New Civilization News: Mohammed Cartoons    
 Mohammed Cartoons915 comments

3 Feb 2006 @ 00:25, by Flemming Funch

So, I mentioned the controversy about a Danish newspaper having published some Mohammed cartoons, which has created a huge negative response across the Muslim world. You know, Danish people being beaten up, Red Cross workers having to return home, countries closing their embassies, terrorist groups issuing death threats, etc.

French newspaper France Soir printed the cartoons recently, in the name of freedom of expression. The Egyptian owner of the paper fired the Editor in Chief. The employees of the paper got together and are demanding that he'll reinstate him.

It seems to be a very hot issue as well here on my little blog. Several thousand people more than normal came by here in the last two days. Some of them were Muslims trying to explain their righteous anger. Some of them were folks looking for an opportunity to bash Muslims. Some of them were Danes who're puzzled about the whole thing, and explaining what really happened.

I didn't see the actual cartoons before now. And, sheesh, I'm glad I found them. No wonder the Danish people are puzzled about what all the bruhaha is about. Because one would have to be extraordinarily vigilant or imaginative to find anything offensive about them. Essentially, like you might draw Jesus as a longhaired guy in sandals, you'd probably draw Mohammed as a guy with a beard and a turban. Duh. And most of the cartoonists here took the task in a tongue-in-cheek self-deprecating way. Like, the one above there. The text says "Hmmm, I can't quite seem to recognize him". A sort of comment on the fact that Mohammed rarely is pictured, so the blondehaired Danish guy can't really pick him out. Disrespectful? Why?

The only one of the pictures that even could be construed as offensive would be the one showing a guy with fanatical eyes and a turban in the shape of a bomb. Shouldn't really be a surprising choice to anybody, as a lot of what one hears about Muslims is fanatical people blowing themselves and others up as suicide bombers in the name of their religion. The drawing captures what mood one might imagine such people to have. Is that some kind of condemnation of all Muslims? I don't see it that way.

I suppose that the people who're so upset probably haven't seen any of the cartoons at all. And probably will close their eyes if they see this posting here.

I'm not religious, but I can imagine the point of a rule against the depiction of some religious figure. To avoid idolatry. I.e. that people start worshipping the picture of something or someone, rather than dealing directly with it. Aha. Well, seems like the opposite happened here. People are worshipping the lack of a picture, and rioting against pictures, and worshipping all sorts of interpretations, rather than just listening to what the man actually was saying. Or maybe he just wanted them to listen to God, rather than starting to worship him, which also sounds reasonable enough. But, again, the opposite is what happened.

Also, check out the Mohammed Image Archive. See, of course it isn't the first time that somebody drew a picture of Mohammed. There are lots of pictures, including some by Muslims, including pictures on magazine covers, in books, on paintings, etc. It is just that none of those created any kind of similar uproar.























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915 comments

3 Feb 2006 @ 05:16 by ashanti : Hmmmmm. Another dimension
Thanks for posting the pics, Ming, it does add some context to all this.

I think there is another dimension underlying all this. This is from speaking to some of my friends who are Muslim, in my country (South Africa) about this. Moderate, decent people. They too, find the cartoons offensive and very hurtful, but it is more so now, because of the global context of the "War on Terror".

Many of my colleagues are too afraid to travel to America, or Britain, or Australia. They are feeling persecuted and hunted by the West. Generally, over here, Europe is considered the more enlightened part of the West, than say America, Britain, or Australia. So when an enlightened country starts publishing cartoons that add to the general feeling among Muslim people of being demonised, hunted, and persecuted, it evokes much more of an outcry than would have happened before the "War on Terror". (Which many Muslims experience as the "War on Islam").

Just a viewpoint from some moderate South African Muslims.

- ashanti  

3 Feb 2006 @ 10:05 by James @128.39.74.11 : Mohammed the devil (the Satan)
Mohammed was either sick or the devil(satan) was speeking to him.
Either case, there is no contradiction between those to cases.
Islam originate from the satan(devil.
Please read this book:

ISLAM AND TERRORISM
Mark A. Gabriel, Ph.D., 2002

[link]

and you will see what I mean  

3 Feb 2006 @ 10:52 by Faidros @217.208.25.51 : Satan
James

If there is someone or something called satan im quite convinced he is speaking throug quite a few of those biblebelt preachers in the US to.

If I was satan I would use infiltration in churches, mosks ans synagogs as my main platform. Judging from history and the situation around the world it sure looks like he is doing that allready.

Strange how "fighting satan" reoccures through out history and in different religions as a reason to kill, burn and torture people. All in name of a loving god.  

3 Feb 2006 @ 12:23 by b : Muslims want others to conform to their
religion and their interpretations of it. I am in India. When I want to buy foreign product I go to an international store. Today I went to one to buy sandwich meat and they were having a big sale on tinned products from Denmark.
Unbelievable for me to realize this is a reaction to a cartoon? I stocked up on Danish hams in tins just in case this persists. I do like a ham and cheese sandwich on french bread with lettice and tomato from time to time.  

