Pres. Obama on Pastor Jones: "I hope he listens to those better angels"

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Thursday September 09, 2010 · 10:00 AM PDT

2010/09/09 · 10:00

In an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, President Obama expressed concern about Florida pastor Terry Jones' plan to publicly burn Korans on 9/11, calling it a "destructive act" that would be "completely contrary to our values of Americans":

One of the notable things about President Obama's remarks is that he didn't merely speak out against the plan to burn Korans -- he also reaffirmed his view that while Pastor Jones might be engaging in an "offensive" action, such actions represent exercises of free speech that are protected by the very same Constitution that protects religious liberty.

You know, part of this country's history is people doing destructive or offensive or harmful things. And yet, we still have to make sure that we're following the laws. And that's part of what I love about this country.

So while President Obama might not like what Pastor Jones plans to do, he also defends Jones' right to do it -- in the process delivering a perfect example American ideals in action.

By the way, on a hilarious side note, Pastor Jones says he wants a phone call from Pres. Obama to discuss his Koran burning plans. Somehow I doubt that will happen. Maybe instead Jones could read Sarah Palin's Facebook page...where he'd learn that she believes he's every bit as bad as those scary Muslims who plan to build a mosque at Ground Zero. (Of course. as Greg Sargent notes, there is no Ground Zero Mosque, but who needs facts when you're Sarah Palin...)

Full transcript below the fold.

Join the discussion in BruinKid's recommended diary, Jon Stewart takes on Koran-burning pastor.

Full transcript:

STEPHANOPOULOS: Let me ask you about Pastor Terry Jones. He gave a press conference today. Says he's going to go through with burning the Korans. Is there anything you can say to him to convince him not to?

OBAMA: If he's listening, I just hope he understands that what he's proposing to do is completely contrary to our values of Americans. That this country has been built on the notions of religious freedom and religious tolerance. And as a very practical matter, as commander of chief of the Armed Forces of the United States I just want him to understand that this stunt that he is talking about pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women in uniform who are in Iraq, who are in Afghanistan. We're already seeing protests against Americans just by the mere threat --

STEPHANOPOULOS: What more could happen?

OBAMA: --that he's making.

STEPHANOPOULOS: What are you worried about?

OBAMA: Well, look, the … this is a recruitment bonanza for Al Qaeda. You know, you could have serious violence in places like Pakistan or Afghanistan. This could increase the recruitment of individuals who'd be willing to blow themselves up in American cities, or European cities. You know and so you know, I just hope that, he says he's … he's someone who s motivated by his faith.

STEPHANOPOULOS:And he says he's praying on it.

OBAMA:Yeah. I hope he listens to…those better angels.

STEPHANOPOULOS:Well, let me--

OBAMA:And understands that this is a destructive act that he's engaging in.

STEPHANOPOULOS:I wonder what this must feel like from behind your desk. You're President of the United States. You have to deal with the fallout. And he's a pastor who's got 30 followers in his church. Does it make you feel helpless or angry?

OBAMA: It, well it is frustrating. Now, on the other hand, we are a government of laws. And so, we have to abide by those laws. And my understanding is that he can be cited for public burning. But that's the extent of the laws that we have available to us. You know, part of this country's history is people doing destructive or offensive or harmful things. And yet, we still have to make sure that we're following the laws. And that's part of what I love about this country.

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