Cartoon Controvery Comments
Since my last report on reader responses to the Danish cartoon controvery discussions have mushroomed across washingtonpost.com. Here's a small, small sampling of what's been written.
Commenting on a Post columnist Eugene Robinson's "Prophetic Provocation," Maddog unabashedly relishes the power of editorial cartooning. "The Prophet cartoon of the turban bomb was hillarious. Just like the one I saw of Jesus Christ driving an Abrams tank firing the cannon at Iraqi civilians. It was called 'The Sermon from the Tank.'"
But mhr5 rips apart Robinson's column, attacking it over seeming contradictions and for Robinson's advice on how to abate tensions. Mhr5 says, "These are ignorant and uneducated people overcome by a fanaticism which Robinson and his soft-headed liberal friends would excoriate if done by Christians. Khalid Sheik Mohammed and his nineteen suicide bombers who showed us their love for multiculturalism on September 11, 2001. ...We all know what their jihad meant for 3,000 of my fellow Americans. What we need is less muddle-headed thinking like that of Robinson, Feingold, Feinstein, Leahy et al who remind us every day that their sympathies lie with tolerance for the intolerant...Bush has it right. His constitutional duty is to protect the United States and that is what he is doing. Let the ACLU and Democrats worry about civil righst for terrorists."
More than 1,100 comments have been written so far in response to the Post article, "Tension Rises Over Cartoons of Muhammad." The conversation travels around a bit, touching on liberty, free speech and religious clashes.
Emily Messner's The Debate blog on whether the U.S. media should reprint the cartoons or not also inspired an interesting conversation among readers.
DC wants the broader conflict over terrorism and the clash of values included in a full analysis of the issue. "It's astounding that the primary debate is framed on free speech instead of measured response. If the measured response for publishing a cartoon is rioting and destruction of property, then the measured response for flying planes into buildings or cutting of heads should be ??? Not much complaining about "'double standards' in that context. Curious."
Critical of posts that maintain freedom of the press implies compelling presses to print the cartoons, ErrinF writes that the assumption there seems, "... to ignore a basic tenet of a free press: Each newspaper or press outlet gets to decide on their own what the content matter of their publications will be. To dictate to them that they must print the cartoons or must not print the cartoons is to impede on their right to free speech and expression. An editor or owner of a newspaper gets to decide whether the cartoons are appropriate for their newspaper. There is no impetus to print the cartoons if they feel it isn't indicative of what their publication is about, and there is equal justification for printing the cartoons if they feel it would be in the editorial spirit of their publication."
Anon agrees that to print or not to print the cartoons remains up to individual media outlets but argues that, "It is embarrasing for major on-line media sources like the Washington Post to write lengthy articles on the controversy, complete with a dozen images of people rioting without letting people see for themselves what they are rioting about. In this case, the cartoons ARE the story. It is no answer to say that people can find the cartoons for themselves on-line if they're willing to search for a while. The Washington Post is writing the article, it is up to the Washington Post to provide both balance and context."
I could quote all day from this discussion, which strikes me as among the most intelligent and civil on our site. But read it for yourself. In closing, I'll add one more, from random annoyed diplomat, who writes, "...I am saddened so many in the media fail to see the incredible double standard--it's ok to offend Christians, Jews, and many Americans on a regular basis, but Muslims...well, they are special and allowed to dictate how they are covered. Even when it is nowhere to be found in the Koran."
Further thoughts?
By Lindsay Howerton |
February 9, 2006; 1:00 PM ET
| Category:
World News
Previous: This Brand is Your Brand |
Next: Shooting Match
Posted by: just because someone's a little behind the curve doesn't | February 9, 2006 02:33 PM
Here is my take on the cartoon controversy.
On free speech versus offensiveness: Why do people have a "right" not to be offended by what others say? I have never understood this. There have been many anti-Jewish and anti-Christian cartoons and statements I have found very offensive--but I would never suggest their authors didn't have the right to publish them.
Some people will say there is a difference between free speech and editorial discretion--that editors should decide what is worthy of being published, and since these cartoons were in poor taste, they should have been rejected. But this assumes knowledge of the editors' motivations for publishing the cartoons. The cartoons were apparently published not to denigrate Islam, but to make a point about the (perceived) self-censorship on the part of many people about Islam. If the editors had wanted to publish the cartoons, but had not done so out of fear, this would have been a forfeiture of their right to free speech.
Moreover, if the Danish editors didn't have a right to publish the cartoons because Muslims were offended, where do you draw the line? I don't think Bill Clinton did anything inherently wrong by having a relationship with Monica Lewinsky. I only think he shouldn't have done it because it was reckless, given that Republicans were looking for anything to attack him with they could find, and because once it became known, it overshadowed the rest of his presidency, thus weakening the country. This opinion will undoubtedly offend many people, particularly many who are religious. Does that mean I don't have a right to say it?
About the protests themselves: Don't the Muslims who are rioting and burning down embassies see that they are just making themselves look weak? If they are so certain in their beliefs, who cares what someone says about them, or how Mohammed is depicted? You don't see American Jews burning down the Iranian Embassy in Washington because the Iranian President says the Holocaust never happened. The most secure people are those who couldn't care less what others think about them, or how they are depicted--whether in cartoons or in any other form of expression.
Posted by: Lee | February 9, 2006 02:36 PM
it seems to me that fanatical musims over react to everything just looking for an excuse to punish..ON THE OTHER HAND THIS REIGION OF PEACE HAS NO HESITATION TO BOMB KILL AT THE DROP OF A HAT WE MUST UNDERSTAND IN THE WEST ANY SIGN OF HUMANITY IS TAKEN AS WEAKNESS, NOR SHOULD WE UNDERESTIMATE THE BEHIND THE SCENES MANIPULATION OF THE SAUDIS AND IRAN..BE CAREFUL WHEN THESE PEOPLE HATE ITS WITH DEATH IN MIND
Posted by: jerry s | February 9, 2006 02:44 PM
it seems to me that fanatical musims over react to everything just looking for an excuse to punish..ON THE OTHER HAND THIS REIGION OF PEACE HAS NO HESITATION TO BOMB KILL AT THE DROP OF A HAT WE MUST UNDERSTAND IN THE WEST ANY SIGN OF HUMANITY IS TAKEN AS WEAKNESS, NOR SHOULD WE UNDERESTIMATE THE BEHIND THE SCENES MANIPULATION OF THE SAUDIS AND IRAN..BE CAREFUL WHEN THESE PEOPLE HATE ITS WITH DEATH IN MIND
Posted by: jerry s | February 9, 2006 02:44 PM
military presence in Afghanistan, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi, and Israel....
there are nukes in Turkey I believe, Israel and the much vaunted nukeulure submarine....maybe there's enough already there...
it's all about the economy isn't it? of the affluent:
you're being sold something...
like a radio jingle....
