Speaking to George Stephanopoulos on ABC's Good Morning America Thursday, President Barack Obama implored pastor Terry Jones not to go through with his plan to burn copies of the Quran on Sept. 11.
"If he's listening, I just hope he understands that what he's proposing to do is completely contrary to our values as Americans," said Obama.
"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 that he's making," the president continued.
"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 would be willing to blow themselves up in American cities or European cities," he said.
The pastor has said that he plans to go through with the burning but he's praying for God's guidance.
"I hope he listens to those better angels and understands that this is a destructive act that he's engaging in," Obama told Stephanopoulos.
Bruce Plante, Tulsa World
