser]

In your opinion, and with great speculation - would the media respond in the same way if a group of people decided to burn any other religious book (i.e. the Bible, Book of Mormon, etc.)?

[Daniel Meyer]

In your opinion, and with great speculation - would the media respond in the same way if a group of people decided to burn any other religious book (i.e. the Bible, Book of Mormon, etc.)?

Probably. The media is in it for the money. There simply is no other motivation. For them, outrageous and controversial sells.

[Hoser]

I figure they are already hitting us with all they got, they are not going to quit either way.  Thusly, I don't care what they do or don't do to that thing.  Maybe they can throw it like a stone at some poor woman until they kill her, that might make the jihad folks happy.   Hoser    

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Yep, morons forming a club and calling it a church. Nothing like inflaming even more hatred for a little media exposure.

[alph]

i look at it like this;  remember the old days when they had beatles album burning get togethers?  all that did was make the beatles more popular!!!  that's all we need now, more people compationate twords the muslim religion.

[MP]

I think what they are planning is stupid.  That said:

It is their constitutional right to do it.  Freedom of speech.  Just like burning the flag, which I also oppose.

Where are all the people who said those who oppose building the mosque at that site should shut up, because it is a constitutional right to build there? 

Why are they all not out yelling about the RIGHT of these people, I will not call them a church, to burn the Koran?  Why are they not telling those who are opposed to the Koran burning to SHUT UP, just the same as those opposed to the site of the Mosque?

Such a double standard exists.

MP

[Momz]

Maybe they should forget the burning of the Quoran and put on white robes with hoods and then burn a few Mosques.

This type of religious and racial persecution has existed in the deep south for ages (not that us Yankees are better).

[Tropic traveler]

Oh wonderful. We are going to be in Gainesville Saturday 9/11 to watch the USF Bulls play the gaytors.
I hear the traffic is bad enough on a gameday in G'ville without the media circus that this has become.  
BTW, I find it amazing that some backwoods church burning some paper stirs the worlds passions as much or more as beheading an American journalist in the middle east does.
And people wonder why the media is held in such low regard.  
 

[Robert]

First a few things need to be noted here first wheres Bobbo and SE? they always tout freedom of speech and the ability to do what we want the silence is deafening. Next I dont agree with doing this now but why are we so worried? If Muslims cant control themselves since when did we worry about shrinking back? They have already burned a American flag shouted death to America and voiced their true opinion and we tremble like little kids that have got our hands caught in the cookie jar when mom said no. We dont even do anything to them for burning a flag or death to America. WE WILL NEVER BE ACCEPTED BY THEM, so where are our balls did we loose them on Sept 11th? Like I said I dont condone this it is provoking things that dont need to be provoked. But If we are in a war in Afghanistan then they will respect us more for standing our ground. They dont respect weakness and will use it for their advantage.  If you are a bully then backing down is not going to help but blooding his nose will, why after all these years haven't we learned that. Why is this different, you mean that to accept Christianity we are going about it all wrong we need to blow people up. Burn American flags shout death to America blow up a few people and then everyone will be to afraid to not call the USA a Christian nation. So whats different? This is one church and everyone is in a flap if it were the whole US then there would be a problem, but if the Muslims are insulted by one church among thousands then there's a problem. Maybe we should really reconsider the building of a Mosque as truly spitting in our faces by ALL  Muslims. It really shows intent in their thinking. If and I say if Muslims are such a peaceful religion shouldn't they be quaking in their boots saying I hope this is not the feeling of the whole US maybe we've gone to far and need to rethink this thing. You notice that no Muslim has expressed upsetment over the burning of the American flag or the maybe increased casualties by us service personnel. If Muslims in the US and abroad are truly peaceful then we really have nothing to worry about right? The US thought it could stay out of WW2 but we didn't and couldn't how is this different you cant avoid some things take it head on and deal with it.

[Bobbo]

I think what they are planning is stupid.  That said:

It is their constitutional right to do it.  Freedom of speech.  Just like burning the flag, which I also oppose.

