Four Green Fields-Makem & Clancy

The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem - Wild Colonial Boy

WHO WILL APOLOGIZE FOR THE MURDER OF CORPORAL TJ CONRAD???????

Picture of T.J. Conrad, 22 years old killed in Afghanistan because of the burning of a Koran. Flesh and Blood shed in the name of printed type. WE apologized for destroying a book, but where's the apology for TJ CONRAD and his now seven month old baby girl pictured here? Why is his life less valuable than inanimate material?

Krauthammer: U.S. apology for Koran burning ‘embarrassing,’ ‘groveling’

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul (D) Booed At Townhall Over HHS Mandate

My Apology to President Karzai on Behalf of Americans

How Dearborn Turned Terry Jones into a Free Speech Martyr

From: Commentary Magazine

Terry Jones’s planned protest outside a Dearborn mosque might have gone forward without much notice, except for the fact that Michigan prosecutors tried to stop it. In the process, they ended up turning a bigoted fool with a paltry following into a First Amendment crusader.

A jury determined yesterday that the anti-Islam protest was likely to incite violence and breach the peace. Jones was ordered to submit a $1 “peace bond,” and was jailed when he refused to pay it. In other words, he was locked up for a non-crime that he hadn’t even committed yet. And not only has the ruling generated sympathy for Jones, but it’s also likely to give him a public platform to preach his massage. As the Washington Post reported:

Terry Jones’ Closing Remarks in Court

A foolish law from 1846 in Michigan has made Terry Jones a martyr to the First Amendment. It is inconceivable that anyone with so much as a remedial knowledge of our Constitution would seek preemptive sanction against a citizen exercising their rights to speech and expression. The notion that such an action is necessary for fear of inciting violence is a dangerous concept as it suppresses our natural rights in the name of security. It is an effort at prophecy as law enforcement. Moreover, it subjects a free man in his exercise of free speech to sanction and incarceration in anticipation of criminal behavior on as yet undetermined third parties. This is the one of the most egregious violations of Constitutional law and cannot be tolerated under any conditions.

Below is an excerpt from "Gates of Vienna which includes the video.

From: Gates of Vienna

How far do we back down? How far do we give in? When do we say there is enough?

“I mean, is intimidation and fear enough of a reason to give in? And once we start giving in, well, when do we stop?

“…I don’t think it’s a good enough reason.”

Below are the closing remarks made by pastor Terry Jones during his trial today in the Dearborn courtroom. Many thanks to Vlad Tepes for YouTubing this video:

Terry Jones released from jail after being held on $1 'peace bond'

From: The Detroit News

A controversial Florida pastor and his associate were released from jail tonight after being held briefly for refusing to pay a $1 "peace bond" after a jury ruled they would "likely breach the peace" with plans to protest a mosque.

Judge Mark Somers of Dearborn's 19th District Court jailed pastors Terry Jones and Wayne Sapp about 7 p.m. The order came after a six-member jury at 6:30 p.m. sided with prosecutors who argued the Quran-burning minister's demonstration outside the Islamic Center of America could spark a riot.

Prosecutors had sought a $45,000 bond. Somers also ordered both to stay away from the mosque for three years. The order drew gasps, confusion and shouting in the courthouse.

The pair were tried under a rarely used law originally passed in 1846 that requires those who are likely to breach the peace to post "peace bonds."

"Nobody expected this," said Charlie Langton, a lawyer and legal analyst, who added the pair could theoretically be jailed for five years if they continue to refuse to pay the bond.

"It is prior restraint, but the judge followed the letter of the law. It's purely legal because it's never been challenged. That is not right. It's an old law that I don't think applies to this case. I think they'll have to appeal it."

At the Islamic Center, a cheer went through the crowd of 100 after police announced the jailing.

"That's what should happen when people say they are going to break the law," said Neda Kardri, 29, of Dearborn.

The situation was in flux, however. Wayne County prosecutors announced at 7:20 p.m. that Jones and Sapp decided to pay the $1 bond. Seven minutes later, prosecutors announced that pair had changed their minds and wouldn't pay the bond.