3 Feb 2006 @ 13:13 by ming : Moderation
Ashanti, thank you for that input. I can sort of understand that. It seems worse when it comes from a corner of the world one otherwise considered somewhat balanced and reasonable.

I need to remember to ask my daughter's friend from school who's a practising Muslim from Palestine next time he comes by. I also only know Muslims who are moderate, decent people.  

3 Feb 2006 @ 15:45 by kawtar @81.192.107.208 : l'islam
I have one thing to tell you:"EVERY ONE SHOULD RESPECT THE OTHER'S RELIGION"...I am muslim,and I know the feeling when someone talk badly about the islam,and I'm afraid to go abroad in order to continue my studies there coz there are lot of people who says "islam=terrorisme" so I prefer to stay in my country(morocco)..anyway I have a happy life here between muslim people  

3 Feb 2006 @ 18:25 by nraye : Religion is one thing.
What some people will make of it is quite another. Mohammed was a true prophet in the Christian sense of the tradition. I know a teenager whose family historically were forced to become Muslim - they forgot they were originally Orthodox - this young guy since turning 18, is going against his whole family, he has declared he is converting, reverting back to Chrisianity.  

3 Feb 2006 @ 19:14 by bkodish : Excellent Post, Ming!
You said "..one would have to be extraordinarily vigilant or imaginative to find anything offensive about them [the Danish cartoons]." I agree.  

3 Feb 2006 @ 20:20 by ari @68.7.238.184 : Muslims welcome to study and live in US
I wish people understood that the USA is welcoming to muslim people. We have close to 6 million Muslim people living here. I know many muslim students who are studying here and happy. The media has everyone believe that a war on the streets exist. It's quite the opposite when you turn off the television and stop believing rumors. The issues we speak about are among the minority representing people, right v. left, and people who feel it's important seperate and stir up emotion and hate. I think we can all agree that our governments and religious leaders can lead us in negative directions and we must not let this come between our countries and our goals. As technology continues to make the world a true global economy, many centuries beyond our life time, the world will live in harmony, since eventually peace will prevail. We don't need war and hate to continue. Open government, property rights, market economis, education, and caring for each other are hallmark. There was a time before I lived in Russia post soviet union, twice, that my country USA (US State Dept) had me believing that I shouldn't talk to the Russia people, they might rob me, steal my clothers and money, once they realized I was an American. Well, it was quite the opposite in 1993 & 1994. The Russia people were very kind and warm welcoming, and eventually I discovered on my own that these were people much like myself. Striving to be better educated, raise families safely, spend time with friends and try to make more money to provide a better living standard than our parents and generations before us.

It's very unfortunate that this cartoon issue has stirred up the masses, at least media is loving this story and it's keeping it alive.  

3 Feb 2006 @ 21:22 by IslamIsDying @212.33.117.231 : ...
Rofl they ran out of virgins....
To all you danes i'm sorry to say, YOUR IDIOTS, why the hell did you apologize to these Dickheads??? You are free to do or say whatever you want, you shouldn't apoligize for posting funny pics about mohammed( PISS be upon him), in fact some of those pictures reflect the truth about islam, a bullshit religion based on sex and killing founded by a FAKE prophet  

3 Feb 2006 @ 22:50 by B.L. @154.5.101.63 : FUCKIN FANATICS
AS a canadian I am peacefull and i accept any culture.But religion is a threat to peace,IT always as been that way,just look at the past and present religion wars.When your religion become the most important aspect of your life and you think that your religion is the only thru one combined with lack of education and mostly lack of a quality of life ,you start to believe that the after life gonna be so much better and you see death as a liberation.Many religion have been succesful making peoples believe that.The fight of the future should be tryng to educate so people abandon their religion because religion is the treat!  

3 Feb 2006 @ 22:56 by ming : Islam
Hey, hey, I didn't post this as a general invitation to bash Muslims. On the contrary. I find these cartoons to be innocent, relaxed, friendly, and certainly not intended as any kind of evil campaign against Islam. They were made as a comment about the state of freedom of speech and religious censorship.

I find the reaction to them totally out of proportion, totally unfounded, and, frankly, insane. But, no, for me that doesn't translate into meaning that Islam is altogether evil, or anything like that.

All religions are pretty crazy if we examine their beliefs literally and rationally. They invite people to live in a fantasy cartoon world. But that apparently gives a lot of people meaning in their lives. And there are more religious people than non-religious people. So, we have to live with the crazyness somehow. But that doesn't mean it should be allowed to rule the world. Allowed to exist, be tolerated, left alone, respected. But no religion can be allowed to set the rules for everybody.

