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February 06, 2006
Islam and Cartoons
First of all, let me set you straight about two things:
1. Those cartoons aren't very good. Granted, that's a subjective judgment - but it's shared by a whole bunch of folks.
2. I don't care what religion you follow. So long as you don't try to shove your religion down my throat, I. Don't. Care.
Now, let's cut to the chase here.
The Danish newspaper that commissioned those cartoons was clearly making a statement. Mostly, in my opinion, that statement was, "Let's push the envelope here, and provoke a response, if we can."
The was six months ago.
But now, after a couple of the Euro MSM (MainStreamMedia) outlets finally picked up on it, the "Arab street" is having clawing, spitting kittens.
Why?
Because an obscure Danish newspaper published these cartoons? Or because a couple of MSM (MainStreamMedia) French papers finally removed the digit from the orifice?
Which brings me back to the point that I really want to make.
In America, we have a thing called the First Amendment, which states
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Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. |
Now, let's point our gimlet gaze upon the US MSM (MainStreamMedia) - who have been "exercising restraint" in not publishing those cartoons.
I actually do believe that they have been "exercising restraint" - for all the wrong reasons.
The US MSM (MainStreamMedia) is afraid that they're going to antagonize their story sources for "blood and guts" in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Indonesia, and Pakistan. They're afraid that if they annoy the "Arab street", they won't get any more juicy stories about kidnappings and decapitations.
That's why. It's a very simple reason, and is about as wrong-headed as you can get.
So much for the First Amendment.
Posted by ward at February 6, 2006 10:38 PM