When will we stop cowering in corners?

I am shocked at the world’s reaction to the Rev. Terry Jones’ plans to burn copies of the Quran.

Islam is an intolerant faction. Unlike, Judaism, Christianity, Hindu, Budda, etc, Islam is not only a religion, but a political/social organization. The Quran teaches that anyone who is not a Muslim is not an equal, nor are women equal to men. Muslim law “Sharia” condemns and has morbid penalties, including death, for the actions of people who are not Muslim or who, in their view, “criticize” Islam.

Wednesday, I listened to a talk show on the Quran burning in Florida. I did not hear anyone support the view of the Rev. Jones. Everyone was worried about the political repercussions. I just read “A senior Iranian Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpayegani, condemned the plan to burn the Quran and calling for the arrest of Jones.” Arrest Jones? Excuse me! Where is our freedom of speech?

Everyone is “caving in” to the perceived threats of the Muslims. Americans today turn their backs on every controversy in the name of “compromise.” As an American and a Christian, I have to stand up and say enough is enough. In a sense, the Quran is a handbook authorizing judgment, not by God but by man. Would the world take this same stand if this was a white supremacist’s handbook?

When will we be willing to stop cowering in a corner for fear of the Muslims and stand up for what we believe?

JOEL V. RISCH

Laclede