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BBC News - US church defiant despite condemnation of Koran burning
Is someone trying to muscle in on the Westboro BC's territory? I'm sure US troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan will be delighted people are making such good use of the freedom of speech they are trying to defend with their lives.
Can or should anything be done to stop this calculated attempt to stir up trouble? Is this like calling 'fire!' in a packed theatre? Or is free speech just too precious?
As much as I hate bigots, I have to come out in defense of this church. To me, this is a First Amendment issue. If they want to burn Korans, or if a group of buttheads wants to burn the flag, they are protected. Sure, they are douche bags, but in America, even douche bags have rights that are protected by the Constitution. If they were setting fires to mosques, it would be a different story, and I would be calling for their heads on a platter. However, as long as they don't damage property belonging to another, and as long as they don't commit violence, they can burn a kajillion Korans if they want to.
The way I see it, a lot of Liberals complain when protesters are arrested for burning the American flag, but get angry when people burn Korans. Conversely, a see a lot of Conservatives wanting to condemn those who burn flags, but openly voice their opinions that burning Korans is not only OK, but desirable. To both groups I say this: You can't have it both ways. The Constitution says so.
Let the church burn the Korans. It is their right to do so.