"see the USA in a Chevrolet"
oh, they don't even have those anymore do they? where'ld they go...used to be during the 50's the GNP of GMC was greater than all of Europe....planning?
there's a war on to destroy your ability to tell the truth when you hear it, it's called "framing"
we're protecting you from terrorists, that's why we had to lower your social security medical payments by $30 bucks a month....right....
and that's why we can't let you shop in canada or mexico for those same drugs....terrorism....
us against them.....but the us is the affluents and the "thems" is you...
and you're the ones taking the bullets in this sham...a framing war, believe them you pay, and they spend, make them accountable and they pay too....
perhaps there's portions that are necessary, there is certainly danger in primitives having control of a natural resource that moves nations....maybe we should be making moves towards acquiring another form of energy propellant...
but the short timers, the thoughtless with their fingers on the pulse of the "OIL BASED ECONOMY," they want the focus on OIL..
do the bushes own any oil investments?
and the male vote? It's easy to move weak men, talk sexy, or warrior-like
like you've got your big boys saying, fightin's good, it makes me feel strong, and powerful....you ought to, you got enough nuke clear war heads to destroy the world...
but isn't it really about making sure that the oil market is predictable? and they get paid
oh well, as long as you say "war on terror" even if it's bullshit....
if enough people hear it, they assume it's true....this is the land of 30 second attention span, being led by a chimpanzee right?
there is no war on terror....
our borders are completely undefended, that's an effing fact....
4.5 million ILLEGAL ALIENS a year, you'd think that at least 2 or 3 could set off some M-80's or something wouldn't you?
how many chicanos do you see working in fairfax, or in college park, near embassy row or in takoma, or in dc proper....
and you really need to get this, I don't care so much that they're coming in, it's just that IF ANYONE ELSE WANTED TO THEY COULD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT....
IT's FRAUD!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT's what the 9/11 Commission report said.
war powers:
IT GIVES the affluent THE RIGHT TO DO ANYTHING THEY WANT AND SAY IT's BECAUSE OF THE WAR!!!
Look at the patriot act, is it patriotic?
or is it the rape of the Bill of Rights...
Halliburton detention camps, $385 million homeland security dollars given to Halliburton subsidiary to establish them....who's going into them, you, your aunt? the chinese? the middle easterners, the jews, the lame, do they have ovens in them?
make them pay you, for backing their business deals...
not ship your effing jobs to korea, russia, india, indonesia, thailand....anywhere else where labor is cheaper and oversight doesn't exist....
make 'em pay to support their investments rather than rolling over to get your tummies rubbed when someone says the word
"patriotic!," while they stick a billy club up your but...
Rove is selling you what you don't want once again.....terrorist threat, we'll manufacture one!!!...
Posted by: Get a life.... | February 9, 2006 03:03 PM
The only way to make the intolerant become tolerant is to tolerate them. Anything else proves them right, in their minds, and will change nothing. Live well, live peacefully, and the world will follow.
Posted by: Az | February 9, 2006 03:26 PM
It's very clear that Muslems believe that it's their way or no way.
They use the Koran to suit their agenda. When trying to convince people that Islam is a peaceful religion they use selected quotes from the Koran that talk of peace and love.
But when preaching to Muslems they use numerous passages from the Koran which say killing of Christians and Jews is noble and Jihad is a sacred duty.
They demand, and get, Korans in prisons in Western countries so they can convert convicts to Islam.
Let someone in an Islamic country try to convert a Muslim to another faith and that person ends up in jail or executed.
If you live in a Western country that guarantees freedom of speech you better forget free speech if it relates to Muslems or be prepared for riots and death threats.
Posted by: marco | February 9, 2006 03:51 PM
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 5:47 PM
Subject: Kudos to Your Keith Interview with BCC Today
To: The Washington Post - Reporter (Keith)
Kudos to your Mr. Keith (didn't catch his last name), in his interview today with the BBC that aired on the local PBS station; were it was delivered in a satesman like substance & style. It also showed the fine line between the American & European religious cultures and respect of the people (we the people). It also showed the respectful stance that the Washington Post takes.
Thanks,
MK Kazragi
Posted by: MK Kazragi | February 9, 2006 04:15 PM
Just like most riots, This is simply a simmering pot finally boiling over. These people are all angry at the injustices that have been done to them in the past 100 years. These cartoons are simply a venting point.
Please open your mind and stop categorizing people as THEM vs US. It doesn't have to be that way. This is how we got in this situation in the first place.
Posted by: Sad State of the World | February 9, 2006 04:16 PM
Subject: Muslim outrage?
Neil Boortz
We wake up this morning to see video on CNN showing rampaging Muslims around the world. In Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Rim ... Muslim Mobs spreading mayhem. It seems that these mighty mad Muslims are rioting and firing their ever-present AK-47s into the air because of cartoons. Yup ... this latest epidemic of Muslim outrage comes to us because some newspapers in Norway and Denmark published some cartoons depicting Mohammed. In fact ... here is one of my favorites!
Admit it, this turban/bomb thing is "just right" and could be the next big fashion hit on the Muslim street!
Muslim outrage huh. OK ... let's do a little historical review. Just some lowlights:
Muslims fly commercial airliners into buildings in New York City. No Muslim outrage.
Muslim officials block the exit where school girls are trying to escape a burning building because their faces were exposed. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims cut off the heads of three teenaged girls on their way to school in Indonesia. A Christian school. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims murder teachers in the new Iraq for trying to teach Muslim children subjects other than memorizing the Koran.. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims murder over 80 tourists with car bombs outside cafes and hotels in Egypt. No Muslim outrage.
A Muslim attacks a missionary children's school in India. Kills six children under the age of twelve. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims slaughter hundreds of children and teachers in Beslan, Russia. Muslims shoot children in the back. No Muslim outrage.
Let's go way back. Muslims kidnap and kill athletes at the Munich Summer Olympics. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims hijack a TWA flight and to enforce their demands they shoot an unarmed U.S. sailor passenger and throw his body out on the tarmac. No outrage.
Muslims hijack a cruise ship and push a wheelchair bound elderly jewish man into the sea . No Muslin outrage.
Muslims blow up a Pan Am flight over Scotland killing hundreds. No outrage.
Muslims fire rocket-propelled grenades into schools full of children in Israel. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims murder more than 50 commuters in attacks on London subways and busses. Over 700 are injured. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims massacre dozens of innocents at a Passover Seder. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims murder innocent vacationers in Bali. No Muslim outrage.
Muslim newspapers publish anti-Christian and anti-Semitic cartoons. No Muslim outrage
Muslims are involved, on one side or the other, in almost every one of the 125+ shooting wars around the world. No Muslim outrage.
Muslims beat the charred bodies of Western civilians with their shoes, then hang them from a bridge. No Muslim outrage.
Newspapers in Denmark and Norway publish satirical cartoons depicting Mohammed . Muslims are outraged.
Dead children. Dead tourists. Dead teachers. Dead doctors and nurses. Death, destruction and mayhem around the world at the hands of Muslims .. no Muslim outrage ... but publish a cartoon depicting Mohammed with a bomb in his turban and all hell breaks loose.
Come on, is this really about cartoons? They're rampaging and burning flags. They're looking for Europeans to kidnap. They're threatening innkeepers and generally raising holy Muslim hell not because of any outrage over a cartoon. They're outraged because it is a basic part of the Islamic jihadist culture to be outraged. If you are Muslim you don't really need a reason. You just need an excuse. Wandering around, destroying property, murdering children, firing guns into the air and feigning outrage over the slightest perceived insult is to a jihadist what tailgating is to a Steeler's fan.
I have heard again and again these bloodthirsty murderers do not represent the majority of the world's Muslims. That may be true. When though, will this vast number of "peaceful" Muslims become outraged at the behavior of the jihadists? When will they take to the streets to express their outrage at the radicals who are making their religion the object of worldwide hatred and ridicule? Islamic writer Salman Rushdie wrote of these silent Muslims in a New York Times article three years ago. "As their ancient, deeply civilized culture of love, art and philosophical ref lection is hijacked by paranoiacs, racists, liars, male supremacists, tyrants, fanatics and violence junkies, why are they not screaming?"
