Quran Burning

This is really simple.

First, if you want to burn a Quran you can. If you want to burn a flag you can. If you want to burn a Bible you can. It’s called freedom of speech.

Second, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean it is a good idea.

Third, Christians would have a cow if Muslims gathered to burn the Bible. Many Americans have a cow when someone burns a flag.

Fourth, Islam isn’t evil. The Quran isn’t evil. Muslims aren’t evil. The Quran, like the Bible, is an old document that incorporates some practices that we no longer sanction (slavery, stoning, etc.). Like the Bible, it also contains ideas and values we aspire to. Islam is a religion that should be treated with the same respect one treats Christianity, or any other religion.

Fifth, some Muslims are Americans. This is their country too.

Sixth, freedom of religion is an important concept in American history. It’s an important concept in our Constitution. It’s just a plain old important concept. It’s more important than the attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Seventh, burning Quran’s will send a message. Muslims will be hurt and offended. Some Muslims will interpret this as a great insult. Radical Muslims will use this event to gain recruits, just as radical Christians would use similar affronts to Christianity.

These are just facts. Do with them what you will.