Sarah Palin Defends Franklin Graham, Criticizes Pentagon For Disinviting Him From Prayer Day

Sarah Palin came to the defense of Evangelical minister Franklin Graham Friday morning, writing on Facebook that the man who was disinvited Thursday from the Pentagon's National Day of Prayer services is a "fine patriotic man" and that military's decision to exclude him -- "the army's loss" -- was a sign that "things have changed."

"It's truly a sad day when such a fine patriotic man, whose son is serving on his fourth deployment in Afghanistan to protect our freedom of speech and religion, is dis-invited from speaking at the Pentagon's National Day of Prayer service." Palin wrote on Facebook. "His comments in 2001 were aimed at those who are so radical that they would kill innocent people and subjugate women in the name of religion."

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Graham called Islam "a very evil and wicked religion," which didn't stop the Pentagon from welcoming him at previous religious events.

On Thursday, Graham appeared on Fox News and said: "I speak out for people who live under Islam, who are enslaved under Islam, and I want them to know they can be free by Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone." The Pentagon revoked his invitation.

Palin, however, seemed untroubled by any of Graham's rhetoric, saying, "In my years of knowing him, I've never found his tempered and biblically-based comments to be offensive - in fact his words have been encouraging and full of real hope."

"Are we really so hyper-politically correct that we can't abide a Christian minister who expresses his views on matters of faith?" Palin asked. "What a shame. Yes, things have changed."

Comments

[lizipoo]

07:26 PM on 04/28/2010

Now that lil $ista has given her blessing to a 'radical' thinking/believing reverend, do you suppose she will change her feelings for that other dangerous 'radical' reverend Wright?

Poor old Rev Wright might be able to incite a few in his congregation but Rev Graham stands to incite and further fuel the hatred from the radical arm of Islam? How's that pickey-choosey thing going to work for ya $arah? Educated, enlightened folks might call it hypocrisy.

If $arah could read, I would suggest she begin with the Constitution. Christianity was not ordained as the National religion of this great Country.

[cuculet3]

12:34 PM on 05/03/2010

No, your right America was founded by Christian Pilgrims from Europe. "When they founded this country, the Founding Fathers envisioned a government that would promote and encourage Christianity." Please do some research before you ramble nonesense.

[marecek]

07:25 AM on 04/27/2010

Sarah's basic assumption (which appears to be shared by many on the right, especially the evangelical crowd) is that the US is NOT a secular state, rather it is Christian state, in particular of the fundamentalist variety. Well, Sister Sarah, you are wrong about that. The US is a secular state. Read the First Amendment that you keep extolling for crying out loud. It makes clear that the US shall not establish a religion (including Christian). It is enough to refer to the fact that persons of other faiths and people without a faith should not have to live under a state that is forcing a particular religion upon them. Yes, something has changed - Bush is out and Obama ACTUALLY RESPECTS the separation of church and state as laid down in Constitution. The Pentagon is not violating Graham's right to free speech. Having him at a particular Pentagon event suggests endorsement. Thus he cannot be invited if the Pentagon cannot endorse his views. What he said about Islam AS A RELIGION (that is, his comment refers to ALL Muslims) is highly offensive and should NEVER be endorsed by the state. FULL STOP. But since Sarah P. views the state as a delivery system for her own idiosyncratic religious views, she evidently cannot grasp the point.

[HKB]

08:59 AM on 04/27/2010

Great Comment - back to you!

Missy Palin distortion and manipulation of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and actions and quotes of our Founding Fathers is a clear indecator of her lack of self-education in the history and development of our nation.

I fear the lose of my religious freedom among many other freedoms we have if this women ever came into the White House

[HKB]

09:00 AM on 04/27/2010

indecator ?

sorry not enough coffee this am !

[HKB]

11:36 AM on 04/26/2010

"In my years of knowing him, I've never found his tempered and biblically-based comments to be offensive - in fact his words have been encouraging and full of real hope."

Sarah - Because you think the same way as he does - that would be why you find them unoffensive. It's fine for a Christian to think the only way is their way, but as someone who is playing at the maybe someday run for President game - you better rethink how you approach this topic - nothing has changed my dear. The Constitution has always been for freedom of religion - not freedom of Christian Conservative religion only.

