Muslims are outraged by cartoons but not by carnage
Letters to the EditorPublished February 7, 2006
Re: Mohammed cartoons.
I couldn't help but reflect on the staggering hypocrisy of the Muslim community's outrage over caricatures of Mohammed. For decades we have watched and listened to gruesome events in the news detailing the senseless murders of civilians by Muslim extremists.
Where was the Muslim outrage when hundreds of schoolchildren were slaughtered in Beslan? Where was their outrage when thousands were buried in the twisted rubble of the twin towers? Where was their outrage when bus after bus of Israeli citizens was engulfed in flames from a suicide bomber?
Perhaps the Danish cartoonists could have exercised more sensibility, but systematic violence and the calculated murder of children are far more worthy of "outrage" than political cartoons. It's time the Muslim leaders examined their priorities.
-- Richard Scott, Clearwater
A deep cultural divide
Re: Cartoons of Mohammed.
As an evangelical Christian, I do not advocate blaspheming the sincere religious beliefs of non-Christians. Indeed, according to the Golden Rule, we should treat others as we would be treated. I also believe in freedom of expression, even when that expression insults me.
But the current controversy about the cartoons of Mohammed expose a deep rift between the culture of Islam and that of the Western democracies. If Muslims demand that the Western newspapers practice self-censorship for fear of offending Muslims, then to be consistent, they must also demand that their own news outlets refrain from offending non-Muslims.
This would especially apply to recurring inflammatory articles accusing Jews of drinking the blood of Arab children, and similar preposterous falsehoods.
On the same note, we must wonder why it is that U.S. newspapers which largely have refused to run the blasphemous cartoons, have no hesitation to run cartoons that needlessly offend disabled American veterans. It seems that they are acting not out of idealism, but fear.
It would be best if all people, before expressing their honestly held beliefs, first considered whether there is a more constructive way to express themselves. And once they have done this, then the rest of us must react as constructively as possible to any perceived insults.
The current controversy has the potential to cause a great deal of violence. But with charitable considerations on all sides, it could also provide a forum for accommodation and understanding.
-- Robert Arvay, Tampa
Why should Islam be exempt?
So Muslims have been insulted by cartoons printed in a Danish newspaper (and reprinted in other European ones) that humorously depict their Prophet Muhammad.
Why should Islam (or any other socio-political or religious group) be exempt from humor?
Rather, Muslims should be offended by autocratic governments, the lack of free speech in some of their countries, and seemingly stagnant educational systems. They should also protest any lack of encouragement and financial efforts to advance science and technology. Perhaps they need to remember the vast scientific enterprise of their medieval past, embodied by greats such as Avicenna and Rhazes (among many other Islamic scientists and physicians).
This new episode of reactionary stupidity and narrow-mindedness does support Karl Marx's contention that, at least in some parts of the world, "religion is the opium of the people."
-- Hector R. Barrionuevo, Tampa
A Christian response to an insult
Re: Muslim cartoon reaction.
I find it interesting that the adherents of a religion of peace and tolerance become completely irrational over some cartoons. If you want to see how a religion of peace and love reacts to insults, look no further than the reaction of Christians to that magnificent piece of art known as Piss Christ (a photograph of a crucifix submerged in urine). No riots, no deaths, just peaceful demonstrations. How do you think our peace-loving Muslim brothers would react to such a treatment of Mohammed or the Koran?
-- Jeff Bohlander, Clearwater
Mockery of religion is beyond the pale
Re: Protests over prophet scar 3rd embassy, Feb. 6.
I hate to find myself agreeing with Islamic people on any point (since I am in wholehearted disagreement with their religion), but since when are the mockery and slander of anyone's religion fair game for "free speech"?
I think that even those who profess no religion would be deeply offended to see someone they dearly love held up to ridicule and mockery. Why is this necessary?
Debate and disagreement, carried on with courtesy, are legitimate. Mockery and slander - not to mention rioting and burning the buildings of one's adversaries - are not.
-- Karen Y. Davis, Clearwater
Pruitt's conservative credentials
Re: "Uphold the dignity" of the Senate? A poor start, Jan. 28.
I was disappointed that Steve Bousquet's column questioned Sen. Ken Pruitt's "conservative" credentials due to his support of my tax reform effort in 2002.
Most surprising was the implication that reforming our state's tax structure is not a conservative exercise. Quite the contrary, as no concept can be more conservative than calling for everyone to pay their fair share. Laws that benefit the few at the expense of the many can hardly be considered conservative.
My tax reform proposal did not call for increased taxes. My goal then, as now, is to require a review of sales tax exemptions to determine whether they serve a beneficial economic interest. If an exemption is found to be without merit and repealed, the Legislature has the option to offset additional revenue by decreasing other taxes or fees.
Interestingly, the columnist failed to note that the labeling of our tax reform proposal as a tax increase comes from the same special interests that benefit from these exemptions - a position that is not philosophical but simply self-serving.
Sen. Ken Pruitt is indeed a solid conservative who, fortunately, maintains the courage of his convictions - a rare commodity in politics. Ken stood up to the culture of these special interests, withstanding pressure from both the special interests and some of those in his own party who are not as true to conservative principles.
-- John McKay, Florida Senate president, 2001-2002, Bradenton