So, I am going to attempt to start a new debate...
Moms View Message Board: The Kitchen Table (Debating Board): So, I am going to attempt to start a new debate...
What do you think about the Danish cartoons?
I find myself agreeing with Charles Krauthammer, the well-known conservative writer, in his column in today's Washington Post, "The Curse of the Moderates" Mr. Krauthammer says, in part,:
"The mob is trying to dictate to Western newspapers, indeed Western governments, what is a legitimate subject for discussion and caricature. The cartoons do not begin to approach the artistic level of Salman Rushdie's prose, but that's not the point. The point is who decides what can be said and what can be drawn within the precincts of what we quaintly think of as the free world.
The mob has turned this into a test case for freedom of speech in the West. The German, French and Italian newspapers that republished these cartoons did so not to inform but to defy -- to declare that they will not be intimidated by the mob."
and concludes:
"The worldwide riots and burnings are instruments of intimidation, reminders of van Gogh's fate. The Islamic "moderates" are the mob's agents and interpreters, warning us not to do this again. And the Western "moderates" are their terrified collaborators who say: Don't worry, we won't. It's those Danes. We're clean. Spare us. Please."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/09/AR2006020901434.html
I have to tell you, for me to be agreeing with Charles Krauthammer is a very rare thing, almost as rare as my voting for a Republican for president. But I think he nailed this one.
Do I think the cartoons were in poor taste? Not particularly, but I've grown up with and on political cartoons. Do I think they were insensitive? Probably, but, again, I've grown up with and on political cartoons, and most political cartoons are viewed as insensitive by some group. Do I think anyone should be apologizing for printing them? Not for a minute. Do I think there is some other agenda by the rulers and/or controllers of those regions where the protests are occurring? Yes, in a word.
I agree with you, Ginny.
I haven't seen the cartoons. Does anyone know where I can find them?
0n the last page of this editorial is a link.
http://thephoenix.com/article_ektid3588.aspx
I don't condone the rioters at all.
I have a problem with the cartoons being published as it's such an offensive action but the riots have effectively relieved the newspaper from having to explain itself and allowed the issue to turn into one of free expression.
I know a lot of muslims are frustrated as well because there are a lot of moderates that aren't getting heard as the media tends to cover big riots more then thoughful rebuttals.
I was listening to a talk radio show today in the car (have no idea who the host was, it just happened to be on that station) and the man who called the show said he was Muslim and lived in the Middle East for 20 years. He said that since the rioters are not allowed to demonstrate against or protest their own governments, they are taking out their anger and frustration on the US and other free nations, since demonstration against us is allowed.
I don't know how valid that point is, but I thought it was interesting.
Here is an open letter from Flemming Rose, the Culture Editor of the Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, that published the cartoons. I think he makes some very good points.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/17/AR2006021702499.html
Here is Ginny's link:
Flemming Rose
"But if a believer demands that I, as a nonbeliever, observe his taboos in the public domain, he is not asking for my respect, but for my submission. And that is incompatible with a secular democracy".
Well said.
Thanks, Maria. And yes, that is one of the more salient points in Mr. Rose's letter.
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