[marecek]

07:18 AM on 04/27/2010

Thank you HKB - excellent comment!!!

[NotStarvingArtist]

10:15 AM on 04/26/2010

Nuance, Sarah, nuance. I know you don't understand the difference between calling all Islam evil and calling those people evil who commit evil in its name. I also know you don't realize the arrogance of people who call themselves Christians who believe all other religions fall short of grace in God's eyes, as if they know God's mind better than anyone else does. You also don't have a clue about what protecting our freedom of religion means. It surely doesn't mean we should disparage all other religions outside of Christianity.

[yerachm]

05:50 AM on 04/26/2010

Well, Ms. Pander to the Most Extreme Christian Right, if you don't find his anti-Islamic pronouncements offensive, I'm sure that no Muslim could find them offensive. By the way, from which planet do you hail?
Yes dear, you are a unifying force for this country - for everyone who cringes when they read or hear your words.

[alaskan1st]

12:23 PM on 04/25/2010

I'm a vet but I would be ashamed to fight for corporations. When was the last time our military fought for American freedoms. Support our troops by exposeing the truths about wars. They are created by special interests with profit motives. Todays wars are for people like Dickless Cheney to become rich and no bid contracts proved that. Follow the money. ............Don't forget that part of our freedom is freedom of religion. Not just Christianity. Palin is not acting like a good Christian anyway, so who cares what her opinion is.

[mendelcrosses]

11:59 AM on 04/25/2010

"His comments in 2001 were aimed at those who are so radical that they would kill innocent people and subjugate women in the name of religion."
############################

That sounds like she was talking of Bin Laden.

Bin Laden's comments have always been aimed at those(US Governments) that are so radical that they would kill innocent people and subjugate women in the name of religion."

[ibwilliamsi]

11:41 AM on 04/25/2010

The problem is that she doesn't find his words offensive. She's self ish and ob/ivi0us.

[cuculet3]

09:23 AM on 04/25/2010

Its ironic reading some of the bashing comments posted here. When realistically the majority of the commentators have dysfunctional and sad lives. Its like, someone thats dating their stepsister critiquing guest on The Jerry Springer Show. Who's the real hipocrit? People, its not about the left or right, its about changing America back to its fundamental purpose. Change will not happen just because Obama chanted it in his campaign. We the people need to unite as our forefathers did against our deceitful government. I want my change back, how about you?

[dmz]

09:25 AM on 04/25/2010

Yeah and edukation too.

[cuculet3]

09:41 AM on 04/25/2010

dmz you mispelled edukation, its with a "C" instead of "K".

[LiberalLee]

10:57 AM on 04/25/2010

I amazed at your ability to see through the computer and judge people's functionality and quality of life.
Does this come with the I'm-better-than-you-because-of-my-religion package deal, or are you just so special and gifted?
And just what was America's fundamental purpose? I know what the Preamble says, but are you unaware perhaps of the arguments between Jefferson and Adams over slavery and women's rights?
Not so perfectly united there.
We understand the anguish you must feel, not being allowed to dictate religious belief to your fellow Americans, but get over it. The founding fathers you're so find of mentioning made that the rule of the land: No one religion is to be singled out and made THE religion here.
I for one am grateful that small-minded dinosaurs, living in hope of dragging the nation back a century or two, are not dictating to me whose ideas of god are the only ones allowed.
You should get all your money back. At least however much you spent on brains. You obviously got a bum set.

[cuculet3]

12:01 PM on 04/25/2010

Im just that gifted to know when this country is turning into a joke because people dont stand up for whats right or wrong. How our "Freedom" is taken away from people that want change no matter what the cost or consequences are. When our government is more tormented about going green in the Global Warming scheme than the millions of innocent babies killed by abortion. When Americans are getting suede for praying on school grounds before an event but sex and homosexuality is tolerated with no shame. I for one am grateful that I dont have your brains cause you cant even see past your nose. If you are smart as you suggest you might do something positive in our society instead of continuing to be a blind sheep just part of the herd. To clearify this isnt about the left or right, its about bringing real change.

