This subject makes me SO angry and sad, I wasn't sure if I wanted to write about it. So I've been trying to separate my emotions from the logic, and then realized - it's my blog, and I'll write about whatever I damn well please. LOL!
Anyway, if you all haven't heard about this, let me enlighten you. A Christian pastor in Florida has publicized the fact that he will travel to Ground Zero in NYC tomorrow (9/11) and host a Quran burning ceremony to oppose the erection of an Islamic Mosque not two blocks away.
Now, I won't get too into THAT can of worms - because although I can absolutely sympathize with how a monument in tribute to Islam so near the site of the World Trade Center attacks would be offensive to the victims and their families, it also remains true that the attackers on September 11, 2001 were radical Islamics, who don't (and shouldn't) represent the entire Islam culture. I do, however, wonder why in the world the powers that be would choose to even enter the world of massive controversy and build the Mosque THERE...it was bound to upset many an American (and New Yorker, especially). So why not choose another location...? Just my opinion.
But back to the pastor. Unfortunately, he's not the only Christian radical out there who doesn't think things through, acts upon impulse and skewed logic, and has no regard for human harmony. He undoubtedly believes this is God's will - although I am constantly amazed by how many times "God's will" is the justification for acts of violent hatred, and, moreover, how people do not see how this is unbelievably hypocritical. And this one (physically) simple act of burning a book considered holy to a select group of people holds more significance and consequence than I possibly care to think about.
Disrespecting and viciously opposing everything the Islamic culture/religion stands for will ONLY create more tension, more anger, and more hatred - both from the Islamic side AND the Christian side! Radical Christians who support the Quran burning will deepen their hatred and opposition to Islam, while everyone who practices Islam is sure to be offended - and there are always those who will retaliate violently.
I realize this is an age-old battle; I am not naive enough to think it started with the September 11th attacks. However, in this particular situation, I am disgusted by the members of this modern world who are encouraging this despicable act of hatred. it only makes one appear ignorant, uninformed, cruel, immature, and cowardly - among other things. And you are not one IOTA better than the cowardly snakes who attacked us in the first place.
It is people like this pastor who are the reason we will NEVER achieve global harmony - there will never be universal respect amongst the human race for different cultures, religions, ethnicities, beliefs, or values. As long as people like him continue to break the bonds of brother and sisterhood, and openly insult other groups of people, we will never see peace.