Where are all the people who said those who oppose building the mosque at that site should shut up, because it is a constitutional right to build there? 

Why are they all not out yelling about the RIGHT of these people, I will not call them a church, to burn the Koran?  Why are they not telling those who are opposed to the Koran burning to SHUT UP, just the same as those opposed to the site of the Mosque?

Such a double standard exists.

MP

Burning a flag, burning a Quran, and building a Mosque near “Ground Zero” are all protected acts, barring other regulations, under our Constitution.  Whether it’s a good idea is another matter altogether.  I agree with the General that this will further ill will with a large portion of the world, and will backfire if they go through with it, much like the Mosque.

Something I’ve noticed in this thread is several people immediately distancing themselves from this Church, much like Westboro Baptist.  I find it interesting that when a crazy group does something in the name of Christianity, everyone is quick to claim that they aren’t “real” Christians.  When another crazy group does something in the name of Islam, or other religions, they claim “They’re all like that”.  Slightly hypocritical, but not surprising.

[Bobbo]

The difference is we quickly distance ourselves from them, while after 9-11, millions of muslims were dancing and celebrating in the street.

With this announcement of the burning, our flags get burned, etc, and I see nothing by the "main stream" muslims condemming those who do it.

When the video was posted of the headless, burned bodies of our people being drug thru the street, all I saw was jubilation.

MP

Millions?!  Really?!

A slight exaggeration, I’m sure.   You don’t see the majority of Muslims denouncing these crazy acts because you turn a blind eye to it.  Ask your Muslim friends how they and others feel about terrorist acts.

[Robert]

If Muslims are peaceful then this wil go over with no problem just strong objections  WHEW

[x]

No shortage of bezerkers, is there?

[Skinhead]

Something I’ve noticed in this thread is several people immediately distancing themselves from this Church, much like Westboro Baptist.  I find it interesting that when a crazy group does something in the name of Christianity, everyone is quick to claim that they aren’t “real” Christians.  When another crazy group does something in the name of Islam, or other religions, they claim “They’re all like that”.  Slightly hypocritical, but not surprising.

Something I've noticed is that we are not at war with these wackos, They have not to my knowledge killed or threatened to kill any innocent people, nor have they threatened violence if their bible is burned by muslims.  I think what they propose is in poor taste, but well within their rights.

The simple fact that most main stream Christians are willing to denounce the whack jobs is significant, how many muslims go on record and denounce the radicals?  (Maybe more than we know, the media just doesn't report it?)

I say go ahead and threaten to burn the koran and when the protesters form, after the first "Death to America" drop a 500 pounder right in the middle of them.  I have no use for any of them.  Call me racist, anti-muslim, homophobic, what ever you wish, I don't care.  I for one am sick of political correctness and double standards.  I'm also sick of these sheetheads being treated like they can do any thing they like and we must fear them.

Bring it on!

[Skinhead]

No shortage of bezerkers, is there?

Would you please define bezerker?  I tried looking it up and did not find it.  I just want to know the correct meaning of the term, and am not familiar with it.  I notice you use it regularly and can only guess at a meaning from the context in which you use it.

[Robert]

I say go ahead and threaten to burn the koran and when the protesters form, after the first "Death to America" drop a 500 pounder right in the middle of them.  I have no use for any of them.  Call me racist, anti-muslim, homophobic, what ever you wish, I don't care.  I for one am sick of political correctness and double standards.  I'm also sick of these sheetheads being treated like they can do any thing they like and we must fear them.

Bring it on!

I like it

[Kaiser]

Friend of mine lives just up the road from the "church".  He said he got a flier on his door that the Gainesville Police Department is working with FBI and Homeland Security.  He said the satellite TV trucks are already showing up, and helicopters that definitely did not belong to our police department have been circling for a while.  They've also put up a camera next to the street lights to monitor who is going in and out.

