Burning The Koran, Is Silence Acquiesence?

Hello, is anybody there? Florida pastor Terry Jones has announced that on Saturday, September 11, he, along with the members of his congregation will hold a meeting at his church to burn copies of the Quran, the Muslim Holy Book. This despite being denied a permit from the city, making the act illegal, and requests from the military to not do so. General David Petreaus, and other military leaders, are on record saying that this act will incite violence against American troops in the Middle East and make achieving our military and political objectives in that region more difficult. So let me pose a few questions. Where are our political leaders in this country? Or more appropriately, where are our Republican leaders? Wasn’t it the GOP that went ballistic, and rightfully so, when MoveOn.org published that “General Betray Us” ad? Did not we see the faces of John McCain and others in that party saying essentially that criticism of General Petreaus at that time was tantamount to treason? Wasn't there a hue and a cry from GOP leaders about the release of the GITMO photos because doing so would needlessly endanger our troops? What about the blogosphere? Normally whenever anyone on the left does something that goes against the wishes of the military, the right wingers go bonkers. But all we hear now are crickets. Why is that? Could it be that to be critical of Pastor Jones at this time would not advance any political aims? But I expect this type of response and leadership from politicians and their lackeys. What I am really surprised at is the lack of response from this nation’s religious leaders. With the exception of Jim Wallis at Sojourners, and those connected to his circle of influence, we have heard nary a peep from the rest of the Christian community. One might be tempted to say that is because our Christian leaders are rightfully focusing on matters of faith and avoiding political issues. But this has never been the case before as Christian leaders Gary Bauer, James Dobson, Pat Robertson, and even Franklin Graham have all weighed in on political matters in the past. Is this how Jesus would have reacted? Would he demand total allegiance to the law when it suited his political aims, think immigration, and yet look the other way if it was convenient? Or would he have found a way to live out his admonition to "love your enemy?" Perhaps the silence from our churches and her leaders on this issue really is their response, in the form of quiet acquiescence. I hope not. Update***Late Wednesday Haley Barbour, GOP Governor of Mississippi, GOP House Leader John Boehner, Sarah Palin, and Reverend Pat Robertson voiced their disapproval of the actions of Pastor Terry Jones of Florida. 2nd Update***Thursday afternoon, Pastor Terry Jones announced that his church would not proceed with their book burnings. Read the AP report here.