Our founders understood how important freedom of speech is to the freedom of man. They managed to defeat the most powerful tyrant on earth in their day without burning or banning a single book. The American experiment was based on mutual respect, acceptance of differing religious beliefs and common decency. Burning anyone’s sacred scripture is an affront to all of these.

The world needs more voices not fewer. More faith not less…

On 8/28, hundreds of thousands joined arm-in-arm to restore honor in their own lives, as well as to our nation. May I suggest that one one part of the honor that we have lost is what used to be known as common American decency. We are not Germany 1939, nor are we Afghanistan 2000. We do not burn books or blow up historic religious icons. An honorable and decent nation recognizes acts of ignorance at home and abroad. The dual lessons of 9/11 instruct us to be watchful, vigilant in reading signs of warning, while radiating our essential American character, a message of God-blessed goodness and kindness, for the world to see.

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