French Newspaper Stands Up for Freedom of Speech

Headquarters of Charlie Hebdo

One of the ways we can neuter the power of Islamic extremists is refusing to listen.  It is ridiculous for radicals to believe they can control the speech of individuals in countries that respect freedom of speech.  Indeed, it is indicative of the divide that exists between cultures.  Western culture has established freedom of expression and speech as fundamental.

I am overjoyed that Charlie Hebdo didn't bow to pressure and published satiric cartoons of Mohammed.  Backwards cultures shouldn't be allowed to squelch freedom of speech.  We must join together to demonstrate that the ideals of our society have won.  As a culture we have moved forward

The French government has spoke out against the cartoons, but of course its because it's going to cause them extra work.  Riot police was deployed to the magazine's headquarters.  Muslims must learn to deal with criticism of their prophet with appropriate responses, just as all other religious groups can deal with satire of theirs.  While many may find the French cartoons disrespectful, no ones beliefs are entitled to any more respect than any others.

For those that believe that the attacks on the embassies in Libya and Egypt were over a video that was on YouTube for two months prior, let me rid you of your denialism.  This is not the case, considering what is known, and what I have linked to before.  There is strong evidence this was a coordinated attack, especially timed for the anniversary of 9/11.  Therefore, there is even less reason to appease them, since in reality they would find something else to latch onto and blame the next attack on.

This paper is a champion of freedom

The offices of Charlie Hebdo, a left-wing title with a reputation for provocative covers, were firebombed last year after it published a mocking caricature of hammad. Its editor, Stéphane Charbonnier, has been under police guard ever since.

“You get the impression that it’s officially allowed for Charlie Hebdo to attack the Catholic far-right but we cannot poke fun at fundamental Islamists,” said Mr Charbonnier, who drew the front-page cartoon in yesterday’s issue showing an Orthodox Jew pushing the turbaned figure of Muhammad in a wheelchair.”

The paper did the right thing by publishing the cartoons and not allowing itself to be bullied by a bunch of knuckle dragging apes, tied to barbaric, ancient customs. I like to think political correctness would not prevent that from happening in the US.