Anyway, I'm leaving all the abusive messages in place in these threads, because, well, they illustrate the problem. In other settings a lot of them would just have gotten the delete button.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 01:10 by nogs @86.132.53.60 : response
So glad to have found those cartoons that have received so much coverage but the general press have been unable to show.
I cant really see what all the fuss is about- sorry.
Islam is respected- but through fear.Consider the life and fate of Mohammed Christianity is seen as weak and a good target to mock safely.Think of the life and fate of Jesus. Atheism is untested - think of the life of Hitler-he would breed people like we breed dogs. I dont understand hinduism or Budhism, but amidst all the violence and threats abounding with Iran seeking a nuclear arsenal to match that of Israel, I do hope there is another way. Remember the violence and loss of life during the partition of India. Did not Gandhi force a peace by fasting? Odd that. If only America focused most of its military might and logistics into say disaster relief eg after the Tsunami and in Pakistan- Americans could stand tall and proud OUTSIDE their own nation  

4 Feb 2006 @ 02:20 by ed brown @67.34.31.4 : all of this unrest over a cartoon.....
the muslim world thinks nothing of blowing up innocent babies and women,but let someone draw something about the sacred raghead leader and all hell breaks loose?
i think these people are some of the biggest racists in the world.they think nothing about burning our flag,and trashing our religion(chritianity)saying or doing anything in the world on behalf of moehummer the raghead?i am tired of their trash and all they beleive in,i think i am going to get a group together and burn their little KORAN in front of cnn and let them beam a bunch or georgia rednecks burning and stomping on their book of bullshit all over the cnn sidewalks,let them beam that image all over the world.WE ARE ALL TIRED OF YOUR CRAP!!!!!WE HAVE SEEN ENOUGH.just wish you didnt have all the oil.......  

4 Feb 2006 @ 03:17 by C Strife @86.131.235.117 : O_o?
Islam (extremists) is gonna kill HOW many people over this? *Pities Muslims* and is it just me ,or are we on the brink of a major "Holy War?" oh,wait...no it's just getting worse thats all...and i bet its gonna get a WHOLE lot worse before we see any sort of end to the situation.

Too me...the cartoons just look like all the other cartoons in newspapers...crap. Crap the likes in which you see on the side of the street. Crap that should be sniffed at then forgoten about as quickly as you walk by, would you clean it up...? Doubtful.

C Strife - Some Guy.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 03:20 by Io @195.248.99.170 : Oi oi oi...
"Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who!"
Each person is an individual! Everyone thinks differently. What I cannot understand is why each group hates each other if this is so? It's primative behaviour from both sides..ape like creatures!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 03:23 by C Strife @86.131.235.117 : Indeed...
Blantant ignorance and blind fear...humans ¬_¬  

4 Feb 2006 @ 04:06 by John @82.42.101.29 : Cartoons
I think the reasons for publishing these pictures was understandable. There is a big divide between our cultures and in Europe many people see the surge in immigration as a real threat to their traditions.

It almost seems that our governments tip toe around these new citizens in fear of upsetting them, so much so that it's political correctness gone mad.

In Britain we enjoy a very diverse culture and whether you're white, black, asian, muslim or jewish you're welcome. We openly accept and encourage other religions, gay rights and freedom of speech all help to make this country one of the most liberal minded in the world.

Whether it's true or not a lot of people here feel that this new element of our society want us to be accepting of them but show little or no tolerance for our traditions.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this of everyone and I'm not even saying it's true but it is the perception.

Certainly the images of Muslims today in London only helped the far right to paint an ugly picture of Muslims who have no loyalty to the country they now reside in, and all it took was a series of cartoons.

Banners included slogans like "democracy go to hell", "remember 9/11" and "kill those who insult Islam" and a Muslim leader shouting "Mohammed said whoever insults the prophets kill him".

No doubt this is the far right of Islam and not reflective of the majority, but this is the common image we see. Lets see more anger in Islam for terrorist rhetoric, lets see an outcry from the Muslim community over this backlash of violence.

The cartoons where meant to show the worries some people have about immigrants flocking to their country and appearing to have no respect for their ways and traditions, so lets discuss this and move on.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 04:20 by Jenny @69.158.147.22 : Hmm
I am personally still in shock how a group which it fully entitled to have its own beliefs and follow its practices without any restrictions from the nations which they inhabit feel that their beliefs extend to all people outside that group, and are far greater than the fundamental rights and freedoms of those nations. I feel bad for all Muslims who disagree with this ridiculous behavior as they are propagating the very images they claim they are not. It truly is a shame. I could never imagine that anyone could react to humor protected by our right to freedom of speech and press in such a way.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 04:28 by J @69.158.147.22 : Rights & Freedoms
If you choose to reside in a country you choose to accept their laws and customs. You expect acceptance and tolerance, then you must do the same. If you have a fundamental issue with the laws/traditions/customs of the country- leave. You don't like freedom of speech, move to Iraq (or any other country which follows your censorship needs). If you accept them, live freely and happily under the flag of that country with tolerance and acceptance from both sides. Have we forgotten what it actually means to be a citizen?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 05:01 by I am gonna kill you @202.135.248.10 : Fuck you
Fuck y'all christian
y'all just fucking coward
y'all just fuckin' chicken ass
wait till our future leader come, all of you will die  

