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Chaplain's thought of the day of Flags and Qurans

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Maj.) Craig Abee
  • 315 AW
CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Commentary--The images of The Stars and Stripes going up in flames in Iran during the fall of 1979 have continued to be in my mind this last week with the news that a pastor in Florida plans to burn Qurans, the holy book of Muslims.

Some would say that the burning of our flag had its roots in the success of Operation Ajax. The United States overthrew the democratically elected government of Mohammed Mossadegh and for the next 26 years supported the autocratic dictatorship of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. These events fueled hatred of Americans in Iran.

Some say that the intended burning of the Quran by pastor Jones has its roots in the success of the 911 hijackers. The death of nearly 3000 of our citizens has lead to a War on Terrorism that will continue long into the future. These events have fueled hatred of Muslims in America.

I remember the feeling of being punched in the gut as our flag was burned and I can image that if the burning of the Qurans goes forward, that same punch to the gut feeling will be felt by many Muslims.

Actions have intended and unintended consequences. The drive for power, the need to prove you are right, the pursuit of selfish desires, payback at any cost - leads to extremism - on the world stage and in our everyday life.

Former President Bush's vision of peace lies in the planting and spread of democracy in the middle-east. I might disagree with someone's view point. I might believe their faith is the wrong path. I might not approve of another person's actions. When my feelings and thoughts and actions lead to disrespect - that vision is set back. Disrespect pushes the goal of peace a little further into the future - on the world stage and in our everyday life.

May we pursue respect and let that pursuit lead us into a new day for democracy and peace, as well as better relationships in our homes, in our jobs, in our nation and in the very best Air Force Reserve wing in the United States Air Force - the 315th Airlift Wing.

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