Florida Democrats Fire Away at Quran-Burning Event

Following the lead of the Obama administration and Rep. Dwight Bullard of Miami, Florida Democrats commented on the event being led by Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville to burn Qurans to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

"I stand with General Petraeus in condemning the planned burning of the Quran, as it could put our brave troops in harm's way, said state CFO Alex Sink, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, agreeing with her Republican rival Rick Scott. I also feel this display of hatred and intolerance is not in keeping with the values and spirit of our state."

The Dove church in Gainesville could not be more wrong and they should reconsider their patently offensive Quran-burning, said Sen. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, the Democratic candidate for attorney general. The demonstration will only inflame the very elements they seek to embarrass and as General Petraeus has pointed out, this action will endanger our troops who already put their lives in harm's way and will only further threaten American security. This type of behavior is simply not consistent with bedrock American traditions and principles. The famous words of Pastor Martin Niemoller are instructive when he admonished against silence in the face of wrongdoing. It is particularly important for Americans to speak out to let the world community know that this small group does not represent, in any manner, the beliefs of the rest of our state or our nation. I urge every officeholder and candidate in Florida to similarly condemn this behavior; and I urge righteous men and women of faith no matter their religious convictions to similarly admonish against this conduct from their churches and synagogues.