U.S. soldier uses Quran for target practice; military apologizes

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Ahhhhhh...but don't forget...we (the US) get mad at flag burnings and the flag isn't even a religious object...do we not?

I think they should be rightfully mad about someone desecrating the Quran. If visitors to the US burned our flag or desecrated the Bible (note, we have Berkley for things like this, who needs outsiders), I'd be pissed too.

My problem only arises when the outrage isn't evenly distributed or when it escalates to violence. This situation isn't as bad as the cartoon fiasco, for example (at least that I've heard of).

But I do think it would be ridiculous for people to get outraged about shooting at a Quran, yet remain complacent about fellow Muslims shooting at Christians or Jews. I don't think we can label broadly, but I do think a double standard exists.

[DeltAlum]

We, at least the vast majority of us, would be absolutely outraged if anyone used the Bible for target practice.

Our soldier did a remarkably dumb thing.

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

We, at least the vast majority of us, would be absolutely outraged if anyone used the Bible for target practice.

Our soldier did a remarkably dumb thing.

I think the difference is in the response. Obviously Americans are groveling with regard to this incident. You rarely see the same thing from our opponents.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I think the difference is in the response. Obviously Americans are groveling with regard to this incident. You rarely see the same thing from our opponents.

Sorry, but I don't care who grovels for what, the lack of respect for a religious symbol like this isn't something that a soldier of a country founded on religious freedom and values should even consider, let alone do.

Someone is bound to say that "they" (you can fill in the blank on who "they" are) do the same kind of thing to our symbols.

While that is true, it doesn't make it right from either side.

[Rudey]

Originally Posted by DeltAlum

Sorry, but I don't care who grovels for what, the lack of respect for a religious symbol like this isn't something that a soldier of a country founded on religious freedom and values should even consider, let alone do.

Someone is bound to say that "they" (you can fill in the blank on who "they" are) do the same kind of thing to our symbols.

While that is true, it doesn't make it right from either side.

So religious freedom means not shooting korans? Who knew?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I think the difference is in the response. Obviously Americans are groveling with regard to this incident. You rarely see the same thing from our opponents.

True, but that's what to me points up the supreme stupidity of the whole thing. Religious and cultural respect aside, any idiot should have been able to guess what the response would be to using a Quran for target practice. What a stupid, stupid, completely counter our own interests thing to do.

[shinerbock]

I'm not saying both situations wouldn't be equally stupid.

I'm saying that people are more likely to ignore Muslim demands for apologies when many are apathetic or even supportive with regard to the terror they inflict on others. I think we were right to apologize.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I'm not saying both situations wouldn't be equally stupid.

I'm saying that people are more likely to ignore Muslim demands for apologies when many are apathetic or even supportive with regard to the terror they inflict on others. I think we were right to apologize.

I see what you're saying.

[PhiGam]

Originally Posted by shinerbock

I think the difference is in the response. Obviously Americans are groveling with regard to this incident. You rarely see the same thing from our opponents.

They don't even get upset when someone kills 2000 innocent civilians in the name of their god.