16 Muslim converts to Christianity arrested in Iran

And people in this country complain that we're going to hell in a handbasket? Folks, this country says that we as citizens can practice any religion we want or we can choose to not follow any religion. Some claim that this is a Christian country, which I disagree with, but there is fortunately no established religion in this country (even though some say that it was founded by Christians). Perhaps finding out what happens in other countries that do have established religions, as above, should make us in the USA realize how lucky we are. Folks here can become Muslim or Pagan or Jewish or even Christian without being arrested. I'd like to think that "praying" for the Iranian converts would do something but I'm not holding my breath.

The threats to murder apostates (which are often carried out in practice) only makes the Muslim religious leaders who make them look weak and desperate.

First of all talking to countries you disagree with and may even end up warring with is not a bad thing. It is the wise and sane thing to do since war and sticking our heads in the sand hoping they go away are both respectively very horrific and unrealistic options.
As far as the moral and religious status of this country is concerned; the fact that the founding Fathers used Christian ideas and premises to construct this countries constitution does not make it a "Christian" country. It is in fact a secular country, but this still does not allow one to ignore the presence and contributions that Christian principals have provided to the foundation of this country's Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and its laws, and I might add all for the better.
Furthermore, it is obvious that with the decline of "Christian" values, that the U.S.A. has indeed become worse and not better. Theft, murder, rape, and all manner of violence and lasciviousness has continuously increased as morality defined by "Christianity" has decreased. This is not an opinion but a fact.
The fact that other countries are worse off than America does not in any way support the idea that we are better off than we think we are. IE. simply because one shipwrecked person is in the water being eaten by sharks and the other shipwrecked person hasn't been bitten yet doesn't mean that they are in a better position 'exactly'
Lastly, the U.S. does not and can not accept ALL religious beliefs. IE. Some religions believe that human sacrifice is the way to worship their God; We would not accept this and in fact we would say murder is wrong and anything that hurts another person is wrong, but what if the person sacrificed believes that it is great and an honor to die? Would we, could we, SHOULD WE accept this as freedom of religion? Your answer is probably a strong no!
There is alot more to consider here than anyone here has been willing to honestly think about and deal with in your remarks, but that seems to be the way it usually is on these post, but HEY! it's your right to say whatever you want, however you want, whenever you want right? The next thing you know you'll be saying it's OK to make racist threats, and call for the bombing of our government buildings. Why not it's all FREE speech right?