They are shutting the road down (only one road in/out of "church" and surrounding development) during the hours of the planned burning with only residents of the area getting in and out (with proof of address).  The flier noted that if anything happens, they will shut down the road entirely and indefinitely.

Needless to say, he and his family will not be at home that night.

[Bobbo]

The simple fact that most main stream Christians are willing to denounce the whack jobs is significant, how many muslims go on record and denounce the radicals?  (Maybe more than we know, the media just doesn't report it?)

And many people chose to ignore it.

I have no use for any of them.  Call me racist, anti-muslim, homophobic, what ever you wish, I don't care.  I for one am sick of political correctness and double standards.  I'm also sick of these sheetheads being treated like they can do any thing they like and we must fear them.

This type of mindset is what I was describing.  You have lumped all Arabs and Muslims into a group, and condemn them all for the actions of a few.

[Bobbo]

Friend of mine lives just up the road from the "church".  He said he got a flier on his door that the Gainesville Police Department is working with FBI and Homeland Security.  He said the satellite TV trucks are already showing up, and helicopters that definitely did not belong to our police department have been circling for a while.  They've also put up a camera next to the street lights to monitor who is going in and out.

They are shutting the road down (only one road in/out of "church" and surrounding development) during the hours of the planned burning with only residents of the area getting in and out (with proof of address).  The flier noted that if anything happens, they will shut down the road entirely and indefinitely.

Needless to say, he and his family will not be at home that night.

It’s unfortunate that this Church is forcing a high amount of security in response to this stunt.  This event will most likely draw extremists from around the country, both pro and con.  If law enforcement did nothing, or very little to monitor and control crowds at this event, they would face scorn if something happened.

[Willow]

It’s unfortunate that this Church is forcing a high amount of security in response to this stunt.  This event will most likely draw extremists from around the country, both pro and con.  If law enforcement did nothing, or very little to monitor and control crowds at this event, they would face scorn if something happened.

I'm not going to reveal where I stand on this action as I may find myself more extreme than some of my friends.

I will, Bob, ask you to reflect a bit on your lack of tolerance, maybe even veiled condemnation,  toward one group while you appeared to be bending over backwards to defend a group on the other side of the ideological conflict.  I'm pretty sure your position representing the bulk of "broad minded Americans" confirms what some in this thread have alleged.    

In fairness, I guess I will say shame on anyone of us who claims a relationship with Jesus Christ and has called for mass slayings of those against whom we've found ourselves arrayed.  Early in life we learned that "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world."   

[Skinhead]

The simple fact that most main stream Christians are willing to denounce the whack jobs is significant, how many muslims go on record and denounce the radicals?  (Maybe more than we know, the media just doesn't report it?)

And many people chose to ignore it.

I have no use for any of them.  Call me racist, anti-muslim, homophobic, what ever you wish, I don't care.  I for one am sick of political correctness and double standards.  I'm also sick of these sheetheads being treated like they can do any thing they like and we must fear them.

This type of mindset is what I was describing.  You have lumped all Arabs and Muslims into a group, and condemn them all for the actions of a few.

You have your mindset, I have mine.  It is a free country and frankly, I don't give a rat's as5 what you think.  Not trying to be offensive mind you, merely stating the facts.  You may Snopes it if you like.

[Brad]

The pastor of this church was on the radio today and when asked how many parishioners he has he said about 50.  I interpret this to be far less than 50 because most churches have less than 50% of their enrolled members that are active.  It is surprising to me how much money, time and resources that are being spent on the actions of such a small number of people.  There are a lot of bigger issues and problems that these resources could be used on.  Helicopters, satellite uplinks, and air time all cost a lot of money.

[Trynt]

No shortage of bezerkers, is there?

Would you please define bezerker?  I tried looking it up and did not find it.  I just want to know the correct meaning of the term, and am not familiar with it.  I notice you use it regularly and can only guess at a meaning from the context in which you use it.

