I think the Paris attack is less an attack on freedom of speech and more the consequence of exerting the right of freedom of speech. I know journalist hate to hear that but its true. The US and other countries provide and even legally protect any entity and/or individuals right to free speech, no matter how disgusting, but there are consequences to freedom of speech and there exists little to no protection from those. I do want to point out this editor specifically attacked Muslims in the most vulgar, obscene way - it was degenerative. He also attacked Jews whom he seemed to hate equal to Muslims, the Catholic Church and the Pope but Muslims more so. As Americans we see this type of thing as papers looking to sell ads, ignore them, theyre idiots and go on about our day. Thats because Americans understand how freedom of speech works, equal to how to respond when it is grossly abused - it doesnt even effect us - consider the source. Not every country agrees with our vague definition of freedom of speech, some would say free for all. When victims call foul or are offended - well the press just say too bad leaving victims with no means outside of legal action to do anything about it. Naked cartoons of Mohammed is a death wish not an editorial nor cartoon. Nothing bothers Americans much anymore because were immune to it. I think if someone were to print Jesus cartoons as demeaning as the ones this paper printed there may be a reaction but those offended would just move on. Not every culture agrees with us. They hold people responsible for their words including reporters and cartoonist. Its stunning to me how critical the press was of the preacher in Florida when he announced his plan to burn the Koran, condemned him, but sing the praises of the publisher who did far worse. There is no excuse for murder, for any reason, even if constantly and continuously provoked. What bothers me most in this event, is I think its just the beginning. From the get go, ISIS, has made clear their goal; part ideological far more so Geo-political. They want foreigners out of the region and will do whatever it takes to make that happen. Remember most of the Middle East is Muslim and unlike the US they do not separate church and state but neither does Israel. On a strategy level, beheading foreign people on film and then posting that film to YouTube is a highly effective way to clear any region of foreigners. To attack newspaper publishers and cartoonist that have intentionally insulted Muslims is another. Worse I think ISIS will continue these one hit attacks. The press continue to call these men lone wolves theyre not alone at all. Theyre everywhere. They plan to win and what they want to win is an Independent Muslim nation comprised of several middle eastern countries. I dont see they will ever stop. I dont see they will ever be defeated. Weve been at this war on terror for 14 years and its only getting worse. msnbc/msnbc/former-onion-editor-freedom-speech-cannot-be-killed
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 05:31:06 +0000