Indeed. Why not?
Could it be that large numbers of peaceful Muslims are themselves too terrified of reprisals to speak up? Or could it be that the radicalization of Islamic culture is so far along that the silent Muslim majority secretly agrees with the jihadists but is unwilling to say so in public?
NOBODY DIES TODAY,
Scott g. Larsen
Posted by: GDH | February 9, 2006 04:17 PM
Title: Mubarak warns against repercussions of anti-Islam campaign
President Hosni Mubarak warned against the repercussions of anti-Islam
campaign and the offense against Prophet Muhammad in the short and
long runs.
In statements to MENA on Thursday, President Mubarak asserted that the
freedom of expression and freedom of the press, which are sponsored and
respected, should not be a pretext to insult beliefs and religions.
President Mubarak further warned that the continuation of this malicious
campaign would outrage the Islamic world and the Muslim communities in
Europe and everywhere.
Irrational handling of such campaign would help create more strong
pretexts for terrorists and extremists, the president pointed out.
Mubarak voiced deep respect and high appreciation for the statements
made Wednesday by former US president Bill Clinton in which he
condemned anti-Islam campaign and warned that fanaticism against Islam
would replace anti-Semitism.
In conclusion, Mubarak called upon all world states to deal wisely and
reasonably with any attempt aimed at angering peoples, desecrating their
sanctities and defaming their religions.
The President warned that violating religions and beliefs endangers world
stability.
Posted by: For President Hosni Mubarak | February 9, 2006 04:18 PM
It's one of maturing both sides...
dogmatics are dogmatics are fanatics whether they are
Christian
Muslim
or Jew
in some cases Hindu...
primitive "belief systems" hamstring the "right to think" and discover...
dialogue, not blaming is the solution in the long run
although blaming may be part of the release....
grow up
look at the situation for what it is
inflexible personalities pointing at each other.
Posted by: It's not an either/OR situation.... | February 9, 2006 04:25 PM
Bah come on now. The lines are just wrongly drawn. It's not 'Muslims vs. the The Insulters'.
Any self-respecting Muslim will distance himself/herself strongly from the rowing mob and condem it, instead of mumbling about 'hate speech' and professing 'understanding'.
I would not want to stand next to a jackbooted thug with a Himmler Fetish that was grunting 'you offended me so I will suicide bomb you'. Meet my friend, The Caveman?
Charmed, I'm sure.
And for those who died during the upheavals, well I guess they won themselves a Darwin award on the quick, ne?
Posted by: El Tonno | February 9, 2006 04:33 PM
I was raised a Muslim and understood one thing from the Quran. That I, as a Muslim, am barred from depicting the prophet (pbuh) in any visual form. It is blasphemy to do so, yes... as a Muslim! Nowhere does the Quran say anything prohibiting the Christians, Jews, Hindus, etc. from doing so. The laws of Islam are exactly that, it is the duty of a Muslim to follow them. They do not bind the rest of humanity. Any Muslim who thinks otherwise needs to go back to the holy book.
On another note, freedom of speech is a right and should be respected by everyone. However, who ever said that freedom of speech means it is socially appropriate to disrespect any one (person or religious community) and say what ever you want but expect no retort in the name of that freedom. Sure you have the freedom of press and you should be able to print offensive cartoons about the prophet, but if they offend people, you should be tolerant of the verbal response and the (non-violent) protests that follow, not call them ignorant primitives. Any violence as is seen currently is just wrong and is the work of extremist elements. I hope to see more educated, liberal Muslims (with a true understanding of Islam) stand up all around the world in future for what is right. Our religion is being soiled by an extremist element within our communities (and yes, I know that every religion has these elements). They cannot be fought with guns in the hands of soldiers. We have to fight that war, as the next generation of Muslims. We know in our hearts that the Mulla preaching hatred is wrong. Let's forget the repercussions from the fundamentalists and stand up for our future and the future of our children. Say No to psycho-babble and lies. I don't need a Mulla telling me what is in the Quran, do you?
Posted by: Aamer | February 9, 2006 04:42 PM
Publication of material that is offensive to some should be done based an assessment of merit of the material. "Piss Christ", "The Satanic Verses" and the "last temptation of Christ" were art or literature, which are formats that in in our society we are loath to censor. In contrast picture of racist graffiti, or spray painted swastikas and details of racial slurs are very rarely published. I would suggest that cartoons commissioned seemly with a view to offend are more like the latter group then the former
Posted by: | February 9, 2006 04:46 PM
I think that it is ridiculous, the reason why publishing the cartoon has become such a big issue is because we value our religion; our religion teaches us not to mock or make fun of other religions, PERIOD. The value for the other religions is not that much and I say that becuase you hear about the cardinals, priest, fathers molesting kids. The religion is taking a wrong turn, which I am not mocking or making fun of. But if someone were to burn the American flag there would be people going mad also; the bottom line is that we respect our religion, and we are not asking for you to follow it with us but to do the basic common courtesy and that is to just respect it as we do to yours.
Hoping for peace...........
Posted by: | February 9, 2006 04:55 PM
How clearly we miss the point by judging all muslims as a unified body that supports terrorism and fanaticism. There are certainly issues surrounding offensive behaviour especially when it attacks ones religiosu values. The "piss Christ" debacle of a few years ago created a large furor ofer depiction of an image of Christ in a jar of urine. I can think of a few more horrible images than this depicting Christ which would be horrendously offensive. Someone I'm sure woulod seek retribution much as the "abortion bombers" seek to dispense their own justice for perceived offenses. Would this therefore reflect poorly on all Christians? Not by us Christians it wouldn't.
Now to the far larger issue at hand.
There is a groundswelling of reaction to the current administration policies of torture, "pre-emptive" wars of aggression, indiscriminant killing by our soldiers, etc. This groundswell has resulted in staunchly conservative factions winning elections in Iran and Palestine. A reaction to the US and its policies, surely.
Most situations are far more complex and intricate than a fascist condemnation of a people as radical terrorists can explain or understand.
To defeat terrorism, one must understand the issues causing it and defuse the tensions fueling it. We will continue to fail until we go beyond a neo-conservative knee-jerk reaction to bombing it.
Simple questions are, who created the middle eastern countries and why? Who set up Israel from stolen Arab lands and why? Who continues to support Israel at all costs and for all reasons? Why shouldn't the Arab and Persian countries unite to protect their own interests and resources?
Answers are complex, but our policy is failed. Time to rethink the strategy.
Posted by: greg | February 9, 2006 05:02 PM
I dont agree with the statement that Freedom of Speech is at stake here. If the french paper had published NEW cartoons ,albeit just as "offensive" to the muslims, then that would have been a freedom of speech / expression issue.
By publishing the same cartoon over, especially since they knew that they had caused some trouble with the muslims before, the french just excercised their right to OFFEND.
