Obama denounces Koran burning, Afghan attacks and beheadings

 

President Obama statement on Afghanistan violence and deaths, as provided by the White House

Today, the American people honor those who were lost in the attack on the United Nations in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

Once again, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who were killed, and to the people of the nations that they came from.

The desecration of any holy text, including the Koran, is an act of extreme intolerance and bigotry.

However, to attack and kill innocent people in response is outrageous, and an affront to human decency and dignity.

No religion tolerates the slaughter and beheading of innocent people, and there is no justification for such a dishonorable and deplorable act.

Now is a time to draw upon the common humanity that we share, and that was so exemplified by the U.N. workers who lost their lives trying to help the people of Afghanistan.    ####

Related:

Afghan mob, angered by Koran burning, attacks U.N. office, kills many

Photo: Allauddin Khan / Associated Press (Afghan protests continue over Koran burning, April 2).

Comments

[Lenny1970]

Islam is the greatest killer of all time, even worse than the National Socialists (NAZIs) and Russian Socialists (Communists). Islam has snuffed out Christians in the Middle East & North Africa; Persian Zoroastrians; Hindus; Buddhists; Jews; etc... How we continue treating ’re letting it go on now is unbelievable.

[Jim]

Wow, Obama 'denounced' it. As if a single thing the fraud says has any meaning.

[Doc]

So... bombing in Afghanistan and Libya have nothing to do with the Muslim crazies beheading innocent people?

I'm incredulous that Obama defends the barbarism of Islam.

[john ryan]

cant we do something about that idiot who burned the koran there must be some muslims in florida don't kill innocent people

[Jim Beau]

Savages deserve to have their "holy" book burned.
Maybe O bamma should move over there.

[Bob]

Funny,
Barry did not mention the defacing of 5000 Holy Bibles by the gov of Malay very recently in news. Which by the way did not result in violence let alone murder. But hey, I guess murderers get the presidents attention and sympathies.

[Bill]

I appreciate our Presidents words for he speaks volumes for all to think about. Thank you President Obama for your empathy and wisdom.

Bill

[Mehr]

President Obama; perhaps the most popular and honored Statesman in the world is absolutely correct. Revenge and counter revenge is an incorrect act. Worst of all is the stupid deed of a half-educated, semi-literate self proclaimed attorney of "god" in Florida whose pathetic deeds need no elaboration. Just ask him what is the capitol of Romania or just ask him: "What is the religion of a Buddhist Monk?" This is a miserable idiot who has never worked. Boehner who looks and behaves like John Dillinger and who knows (perhaps!!) what does "nacl" stand for may also agree! Boehner! That stands for table salt!

[Abdul]

america killed thousands in japan,viatnam,afghanistan and Iraq... american govt is uncivilized and biggest terrorist

[Cecil]

To understand Obama's reaction to this you must understand that Obama is a Muslim. He was born a muslim to a Muslim father, raised by a Muslim stepfather, has muslim relatives, friends with Loius Farakkan, and was educated in Mulsim school in Indonesia, the most Muslim nation on earth. That makes Obama far more Muslim than anything else.

[david polley]

I wonder if an apology is in order everytime a copy of the Holy Bible is burned. Or an American Flag. I grow weary of one man apologizing for my country. I do not condone disrespect for others, nor do I condone embarassing our country when an individual simply, without harm to others, expresses himself.

[Jim Kendall]

Terry Jones' burning of the Koran would only be appropriate IF Christ's message had been one of spreading hatred.
I don't believe Jones would recognize Christ, if he sat down for lunch with him.
I think Jones is more appropriate to the cult of devil worship,

[Average American]

Lenny1970, I to agree that the disgraceful acts taking place around the world involving islamic followers is just that; disgraceful. Unfortunately your facts are just a little bit off. If you include all of the different sects of christianity(Catholic, Protestant, etc...), you will find that know other religion has killed more people in the name of spreading the word. And unfortunately, this is still somewhat going on today; everyone who is not of the Christian faith is considered ignorant, lost, and in need of guidance. Basically Christianity has adapted sort of a religious new world order mentallity.