4 Feb 2006 @ 05:03 by SHAYKHOON @62.135.96.186 : I am Muslim
we muslims do not accept such jokes thats why we asked for a simple apology as it offended us denmark drefused thats what all the thing about ...... thats racisem to mean to mok our relegion.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 05:07 by SHAYKHOON @62.135.96.186 : Hey hey!!!
and to who ever named i am gonna kill you.......man they are still our responsebility + dont talk like that plz ......last i am guessing ur not muslim u just wanna poison our picture to the world ......because no Muslim ever swears to christians .... simply if they knew thier relegion and what Great Juses told them they wouldent have done such a thing  

4 Feb 2006 @ 06:09 by Satanic @86.144.16.194 : A PORTENT OF THINGS TO COME
See How easy it is to start a "holy War". Let the West take care, realise that we are outnumbered by the hordes that may fall upon us. Now is the time to launch a NEW CRUSADE. Let The CROSS of JESUS smite the unbelievers before it is too late. The storm clouds of Islam are gathering. If we do not take decisive action now it will be too late. Purely forecasting population growth, if the trend of the last six years is continued, Muslims will outnumber christians in Britain by 2070. Do you want a bunch of lunatics that threaten death to anyone that that disagrees with them ruling you?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 06:17 by Satanic @86.144.16.194 : To SHAYKHOON
No Muslim ever swears to Christians? Come to Bradford, here the muslims petrol bomb christians, particularly ones that have seen the light and converted from Islam!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 06:29 by Mel @24.254.132.139 : Mohhamed Cartoons
They already have a fatwa on the world. A little humor is needed but the murderous ways of Islam isn't funny...Really!!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 08:20 by James @82.43.145.116 : Mohammed Cartoons
My own view is that these cartoons are pretty harmless. I believe that Islam is in dire need of reform. As with orthodox Judaism it maintains a very literal interpretation of ancient teachings. This inevitably leads to conflict in the contemporary, multi-cultural, multi-faith world we all live in. Muslim brothers, chill out, life is for living and laughing. I would remind all that there are several examples of equally offensive (if not more so) cartoons paradying Jewish life in many Arabic publications. This happens, yes it provokes, yes it can be insulting, and yes it can hurt ... LOVE ALL.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 10:09 by biffo @80.177.103.20 : much ado about nothing
apparently some protesters were chanting things like "bomb, bomb, denmark" and "bin ladens back" which is kinda stupid considering they're protesting over cartoons depicting mohammed as a terrorist. also as james said in an earlier reply "I would remind all that there are several examples of equally offensive (if not more so) cartoons paradying Jewish life in many Arabic publications" so its the pot calling the kettle black. maybe muslims in general cant take a joke? either way all the protesting and anti danish sentiment is only going to increase islamaphobia in the west in my opinion  

4 Feb 2006 @ 11:32 by İSLAM REPUBLİC @85.101.114.211 : fdf
please  

4 Feb 2006 @ 11:57 by JOAN MEHMET @82.3.32.72 : WHY DID U MAKE THIS PICTURES
watch im gonna get a little group and burn the BIBLE.BIBLE.BIBLE.hahahahaha .get a life u americans .get out of NORTH AMERICA .THAT IS RED-INDIAN LAND. U DO NOT ORIGINATE FROM THERE YOUR FROM EUROPE.AND DONT SPEAK ENGLISH AND FRENCH. SPEAK AMERICAN .ME GONNA BURN THE BIBLE.COM ON MUSLIMS.FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS. MADE UP RELIGION .JUST A DRAMA LESSON. U CHRISTIANS MADE UP RELIGION .FAKE.fake. FAKE. FAKE .FAKE CROSS  

4 Feb 2006 @ 12:00 by KEVIN MCCARTHY @82.3.32.72 : why??????????????/
FAKE.FAKE CHRISTAN . NO MORE CHRISTMAS .NO MORE CHRISTMAS  

4 Feb 2006 @ 13:33 by Wilf @217.206.109.2 : Why?
What the hell is the world coming to?
I have woken up this morning with no particular agenda for my day and simply picked up my morning paper.
inside i read of incitement to violence, protests on the streets, and full blown hysteria over what? some cartoons?
So i decided that i had to see these horrific "craven images" to see what all the fuss is about.
Well ming thanks for the post, im glad your displaying these as they need to be seen. If these images were not available (as some other websites have done) then this argument would have no informed opinion what so ever.
My background is a Jewish and Christian one (living in England), and was shocked to see the blatantly anti semetic cartoons printed in the daily mail, displaying those printed on a regular basis in arab news papers. When questioned about these, they claim that they are part of the culture, i consider this a strange cultural characteristic.
I haven’t yet decided what to feel about this, i am just posting this to put some of the previous posts in context.
Myself, i feel that this whole issue is primarily incited by the media. Not just European but Islamic as well.

I myself have no prejudice to any race and, i think to do so is to restrict the civil liberties of others and does nothing other than to Unnecessarily piss people off.

I hate that such a meaningless thing can cause such a debacle and worry about the future peace of the earth.

I completely agree with the post saying that life is for living.
Go out, have fun, don’t piss other people off and don’t take yourself too seriously.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 13:42 by Walid Moukarzel @82.205.157.26 : The Mohamed Pix
I think that regardless of how much the pictures are disrespectful or hurtful, the people are over reacting!!! threatening and burning flags is just as disrespectful and they have been doing it some time now...