Posted by: Desh | February 9, 2006 05:16 PM
WHEN WILL WE AS HUMANS HAVE THE DECENCY TO RESPECT EACH OTHER.ANYWAY,I WILL LIKE TO KNOW HOW THE ROMAN CATHOLIC FAITH WILL FEEL IF THE POPE IS DEPICTED IN A CARTOON IN AN UNCOMPROMISING WAY WITH A TEEN JUST BECAUSE A FEW PREIST HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF THE CRIME.LIKEWISE,THE CHRISTIAN FAITH HAVE DONE UNTOLD ATROCITIES AGAINST OTHER COUNTRIES DURING COLONIAL RULE,INCLUDING SLAVERY AND NOBODY CALLED THEM CHRISTIAN TERRORIST.THE JAPANESE WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR SUICIDE MISSIONS IN PEARL HARBOR AND NOBODY BLAMES SHITOISM,THE JAPANESE RELIGION FOR THAT.WHY BLAME THE ISLAMIC FAITH BECAUSE OF A LUNATIC AND BRAIN WASHED MINORITY.ALSO,I WILL LIKE TO KNOW WHY WHEN THERE IS AN ABORTION CLINIC BOMBING BY A FEW WHO CLAIM THEY ARE DEFENDING THE UNBORN IN THE NAME OF THE BIBLE/JESUS THEY ARE CALLED SUPREMACIST AND NOT CHRISTIAN TERRORIST.I BELIEVE WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE MUST BE GOOD FOR THE GANDER.
BY THE WAY I JUST CHANGED MY NAME FORM SALIM AHMED SALIM TO TIMOTHY MCVEIGH BECAUSE I WILL NOT LIKE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYBOBY ELSES PERCEIVED IGNORANCE.{JOKE}
Posted by: TIMOTHY MCVEIGH | February 9, 2006 06:11 PM
"Simple questions are, who created the middle eastern countries and why? Who set up Israel from stolen Arab lands and why? Who continues to support Israel at all costs and for all reasons? Why shouldn't the Arab and Persian countries unite to protect their own interests and resources?"
It was those pesky Danes, wasn't it?
Posted by: Will | February 9, 2006 06:24 PM
The Biblical Joshua slaughtered tens of thousands of innocent Canaanites, man, women and child; yet he is revered by Christians and Jews today. Wiped the heathens out of the promised land, he did! Children? Nits make lice, don't they? In churches around the nation, virtually no one thinks about what it means when the preacher says that the Hebrews slaughtered every man, woman and CHILD of the Philistines, Midianites, etc. Those words are read quickly and not dwelt upon. They were all evil sinners, weren't they? God had to fulfil his promise to the Israelites, so the foul pagans had to die. The prophecy had to be fulfilled, so all those Canaanites must have been born to die horribly. Couldn't be otherwise or God would be a liar, wouldn't he? Those tens of thousands of babies and children were EVIL! What did a Canaanite women think of the Hebrew butcher who dashed her child's brains out against a wall in the name of Jehovah? Were her feelings any different than those of the modern Israeli mother whose child was blown up on a school bus by a possible descendant of those Canaanites? What, exactly, was the Canaanite child's sin? What the Israeli child's? It sickens me when religionists rationalize the butchery of babes-in-arms. Where does a "God-of-love" come in? How about tolerance, compassion, regard for life, those things trumpeted so loudly by Christians today? Is it okay to butcher enemies of God, man, women and child? Our forefathers felt they were doing God's work when they slaughtered pagan Indians(especially the Conquistadores. They but emulated the Israelites. Quoted the Old Testament left and right. No revisionist will ever be able to hide that fact. Maybe the blue-coated American chaplains in the Indian wars read a different Bible than we have today. Are not Jihadists but modern-day versions of the revered Hebrew warriors of old? Yes, we are the hell-bound sinners now, foul in the eyes of Allah. Slaughter of innocents is slaughter of innocents, no matter who does it. Do not our Air Force chaplains convince our young warrior pilots that they are on the side of right when they drop their bombs? Yes, God is American. Too bad all those kids were blown to smithereens down there. Oh, well. If you ain't American, you ain't.
Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to vent.
Posted by: Nonsuperstitious | February 9, 2006 07:22 PM
The non-Islamic world is suffering a new kind of terrorist attack aimed at freedom of speech. If we don't have the legal right to ignore religious blasphemy rules, we have no freedom of speech. Any idea that we should legally or volutarily impose
Islamic blasphemy rules on ourselves is grotesque.
Posted by: Mel | February 9, 2006 07:34 PM
There needs to be a new discussion involving these cartoons. Namely, this whole affair has unleashed a wave of Islamophobia within the U.S., and I would challenge members of the American press to respond to whether they are culpable in hyping the cartoon affair too much, cheifly the violent protests that have now been suspected of being orchestrated by the Iranian and Syrian regimes.
Is this the purpose of the press? To show imagery of violent, intolerant Muslims so as to prey on American fears of the radical element within Islam? To draw cartoons to deliberately offend on religious grounds, whether it be a Dane drawing Mohammed or an Iranian drawing the Holocaust? If the goal of all this cartoon coverage by our press was to depict all of Islam as the radical minority within it, then the American media has succeeded. Equal time has not been giving to non-violent Muslim protests against the cartoons. Equal time has not been given to moderate Muslims that have responded to the cartoons with words, not violence. Instead, we have gotten mostly one-sided coverage that focuses almost entirely on riots that depict Muslims as the violent, dangerous stereotype we fear them to be, every bit as inaccurate and unfair as drawing a picture of Mohammed with a bomb in his turban.
Posted by: ErrinF | February 9, 2006 10:34 PM
Muslims are perfectly justified in protesting the cartoons. The Muslim Religion's basic values include that no one will draw even a picture of Muhamed and certainly not a cartoon. They worship the Kaaba, a huge stone. So drawing a cartoon of Muhamad is by any definition is an insult and disrespect to the Muslim religion, it has nothing to do with freedom of expression. The paper is getting what it deserves. It will be in the interest of west to apologize.
Posted by: Vivek Date | February 9, 2006 10:37 PM
These reactions are not ISLAMIC in the least, let me repeat a story how the Prophet dealth with a far more personnel insult in his lifetime.
The Prophet would wake up for months to find that one of his neighbors was dumping his trash on front steps of the Prophet's House every night. This went on for months and the Prophet never lowered himself to respond to such foolish insult. Then one morning, there was no trash, and what was did the Prophet do?
He rushed over to his neighbors house to make sure that he was okay. When his neighbor saw the geniue concern on the Prophet's face, and thought about how he had treated him, he converted to Islam on the stop.
That is how your Prophet dealth with foolish insults, he used them as a chance enrich his own faith, and spread that enrichment to others. If you are a person of faith, when a fool insults your concern should be for the fool's soul, not your wounded pride. If you can't emulate the Prophet, don't step up to speak for Islam.
Posted by: Muddy | February 9, 2006 10:48 PM
I just want to know if cartoonists, world-wide, are going to be asked (or required) to stop publishing material concerning religious figures that may be offensive to the followers of any faith? Or are only the sensibilities of those who commit atrocities, for whatever reason, to be considered? Are we going to stop at religious issues? Will we also include political, patriotic, and /or nationalistic subjects as taboo? Are the restrictions going to stop with cartoons?
If we are going to engage in a discussion, let's get down to some of the meat in this issue. There are at least two major considerations: the cartoons and the violent aftermath. Discussing the cartoons as a trigger to the violence is an important conversation. But it isn't the only one.
Lately, as a nation, we are being asked to evluate decisions concerning civil liberties and human rights on almost a daily basis. Therefore, we need to be aware of the possible consequences of these decisions - both short and long term.
Liberty, like life, is in the details.