This site gives one definition, although it probably isn't SE's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berserker

[Robert]

The movie is called Obsession I think all will find this interesting this is one part of 9

Obsession Islam's War Against the West- 3/8	powered by Aeva

Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West (1 of 10)	powered by Aeva

This one teaches about the Koran

Islam,what the west needs to know_2_of_10	powered by Aeva

And we are worried about 50 people???

[fstsix]

Media Sensationalism, 50 people ? well all i can say to the Journalist if there are any left is GET A JOB.....but then again they Are State controlled Opposition, From the Left, Even the Ground zero has been all about (Ratings) just to make money...They should be Accountable for ANY person Harmed in the Mid East for Making this BIGGER than life....the whole thing is pathetic, Well now the Muslims will Shoot Innocent people at Fort Hood and now they will fly Commercial jets into Skyscrapers if we make them Mad ? OH........they already did? Ummmm....who made them mad then ?                  History of sensationalism
   

Mitchell Stephens, in his account of "The History of News", illustrates that sensationalism can be found in the Roman Acta, and was spread with enthusiasm by preliterate societies. Sensationalism can be found in books of the 16th and 17th century; however, it is asserted that sensationalism in this era was used to teach moral lessons.

Sensationalism is further believed by Stephens to have brought the news to a new audience. He discusses the heavy use of sensationalism aimed towards the lower class, as they have less of a need to understand politics and the economy. Through this, the audience is further educated and encouraged to take more interest in the news.

However, Stephens notes, "when journalists confine themselves to the search for the violent or the miraculous, not only do they paint a grotesque face on the world, but they deprive their audiences of the opportunity to examine subtler occurrences with larger consequences". (Stephens, 2007:113).
[edit] Sensationalism in broadcasting   

[Bobbo]

I will, Bob, ask you to reflect a bit on your lack of tolerance, maybe even veiled condemnation,  toward one group while you appeared to be bending over backwards to defend a group on the other side of the ideological conflict.  I'm pretty sure your position representing the bulk of "broad minded Americans" confirms what some in this thread have alleged.    

Quite frankly, I’m somewhat puzzled at your post.  You state that I am intolerant of one group, yet defend another.  It may appear that I defend one group simply because only one group is being constantly attacked on this board.  I support no groups, particularly religious ones, only their constitutional rights.  I am pointing out how crazy people who align themselves with a particular religion are seen as representing all in that religion, while ignoring similar crazy people in their own chosen religion.  If you see this as intolerant, then I am intolerant of hypocrisy.

I’m not aware that others have alleged anything, except calling me the boogieman du jour, which is a “Liberal”.  I’m not offended by these feel good labels, since I don’t fit into any one of them.

Regarding the heightened security at this Church, the concern obviously isn’t the 50 or so people claimed as followers, but the possibility of hundreds or thousands that may show up in support or opposition to this event.  There are reportedly dozens of Qurans being sent to this event from around the country to throw into the bonfire.  While I’m certainly no fan of the Quran, I agree with the overwhelming majority of Americans of all religions that this stunt isn’t a good idea.

[Serk]

Wow, just read up a little more on the pastor behind this... Sounds like a real winner... 

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/bizarre/koran-burner-creepier-you-think

[Brad]

Wow, just read up a little more on the pastor behind this... Sounds like a real winner... 

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/bizarre/koran-burner-creepier-you-think

Hummm....Terry Jones.....Jim Jones......could they be related?  Let me have a glass of grape koolaid while I think about it   

[Robert]

If you want to learn the Muslim justification for suicide bombing watch this video. A Muslim cannot be guaranteed their heaven unless they are a martyr. They say its a peaceful religion that is true in one sense after they have killed all the unbelievers and the only religion then there will be Muslim peace

Islam,what the west needs to know_3_of_10	powered by Aeva

I forgot one thing its a interesting point that the Quran refers to the Bible as "The Book"

[Willow]

Quite frankly, I’m somewhat puzzled at your post.  ... then I am intolerant of hypocrisy.

I’m not aware that others have alleged anything, except calling me the boogieman du jour, which is a “Liberal”.  I’m not offended by these feel good labels, since I don’t fit into any one of them.

