Democracy has a gun held to its head

Telegraph (London) ^ | 2/5/2006 | Editorial Staff

[FerdieMurphy]

The difficulty is that what started as an issue of editorial judgment has become a question of public order.

...no sight has been more wretched than that of Jack Straw last week kowtowing to militant Islam.

The Government's response is especially feeble when compared to Margaret Thatcher's behaviour during the Rushdie Affair.

Kowtowing to the vicious muslims encourages more outpourings of violent demonstrations. This goes for governments on both sides of the Atlantic.

[generally]

This newspaper would not have published the cartoons of Mohammed at the centre of this controversy, images which we regard as vulgar and fatuously insulting. But - and this is the crucial point - we reserve absolutely our right to make our own decision, free of threat and intimidation.

This is the best article I have seen on the topic.

Freedom for me, but not for you, is what the radicals want.

[libertylover]

"Behead those who Insult Islam", "Britain you will pay - 7/7 is on its way"

The folks carrying these two signs should've been arrested in my view. Protesting peacefully is one thing, but both of these advocate violence.

[bronxboy]

Like I stated before, I have no hope for Europe. They will all be wearing burkas and donning beards soon.

[Samurai_Jack]

We delude ourselves into thinking that we are not already at war with these people.

[randita]

Every day that goes by demonstrates that it is near impossible to coexist peacefully with Muslims in a pluralistic society.

[MedicalMess]

We have pried open the soft underbelly of the beast!

Don't stop now!

DRAW MORE CARTOONS!!!

Then the world will begin to see this trash for the Nazis that they are.

DRAW MORE CARTOONS!!!

ALL ARTISTS TO THEIR PALLETTES!

[davisfh]

Hey! We're in trouble people. It's just like the
worst cancer that anyone can imagine and it's steadily
growing. Take a lesson (if it's not already too late)
America.

[muawiyah]

The cartoons were neither insulting nor tasteless.

Have no idea where this guy is coming from.

[WorkingClassFilth]

What's 7/7? Is that connected to their prayer deal - seven times a day, every day? Whatever they mean, I'm sure it ain't a good thing.

[CondorFlight]

"images which we regard as vulgar and fatuously insulting"

Nonsense. They are very mild--even lame.

There is no reason at all for the Telegraph not to publish them, except cowardice. (Free speech appears to have no defenders among UK or US publishers.)

[voletti]

The Telegraph is the best bri mainstream newspaper, period.
Apart from the editorial opinion above, another bitof evidence is that they syndicate Steyn's columns.

[KJC1]

I agree. I think these and more cartoons should be plastered everywhere, just to make the statement that free nations will NOT be told what to print by Islamists.

I don't care if they are offended. WE are offended that they are trying to cram their laws down OUR throats and restrict OUR freedoms.

[Captain Rhino]

The London subway bombings occurred on 7/7/2005. Subsequent attempt on 7/21 failed, IIRC

[Alas Babylon!]

Last year, on July 7th, the Muslims blew up the London train stations and a bus. 80 or so people were murdered. That occured on: 7/7.

[KCRW]

7/7 is the date that the Brits were bombed by the Islamic extremists on buses and trains.

Basically- Islamic extremist are threatening to bomb the Brits again.

[WorkingClassFilth]

Thanks! What a nice sentiment from the children of Allah.

[yoe]

***But some Muslims might like to consider how insulting their own views on women's rights, theocracy and Western practices are to many non-Muslims. The offensiveness of these views is no reason to close British mosques or Islamic newspapers.***

Muslims might also want to consider their views about Israel and the Jewish faith or how intolerant they are of Christians.

How many non-Muslims are aware that Nationals of “Israel” may not enter the U.A.E.? I find that beyond offensive however what's good for the goose should be good for the gander i.e., no more visas for Muslims to any God fearing country.

[kjb366]

Exactly right. Neither insulting nor tasteless. In fact, I found them wonderfully entertaining. A hearty belly laugh on a couple of them. Isn't that what cartoons are all about?

It's really time for Hollywoood to get involved. A movie about the life of Mohammad could be a big seller. Use the Koran as a script. Kill infidels. Have sex with children. Incite violence and hatred all over the globe. Lots of possibilities there.

[MaggieCarta]

The Government's response is especially feeble when compared to Margaret Thatcher's behaviour during the Rushdie Affair.

Yeah, well, most Government responses have been feeble since the "Iron Lady" left office.

Why can't these people (the terrorist-demonstrators) simply write a strongly worded letter to the editor and cancel their subscription to the offending newspaper? Now, there's a response.