Posted by: penny | February 10, 2006 12:36 AM
World meet Muslims.
Muslims meet World.
After globalization, the dawning of the information age, and our new ability to travel the world - didn't anyone stop to thing that we might not like what we find?
We've made the world smaller but we're all not ready to be roommates just yet.
Posted by: Sr. Bojangles | February 10, 2006 12:12 PM
Allah Loves Cartoons
I was talking to God the other day and He told me in no uncertain terms (amid a good deal of thunderous laughter) that he enjoys cartoons -- especially the old Warner Brothers classics, like where Chip and Dale are endlessly polite and deferential to each other while plotting mayhem against some hapless fool who screwed with them.
He also told me that this whole debacle over the cartoon Prophet was a case of inverted idolatry -- fanatical Muslims getting their angry fix, just to maintain the narcosis of religious fundamentalism.
"Wait till they try that in hell," He giggled.
Posted by: wordsmyth1 | February 10, 2006 12:17 PM
I'm a little surprised that this discussion is still all about the cartoons.
Doesn't anyone think that this is symptomatic of a larger hostility. The Muslim world was told by their radical right-wing that the West wanted to destroy them. Now with invasions of 2 nations what is the moderate Muslim supposed to think?
The cartoon issue is simply a symbol. Just the way a cartoon uses symbolism and irony to make a point, this cartoon issue is a symbol of a larger discomfort with the West.
I'm not saying it was thought out this way or is intentionally ironic, the issue is simply a vent for their frustration.
We have offended them, perhaps in many ways, perhaps very deeply. How will we respond?
Posted by: Sr. Bojangles | February 10, 2006 12:23 PM
Isn't it ironic that the same European countries that are hotly defending the press's freedom of expression concerning offensive, meant to provoke, cartoons are the same countries that have banned Muslim women from wearing a head scarf to public institutions of learning (France and some parts of Germany) or at this moment debating a ban on the burka (The Netherlands) .
A Muslim woman who wishes to cover herself while in public IS wanting to display an expression of her faith, but European countries do not want THIS freedom of expression.
Muslims who are angry and demonstrating are not stupid, they are reacting the double standard European's have toward Muslims. They are reacting to the underlying hatred for them by the Europeans.
The Europeans need the immigrant labor but they want them to either stay quietly in their ghettos or to "assimiliate" into their secular culture and when that doesn't happen they are more and more blantant in their outright provocation to insult.
The European Muslims are the new minority that the European majority has chosen to ostrasize since Jews are now off limits after WWII.
Posted by: American Muslim | February 10, 2006 03:56 PM
I'd Like to address this issue of one's freedom of expression from two
perspectives. One from a secular viewpoint and the other from a religious.
Secularly speaking, where moral absolutes are not present, one is quite capable of finding a rationale of printing such political cartoons, inflammatory or otherwise.But from a religious perspective,the printing would have to be based from a foundation of right or wrong.
God gave us freewill,truly a great gift.We can choose to exercise good judgment or bad with it. With this freedom comes the reaping of our actions to which we have sown,( good or bad)
One poster (Scott g. Larsen) went through great trouble to list the hypocrisy of Muslims responses( lack of) to atrocities committed against non-Muslims, this is really not the issue. From my Christian perspective, it was wrong, from a secular worldview,one is able to find many reasons for having the right of such things being published.For me though,the crux of the issue is values, and where one draws their values from.From this perspective,the issue isn't very complicated at all.
Posted by: Redeemed | February 10, 2006 10:15 PM
I'm all for "Freedom of the Press" -- up to a point.
I wonder, however, if Freedom of the Press includes the right to incite to riot, or advocate other crimes. There seems to have been no purpose, other than to offend Islams, to the original publication of the Muhammed cartoons, and certainly no other purpose in the re-publication of them than to promote further rioting to reinforce the public's bad perception of the Islam community.
Posted by: Richard Hunter | February 11, 2006 01:34 PM
I'm all for "Freedom of the Press" -- up to a point.
I wonder, however, if Freedom of the Press includes the right to incite to riot, or advocate other crimes. There seems to have been no purpose, other than to offend Islams, to the original publication of the Muhammed cartoons, and certainly no other purpose in the re-publication of them than to promote further rioting to reinforce the public's bad perception of the Islam community.
Posted by: Richard Hunter | February 11, 2006 01:37 PM
Judging from the overwhelming majority of posts on this message board I would say The Washington Post truly made the correct decision not to print the cartoons. The responses on this site refer to Muslims as if they were one person, or one country, or their favorite despised Muslim head of state. By doing this Muslims can be referred to via blanket statements of contempt that oh so easily refer to over 1 billion people!!! It appears that many of you are "itching to join the fight" and are hoping the post would provoke one on our shores under the auspices of "freedom of speech". I am just curious if a lot of you xenophobic, Islamiphobic masses out there realize that, for example, in Europe one can not make or print public statements that deny that the holocaust or they will be arrested, and rightfully so! There is a difference between our individual rights to freedom of speech and making speech in public forums that are slanderous, racist, or violent. Now if Europe limits speech in regards to the holocaust why should it be acceptable to say whatever they wish in regards to Muslims, no matter how rude or offensive? Europe has done the right thing with regards to people who deny the holocaust, now if they could just step up and do the right thing with Muslims.. And by the way...feel free to hate or be offensive all you want on your own time, that's your right, just don't expect LEGITIMATE publicans to follow suit.
Posted by: Omar Humadi | February 11, 2006 04:29 PM
One last thing...to be fair, and as a Muslim, there is NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER for the barbaric violent riots that came from a small number of Muslims. Protesting is fine, riots are not. I am sick of these Muslims double standards and hysterics representing me and the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the world. I am also sick of some fellow Arabs and Muslims attempting to justify this behavior. Yes, the Arabs/Muslims are being persecuted, discriminated, in many countries throughout Europe and they have very legitimate reasons for their outrage...but this does not give them the right to react through random, senseless violence!!!! ENOUGH!!!!!!
Posted by: Omar Humadi | February 11, 2006 04:41 PM
I respect Muslims, rather the ones that are not planning to kill me. But I respect free speech also, and not letting free speech be controlled by terror. I believe the Danish people should be proud to freely speak their minds, and I hope they do not let the terrorists take that right from them. Nobody is above any other person, and that includes Muslims, so they need to accept the world will insult them just as freely as they will respect them. I made a game using one of the Danish cartoons in response to this. Although the game starts with an introduction from the turban and the bomb cartoon, it continues into a shooting gallery for the ones who gave their Prophet this bad image, such as Osama Bin Laden. The game is free, and can be found at my website, http://www.obber.com. It was created in good taste, and is not intended to promote any type of disrespect or hatred, but rather, to ensure that freedom is never taken away.
Posted by: Curtis Stone | February 14, 2006 04:28 AM
The Prophet Muhammad's life is filled with heart-touching examples of patience, forbearance and forgiveness. He has been known to have never sought revenge on his own behalf, even once in his lifetime.
Those who truly love the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) need to react as he would have reacted in the situation Muslims find themselves in today. Peaceful dialogue and advocacy befits the Prophet's noble mission more than angry emotional outbursts, flag-burning and thoughtless violence in the name of Islam.
Because it was the Prophet Muhammad who taught that one should either speak good or be silent. And his teaching is binding on every one who believes in him.
