Update

[poliphilo]

Events have moved on. Pastor Jones has suspended his book burning. In a statement to the media he said he'd done a deal; in return for his backing down the controversial New York mosque (only it's not a mosque) will be moved away from Ground Zero. A spokesperson for the Ground Zero mosque said it was the first he'd heard of it.

What I'd like to believe is that Jones' meeting with real-life Muslims- who seem to have treated him with respect and courtesy-  has knocked him off balance. Of course there's been pressure from all over. It must be disconcerting (even as it feeds your vanity) to turn on the TV to hear the President of the USA denouncing you.

In a country that cares less about liberty and free speech Pastor Jones would have been arrested or firebombed or mysteriously made to disappear by now. Last night I called this story "a carwreck of the human spirit". I spoke too soon. What we've seen over the past twelve hours is the application to a festering psychic wound of reason, courtesy, kindness- and they seem to have made a difference.

Comments

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Even if that's the case I think it's an acceptable outcome. The decency isn't so much in anything Jones has done but in the measured reaction from those in America- from the President down- who have had to deal with him.

In the interview I just saw (on the lunch time news) Jones looked and sounded shaken. I think he's had the wind knocked out of him.

[chiller.livejournal.com]

I'm not surprised. It must have felt like waking a sleeping dragon, and suddenly realising ... hang on ... it's a DRAGON.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

He's not very bright- he's just a small town bully- and he's gone in way out of his depth.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

Obama's "measured reaction" is why I voted for the man and continue to support him, albeit sometimes under duress.

Here's my guess: Jones was contacted privately by some authority figure capable of commanding his respect -- ie, a military officer of flag rank, probably -- and was told in no uncertain terms that this publicity stunt would kill US solidiers in the field. If his being shaken is any indication, there may have been stronger tactics used, such as threats of public condemnation by high-ranking military personnel as well, should he persist.

Honestly, though, anything is possible. For all I know Rahm Emanuel flew down there personally and threatened to hack up Jones's family with a machete and feed them to the fist. This country passed beyond the law and the profits nine years ago today. There really is no telling.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

If I'd been in the White House I'd have gone down the military officer route. I think Jones would be open to the line that he is putting American lives in danger- as indeed he is!

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

Yes, that is my thinking, as it seems most probable. It would be pointless attempting to appeal to Pastor Jones's humanity. Appealing to his militarism, though, that might work.

[stevegreen.livejournal.com]

This country passed beyond the law and the profits nine years ago today.

From more recent events, I'd say the only Law now is Profit.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

I think you are right and profit has been the highest law in this country for some time.