[CC]

Why did Obama mention "innocent people" twice? Is he sending a signal that his government is not going to protect Terry Jones?

We still have the 1st amendment, and Obama is sworn to protect ALL Americans, innocent and guilty.

[bingo]

whats the problem here?

americans kill torture innocent muslims and muslims in return kill the bastards.
if americans killed 50000 over the past years and poor muslims only 12 people, then i dont see wats wrong here.

[Lisaloo]

For the commentor Derek. A man named Terry Jones threatened to burn a book, but thought better of it and did not do it.

Muslims MURDERED innocent people. Can you really blame anyone else besides the murderers?

What planet are you from Derek?

[r kidd]

I don't think that they should have burned the Koran.

But , I also feel this is why we don't want muslims in this country.

Just because you disagree with something dosen't give you the right to begin killing people.

[Average American]

To Lisaloo and everyone else responding. Congrats for taking an interest in the world around you, if everyone, especially our youth were to show interest in the world around us, I wouldn't be so afraid of our future. Anyway, i'm not sympathizing with anybody who kills(REGARDLESS), but the American people seem to really live life with blinders on if they think for a minute that we have gained this type of world-wide dominance without some sort of foul play. Our government has done more crimes world-wide than one could possibly count. Lets quit being naive, and stop wondering why the rest of the world hates us so much. I really feel sorry for the future of our children, because they won't be able to travel anywhere without worry.

[Average American]

Our country as well the world is in a bad place right now, and people when in misery often find someone or something to blame. Unfortunately when you're the boss, everything that happens is your fault. I've been waiting to read that Obama is somehow responsible for the tragedy in Japan; WAKE UP AMERICA!, and stop expecting this administration in 2yrs to bring us out of the hole that took Bush 8yrs to put us in.

[Servillex]

I agree with Obama that Koran is a holy text for some (well, millions in fact). However, one should also have a look at the scientific facts exploring the development of Islam. I recommend the book called “Unmasking Muhammad; The Malignant Narcissist and his Grand Delusion Allah” - an interesting perspective on the personality of the Islam founder

[Servillex]

I agree with Obama that Koran is a holy text for some (well, millions in fact). However, one should also have a look at the scientific facts exploring the development of Islam. I recommend the book called “Unmasking Muhammad; The Malignant Narcissist and his Grand Delusion Allah” - an interesting perspective on the personality of the Islam founder

[Mike]

Let's face it; all world religions are man-made. Sad, but true.

They are made up and practiced by weak-minded, barely-thinking people all over the world.

The weak-minded are frequently easy to thrown off-center with the slightest provocation. They have no real stability, other than praying to Yaweh, Jehova, Jesus, Mary, Ganesh, Allah, et al. . . . . for help in a demanding, confusing, unstable world. Fear and ignorance rule.

The Rev. Jones is a very unstable individual and he clearly knew what the repercussions would be by his provocative act of burning a religious text.
At the very least, he should be arrested for "Incitement to riot."

Better yet, he should be given an all-inclusive, one-way trip to Kandahar and let his religious beliefs shine the light of Jesus upon his Muslim brethren, who may have their own plans for him. God will provide.

[vincent joy]

No more proxy wars for Israel...Bring our boys home from the Middle-East!

[glenn grab]

how can anyone compare a free speech exercise, such as a book burning, with beheading people!!...doesn't Obama realize that these people (radicalMuslims) are the sick ones, not the people who criticize them in a lawful way!!

[blackone]

Let's stop killing.

[RIO SAM]

I THINK WE SHOULD TAKE TALABAN PRISONERS AND DECAPITATE THEIR HEADS........IN RESPONSE TO THEIR ACTIONS AGAINST THE UN WORKERS!
AN EYE FOR AN EYE AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.......ONE BEHEADING DESERVES ANOTHER!
TO COMPARE BURNING A PIECE OF GARBAGE LIKE THE QU'RAN TO BEHEADING HUMAN BEINGS? SERIOUSLY?