Posted by: The Silent Muslim | February 14, 2006 05:19 PM
today in this TOLERENCE 0 society where if a person is involved in a car accident which is a accident but still is sentenced to prison time ,but obviously that dosent stand true our politicly appointed .Chertoff head of the big joke HOMELAND SECURITY who over see the dangerous FEMA ,i say dangerous because they directed the cover-up at the world trade center[CHECK OUT 911trueth.org]it would just be to hard for CHERTOFF to shed responceability there fore he accepts it ,which means that 1300 people lost there lives due to there neglect .SO WHERE IS THE APpropriate penalty???? thank you joe demarco
Posted by: joe | February 15, 2006 06:01 PM
Original publication of the cartoons exposed them to a small audience of unbelivers to whom they were hardly noticable. Several months later, after they were virtually forgotten, protest erupts and brings them to global attention including millions of highly offended believers. Who is responsible for the greater insult, the small time originators or those who brought them to world attention?
Posted by: Walter Starck | February 16, 2006 05:53 PM
It is in this nation's best interest to remember that many or most of the people rioting and killing because they've been insulted by these cartoons are the same ones that danced in the streets for joy after they received the news of 9/11. As distasteful as the idea is to us, our country needs to wake up and realize that we are not at war with isolated barbaric terrorists, but an ideology that not only is in a permanent state of war with the West but intends--no matter how long it takes--to spread that ideology over the rest of the world, by force if necessary.
We also need to recognize the fact that the lack of protest over inhuman acts of terrorism implies at the very least tacit consent. We are now witnessing the current brouhaha over a bunch of silly political cartoons. But don't hold your breath waiting for demonstrations in the Middle East or in Middle Eastern communities in the rest of the world against events such as 9/11 or the murder of all those schoolchildren in Russia. They are not going to happen.
Like it or not, we are at war. And the sooner we wake up and smell the coffee the sooner we can prepare for what, unfortunately, lies ahead for us for the foreseeable future.
Posted by: Richard | February 18, 2006 10:04 AM
Richard forgets that America was occupying Muslim lands with powerful military bases, killed 10s of 1000s of Muslims, and protected corrupt Muslim tyrants for years before 9/11/01. The violent protests are condemnable. The opinion and sentiment are real and justified: that Muslims have been under the thumb of Western powers for decades and the authoritarian regimes over them have been supported by the Western powers to advance Western interests to the detriment of the Muslim people. This sad, sorry state of affairs should not be ignored and the people are saying that. The cartoon copntroversy was a catalyst for much deeper frustration and dispair.
Posted by: usama | February 19, 2006 07:57 AM
All this chaos demonstrates the ignorance of the Muslim Masses, and if we yield to their demands it will demonstrate the stupidity of the free world! A decaying free press equates to the death of a free society, regarless of whether we are discussing political/religious cartoons, editorials, columns, or a news report!
Posted by: Gayle Hamblin | February 19, 2006 11:16 AM
Maybe we can make a deal with the radical Muslims. We will stop showing the cartoons if they agree to stop beheading innocent people and then posting it all over the Internet. I do not think they want to make this deal, so check out the cartoons at http://www.obber.com. Better yet, check out the documentary I put together.
Posted by: Curtis Stone | February 20, 2006 10:01 AM
Interesting to read how people at the other side of the world think!!
Conclusion:
They need to be educated. They simply have got every thing upside-down!
Posted by: Nadyme (in Pakistan) | February 23, 2006 06:03 AM
The rioting by Muslims is being done by people who have been brainwashed since birth to follow their religious leaders. They do so almost blindly.
These so-called religious leaders have their own agenda which is to dictate to the world at large how society should be structured. An they will stop at nothing to attain their ends.
You cannot negotiate with these thugs. They take any negotiation as a sign of weakness. They will only "take" in a negotiation, never "give".
Pres Bush is fighting a very difficult war despite the liberal opposition at home.
By the way. I am a Republican and a former Democrat. I did not leave the Democratic Party. It left me.
Posted by: PJG | February 23, 2006 10:53 AM
This is a war between those who believe in freedom of speach and freedom of expression and those who believe in intimidation, violence, and blackmail. Regardless of whether the rioters are extremist moslems, moderate moslems, or a mixture of both, they will be unable to learn the value of free speach if we do not insist on publishing these cartoons, and more such cartoons repeatedly and continuously, until they give up, not us. Unfortunately, in this battle, it was the forces of medieval thought that carried the day. One hopes that this does not presage the outcome of the war over freedom of expression and freedom of speach.
As fighters for freedom, as intellectuals of all sorts, as modern men and women, as believers in the great achievements of modernity, we should not stand idly by when the foundations of our society are being destroyed. The 9/11 hijakers were able to destroy buildings but we can rebuild them. However, unfortunately, these rioters were able to impose upon us a medieval view of blasphemy which our media was not able to shake.
Our view of freedom of speach and freedom of expression has always been the following: because you have the right to praise your belief and its symbols, others have the right to critisize and ridicule that belief and those symbols. Unfortunately, our media has retracted from this position fearing the terror that the islamist mob can bring upon us. It is sad to see that, this time, the terrorists have won the day.
Posted by: Jack | February 23, 2006 01:43 PM
I think that demark should be ashamed of them self atleast us muslim do not hate christians maybe you christians just jealous cause we have more values and we do not believe being pregnant before marriage and we stay with the one partner we have more respect for food and we do not like eating mud meaning bacon and pork that is most disgusting, and i think that mr george bush should stop putting his nose when not wanted as that wil bite him on the bottom sooner or later he should just care about his own citizen and stop making wars think about thats why he his most hatered man on this earth, and he is the terrorist not arabs or europe his bush is god will put in a place he will not like trust me. Bye
Posted by: Zena | February 25, 2006 02:12 AM
I think that demark should be ashamed of them self atleast us muslim do not hate christians maybe you christians just jealous cause we have more values and we do not believe being pregnant before marriage and we stay with the one partner we have more respect for food and we do not like eating mud meaning bacon and pork that is most disgusting, and i think that mr george bush should stop putting his nose when not wanted as that will bite him on the bottom sooner or later he should just care about his own citizen and stop making wars think about thats why he his most hatered man on this earth, and he is the terrorist not arabs or europe bush is, god will put in a place he will not like trust me. Bye NO MORE WARS
Posted by: Zenah | February 25, 2006 02:14 AM
Use muslims do not believe in taking illegal drugs and sell it or drink every chance we have and another thing u christains make me very sike u are amoral do not give us lectures u can't even live in peace u americans need to get a live and stop picking on us when it you christain that came up with that picture what do u expect for us to be happy of course but i feel u american taught the whole world to act like this and us muslims do not hate but maybe we should start by leaving christains countries cause the western countries are terrorist ok that is how i feel and i married somone from muslim backround do want to know why cause western men are too drunk and drug users and do not believe staying straight or they keep cheating think about muslims men are way better. bye THIS IS TO OF THE PEOPLE HERE THAT ARE CHRISTAIN WITH NO BRAINS.
Posted by: zenah | February 25, 2006 02:26 AM
christains do not have any brains what so ever they are cheaters and drugs users and sellers and not straight do not lectures us or make fun of our relign ok and they you christains expect the arab ones as u american christains are dumb bums and the usa and australia and england believe in wars think about this too. Bye
Posted by: zenah | February 25, 2006 02:32 AM
You americans are the terrorist bye.
Posted by: zenah | February 25, 2006 02:35 AM
Let's face it folks.
