I've had enough! Have you? The Muslim world turns any statement, quote or criticism into an excuse to take to the streets with violence, threats and demands for an apology. We're trying to bring freedom to the Middle East, and the Middle East seems equally committed to taking away our cherished freedom of speech!
When are we going to see Muslims take to the street in outrage at so-called Islamic believers who are killing innocents in the name of their God? When will they demand an apology from terrorists who are beheading people in the name of Allah? When will they demand their own newspapers to refrain from displaying cartoons that are demeaning to Christians or Jews?
Allowing the free flow of ideas and criticism is cherished gift of liberty. Criticism should not be allowed to be an excuse for violence. The Danish cartoons did not cause violence; it was used to justify violence. The Pope's use of an "offensive" quote does not pull any trigger or start any fires. The people pulling the triggers, starting fires and attacking others are responsible for their own behavior! It's time we stop apologizing and start speaking up to these absurd demands to never be critical of the actions of Muslims.
There are responsible believers in all faiths. There are all irresponsible believers who do actions that should be universally condemned by all freedom loving people, no matter what their faith. The true sign of integrity is when you can confront irresponsible actions in your own faith. I challenge Muslims to take to the street to demonstrate against the terrorists who are trying to hijack their faith.
Every time Muslims demonstrate their displeasure about the criticism of their faith by attacking people, burning churches or promising to send suicide bombers to retaliate, they just encourage further distrust and anger at their cause.
The old adage, "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words can never harm me," does not seem to be true in the over-sensitized Middle East. When you use words or cartoons they don't like, it can mean death! I'm tired of seeing Westerners apologizing for something they should not have to apologize for! This is Constitution Day! It's time we take a renewed stand for the freedom of speech...and that means the freedom to be critical!
I myself am a muslim and i must say that i agree with you completely.
the overreaction os the muslims is indeed misplaced. it seems that, regrettably, muslims have become a very passionate nation, which is a good thing. the only problem is that this passion is deployed in the complete wrong circumstances. indeed, there are times when i feel extremely embarassed of the overreaction of the muslims. when will they come to realise that this is an age of freedom?
Posted by: Uwais | February 15, 2008 at 09:51 AM