"These proceedings were solely about public safety. This was never about prohibiting free speech or fearing rioting but about a situation that could potentially place the public in danger in Dearborn," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement.

"I will continue to take stands to be proactive in keeping Wayne County safe."

Rana Elmir of the ACLU of Michigan, called today's outcome a "complete abuse of the court process."

"This should have never come to this point to begin with. The judge should have dismissed the case yesterday instead of giving Jones and his cohorts a platform," she said. "It's a complete abuse of the court process and all those involved should be ashamed."

Elmir said the prosecutor's office and Dearborn court have "turned the First Amendment on its head."

"Rev. Jones came to Dearborn for his 15 minutes of fame. The judge and prosecutor's office have given him hours," she said. "Rev. Jones has never committed a crime and should not be sitting in jail for his protected speech. In a free society no one should be thrown in jail for speech, even as distasteful and offensive as Mr. Jones'. At the end of the day, he's ultimately being punished for speech that has not occurred. This is blatantly unconstitutional."

Terry Jones Goes To Jail. Recap & Video

From: Lansing State Journal Updated 7:24 P.M.

DEARBORN - A judge late today sent two Florida pastors to jail for refusing to post a $1 bond.
The stunning development came after a Dearborn jury sided with prosecutors, ruling that Terry Jones and Wayne Sapp would breach the peace if they rallied at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.

Prosecutors asked Judge Mark Somers for $45,000 bond. Somers then set
bond at $1 each for the two pastors.

They refused to pay. And Somers ordered them remanded to jail.

Jury deliberates several hours. Earlier, in closing arguments, Wayne County assistant prosecutor Robert Moran said  the pastors would disturb the peace if they were allowed to protest today at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.

Jones and Sapp argued their right is protected under the First Amendment.

"That's what made America great," said Sapp. "We're entitled to our opinion."

'We'll do it today at 5 or we'll come back next week'

Earlier, after an intense debate in court this morning over free speech and religion, Pastor Terry Jones said that he's not backing down from his plans to protest at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad testified today that there have been at least four serious threats made against Jones from metro Detroiters, arguing that his protest could lead to violence if allowed.

But Jones told the Free Press during his lunch break: "We'll do it today at 5 or we'll come back next week."

Speaking at a McDonald's restaurant down the street from the courthouse, Jones -- who's defending himself -- said he thought the proceedings are going well. And he said the government's case was weak.

As he spoke, someone drove down Michigan Avenue yelling "Get out of Dearborn, you terrorist!"

Jones is facing a jury trial today on whether he should be allowed to protest outside the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn.

The opening statements of Wayne County Prosecutor Robert Moran and Pastor Terry Jones offered clashing visions as both wrestled with issues of religion and freedom of speech. The court drew both supporters and opponents, Christians and Muslims. The ACLU of Michigan was also there to monitor the case because the group has concerns that Jones' free speech rights are being violated by Wayne County and Dearborn Police.

Free Expression Denied: Dearborn denies permit to Terry Jones

What exactly is a "Free Speech" zone? Terry Jones of Koran burning fame is denied a permit to protest outside a mosque in Dearborn for "public safety reasons"? Isn't that a damning indictment of the community? Isn't it tim someone stood up for our values and principles? Apparently not in Dearborn where free speech is restricted in zones. Below is the story:

From: The Detroit News

Dearborn denied a permit Wednesday for Quran-burning Pastor Terry Jones' planned protest outside the Islamic Center of America on Good Friday.

Jones could be arrested if he goes ahead with the protest outside the mosque without a permit, said city spokeswoman Mary Laundroche. She added that the permit had been denied for "public safety reasons."


Jones said he had not received notification that the permit had been turned down but that he was undeterred.
Jones is due in 19th District Court in Dearborn on Thursday to answer prosecutors' claims that his demonstration could cause a riot and demands he post a "peace bond" to cover police costs.

Dearborn officials said Jones can still demonstrate at one of two "free speech zones," including City Hall. Before denying the permit, city officials expressed concern about public safety, traffic and disruptions to nearby churches.

Jones isn't likely to relent. He's said for weeks that he plans to demonstrate outside the Ford Road mosque with or without a permit. Earlier today, Jones said the mosque is the ideal site for his protest against "radical Islam" and Sharia, or Islamic, law.

