FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
General David Petraeus - the top commander in Afghanistan - is condemning a Florida church's plan to burn Qurans on September 11.
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Petraeus says the burning of Islam's holy books could endanger American troops overseas - and the overall effort in Afghanistan. There are about 120,000 U.S. and NATO troops fighting Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
Petraeus says even the rumor that the Quran burning might happen has sparked protests in the Muslim world. Hundreds of Afghans demonstrated yesterday in Kabul, chanting "Death to America" and calling on the U.S. to withdraw its troops. Thousands of Indonesians gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Jakarta over the weekend. Protesters say Quran burning is an insult to Muslims all around the world.
Meanwhile - the pastor of Dove World Outreach Church in Gainesville, Florida, tells CNN his congregation plans to go through with it.
Terry Jones says they've "firmly" made up their minds but are praying about what they're about to do. Jones says the congregation knows this is an offensive action, but says he's offended when Muslims burn the American flag or the Bible. He claims the church's message is not one of hate and not meant for moderate Muslims, but rather a warning to radical Muslims.
Lots of people think this is a bad idea. The U.S. embassy in Kabul says that the U.S. government condemns the "offensive messages" and disrespect against Islam.
And various religious groups are also opposing the Quran burning. The National Association of Evangelicals is calling on the church to cancel the event. And Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu leaders in Gainesville have organized a so-called Gathering for Peace the night before the scheduled burning.
Here’s my question to you: A Florida church is planning to burn Qurans on September 11 as a warning to Muslim extremists. Is this a good idea?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Ann in South Carolina writes:
Burning the Muslim's holy book is definitely not a good idea; it is an act of disrespect and ignorance. The Quran is sacred to all Muslims, and by burning it all Muslims will be offended, not just the radical Muslims. Terry Jones claims he is offended when Muslims burn the American flag or the Bible. Has this preacher not heard of turning the other cheek? Does he think two wrongs make a right? I think he is looking for publicity without regard for the consequences of his action. I find everything about his plan offensive.
Bud in Jacksonville, Florida writes:
This Quran-burning does recognize a growing awareness that America will soon be in trouble, just like many other countries and communities, if the impact of Islam is not soon understood by us all. As the Muslim population in each host country grows, so does the conflict between Muslim laws, aims, and goals and those of a secular democratic and free society like the U.S. The two cannot, in the long run, exist peacefully.
Sylvia in San Diego writes:
Jack, Clearly, disrespecting religion or religious symbols is "bad behavior" and it is something I would not do. However, we live in a country of laws and the law allows the right to free speech and this pastor is exercising his right to free speech in a way that he believes to be appropriate and effective.
Gary in Sarasota, Florida writes:
I suppose it's a good idea if you want to attract the attention national attention to yourself and don't care if you look like a complete jackass doing it.
Brandon in Melbourne, Florida writes:
It's rude and insensitive, but they have the legal right to burn Qurans that they own. Much like the Muslims have the legal right to build a mosque at Ground Zero, but to do so would also be rude and insensitive.
Jeff writes:
All books are sacred, even Danielle Steel's. Burning books is the sign of a closed and frightened mind.