Obama says his administration had obligation to step in on Quran burning plan
By APFriday, September 10, 2010
Obama decries 9/11 Quran burning threat
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says a Florida pastor’s plan to burn Qurans on Sept. 11 must be taken seriously because it could cause “profound damage” to U.S. troops and interests around the world.
Said Obama: “You don’t play games with that.” He said that as commander in chief he had an obligation to respond.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates called Rev. Terry Jones on Thursday to ask him to cancel his Quran plan, as Jones now appears ready to do. Obama was asked at a White House news conference whether Gates’ intervention could elevate Jones, previously a barely known figure with a tiny congregation.
Obama said burning the Quran would be contrary to what America stands for and could pose a threat to Americans in uniform.