"There is no place better than there to present this message," said Jones, the pastor of the Dove World Outreach center in Gainesville, Fla.

Jones said he is planning to bring a pistol to protect himself in case of violence, but has no plans to burn an Islamic holy book.

"We are coming there totally in peace," said Jones, who said he will be joined by several other people including a rabbi.

Earlier today, Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly Jr. released a copy of an "open letter" he wrote to Jones in a last-ditch effort to persuade him to cancel his protest.

In the three-page letter released to the media, O'Reilly urged Jones to conduct his demonstration at one of the city's "free speech zones." O'Reilly also questioned the logic of protesting Sharia in Dearborn.

"Our commitment to the Constitution is unwavering, not merely convenient, which makes your hyperbole about Sharia Law being practiced in the courts or civil law of Dearborn nonsensical," O'Reilly wrote. "So, you are coming to protest against an imaginary threat that doesn't exist in our community. Not in our courts, not at our City Hall, not on our streets and not in any of our places of worship."

The mayor also pointed out to Jones that several churches in the vicinity of the mosque will be conducting Good Friday services and Jones' protest outside the mosque will be disruptive to their traffic as well.

"The members of the Christian churches on Altar Road asked me last week if they should cancel their Good Friday services because of your planned visit. I assured them that they should not because the Constitution does not allow you to violate their rights. I don't know why you selected Good Friday but it wasn't very considerate of the significant Christian services being held at that time. I assure you that you will not make them forfeit their services," O'Reilly wrote.

Karzai's Guilt: His Cynical and Deadly Exploitation of a Koran Burning

From: Time

This time, don't blame so much the knuckle-dragging preacher in Gainesville, Fla. Or a 24-hour media culture that's ready to hype any loser playing with matches. This time the real culpability lies with Afghan President Hamid Karzai – to whose reputation for cynical opportunism can now be added the 12 people who were tragically killed on Friday in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, during protests against last month's purported burning of a Koran in Florida.

The preacher in question, of course, is the “Reverend” Terry Jones, the attention-starved, anti-Muslim hate-monger who last summer threatened to burn Korans at his small evangelical church in Gainesville on the anniversary of 9/11. We in the media gave him all the ink and airtime he didn't deserve and then some, fanning the flames before he'd even lit them. Overseas, meanwhile, Muslim activists boiled themselves up for violent demonstrations if he did go through with it. Fortunately, Jones was eventually talked out of it.

But Neanderthals like Jones rarely just go away. Apparently upset that his ugly 15 minutes of fame had expired, Jones out of the blue announced late last month that he and an embarrassingly small “crowd” of about 30 congregation members had put a kerosene-soaked Koran “on trial” on Sunday, March 20, and then torched it. This time, however, the media did the right and responsible thing: We ignored it. Word of the infantile stunt didn't travel much beyond the Florida peninsula let alone to West Asia. And maybe – it's a long shot, but just maybe – it was getting through Jones' thick skull at that point that no one was paying attention to him anymore, and that perhaps it was time for him to read the messages of tolerance in his Bible rather than burn Korans.

Yes It Does, Staffan de Mistura

You can read the article HERE. Staffan de Mistura is the top United Nations envoy in Afghanistan and a witness to the murder of some of his companions. It was this quote at the end of the article I found revealing.

"Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of offending culture, religion or traditions," de Mistura said. "Those who entered our building were actually furiously angry about the issue about the Quran. There was nothing political there."

Clearly, he does not understand the principles of a free society. Culture,Religion and their traditions have ritually been subject to ridicule and outright persecution. It has as a matter of history often been justified. Every culture has established rigid class structures in one form or another. It is with free speech confronting the injustice of many traditions that have moved humanity forward.

Free speech does not extend to offending culture or religion and its traditions? Well, sir if a culture finds it desirable to kill defending printed type as sacred, then we need to offend more often because it seems they neglected to move forward with the rest of us. This is the 21st century, just because we no longer have gates doesn't mean the world lacks for barbarians, so stop making excuses.