PS: Lebanese here...  

4 Feb 2006 @ 14:25 by joe @82.3.32.72 : why
i'm not being racist or anything .but most of the muslims in the world come from asian backgrounds. if u are white and u find out your friend who's white turns into a muslim. what will u say to him. will u still be his friend??? would u call him a terrorist??? or get him beaten up??  

4 Feb 2006 @ 14:28 by Chris @66.159.178.42 : Mohammed?
How does anyone know that the pictures are supposed to be Mohammed? They could be anyone in a turban. Do the Catholics riot when there are comics about the Pope or Jesus. There have been all kinds of cartoons, and movies making fun of Christianity and Jesus. Do the Christians freak out and beat innocent people up? Burn countries flags? I don't think they do.

The comics are A. Not even funny
B. Some could be any arab in a turban
Really let's all get a grip here. It's a Freakin' cartoon for God's sake!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 14:29 by N-MaN @85.101.203.158 : You are stupid...
If you liked these cartoons (!) you are stupid. When you see these you must ...
Herneyse siz benim dediklerimi çevirin. Bunu yapan da saçma yorumlarla savunan da geri zekalının onde gidenidir. Hiç mi akıl etmez öbür dünyada başına neler geleceğini???  

4 Feb 2006 @ 14:31 by joe @82.3.32.72 : why
if your a christian your a christian talk about your religion .if your a muslim talk about your religion.then there wont be humans arguing ,fighting ,suicide for terror.and there will be peace. hope fully. every 1.anyway have u heard what happened in indonesia. a group of 100 street gang. broke throw a danish embassy or something there.because of the danes .there could be trouble  

4 Feb 2006 @ 14:44 by jmarc : Tolerance
"Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil"
--Thomas Mann  

4 Feb 2006 @ 14:55 by Ahmed @62.135.89.70 : my comment
i will only say to all danes fuck you and we will destroy u economically by boycotting ur products  

4 Feb 2006 @ 15:14 by vibrani : Spoken like a peaceful Muslim
of course, Ahmed.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 15:16 by vibrani : more peaceful Muslims
Danish Embassy in Syrian capital of Damascus set on fire during protests over cartoons of Prophet Mohammed, Syrian officials say. Cartoons that you can't even tell who is in them.

How long will people pretend this isn't a serious war, like a war with Hitler? These guys are nuts. "What luck for rulers that men do not think." --Adolf Hitler. Those of you who know me, remember in 2000 and prior I warned that soon these extremists will be on your doorstep unless you take action? But you preferred to pretend everything was fine. Ho hum.

When people are raised and live in a society that is not free, how can they understand the consciousness of real freedom? They are demanding that non-Muslims submit to their will, the will of Allah, through blackmail and violence. They want to remove our freedom. Then they have the nerve to say they don't force their beliefs on anyone else? They demand respect for all of this, too. Talk about backwards thinking.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:11 by PotShot @66.82.67.44 : Ludicrous
These backwoods yokels actually believe it is acceptable to riot, maim, and kill over a drawing? And then they claim to be men of God? If anything they are only confirming the stereotypes of Muslim culture presented by the cartoons.

