Reply #113: Possibly, however... [View All]

[Bragi]

During the Terry Jones threatened Koran-burning incident, along with all the condemnations of Jones actions, I noted a very strong disinclination of U.S. politicians, people and media to actually make it clear that Jones had a constitutional right to burn whatever book he wanted to burn.

In consequence, there were many people (and media) especially outside the U.S who expressed the belief that the U.S government was "letting" this insult happen to a Koran, and claiming the authorities would not have stood back if a Bible was being desecrated. This view largely went unchallenged.

What this event shows clearly is that no holy book is protected from abuse and insult due to the protections afforded in the 1st amendment. Whatever one thinks of this planned display, I think this is a good lesson for people outside the U.S. to learn, since there will no doubt be more holy book burning incidents in the future, none of which can or should be stopped by government authorities.

That was my point.