The Religion of Perpetual Outrage strikes again

From: American Thinker

A mob of fanatics attacked and killed 7 UN workers in Afghanistan yesterday. The reason? The Florida preacher Terry Jones - desperate for media attention after being ignored for a few months - burned a Koran on March 20 - almost two weeks ago.

For the 14th century peasants who have now rioted for two days, it seems news travels slowly to that part of the world.

But the question isn't about benighted religious extremists who go off at the slightest hint of disrespect to their holy book and prophet. The shocking question is why is the press, and much of the West, excusing the violence by pointing to the Koran burning as a justification for it?

Murder In the Name of God/Defending American Values

So, Terry Jones burns a Koran in Florida. A willful,deliberate act designed to be provocative and inflame passions. But, Mr. Jones, like his buddies at Westboro Baptist lives not only in a free country, but in a nation that holds firm that his freedom is natural to his humanity as endowed by our creator. A free man may reject and ridicule those with whom he disagrees or finds disagreeable. Our Republic has effectively codified the oft cited but often ignored precept by Voltaire: "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

We have for quite a while now been libeled "Islamophobic" if we dare to point out the professed faith of those who have murdered and maimed in praise or defense of "Allah". The Fort Hood shooter yells "Allah Akbar", the gunman in Germany does the same. It is virtually ignored and of course it's never labeled terrorism. It's never pointed out in mainstream outlets that they took lives in the name of God. Denial is a bitch if you're afraid to be labeled "intolerant", or a "bigot" or an "Islamophobe". So we treat it as random violence, rather than an altogether demonic act of terror.

At this moment the numbers are all over the place, but at least twelve people have died and two beheaded in Afghanistan in a demonstration protesting Mr. Jones's Koran burning. It has been roundly condemned. What about bringing the perpetrators to justice? This is the same country we liberated where missionaries were killed just for possessing a "Holy Bible". It sure is comforting to know that one will be killed for either defacing a Koran and possessing a Bible. It need not be uttered, but to shed blood in the name of God is an act of barbarism.

The matter at hand as regarding the burning of the Koran does not rise to the attention of the President and does not for diplomatic purposes warrant an official response. Mr. Jones actions are reprehensible as an act of provocation, but is an action grounded in the deepest roots of American life and values. His actions did not necessitate a murderous rampage. But it did, or at least it was the pretext to justify murder.

I'm tired of placating thugs by ignoring their actions as a defense of faith. I'm tired of moral relativism as an excuse to coddle and appease savage theocratic ideologues. I'm tired of our most shameful chapters in history as a justification for moral relativity. As a nation we have struggled with our demons, but those spirits were confronted by a good people compelled to fight injustice in furtherance of American ideals. What made this nation great is not that we are free of sin or shame, but that we had the courage of greater convictions. Those who murder in the name of God do not identify their actions as sin or shame for they in their mind's eye are the servant of God, avenging his honor. That is the fundamental distinction between those who burn books and those who would kill innocent people in mourning the fate of printed type.

It's time that we proudly asserted our values, for those principles in our Constitution are not merely the province of Americans, but the natural human order. It is the clearest expression of human dignity and our inherent,natural rights. Free speech can be abrasive and hateful, but we don't kill for being offended. We protect it. As we should. If God gave us free will, then we are free to reject him and the faithful certainly have no fear for the future because one chooses to bite the apple.

As Americans we must reject calls to sanction or incarcerate Mr. Jones for his behavior. We must defend his right as disruptive as it is. To abandon a noble defense of our inalienable rights as an individual free man or woman sends a clear message that we may be intimidated into abandoning our most cherished principles. The United Nations has at the behest of Muslim member nations sought to pass a resolution or reach an agreement called "blasphemy laws". This is an attempt to define criticism of faith or religion as a human rights violation. It is an effort to deny our most precious right of free speech. It is an attitude that tries to kill Danish cartoonists, an effort that justifies killing Dutch film makers and driving a young American woman into hiding for suggesting "Everyone Draw Muhammad Day".

Are we failing our republican principles out of fear for losing Saudi oil that finances wahabist madrases? Are we so fearful of attack that we would rather live obediently than stand at the watchtower of democracy? Are we too timid to do as Voltaire and die defending the right to speak freely? Are we so offended by others that we fail to recognize an effort at the erosion of our natural rights?