[ninomalo88]

11:41 PM on 04/24/2010

Palin is the biggest joke OMG.. She is talking care of self that's for sure....and as for Graham
well im sure he is a good man...

[lordmi]

09:20 PM on 04/24/2010

Just wondering: when sarah supports anybody - does it finally really pay off for that person?
Just wondering.
Cause I think - it is(was) always same as with McCain - too much noise and ...
opposite result.
Someone should really monitor this thing, cause of it is really giving opposite result – sarah’s fee will go down to zero.
Just let them realize it –that all of them are paying highest fees to lose.
Makes sense?

[happymick]

08:21 PM on 04/24/2010

Chris Hedges wrote a great book called "American fascists" It is about how the religious right wants nothing less than a theocracy in the U.s.

Don't laugh there are already 70 million of them The biggest single block in U.s politics

[lordmi]

09:21 PM on 04/24/2010

where this number 70 came from?

[happymick]

10:01 PM on 04/24/2010

From Francis Schaeffer, his dad helped in the 80,s orgainize the "religious right" known then as the moral majority. It has jerry falwell as the leader.

[jane bond]

03:32 PM on 04/24/2010

Franklin is an imperfect, but very humbled man....he simply states what the Christian Bible says, that Christ is the "only" way to the Father...I've heard former Hindus say, that their not going to say anything disparaging about their forefathers faith in hinduism, but it lacked one thing, a savior....

[reading2009]

05:09 PM on 04/24/2010

saying something about your own religion is fine, but to judge others and then be surprised when people are offended by you? It smacks of condescension, double speak and intolerance. Not American values, whoever acts that way. The US armed forces support the AMERICAN people, and we come in many difference colors and faiths.

[4akinderworld]

06:17 PM on 04/24/2010

#7

[RABSR]

06:30 PM on 04/24/2010

You missed the point - doesn't matter.

You'll never get it.

[mendelcrosses]

12:15 PM on 04/25/2010

Has he studied the Quaran to know what it says?
What if the Quaran says the same thing about Islam and Hindusm makes the same claims about Hindusm?

The problem with religion,especially christianity is that it prohibits their followers from knowing about other religions - not to follow other religions - but simply wanting to understand other religion isnt allowed. They fear people might compare and contrast.

The same people who talk free choice and no mandations are for dictating and making mandatory what others are to allow to believe in as a religion

[babybelle]

03:27 PM on 04/24/2010

Jesus said to go into the closet and pray and don't be like the hypocrits who wish to be seen praying in public.
Sarah and Franklin... listen to Jesus and stop whining !

[Grim Al]

02:26 PM on 04/24/2010

Sarah Palin's belief that our troops are fighting in Afghanistan to protect our freedom of speech and religion is further testimony to her utter delusion. I would bet that Graham's son, if asked, and if honest, wouldn't make that claim.

That the opinion of someone of her calibre is even considered newsworthy is a travesty.

Palin is simply a part of the misguided GOP machine launched by George W. Bush that, in hindsight, can only be viewed as a deliberate attempt to harm our nation for political gain despite the obvious costs. A significant part of that disregard for the nation's welfare was her selection by John McCain as his running mate. Regardless of one's opinion of McCain up to that point, that decision will forever stain his record.

Palin's record speaks for itself - a further contribution to the decline of this once great nation aided and abetted by the self serving mainstream media, and sold out by the GOP.

[happymick]

10:06 PM on 04/24/2010

You are right. I look at Sarah Palin as the leader of the people who have IQ's below 90. Because if you listen to most of the people that follow her they are not very bright. I am not talking just about her.their/ views, just their whole way of explaining their beliefs. I think that is why they like her so much, they feel comfortablw with someone such as their own In other words;simpletons.

[MadamDeal]

11:25 PM on 04/24/2010

Thanks for pointing out Palin's odd habit of saying the troops are "fighting to defend our freedom of speech (and now religion). I realize she means The Constitution. So she thinks the two World Wars and Korea and Viet Nam were about defending our constitution? See the book Game Change wherein they state the campaign realized she knew Nothing about Anything.