Alan_Bond

I for one appreciate the skills and diversity that migrants bring to this country (especially since I am a migrant myself :)).

However I am noticing that there is a definite culture gap between Western and non-Western countries where differences lie in the understanding of the importance of free speech, among other things. Freedom of speech, along with democracy is fundamantal to the very nature of Western society. Sayed, even as a journalist, does not seem to understand this and neither apparently do you. I appreciate that it can often appear disrespectful and provocative but the consequences of inhibiting free speech would be far worse. Perhaps this is something that can only be understood by growing up in a democratic environment. I wonder if there is enough education material available for new migrants to really understand what Western society is all about - it is not just Capitalism.

There are a lot of things said that I do not like and there are occasions where I believe it would be better if things were left unsaid. It is up to the speaker (or editor) to determine whether their thoughts are of sufficient value that it is worth offending someone. However the right to speak freely must never be compromised.

Without freedom to speak openly there would not be informed democracy and there would be no Western society. Maybe this is why some groups oppose it so vehemently.

Tell me, Syed Atiq ul Hassan, do you really think any Muslims would take a cartoonist to a "Court of Justice" for slander?

I mean, how can you slander a man like Islam's dear prophet? Islam's own accounts tell us he was a murderer, torturer, slaver and beat his own wife. This when he wasn't telling hio followers to rape and kill. How do you sleep at night?

The fact is that these protests show Islam's true and bloody colors. The hate and anger in all the Muslim world is a fit legacy to the hate and anger promoted by Mohammad.

In all of your article, perhaps you failed to note that the non-Muslims, when insulted, did not act like a bunch of raving maniacs, crying for the death of other human beings.

Perhaps you should think about the difference between "imaginary drawings" (by Non-Muslims)and "violence" (by Muslims, of course), instead of implying that one must lead to the othwer. That type of logic is truely worthy of a follower of Mohammed.

So you are insulted by the cartoons. I am insulted by the vile actions and evil life of the man you defend. Want to compare insults?

John aka kactuz

Alan Bond, mate, if you have so much resentment for the people of the country you migrated to, why are you here? Some fool in immigration has there eyes closed (greedy for your skills).

Do you really think the injustices you mention are isolated to western countries and whites in general? What you mention is history, we are talking about now. Cartoons are no reason to riot, boycott and cause mayhem. The group who would only react this way to a cartoon, only seem to be muslims.

The main gripe is the double standard held by muslims: muslims can disrespect the memory of the holocaust, call hindu's cow worshippers and so forth but no-one can dare to offend us. Film makers get stabbed for making a film muslims don't approve of.

Sayed,

I think you also need to address Freedom of speech in Muslim countries that do nat have it... It truly is one of the strengths of modern civilization.

What would happen to a Muslim in a Muslim Country who stood up and said "the holocaust never happened". Would he be attacked from all sides for an offensive remark to the Jewish people of this world? Would he be jeered or cheered?

I am not Jewish but I am offended by people who make the statement "the holocaust never happened". I don't rush out and burn down buildings, I don't go and start a huge protest... I ignore the comment and think "what a fool"!

The cartoons are much like that... Is it really Mohammad being depicted? How can you tell if there are no images of him allowed? Are you taking offense or was an offense meant?

I feel sorry that some Muslims were offended by the cartoons and have chosen to call it blasphemy but it is in no way as offensive as "the holocaust never happened". In one premeditated effort 6,000,000 people were exterminated...

If Hitler had won the war we would never have heard of the holocaust happening because he would have oppresed free speech.

The simple rule is... if you think it might offend you don't look. Like when I change channels because I don't want to watch a particular TV show because I am offended by it's stupidity.

I too am a strong advocate for our migrants and thank them for their contribution to our society. However, Sajo is correct without freedom of speech the West as we know it wouldn't probably exist.

What is more important a few very average cartoons or freedom of speech

The problem will remain that if religions are political by nature, anything but free speech about them will start to turn democracies into theocracies.

The real problem I see as a larger one. In this world, might has sadly proven to be right. The West is hopelessly addicted to Arab oil and if the Arabs decide to switch off the oil tap to those countries where free speech about their political religion is allowed, what then?

I think we really need to make a larger effort with things like biodiesel and many other alternate options, for that threat is a far greater threat to the West then anything else

Mr. Hassan, Let me tell you why I think your dear prophet is vile. Here are quotes from Islam's own sacred histories:

"When the Prophet was informed by a shouter for help, he sent men in their pursuit ... they were brought, and he had their hands and feet cut off. Then he ordered for nails which were heated and passed over their eyes, and whey were left in the Harra. They asked for water, and nobody provided them with water till they died..." http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/052.sbt.html. Read verse 261 Yes, they were murderers, but....

Allah's Apostle went out to the Musalla.... Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you..."
Bukhari Volume 1, Book 6, Number 301 http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/006.sbt.html#001.006.301

"The military expeditions (Ghazawat, literally raid) in which the Messenger personally participated were twenty-six. Some say there were twenty-seven." Tabari IX:118 (a Hadith) The Muslims were very proud of surprise attackes on caravans and villages. The men were killed and the women enslaved.

Mohammed says... "Why is it, O 'A'isha (his 9 yearold wife!) that you are out of breath? I said: There is nothing. He said: Tell me... He struck me on the chest which caused me pain....... ," The Koran, Muslim 4:2127.
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#004.2127

"And all married women are forbidden unto you save those captives whom your right hand possess (your slaves). It is a decree of Allah for you. The Quran, Muslim 4:24.

Oh yes, let us not forget Asma Marwan and her 5 children murdered by Mohammad.

And so on - hundreds of accounts of torture, murder and oppression - in Islamic accounts. In fact, one early biographer (Ibn Hisham) said he had to omit things that were too disgraceful to discuss and would distress people.

John Kactuz.

PS: I know you don't care about these facts!