There are many things that are antithetical to a free society and people. In a free country we reject the very notion, the concept of heresy,apostasy,blasphemy and sacrilege. In a free society nothing and no one is sacred,not even God. If he had meant anyone to avenge his name he would've given them wings. In the  meantime, we must publicly reinforce our dedication to defend our core principles. The founders in the Declaration of Independence pledged their lives,their fortunes and their most sacred honor. We are obligated to perpetuate their sacrifice. It may leave a bad taste in our mouths but we must defend Terry Jones. It's the right thing to do. It's the American Way. We'll leave his final judgement on the matter to a higher authority, but we must stand guard against those who imagine they have wings and do the will of God.

My New Favorite Quote

Ace of Spades has a great piece on the murder of UN workers in Afghanistan. I encourage you to read it, but more specifically I want to excerpt a quote that I found quite profound and cuts right to the bone.

"The principle of politeness goes out the window when those who seek "respect" and "tolerance" are murdering people to get it. They're not seeking respect; they're seeking obedience through terror."

UN staff killed by Afghan mob enraged over Florida Koran burning

From: Christian Science Monitor

UN staff killed by Afghan mob enraged over Florida Quran burning

At least 20 UN staff members were killed in northern Afghanistan when a protest over a Quran burning overseen by pastor Terry Jones turned into a violent mob.

• 

Kabul, Afghanistan

An Afghan mob apparently angry over a Quran burning in Florida set upon a United Nations compound Friday, killing as many as 20 employees and setting fire to several compound buildings.

Koran Burning and Massacres

From: Commentary Magazine

According to news reports, at least 11 UN workers have been killed in Afghanistan by a band of thugs protesting Pastor Terry Jones’s recent Koran burning. Two of the victims have reportedly been beheaded.
This is an appalling tragedy. And it’s made worse by those who pathetically try to excuse the actions of murderers by placing the blame on the shoulders of others.

“Eleven people lost their lives so Terry Jones could burn a Koran and feed the 24/7 news monster,” wrote NBC reporter Luke Russert on Twitter.

The Islamic war on free speech continues.

The following is a letter sent to the OIC expressing outrage at the burning of the KORAN in Florida. Outrageous. At a time in history when religious minorities are persecuted and murdered in Muslim countries they have the nerve to elevate a burning of the KORAN to the taking of human life? Stunningly hypocritical. We live in the greatest, most pluralistic nation in the history of the world and are to be held to account by nations who have no regard for the fundamental right to worship one's faith freely? Read it for yourself.

From: Daily Mail News.com

NEW YORK – Reposing complete confidence in Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, the OIC decided that the Ambassador of Pakistan along with Ambassadors of Tajiskistan (OIC chair), Morocco (OIC Coordinator for Human Rights), Iran and Egypt would meet with the UN Secretary General to convey OIC’s strong condemnation and ask him to take the lead towards promoting inter-faith harmony.

It was decided in OIC ambassadorial meeting which convened here the other day to discuss the recent desecration of the Holy Quran in Florida last week.

The meeting approved the proposals of Ambassador Haroon and his Iranian counterpart that OIC Chair and Observer Mission will draft a strong condemnatory letter on behalf of OIC with the assistance of Pakistan and Morocco to be sent to the UN Secretary General, President UN General Assembly, High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) with the request to circulate it as an official document.

The meeting also decided that Ambassador Haroon would be the focal person to brief the media on the subject.

Reiterating the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari's clear expression of sentiments of the people and extreme provocation and seriousness of the issue, and his call to the United Nations to take immediate action on the subject, Ambassador Haroon the first Speaker from the member states voiced strong condemnation of this sacrilegious act.

He assured that Pakistan would continue playing its active and constructive role in promoting inter-faith harmony and peaceful co-existence.

On March 22, Ambassador Haroon had written a letter to the UN Secretary General, where he drawn UN attention towards this despicable act of desecration of the Holy Quran by Wayne Sapp and Terry Jones in Florida.

He voiced Pakistan's profound regret and deep concern at the increasing acts of "Islamophobia and growing trend of intolerance and hatred towards Muslims as well as insults to their religious symbols and personalities".