The most embarrasing part is the cowardly attitude of the US government and US newspapers. Why won't the NY times, the Chicago Tribune, or any other major US newspaperprint these drawings? Have we become so cowed by the violent intolerant behavior of Muslim society that we are actually starting to bend the knee?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:12 by vibrani : Sure
you have to be politically correct, you know.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:20 by Laila @70.26.43.107 : The whole cartoon thing
Im a 'moderate' muslim living in Canada, this is a title i think attached to anyone who isnt a fanatic but whatever. Im just tired of the ignorance:
Islam teaches peace.
Islam does NOT equal a desire to eliminate anyone else for not being a muslim.
There is a culture in which people beleive this, and use islam as an excuse, but this is a CULTURAL beleif, not a religious one.
Im just really tired of people being vocal without knowing what theyre being vocal about. If youre really upset about terrorism, look to the root of it: for the same reason so many people became Nazis (one of them), lack of basic living standards. Thats why the Palestinians have resorted to such measures, not that i condone it in any way, but please dont post anti islamic messages, referring to terrorists, when you dont even know who youre talking about!that is a cultural problem. Youre probably sitting safely at your computer, with a fridge full of food and a roof over your head. Appreciate how lucky you are!
Yes i think the people who blow themselves up are nuts, but i have the advantage of not growing up in an environment of poverty, being told that X and Y are the reason for my situation. Im not supporting any side, i just feel that theres been a viewpoint that has been missed.
To me Islam=Peace.And its wrong for ANYONE to be violent.
The interpretation that the Quran is not open to interpretation, is in itself an interpretation. Just consider another viewopoint before you open your mouth, or post a message somewhere, maybe then the world wouldnt make me and alot of other people want to scream.
Oh yes, those cartoons? I dont care for them, but they dont bother me really. I respect that they are someones opinion, and i enjoy the opportunity for discussion they open...but thats only good when people are willing to listen. Fanaticsm occurs everywhere, in everything, those people only last when equally closed minded people begin to follow. Peace Out!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:24 by vibrani : I think
you missed the messages on the other pages of this - particularly those in which I say that extremists have become the voice of Islam. There are very few peaceful Muslims speaking out. They have allowed themselves to be hijacked by NOT speaking out more. We've had many conversations here, and many over the years. And please don't assume you know anybody here, because you don't, and you are categorizing us!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:48 by Laila @70.26.43.107 : To Vibrani
I didnt assume that everyone on this site was the same, my comment was aimed at the people who leave messages on sites like this that are blatantly one sided, for example the 4 Feb 2006 @ 11:57 by JOAN MEHMET(?) and 3 Feb 2006 @ 22:45 by terrorist n° 1 comments...apologies to anyone who took offence to my comment but it was just that-a comment. I thought it was not aimed at people who are open to discussion but clearly i need to work on communicating better. Again, no categorizing intended, just a plea to get people to think. I didnt think that would be offensive, but sorry if you found it so.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:52 by mohammed the shit sticker @207.118.215.100 : Mohammed is a fake!!!!
I wiped my ass the other day and looked at the paper as all decent Americans do when we sit on our throne thinking about Mohammed and watching him be reborn, ahhhh the terrorist bastard was a creamy crop this time around and for the next guy I am sure as well. Any way, the cartoons were the greatest and our paper in San Antonio is republishing them again to ensure religious freedom as we enjoy it about as much as the terrorist thieves do over there!!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 16:56 by Mohammed takes it in the ass!!!! @207.118.215.100 : You die Motherfucker
The death threats should stop before someone loses an eye mohammed!!!!(His Bi-Sexual Mother) Take the hint and just blow yourself up some more you fuckers, you are the cowards holding women as hostages and beheading folks that are innocent, Look out Iran and Syria you are next for regime change, we will be filling your sisters and daughters full of western jizz in no time  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:03 by vibrani : Thank you, Laila
apology accepted. That is one of the things that happens on a blog - someone can jump in and see a comment and think that's all there is to it, and not realize there is a lot more going on in other sections, and in other places on this site. This discussion is not something I get into lightly. I do believe in peace, too, and just trying to find more Muslims who can be that voice. I offered a discussion with some Muslims on the words of a peaceful Imam, Sheikh Palazzi on my log, but no one has said one word about him so far! That speaks volumes to me. One fool actually said he is a traitor.

With a doctorate in Islamic sciences from the Institute for Islamic Studies and Research in Naples (by authorization of the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia), and ijazzah (authorization to teach) both Koranic exegesis and Islamic law from the prestigious University of al-Azhar as-Sharif in Cairo, Palazzi backs his somewhat surprising positions with citations from the Koran and traditional Muslim sources.

So, what we see is a majority of fruitcake Muslims who have no interest in discussing their religion honestly, knowledgeably, and encourage violence and ignorance.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:20 by Laila @70.26.43.107 : Again, to Vibrani
I was just on your site, and trying to figure out how to write a response to you there...i cant see a link..Im also new to the whole blog/commenting thing too so maybe i just dont know where to look. Im getting off this site now, ive said what i have to say, but thanks anyways. I dont know why ordinary muslims wont give themselves a voice, there are the extraordinary ones like Irshad Manji, perhaps its because were used to relying on them. Or maybe its that alot of people feel that theres no point in saying the same thing over and over, i dont represent anyone except myself, and i choose to vocalise my message with people, the internet is already full of stuff. I feel like im making more of an impression when im face to face, you never experience the real people online. Have a good one!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:22 by vibrani : You, too, Laila
thanks. Maybe you can talk with Shaykhoon hahahaha. My comments were only for members on my log. You can join here, if you like.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:30 by JOAN MEHMET @82.3.32.72 : WHY
i AM SORRY FOR WHAT I SAID .I DIDN'T REALLY MEAN IT AND I APOLOGIES.SORRY  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:37 by vibrani : Ming
a couple of your pages has stuff like the above.