There is something awfully wrong with this 21st century world that permits anyone to be outraged when his or her religion is insulted.
It is an insult to humanity that in our era,billions of superstitious,primitive individuals can kill and be killed in the name of a "GOD"...AND yes...his messengers.
Because this "God",you see,needs a messenger to be heard.Speech is not one of his forte.
Let me put it simply to all of you "religious good people"...because you cannot understand beyond simple.
If god there was,he or she or it would have cut in pieces all those who murdered,stole,pillaged,raped and destroyed defenseless millions in a God name,and he wouldn't have needed a messenger to do it. But since by now any reasonably intelligent human being knows that god, just like his messengers are just an excuse to rally the credulous mob into a murder frenzy of the "others",and the taking of their properties, we should start to look at religion for what it realy is.
It was a way for ancient priest to send people to battle, because only the priest could hear the god (how convenient!),a way for the christian church to hold sway over all of Europe,for the same reason. A way for the Arab hoards to slaughter anyone who wouldn't join in. A way for the Catholic Church to subdue all the new world natives. An excuse for the Irish to slaughter each other, for a Hitler to murder millions and recently for Imams,Mullahs etc. to send millions into mayhem.
Aren't there enough normal humans left,to stop these primitive creatures from destroying this planet?
Based on the little that was said here,Should religion,any religion that claims any power over its people be allowed.
In my humble opinion,it should be banned as any sect that advocates violence is.Any religion book that advocate violence ,banned. Anyone stupid enough to claim hatred of others because of a book,closed behind bars or exiled to another planet.
I don't want to hear from anyone who thinks that this is blasphemy.
BLASPHEMY OR STUPIDITY IS, BELIEVING THAT THERE IS A GOD WHO SPEAKS TO ALL THESE BEARDED CLOWNS ONLY.(my mistake,they are not all bearded.actualy in churches,none is...except for the greek ortodox).
Posted by: Plato | February 26, 2006 12:11 AM
Dear plato i use to knw a greek person and all of you greek people are ack of evil and so are christain and please repect muslim isent that what you i pitty you and all greek americans and australian greeks and english greeks and newzealand greeks you guys are just as bad as pure armericans i actuclly pitty all of you armericans putting all the blame on us muslim we have every right to be upset just like u silly chriastain and by the way what kind of name is plato, and another thing bacon eater u must believe in cheating drinking taking and selling drugs and go from person to another in islam we do not do any of these things maybe you christains are getting angry at us when u should putting the blame governments as i said they aare doing this to us to make us fight where is peace when you silly nieve christains i feel soory for you guys its all the bacon and pork getting to your all heads u christans taught us to be violence whenever we get angry i mean you americans think about people we all should be living in peace not in war with each other so i wish next centration has a better life than this one and that people can live in harmoney. Maybe you christains are jealous of islam cause u you see is violence its you guys fault for teaching us this way of behavour as it is a western way of living is to put the blame on others instead on ourselfs really think about it bye silly terrorist americans.
Posted by: Zenah/Muslim | February 26, 2006 05:52 AM
In the scholarly art of debate, it is well known that those who are unable to defend their thoughts and ideas are the first ones to resort to calling names and making baseless accusations.
Posted by: Richard | February 26, 2006 07:38 AM
Richard see this proves my point you armerican need to go and learn about god maybe your brains might work again remember for a fact that it is the western way of life to pick and kill when angry am i right you guys do not know the true meaning of peace the way you guys do it is by invading and kill it is not us muslims with the problem it you guys making us look bade think about it did take a mad sciencst to come up with this think about so sorry if i offened any of you terrorist in the united states of america please richard get ur facts right god made us first then you silly christains you make fun of ohter and expect us to put up with yit is this an christain thing i just want to know that is all. Another think greek people are just as bad u guys but atleast they dont invade and kill richard sorry if this offerends you and i am not normally like this sorry if i am saying the whole and only truth atleast us muslims have more values and love everything living but we do not have to expct bad cartton we don't think its funny i do not know about you christans would you guys like us to make fun of your relgion and make up pictures atleast we think about what we have to do and for the muslims terrorist who do think trained them your president sorry again if i offened anyone take care all and bye all. Plz no one that can come something nice about islam dont say it at all plz stop putting the blame on us anymore we are so sorry if we havew any feelings at all we are just as human as you christain bye bye.
Posted by: zenah/muslim | February 26, 2006 10:24 PM
Stop thinking u know everything we are all humans with idea and thought but put this in my us muslims have more values and never make up pictures to offened ok as i said so sorry for offerneding ok another thing i did one know one greek guy he believes like you american so it took me a very long until till now to realise he is bad and cheater as most of them are and u americans sorry so sorry forgive but it is my right and i do not want to offened anymore i had enough of u silly people not understanding just take your time maybe next time you guys will get is not nice to make up pictures ok and i do agree that their has to be a line between this and yet again i just hate living in my country where i was born in melbourne australia and by choice, my husband is even wanting to come here to my home i swear i am going to tell him let not live but i mus tgive a chance to see how evil this country is this is my final thought of the day do not make anymore haterful words richard i have the same rights as you. And people please people stop hating us and see where are coming from and atleast as i said we think about what we are doing before anything bye bye all take care and take it easy may peace upon u all.
Posted by: richard | February 26, 2006 10:37 PM
The last thing this country needs is people who think we're evil coming over here. I would suggest that if anybody is in that frame of mind, they should join their spouse in their country and not spend another moment in the evil U.S. of A.
And I was unaware that our president trained innocent, peaceful Muslims to hi-jack airliners and fly them into buildings. I guess I didn't watch the news that day.
Posted by: Richard | February 27, 2006 12:13 PM
get a life and face thw fact and face the truth its the only truth face i pitty u. and most of u christain all of u make so sade and read agsin dum arse i was born in australia and my husband is way better than any western man i swear and mean this u are a low life us sweet and nice muslims dont need ur friendship richard i hate people like u. u know bush plant it u cant face that fact can why do feel u have make me angry i glad live a murdering countries and another thing my husband is better than u and i am sorry u have the right to attact me here when i have every right to opion mr low life i hope everyone turns on u and make feel so angry and sad face the facts like i have and iam planning to live in a peaceful place than in th e western country richard may peace be upon u and others with no brains. bye
Posted by: richard | February 27, 2006 08:24 PM
Dear richard so sorry if i touched a nerv so sorry but i have every right to have an opion and i do not need ur anger and ur meanness forgive but it is the whole truth please watch the news channel that t ells the whole truth and please face fact before attacking me and us sweet caring loving muslim i do not need this i am away from my husband and he said that the us paid saddam to murder people so richard get ur facts right before giving out ur suggestion and opion think before u speak and by the way ur president did pay us middle eastern people money so we can do his murdering and invading jobs so he can get away with it so please richard for our sake lets leave subject alone for now bye bye for now please i swear i didnt mean to hurt ur feelings and to make u angry for that i apolgyise forgive me i hate the fack us muslimsare being attact tha t is all so please find in ur heart to forgive i am deeply sorry but i have every right as u to have opoin but as i said sorry may peace upon u and please take it easy and take care richard and thats for all the others. bye
Posted by: zenah/sweet caring loving muslim need to be heared without people being haterful to me i am only hum | February 27, 2006 08:34 PM
Please lets make peace thats all i want now and i am inn'nt and peaceful and loving i am just sick an tired of people picking on us for what the western leaders see what i said they are doing this to us so please richard sorry if i touched a nerv ok bye all and may peace upon u all.
