Hate & Fear, Redux

Here we go again. This time it's another idiot small-time preacher with a flock of about 50 souls in Florida. He is going to burn copies of the Koran - the Muslims equivalent of the Christians Bible. His name is Terry Jones, and he is the Pastor of the "Dove World Outreach Center".

Good Grief, what incredible irony. The only other Terry Jones I've ever heard of is the Terry Jones who is a member of Monty Python, the absurd British comedy group known for mocking any and every thing, and, in the process, creating some incredibly funny moments to those of us with sick, twisted minds - like yours truly.

Unfortunately, This Terry Jones is about to do something that is not, in any way, shape, or form, about to do something that is "funny". Instead, of course, he is behaving badly - though a case could be made for his "sick, twisted mind".

The name of his church too, is certainly ironic. The Dove is universally known as a symbol of peace, love, and faith. Pastor Jones' upcoming actions on September 11th, certainly betray any semblance of the usage of the word Dove, and it's universally accepted and recognized meaning.

World Outreach comes next in the Church's name. Under any circumstance can his burning of the Koran planned for this Saturday be construed as an "Outreach" to the world? To me, the outreach is only to those folks who have succumbed to the hate, fear, and loathing that seem to grip those among us to have no tolerance for anything different than their own beliefs. Unfortunately, during the last two decades, that group has been both festering and growing.

This man - this Terry Jones - proceeds to do this inexcusable act despite urgings from our Military leaders warning of potential grave consequences for our men and women in battle; despite the leaders of virtually every known religion condemning his proposed actions; and despite, I think, what the majority of Americans feel.

He proudly keeps a gun with him to ward off the daily threats he is receiving on his life for the action he is about to perform, and he apparently is enjoying the spotlight of the continuous coverage of newspapers and television stations.

All the while he claims to be praying about it. I would have to question exactly who he is praying to.

Old Fart Mike