[hm, strange things to post, the full copy of Oedipus, and a FAQ for a video game, but off it goes --Ming]  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:46 by Joe Winkelmann @67.9.30.255 : Ask me if I care!
Cartoons of Mohammed (the madman)
As long as Muslims advocate the eradication of Israel, I don't care if they feel offended!
As long as Muslims kill and torture Christians, I don't care!
As long as Musliims remain intolerant of other religions, I don't care!
As long as Muslims continue to contribute to civilization like they do (NOTHING). I don't care!
As long as Muslims behead their benefactors. I don't care!
As long as Muslims advocate the death of America and try to infiltrate this country for their nefarious deeds, I don't care!
As long as Muslims consider a cartoon of their beloved leader as grossly offensive. I don't care!
If they choke on their oil without which they otherwise contribute nothing to civilization. I don't care.
Should we be attacked by Muslim fanatics and we drop a A-Bomb on Mecca. I won't care in the least. If Israel throws out the Palestinians once and for all. I won't give it a second thought. (Any country which elects a terrorist as their president (Arafat) then elects a terrorist organization to run it does not deserve to be a country or exist!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:48 by Confused @196.40.43.78 : Religeous symbols
No one seems to have noticed that non muslims probably didn't know that it was
against "the koran,sharriah law,Mo's teachings,or any other religeous commands"
to show a picture,cartoon or other representations of Mo. If you have a belief
that has a "non standard" idea, thats your problem! How can you expect other people to know or "respect" your ideas if they have no knowledge of them!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:52 by PotShot @66.82.67.44 : Standards of living are Not the cause
In response to Laila's claim that poverty is the root cause of Islamic terrorism, I can only say it is the completely false excuse of an Islamic apologist. I have spent 4 years of my life doing development work in some of the poorest regions of Africa and Latin America, first as a Peace Corps volunteer and now as a coordinator of a private development NGO. There is certainly a correlation between poverty and violence but poverty is a very relative thing and the form and severity that violence takes has much more to do with local culture and history than broad economic factors.

Take Guatemala for example. It is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. 70% of its people live on less than a dollar a day. It has also suffered great violence and social upheaval which the US and other western countries are partially to blame. And yet, Guatemala has never spawned a terrorist movement. The violence that exists in the country is spawned by gangs, or wealthy mafiosos and military types. The country's inhabitants are for the most part welcoming to foreigners and do not blame the US or any other nation for their suffering. I live and work with people who literally have nothing - no food, no water, not even decent clothes and yet they do NOT resort to violence as a solution to their problems.

The current wave of Islamic terrorism is not the result of poverty or imperialism. This is a gross simplification. While poverty may be contributing factors, Islamic terrorism is primarily the result of a SICK culture which tells people to blame the foreign infidel for all their problems. The Koran and its preachers bear responsibility for this culture which is rooted in the teaching of Jihad and the violent acts perpetrated by Mohammed and his followers.

Many of the terrorists who have launched attacks in the U.S. and Europe were educated and relatively wealthy young men. How can anyone honestly believe that suicide bombers and terrorists just want a bowl of cornflakes and a new pair of sneakers?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:52 by someone @80.218.142.186 : sad about you ming
he you all
i thougt you want to make a better world?
with provocation, hate and fanatism
there will nothing change to be better...  

4 Feb 2006 @ 17:58 by vibrani : It is an untrue claim
about poverty equaling terrorism. People of all faiths have been in poverty, and yet they don't all resort to terrorism. Just look at the record of all the attacks by Muslims against non-Muslims. Buddhist temple and statues destroyed, priests killed. Christians also. Jews also. Compared to the very few isolated incidents of hate groups, Muslims take the prize for wanting to destroy anybody, anything that isn't a Muslim.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 18:26 by blueboy : I don't think
it is the joking per se what angers Muslims in this case. I think it is the INJUSTICE how and WHO can be joked about!!!....ANYBODY here on Planet earth who DARES to make similar jokes about Judaism and especially the sick politial militant movement called Zionism, (which indeed has peiople from "all faiths" in its ranks ) POSING as GENUINE/pias Judaism ( and -of course, nothing could be further from the Truth!) AND YOU CAN END UP IN DETENTION CAMP /PRISON FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!... THIS is the INjustice the Global COmmunity HAS to CORRECT somehow -or in short time there will be no Global Community!....
ALL Pigs are equal, as we all know, eh? ...only some are more!.... do we start to understand that too?????????????  

4 Feb 2006 @ 18:29 by vibrani : You sure
get all of your hatred about the Jews out in public,any chance you get, and you're not locked up, yet. And you want to preach about justice?! hahahaha  

4 Feb 2006 @ 18:38 by James @82.43.145.116 : A second opinion
I posted an initial comment this morning and decided to pay a return visit to the site to see how the debate had broadened. It is poignant, revealing and sad to work through the various postings. The ignorance, anger and sheer, excuse me for saying, but in some cases ... hatred, perfectly reflect the way in which this debate is developing around the world. Community hysteria, political point-scoring, teenage chest pounding, media provocation, media retraction and cultural prejudices. Please, enough. These are cartoons, mere representations, folly, of the moment sketches, purpose-free and light-hearted. They will not be hung on the walls of venerable institutions for the curious minds of the children of tomorrow. Perhaps the time has come to open our minds and stop sharpening them. Love all. J.x  

4 Feb 2006 @ 18:54 by Englishman @86.8.116.177 : Imaginary Beliefs
All religion is bollocks anyway. The only reason we have a god, or whatever your religion calls him, is so as people think that there is somewhere to go when you die, this so called "better place", and so aren't as frightened of dying. When in reality there is no god, no place to go when you die. When you die that's it, end of story.

Now all these muslims are kicking up a fuss about cartoons of someone who has never existed, it's the muslims in general I laugh at, not the cartoons.