I guess I needed to be more specific.  I wasn't referring to or attempting to validate anything anyone had specifically said about you, but that earlier in this thread there was some mention that the enthusiastic support for the constitutional rights of the mosque builders was somehow absent regarding these koran burners.

As to hypocrisy,  it seems to me that we all tend to be a little blind concerning our own and acutely aware of the hypocrisy of others.  My intent was not to argue for or support any accusation against you, Bob, but to simply encourage you to take a moment to evaluate your own pattern.  Perhaps, with effort, you will see what I see.  Perhaps you will not.

Again, I tend to be a bit blind concerning my own hypocrisy.  Yours is blatantly obvious to me. 

Be safe and enjoy your Valkyrie for what remains of the summer weather.  It's slipping away too quickly for me. 

[Bobbo]

Quite frankly, I’m somewhat puzzled at your post.  ... then I am intolerant of hypocrisy.

I’m not aware that others have alleged anything, except calling me the boogieman du jour, which is a “Liberal”.  I’m not offended by these feel good labels, since I don’t fit into any one of them.

If you read my message #14, you will se my support for their constitutional right to hold this event.

I guess I needed to be more specific.  I wasn't referring to or attempting to validate anything anyone had specifically said about you, but that earlier in this thread there was some mention that the enthusiastic support for the constitutional rights of the mosque builders was somehow absenut regarding these koran burners.

As to hypocrisy,  it seems to me that we all tend to be a little blind concerning our own and acutely aware of the hypocrisy of others.  My intent was not to argue for or support any accusation against you, Bob, but to simply encourage you to take a moment to evaluate your own pattern.  Perhaps, with effort, you will see what I see.  Perhaps you will not.

Again, I tend to be a bit blind concerning my own hypocrisy.  Yours is blatantly obvious to me. 

Be safe and enjoy your Valkyrie for what remains of the summer weather.  It's slipping away too quickly for me. 

If you read my message #14, you will see my support for the church's constitutional right to hold this event.

[Robert]

When I was a little kid maybe 9 or 10 I knew in my heart that the Lord wanted me to make a decision for Him at that time. I didn't really know how good the Lord was or how much He really loved me. I also knew that at that time I had things in my life that I wanted to do. I thought that there is no way that I could be blameless or sinless I knew there was no way that I could ever live up to that. I didn't know the real person of Christ how good He is or that my sins would be forgiven me how much He loves me or what was available to me through Him. I had been to church a few times but all I got was your condemned while singing Jesus loves us. Thats the reason when I wanted to know who God was started to read the Bible. I wanted to see who He really is how He reacted and felt about situations. He has never since the day I picked up the Bible ever disappointed me. The point of all this have you read your Bible today? Do you really know whats in it? Do you just listen to preachers or what you pick up here and there? The Bible does hold you accountable to know who your God is regardless of who is the teacher. This church has taken whats in the Bible and carried it to levels that do not reflect the real person of Jesus. The law may have been correct based on the Bible but without the temperance of love its just a waste and in fact the Bible calls the law the law of sin and death. The spirit brings life where as the law brings death. Discernment into people and motives is important

[Serk]

Called off...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100909/ap_on_re_us/quran_burning

[fstsix]

Called OFF!.....Hahahah...Well God is Good....Now just as i would have posted last night but too many fingers pointing....He Was just testing the waters to Wake up America and Get the reaction From OUR (Government) regarding if The Christian Community would still have Free Speech ? Amazing the fire storm....I personally am glad The pastor used the Lords  Wisdom to show who is Our Enemy....Now Muslims let's see you Stop! and Back down......IT WONT HAPPEN BOY'S AND GIRL'S anyone that thinks they will is a FOOL!!

[..]

The two events are unrelated.

The loony in Florida would still have gone ahead with his proposed burning without the mosque fracas going on.

The loony in Florida is now trying to hang onto the coattails of the mosque fracas in a vainglorious attempt to hog any publicity drips he can soak up.