The letter further said, "While this reprehensible act is the work of extremists and is evidently designed to provoke dissent and discord among communities and peoples across the world, such sacrilegious acts also go against the very concept of inter-faith harmony and threaten the multicultural fabric of the societies and the brotherhood of the United Nations".

The Ambassador urged the United Nations to play its important role in ensuring peace and harmony among peoples of the world. He said Pakistan has full confidence in the UN's leadership and hoped that it would take all steps to fight such tendencies and promote intercultural and inter-faith harmony that is basic to coexistence of mankind.

Recalling Pakistan’s initiative on Interfaith Dialogue and participation in the Alliance of Civilization, Ambassador Haroon stated that Pakistan has always stood for promoting peace and harmony among people and nations of the world.

He regretted that while OIC has always supported peace initiatives in all regions of the world including tolerant and constructive engagement during last year’s Islamophobic incidents i.e. threats to burn the Quran and opposition to construction of Islamic Center in New York, attacks on Islam, its symbols and holy personalities continue unabated.

The Ambassador proposed that the OIC group should write a letter to the UN Secretary General (UNSG) asking him to issue a strong condemnatory statement and take concrete action to protect multiculturalism and promote peace and harmony in the world.

Following Ambassdor’s Haroon statement, all OIC Ambassadors, who took the floor, seconded the views expressed by Ambassador of Pakistan and asked the OIC Chair to immediately take action on the specific steps proposed by him.

Ambassador of Tajikistan (OIC Chairman) and the Permanent Observer of the OIC, in New York, briefed the group about the event and subsequent actions taken by the concerned at different levels including: expression of deep disappointment on the act by the OIC Secretary General and his call for exercising restraint to the Muslim world; strong condemnation by the OIC Group in Geneva in its statement to the Human Rights Council and request to the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR) to issue a condemnatory statement on the subject; and statement of condemnation issued by Pakistan, Iran and the United States.

The Permanent Observer of the OIC added that it was an act of ignorance to gain cheap popularity and appreciated the role played by the Muslims in the United States to downplay this issue.

He also briefed the meeting that due to constructive engagement by the OIC Group in Geneva, the Human Rights Council has adopted by consensus the OIC resolution on “Combating Intolerance, Negative Stereotyping and Stigmatization of and Discrimination, Incitement to Violence, and Violence against Persons based on Religion or Belief”. He particularly appreciated the role of Pakistan. Terry Jones, the controversial American pastor, oversaw the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran at his small Florida church after the Islamic revered book was put on trial, found guilty and condemned for execution, according to media reports.

Last fall, Jones who heads a church of 50 followers, stoked international alarm with his claim he would light a bonfire with the holy Quran on the anniversary of September 11.

He gave up the move after the Obama administration intervened. The report said about 30 people were present at a mock trial of the Holy Quran, while a real copy sat soaking in kerosene until another pastor, Jones' colleague Wayne Sapp, lit the flames with a barbecue lighter.

Embassy conveys Pak sentiments

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has conveyed the concerns of its people to Washington regarding desecration of the Holy Quran by US fanatics Wayne Swapp and Terry Jones.

The Pakistani Embassy, in a letter addressed to the US officials and church leaders, has passed on the Pakistani nation’s feelings of shock and anguish at the desecration of the Holy Quran under supervision of the profane pastor.

The Pakistani Embassy in Washington stressed that all governments have a responsibility to prevent such reprehensible and provocative acts.

The desecration goes against efforts for inter-faith harmony and peace in the world, which is beset with serious challenges in terms of intolerance, instability and insecurity.

According to an officials of Pakistan’s Embassy in US, the letter has been addressed to Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, Director Pakistan Affairs at the Department of State, and religious leaders including Archbishop Timothy Dolan, President, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Leonard A Leo, Chair, US Commission on Intl’ Religious Freedom, Washington and Rev Dr Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary, National Council of Churches, New York.

The officials said the Embassy also sent a letter to pastor Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Church in Florida, saying the despicable act of burning a copy of the Holy Quran under his supervision has deeply hurt feelings of Muslims around the world. - Agencies