[mike davis]

THE ONES WHO DID SUCH A THING WILL CAUSE CHRISTIANS TO DIE
I MYSELF AM A CHILD OF GOD BORN AGAIN WHY DO STUPID PEOPLE
NOT FOLLOW THE BIBLE GOD dosnt need help he is in control
revenge is mine sayeth the lord love is showing our love
not burning causing more trouble
pray for all nations the end is soon
God keeps all his promises

[Draconifer]

How is it that the Afghans don't get as angry about dronestrikes that kill innocent children and massacre villages? Saturday's violence would be a justified response to the genocide.
Otherwise it's barbaric. Neither country is right in this.
Very dissapointing.

[william kraal]

more proof that religion poisons everything it touches!!

[Frank Hatch]

The Lost:

"If you want evidence that the Koran is an idol, simply make a public announcement that you're going to burn one. To be murdered in Afghanistan, all you need to do is translate one. If you like European riots, draw a cartoon of its author." (The Lost - page 12)

Best Regards,

Frank Hatch
Initial Mass Displacements

[goa guest house]

Obama is a hypocrite. I think that he cares for his own family only.

[Paul]

Reading the comments here I think many people forget that we don't need to agree with Jones but that we do need to honor and defend his right to express himself.

[Frank Hatch]

Common Sense:

"If my Bible is damaged from neglect or vandalism, I'll go to the bookstore and buy another one. I won't riot. I won't declare a 'jihad'. I won't even care what 'jihad' means." (The Lost - page 11)

Since our politicians and generals are too 'politically correct' to defend our freedom speech, the task is left to us.

If Islamic rioters murder and rage over a burnt book, where are the so-called "good" Muslims to lead them or, at least, talk to them about some "good" sense. Again, the task is left to us.

There is no moral equivalency between burning paper and murder. If the Koran doesn't teach such Common Sense, then maybe it should burned. Again, the task is left to us.

Best Regards,

Frank Hatch
Initial Mass Displacements

[michael]

President Obama has become a dissapointment. He scorns "exercising freedom of speech" and placates, panders to an insane group. They attacked in a mob of a 1,000. These the people who follow mohamMAD who said it is good to beat women, rape children, have sex with cows, murder and aduldertry encoraged. THESE GODLY MENTAL MIDGETS MUREDERED DOZENS OF INNOCENTS none of whom were American.
God it takes a lot to blow the brain of the average muslim. got any ant powder

[Frank Hatch]

Should "be or not be" burned. Again, the task is left to us...because the choice is left to us.

"Inalienable rights" to a Christian are "sovereign rights."
Christ is the King of kings - not the King of slaves.

Advice for a slave:

If you're in lock-step bowing and chanting a group-prayer, you're not praying to God. You're showboating. If you're fortunate, God will ignore you. However, the smallest free thought will break you out of a group-prayer or group-think slogan. For Example: The next time your head touches the ground with your butt in the air thinking, "We look righteous," change the thought to the truth: "We look ridiculous." (The Lost - page 13)

Best Regards,

Frank Hatch
Initial Mass Displacements

[NeoNicene]

Frank,

Group prayer and bowing are not a practice restricted to Muslims. The majority of Christians historically have done both. Look up the word 'liturgy.' I am not defending Islam or the efficacy of Muslim prayers, I'm just saying it is stupid to critic their style of prayer based on outward form. If God doesn't listen to 'group prayer,' chants or if he is not honored by prostrations then the worship of the early Christians should be the subject of your ridicule as well. You should also take up St. Paul on his self-description as a 'doulos xristou'- slave of Christ. That seems to bother you as well.

[Frank Hatch]

Well said, but...

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:5,6

NOTE: Christians are free to debate or "wash each others feet" on this issue. Islamists do not have such freedom - they are slaves.

Best Regards,

Frank Hatch
Initial Mass Displacements