Posted by: richard | February 27, 2006 08:42 PM
You have a right to your opinion and I wasn't being either mean or angry. I just don't understand how someone can continue to live in a country they think is so evil, especially when they're not native here and are living apart from their spouse
who lives in another country.
You fail to see our frustration. It was not nice, sweet, caring, loving Muslims who hi-jacked the airliners and flew them into the two World Trade Center Towers. It was not nice, sweet, caring, loving Muslims who planted the bomb in the parking garage of the World Trade Center in 1993. It was not nice, sweet, caring, loving Muslims who took over that school and killed all those innocent teachers and students in Russia. And it's not nice, sweet, caring, loving, Muslims who are planting bombs and killing other Muslims in Iraq.
And it wasn't nice, sweet, caring, loving Muslims who danced in the streets for joy when they heard about 9/11; what kind of people could take joy in that tragedy? You don't see us Christians taking joy and dancing in the streets when Muslims are killed. And you don't see Christians taking to the streets, rioting and KILLING when we're offended. Muslims riot and kill over a bunch of silly cartoons. Yet they remain silent when atrocities like that one in Russia are committed in the name of their religion. (Except for 9/11, they took to the streets and danced for joy and burned our flag.) When was the last time you saw Americans burning the flag of some Muslim country?
You call me a lowlife and say you hate me.
My religion and my Savior, Jesus Christ, teaches me different. I don't hate Muslims, but I do hate the evil acts that too many Muslims do, hiding behind their religion, and claiming it gives them permission to do evil acts. (Maybe it does.)
These riots and KILLINGS over a bunch of cartoons have brought me to the end of my patience. Freedom of the press dictates that the Danish newspaper had the right to print those cartoons, if they wanted to.
Also, non-Muslims are not bound by Islamic taboos, and trying to force one of those taboos on us Westerners is the last straw. Furthermore, if Muslims are offended by those cartoons, they should take their anger out on those Muslims who are terrorists and killing in the name of your god, which is one of the reasons for those editorial cartoons in the first place.
I know you will attack me, other Christians, and Americans in general instead of addressing my comments. But since you've felt free to post all of your various comments, I thought I'd post mine.
May peace be with you and all of us.
Posted by: Richard, the Real One. | February 28, 2006 04:03 AM
I'm not angry at you, Zenah. You have the right to your opinion. We are all only human. I wish you the best. Live long and prosper. Peace be to you and yours and to all of us.
Posted by: Richard, the Real One. | February 28, 2006 02:04 PM
Thank you this means alot to me and i wish the same for you wish u all the best live long and prosper and peace to be you and your and to all.
bye take care and may peace upon us all.
Posted by: zenah | March 1, 2006 12:00 AM
The violent and extreme reactions of Muslims all over the world to the cartoons, fanned by their 'learned' religious leaders only helps to prove the point that the cartoonist has attempted to make in an intellectual manner.
It is amusing at one level and deeply disturbing at another, to see protestors carrying photgraphs of Osama Bin Laden.
We seem to have forgotten what he and his brood did in Afghanistan. Remember the dynamiting of the Budhas in Bamian? These people were so intolerant - no - afraid of even mute statues depicting Gods of other religions that in 21st century they had to destroy them. Did any one in the Muslim world protest then? This almost total lack of reaction, almost silent approval of Muslims, to the destruction of the Budhas should have woken everybody up....that this has been going on for centuries was starkly brought into our living rooms then.
While no one has a right to defame Gods of others, it is a principle that has to be applied to all equally. When it is not, we lose our right to show such indignation. Muslims want a one-way street....they had it going for centuries and they trampled on every one else going the other way, when and where they could. Now they are on the wrong side, but are not willing to understand one basic fact : it is time to give way to others too.
Therefore, when someone gently tries to point at the source of the ugly face of Islam seen daily by the whole world, as he understands it, disapproval is warranted in civilised manner by all. But what do we have? Violent reactions, 'fatwas' calling to kill, and posters of Laden.
I may be wrong, but at a macro time and space level, I see all events involving the Islamic world in the last two centuries or so, as the painful pangs of a dying philosophy.The pangs are gettiing more frequent, more painful....and deep down there is a frustrated sense of helplessness finding expression in the vortex of ever increasing violence and self-destruction. The leaders of Islam cannot teach their followers to live peacefully with others in a plural world. With that insurmountable difficulty there is no hope. It is the End. They know it too, but want to believe that the End is of others.
I am certain that the Prophet never taught what has been learned. God is of and for all. But when his followers persistently keep taking off at a tangent, can you really blame somebody for pointing a finger, even if wrongly? If only there was a mechanisn within the Muslim world for introspection, for honest debate without fear of being killed in the name of God, there would have been a transformation, an evolution, as there has been in Christianity. And that would surely have saved Islam.
Posted by: Viinod | March 5, 2006 02:46 AM
i think it would be beneficial if you presented a picture of a drunken pope (in cartoon form).
THANKS!
Posted by: ANONYMOUS | May 11, 2006 12:48 AM
I think that youre site is offencive, racist, obsene and completely disgracful.
This site is a site for anarchits who would do anything to get peaceful, relegious groups such as catholcs, out of the world.
Well let me just tell you, youre soul will burn in hell and I will be laughing at you from heven unless you apologise for all things previously said on this web page.
Posted by: POPE BENEDICT THE EGGS | May 11, 2006 12:53 AM
I think that youre site is offencive, racist, obsene and completely disgracful.
This site is a site for anarchits who would do anything to get peaceful, relegious groups such as catholcs, out of the world.
Well let me just tell you, youre soul will burn in hell and I will be laughing at you from heven unless you apologise for all things previously said on this web page.
Posted by: A disgruntled catholic | May 11, 2006 12:54 AM
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make them innocent or evil...
the muslims are to a great extent a dogmatic society......they interpret scripture literally and ignore their mystics, people who have moved beyond dogma....
rumi, is a sufi mystic, as is hazraht inyaht khan....nothing like the angry, ignorant, muslim traditionalists...
the united states is a young nation making the same mistakes that were made by older ones, because it's only a couple of hundred years olde...the affluent have regained control of the government and are currently detroying the rights and priveleges of being a citizen as a way of reestablishing feudalism..
just because someone's a little behind the curve doesn't
make them evil, talk about it, educate them...
'hamed was a general given credit for having a divine dream.....
perhaps he elaborated a bit eh?!
grow the christians and jews up too...
christianity was stolen from the original christians by a roman emporer Constantine...he established the guidelines for interpretation of scriptures 400 years after the death of Jesus of Nazereth while establishing the church of the HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE...the RCC...talk against it and find yourself on a cross.....
Microsoft absorbs it's competitors and if they fit into the microsoft mold they put their label on it....if they don't they may use the name but the product disappears....
original christianity was founded on the mold that external bullshit wasn't necessary to having a connection with spirit/gawd...the church was within....
ROME wanted to make sure they could herd these cats that were throwing their lives away in the name of being free to pursue and internal vision of enlightenment and established laws that were enforcable by death....
all christian religions carry this original stain and "way of manipulating"
you could call it "gawd using" as a way of having power over and threatening....sound like Pat "the cursing thru prayer" Robertson....a little voodoun...or may be the current administration....
and the jews define themselves thru being persecuted and dogmatic tradition rather than having a living connection with divinity.....staleness breeds inflexibility...