Weak, very weak ending Mr. Gordon

Submitted by Jeffrey H (United States), Apr 23, 2006 at 09:28

Mr. Gordon,

Your comments were eloquently written and I agree with most of what you're saying. The only thing I have difficulty with is in regards to the last section of your letter. You posit, "As this type of violence is made more prominent by members of the world's fastest growing religion, it doesn't bode well for those who dare to offend Islam's growing membership rolls, as the staff of the afore-mentioned newspaper were so unfortunate to find out."

...My God, Mr. Gordon...not bode well to dare to offend? IT WAS A CARTOON for crying out loud. Was it offensive to some? Obviously. Is there anything in this world that's probably not offensive to someone else? Unlikely. Did it's publication warrant the violent aftermath? Heck no!

You're not "turning the other cheek" here, you've got your head in the sand. Don't get me wrong...I don't condone representations created by people in order to belittle another's religion, country, etc. (for example, cartoons of prophets, hanging head of state's in effigy, or burning another's flag) as well as I don't condone ludricous and violent crimes by those who these models are meant for. Both are wrong in my opinion.

This comment isn't just for this recent incident of violence but for anyone, or any society or culture that feels justified in resorting to retaliatory criminal activities because they were hurt or offended by any such item...that those reactions should not be accepted, tolerated, or defended by either the media or other governmental entities.

It's one thing to try and respect others (as it should be) but quite another to have to cater to another's every little whim or tip-toe around so as not to do or say something to offend another for fear of reprisals...I'm not going to live that way...are you?

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