Partly agree

Submitted by Joe (United States), Feb 13, 2006 at 15:12

I agree with you on your stance of religion and symbols. I think enlightenment is truly acceptance and tolerance. If you have strong personal convictions, there is no need to express them outwardly and pridefully. As it is said in the Bible, the greater sinner is the one who flaunts his relgion, and uses it for one's own selfish purpose. When it comes to crosses and crucifixes, these icons are a large part of tradition and culture. They are living aspects of history, regardless of one's own convictions. Western societies hold many pagan symbols even if they are Christian dominated. This is not making us less Christian, just following the traditions of those who built our civilization.

However, on the cartoons, i disagree with your stance. These are a basic part of free speech. Criticism is a key part of progress, democracy, tolerance, and acceptance. Freedom of Speech comes two-fold; people must speak their minds freely, and tolerance and analysis of other views must come in turn. Free speech would not work if everyone was worried about offending everyone else. It works in the US and in other countries because not only do people speak their minds, but others are tolerant of it.

The epitome of this tolerance comes in forms such as the KKK marches. I disagree with the KKK, but it is the sheer principle of free speech that allows it. To destroy one aspect of it, to impose even one exception, is to kill this liberty.

Cartoons do not injure anyone directly. What injurs people is violent demonstrations. Perhaps your pride is hurt, but the greater man will deal with it, as does anyone at some time living in a free society.

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