WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Darrell Issa, the Ranking Republican Member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, blasted plans by the Rev. Terry Jones of Gainesville, Florida to burn copies of the Koran on September 11:

“While Americans have a right to free speech, this misuse of it is deeply disappointing and disconcerting.  Burning Korans or any other religious text offends our most fundamental beliefs as Americans.  Rev. Jones should renounce his disgraceful plan which is hostile to all people of faith and inconsistent with basic Christian values.

“As the congressman who represents Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton and visited Marines in Afghanistan last Christmas, I agree with General David Petraeus’ assessment that this irresponsible stunt is going to increase the dangers our military faces abroad.  Both Republicans and Democrats are disgusted by what Rev. Jones is planning. 

“The decision by Rev. Jones and his handful of followers to ignore General Petraeus is an ungrateful slap in the face to members of our military who are fighting to keep Americans safe.”

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