08 September 2010

See hatred for what it is

An evangelical sect in Florida plans to observe a certain anniversary by burning copies of the Koran.

I struggle to fathom the justification for acts of this sort.  It exudes hatred, pure and simple.  One act of hatred begets another.  It is a vicious circle.  Are they expecting to be bombed in retaliation, thus providing proof of whatever they're saying?

No Christian pastor worthy of the name could enjoin his followers to indulge in such a gross and offensive act.  It would be better for him to look seriously at the root causes of anti-American terrorism and advocate for a swift end to the war in Afghanistan, and the withdrawal of armed forces from various parts of the world.  One would hope that Mr Obama is thinking very carefully about the viability of that post-WWII American policy of trying to be every brother's keeper.

Amy Goodman offers some thoughts on 11 September.  This is particularly apt:
Right after Sept. 11, 2001, as thousands gathered in parks around New York City, holding impromptu candlelit vigils, a sticker appeared on signs, placards and benches. It read, "Our grief is not a cry for war."

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