Quran-Burning: Freedom of Speech/Expression, Unnecessary Rhetoric

Here's a thought, or a few, to consider.  Undoubtedly, the Dove World Outreach Center's plan has by now reached the four corners of the media world and has been thrown in discussions, protests, and in other private and social gathering spaces.  I will keep my comments brief because, in spite of short-term upsurge in coverage, the proposed protest (marked by the Quran-burning) is but a footnote in the rashness of human actions.  Yet with similar dilemmas and problems, a still-sluggish economy, and a fevered election cycle confronting Americans, this footnote could jump onto the main paragraphs.   

The State Department, the White House, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and U.S. religious leaders have all weighed in on this issue with increased pressure on the Center to avoid the dangerous rabble-rousing.  In spite of these warnings, the defiant pastor apparently vowed not to "back down" to "radical Islam."  The pastor conveniently forgot--or ignored--to take sight of the fact many more Muslims will be hurt by this action---much more than those he claims to be standing up against.  And in light of reported stances on Islam itself being evil, his action will be interpreted as being directed--not towards extremist Muslims---to Muslims en masse.  


Deliberate intimate provocation by some Non-Muslims could be met by equally unnecessary overreaction from some inflamed Muslims.  Then there is the question of opportunism and the space or the extent within which that could take place.  Will extremist Muslims be just as prone to exploit the emotions of Muslims abroad----upset at seeing unnecessary dramatic imagery (like the Quran burning)----as Non-Muslim provocateurs have been doing here?  If this provocation is made, Muslims would be wise to keep their cool and confront hatred with level-headed speech and confront ignorance with knowledge.  Muslims would be wise not to repeat the mistakes of some earlier in the Muhammad cartoon and other controversies.      

As for the pastor's conduct I think he's way in over his head, to put it diplomatically.  According to news reports, the pastor says he will 'pray' about his decision (regarding the Quran-burning).  What in the world is there to "pray about" regarding a decision the pastor has himself stated he has made and that he reportedly won't back down on.  How do you "pray" (or seek spiritual consolation)  about a decision---already made---to take highly inflammatory action that in a sensitive time like this could have the effect of inciting further inflammatory action (and even violence)?  And what "prayer" or spiritual comfort could be derived while planning to commit behavior (which is reckless and irresponsible at best, and maliciously incendiary at worst) such as this?  If he really prayed, he would realize that it is not about "backing down," but about behaving responsibly and reasonably in leading his congregation away from needless inciting and provocation and inflamed rhetoric.   If he really cherished his freedom of speech/expression, he would think several times before cheapening his freedom for a few moments in the national spotlight.