The contrast between President Obama's reaction to the planned burning of Qurans by a Florida minister and the planned building of a Mosque two blocks from Ground Zero by a New York Imam couldn't be more different. Both people were clearly exercising their rights under the American Constitution and law. However, both parties were taking actions that were clearly offensive to certain groups. Quran burning is offensive to Muslims worldwide and the Ground Zero Mosque is offensive to victims and families of 9-11. President Obama fully supported the Ground Zero Mosque. He said,
"I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country,"
When it came to the free speech right to burn Qurans, President Obama had a different take on the issue. President Obama said,
""If he's listening, I just hope he understands that what he's proposing to do is completely contrary to our values..."
Both the Ground Zero Mosque and the planned Quran burning are boneheaded ideas, but President Obama failed to support the free speech rights of the Florida minister and failed to tell the NY Imam the Mosque location was a bad idea. Is it any wonder one in five Americans think Obama is a secret Muslim?
After a visit by the FBI, the Florida minister has announced a cancellation of the Quran burning and said he is flying to New York to meet the Ground Zero Mosque developer in the wake of a reported decision to move the Mosque location. Sources close to Sharif Al-Gamal deny a deal has been struck.
President Obama's could attempt to defend his decision to try and stop the Quran burning by saying he is protecting U.S. Military and civilian's lives by his Quran burning position. However, this brings to mind the failed policy of German appeasement before WW2.
Makes me wonder why Obama doesn't invite the Minister from Florida and the Iman from New York to the Rose Garden for a Lemonade Summit. Beer after all would probably would offend both of them.
ReplyDeleteBob Mitchell said...
ReplyDelete"Makes me wonder why Obama doesn't invite the Minister from Florida and the Iman from New York to the Rose Garden for a Lemonade Summit. Beer after all would probably would offend both of them."
This would have been a good idea early on, but after you call someone (minister) names, how do you put that toothpaste back in the tube?
So does free speech apply to everyone? Or just people who think like you. Its just as much the ministers right to burn it as it is Obama's right to speak out against it. That my friend is free speech. Don't agree, well then you my friend probably fall into the facist category.
ReplyDeleteAh, you approve comments. So basically your always right. I'm seeing a pattern here.
ReplyDeleteNick - Cincinnati said...
ReplyDelete"Ah, you approve comments. So basically your always right. I'm seeing a pattern here."
I moderate comments so some evil-doer won't post a racist comment and report me for it.