O-mama - Opinionated Moms

Photo Associated Press

UPDATE 9/13- Pastor Jones did not end up burnign the Quran and has pledged that his Florida church will, "not ever," burn the book.  He went on the Today Show and explained that his goal was, "to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical."

UPDATE 9/10- Rev. Terry Jones says that he does not plan to stage a burning of the Quran at this time, as long as imam Muhammad Musri holds firm on his promise of a "deal" with New York’s imam Faisal Abdul to move the proposed mosque at ground zero.  Jones says that they made a deal and Musri says that he has only scheduled a meeting between Jones, New York’s imam and him.  Jones’ goal is to get the location of the mosque that is to be built at ground zero in New York changed, in exchange for not burning the Quran on September 11th.

9/9- A Florida pastor, Terry Jones, is planning a rally for his parishioners (reportedly numbered at 50) and other supporters to burn the Quran on September 11^th to show his distain for Islam.  The White House, General Petraeus, the Defense Department, the Justice Department, the State Department and religious leaders across the spectrum have criticized his decision and appealed to him not to burn the Quran, as it could have adverse consequences for American troops around the world.  Jones says it’s his Constitutional right to set fire to the book.  He also said, “Instead of us backing down, maybe it’s time to stand up.  Maybe it’s time to send a message to radical Islam that we will not tolerate their behavior.” 

MOMism: ”Don't burn any bridges.”  Bridges connect us to other people and places.  We teach our kids that these connections are important...that we never know when we might need a bridge to get us where we need to go.  We need to keep all options open and not "burn" bridge.

So, as our troops are trying to win the hearts and minds of the people in the Middle East by building bridges, literally and figuratively, this Christian extremist is threatening to burn them down with his misguided bonfire.  Our commanding General on the ground in Afghanistan has indicated that this irresponsible act would do harm to our efforts and endanger our troops - al Qaeda will use it as a propaganda tool against our country and our military efforts.  Enough said, right? Our military is standing up to the terrorists and their mission includes building relationships with people and leaders of the muslim faith to help us in that effort...and Rev. Jones is simply being a destructive force. 

Let's remember 9-11.  Let's never forget what happened and who committed the horrendous acts of terrorism on our nation...Osama Bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda was responsible. Acts of terror and HATE against the United States of America because of who we are...because of what we stand for...because of our fundamental belief in freedom and tolerance.  So, how do we honor those lost on 9-11?  Should we succumb to fear and hate by fearing and hating...or do we stand up against it...united as Americans against fear mongering, hateful rhetoric and horrific, destructive acts...united as Americans in favor of rebuilding our lives after 9-11, honoring our heros at home and abroad by sending a message that we do not believe in radical, destructive behavior in the name of any religion?  Rev. Jones, O-MAMA reminds you that with freedom comes responsibility.

UPDATE:  A note from Debomama...by the way, Sarah Palin denounced the Florida church’s Terry Jones’ plan to burn the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  She said that people have a right to burn the book, but”doing so is insensitive and unnecessary provocation.”  Good MAMA.