No comparison

I strongly disagree with this Reuters story, which tries to defuse the Muslim reaction to the Muhammed cartoons by comparing it with the violent sins committed by other world religions after their icons have been trashed. The story makes liberal use of Professor Juan Cole.

Some righty bloggers refer to them as "al-Reuters". I've refrained, but perhaps this is an example why they do.

COULTER AND MORE CARTOONERY 2/12

Michelle Malkin is not impressed with Ann Coulter's colorful language at the CPAC event. Here she describes her free expression line in the sand:

I don't. Not in public. Not at home. I have no ill will towards peaceful people who happen to cover their heads for their faith.

Fine, but then Michelle tries to defend her resepctful speech barrier against the backdrop of the cartoon imbroglio:

A few readers are comparing Ann's "raghead" comment to the Jyllands-Posten's publication of the 12 Mohammed cartoons. That's absolutely the wrong analogy. The Jyllands-Posten's purpose was to make a profound statement about the chilling effect of Islamism on Danish artists. Ann's purpose, clearly, was to do nothing more than get a cheap laugh.

With all due respect, I fail to see the difference--free expression is just that. Either you have it absolutely without any split hairs, or you restrain it using judgment and respect.

Before I'm accused of being a card carrying member of the soggy set, let me explain. Cracking on someone's Godhead is akin to blasting their mother-- them's fightin' words.

Does that mean I believe we should outlaw such speech? Of course not. I believe in the freedom to publicly babble just like the next guy. But with that freedom comes a certain responsibility. Yes it's corny, but recall that most of us on the right just got finished scouring Reverend Lowery for excercising his free speech rights (albeit in a very distasteful manner) at the Coretta Scott King funeral.

I simply think civility has to be considered at times. It has nothing to do with dhimmitude or running scared from Muslim threatmongers. It's just an application of respect, sometimes to folks who don't even deserve it.

MORE 2/13/06

Consider this analogy regards the cartoons:

"It’s like blaming Jesus for the sins of Pat Robertson."

Agreed. Trashing dead folks used to be considered in poor taste, and as far as we know Muhammed is still dead. Bin Laden, Ahmadinejad, Zawahiri, Zarqawi, Abu Hamas, Sami el Arian, etc., etc. So many targets of opportunity.