Reflection Upon the Times

September 11, 2001 was a day that all of us will remember. The world looked on in horror as 2 planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York. Most everyone I know not only remembers that but also remembers other details of the day. I remember where I was, what I was doing, and who I talked with.
Everyone I know has different images they remember.

I am saddened by everything that happened on that day and also about that day. I even more saddened by the residual results. Today there is a new prejudice in this country. Today there is a new hatred.

There are many people who have a fear of anyone they think might be Muslim. Reality is that the attack on the U.S. on September 11, 2001 was not made by Muslims. The Muslim religion is about peace not killing. But, just as in any religion, there are extremists who have false beliefs. The fact that these people take an action that harms others says nothing about the true religion.

People have been fighting in the name of religion for years. The fact that we don't understand each others' religions is not excuse for the loss of life that has been the result. People have a tendency to lash out at one another over such things.

Specifically, I'm talking about Pastor Terry Jones' threat to burn the Qu'ran today. Pastor Jones' threat doesn't make sense on many fronts. First, the act of burning the Qu'ran would have been seen by the extremists as an attack upon their religion and there would be retaliation. It would put the men and women of our armed forces in much more danger than they already are. It would put our country in danger of another attack such as the one that occurred nine years ago today. In addition, much of what Pastor Jones has said publicly has been incorrect. Pastor Jones stated that the Islam Community center would be at the site of Ground Zero." The Islam Center is projected to be close to "Ground Zero" but not on the actual site. Specifically it will be 2.5 blocks away (approximately 1/4 mile). Pastor Jones also forgot to mention that the Islam Center being built would serve the people who attended a mosque near the Twin Towers that was also destroyed when those planes flew into the buildings. Finally, Pastor Jones also did not think about the fact that by desecrating the religion of Islam by burning their most sacred book, the Qu'ran he was also actively desecrating his own religion. Islam and Christianity have a common element...the words that Christians know of as the Old Testament. If Pastor Jones had burned the Qu'ran he would have also burned the Old Testament of the book he believed to be the most holy.

I'm relieved to report at this time that Pastor Jones did not burn a Qu'ran today. And, according to various news sources he is now stating he will never burn the Qu'ran. I have not found anything that gave his reason but I am relieved that he made this decision. This country was built upon the basis of religious freedom and what people like Pastor Jones don't seem to understand is if we take the religious freedom away from one; the religious freedom we all enjoy is at risk.
Peace,
Dawn