“Stupid S*** has consequences!”

The fire became lit even before the first match was ever struck; It’s too late for the media to turn off the gas pump once they fueled the story. Irregardless of what Terry Jones plans to do tomorrow, the Islamists who are in a perpetual state of rage are already lit up. It doesn’t matter that the President, State Department officials, Petraeus and other U.S. military leaders, politicians like Sarah Palin, or media talking heads say or do, the damage is done. Americans are all lumped together. It doesn’t matter to Islamic Rage Boy that many of the Muslim protesters around the world are joined in chorus by world leaders and many Americans in condemning the Pastor and his small congregation.

And for fans of Pastor Jones and wannabe copycats who salivate over media coverage of the “publicity stunt”, there are already copycat burners threatening to take up the torch. The State Department has issued travel warnings. The FBI is paying attention. INTERPOL is concerned. One person has already been killed, others wounded. Insurgents who are fighting our troops are taking advantage of this propaganda bonanza:

Insurgents have reportedly handed out pamphlets in some areas of Afghanistan comparing the Quran burning to Draw Muhammad Day earlier this year, and a Pakistani Taliban commander in South Waziristan said his group is telling people the planned Quran burning is on par with drone strikes (ABC, Newsweek). Thousands of Afghans hurled rocks at a small NATO base in the northeastern province of Badakhshan in protest, and according to the head of UNAMA Staffan de Mistura the country-wide protests could delay Afghan parliamentary elections, scheduled for September 18 (AFP, AP, Reuters, Tolo).

As Old Trooper said, “Stupid shit has consequences“.

And as far as those who are being dismissive of Petraeus, saying the troops are already in danger just by being in theater, or because of RoE, you’re not making their job any easier or safer by supporting the Pastor.

Here are a couple of comments by way of BlackFive:

“So the Jackass in Florida is all safe and sound in his nice warm home not realizing the shit storm he stirred up. Well let me enlighten you; simple logistics patrol turn into pote…ntially deadly situation. our Patrol encountered a mob of angry protesters of about 600 yes 600, who blocked the only passible MSR on our route.

People threw massive rocks at the vehicles targeting the gunners, weapon systems and other necessary equipment. Our lives were truly endangered at that time. Not ONE single soldier within our patrol fired a single round from his weapon, even though their lives were in jeaopordy. I’ m proud of my men by showing tremendous restrait in such a hostile environment.

So Mr.Preacher man I have several words for you, next time you want to experss you opinions do us all a favor and keep them to yourself. The rights you have are given to you because of the men over here putting their lives on the line each and everyday. I hope one day I get to meet you and show you my true feelings toward you. Thanks Jackass!!!!”

“Burning the Koran is going to fuck us all up over here. REALLY bad idea. Unless what you’re trying to do is cause a mess. Best thing you can do for us is snipe the first bastard who tries to light one and be prepared to keep shooting them until the inbreds get the idea of cause and effect. Otherwise, be prepared for some serious shit that we over here seriously don’t need. Not kidding.

And yes, the Afghans are aware and waiting to see what happens. No, they are not happy. Yes, it does matter. No, I’m not kidding and I’ve not gone native. All humor aside, it is important and not a single person is going to do anything to stop those mindless fucks from costing lives. My honest appraisal is that it will cost lives and turn people who take this very seriously against us. Needlessly.”

Yes, Islam has a rage problem. Or, at most, a significant minority of its populace does. This was predictable.

Of what good is gained from intentionally provoking the anger, though?

Some just enjoy throwing gasoline onto fires; kicking over anthills and stirring a hornet’s nest; and some like the attention and the publicity.

But what of the consequences?