I wish there was some way I could show you all that religion is bollocks, but unfortunately I can't. When the real moment of truth arrives though you'll all see I was right all along.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 18:58 by atila @85.97.54.176 : not a matter of depiction
Hi, I have to say that I share the views of the Canadian. That any religion is a threat to peace, that there is a need to educate people in order for them to opt for religionless, peaceful living. As an atheist living in Turkey, caught in the middle of east and west, I feel insecure to take sides. However
I think it is fair to argue that these cartoons were drawn for a giggle. But then, the other side is so different. People in Europe do not understand the fact that mohammeds pictures cannot be shown. Anymore pics may set on fire more embassies of the west in the ME. I think the west is searching its new 'beast', because capitalism has to produce more to survive. It has to sell more weapons, so it needs more wars, be it guerrilla or global wars. The beast cannot be simply islam. The main problem of the people in the middle east is poverty. Some of these countries may be rich but their people aren't. Today Kingdoms and Secular dictators in the ME face the threat of being replaced by Radical political groups, but just as things turned out in Soviet Russia, it won't do any fairer share of income distribution. Religion being its disguise, it will only set up new dictatorships. Therefore, people in the ME need more education, so that they opt for peacefull means of change of power. I think people in the west need to understand that people in the rest of the world live in poverty, and when they revolt,burn up embassies, whatever the reason, they protest everything, they not only protest for depicting mohammed, but also their painful lives. On the western side, I understand that people of the west complain that islamic people usually wear a sullen face, and that is not friendly. I find it boring and repulsive too, but we cannot simply abondon these people, we have to win them over but without dominating them. Nobody in this century will buy into that, everybody knows everthing in todays world.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 19:03 by atila @85.97.54.176 : addition to 'not a matter of depiction'
People here can sell any government if they know the other can fill their pockets more.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 19:38 by SoA @83.73.187.23 : Some thoughts from Denmark
Well, I just happens to be from Denmark.
In Denmark u can say whatever u want, unless it offenses a minority group/racism.
So u can understand that are alot of opinions on this matter in Denmark alone. But heres how I see it:
A newpaper, thereby the PEOPLE and not the goverment, decides to print their opinions. That they have the right to do. They also have the right to be held responsible for any offensises - taking against the Danish law.
I'm not much into law, but it seems that it is within the "freedom of speech"

The Muslim MUST respect this! Even if the drawings in fact WERE offensive we still have our right to do so! - then again the Muslims have all the right in the world to boycut/riot/attack danish people IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY! (no offens, but thats all I c in teli)
I just can't understand why some riot against Sweden or Norway?! (Denmark's nabos) or why rewards are offered to whom brings the arthour of the drawings to justice, more correcly to MUSLIM JUSTICE!

What even wonders me more; IIRC the Quran says that "Picturing gods may lead to false worship" (or the picture insted of the actual God)

I don't know of any religion that dosen't have something equal, but I kinda get the impression that the Quran in some cases is inded "misintrepetated"... It also states that "No one should be forced to a believe" - yet the concept "Jihad" exist?!?!

Although I find some of the post here rather offensive against muslims, I'm afriad I must take part of that, as I too do not like the Muslim way of living nor thinking. (dont like the german language either) Generaly you seem very conservative, and it is in my belive that "holding on to something that works" - kinda hinders the way for innovation - a concept I'm very fond of. Now, that is just the impression I've gotten. I'm not saying people from the West are ANY better, (hate humanity in general) I know alot of really nice Muslims, and even got some Muslims friends.

It's truely an exciting topic and looking forward to seeing how it evovls.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 19:45 by Ramon Cabezanova @70.226.90.226 : Ugly Troubles
After wading through the incendiary posts here, it is sad to see one of the few sane posters (Laila) backing off of this blog immediately, due to the crap being thrown around by unmoderated flamers. This story reminds me, I'm not sure why, of the story of the Dalai Lama who, when asked if he was angry with the Chinese government for the devastation of Tibet, said something to the effect of "They have taken my country from me. Why should I give them my happiness too?" Surrendering to faith requires this sort of humility, this sort of trust that, however dark the ignorances of others may seem, pressing our heads into the same darkness is not the answer. I support any economic and diplomatic response a culture feels necessary to show disapproval, the violent response (beatings, embassy burnings, etc.) are a display of sheer ignorance. On another note, as an American, I found it bizarre to read of any group shouting "Death to Denmark!" Death. For all Danes. Because of cartoons. Absurd. This story is like handing Fox News a propaganda WMD.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 20:01 by john @24.0.155.242 : Mohammed
islam is a perverted cult and have the muslim women ever wondered, why they are involed in a religion that tells there husbands if they kill, there reward is virgins. Satan is Mohammed and there religion is without love. It's just a cartoon. How many people have mocked Jesus and did you ever see christans behaving like muslims. I wish the people in the middle east could see there religion for what it is- a cult.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 20:03 by bora @81.213.122.86 : you know the subject
My comment is especially for the human-like creature which has written the lines at the end. Here are some infos and some comments:

sexually transmitted diseases is more common in christian areas(africa, eastern europe)
christians burned the library of Alexandria(whic is the greatest in medieval times)
they started number of crusades
they enslaved millions of people (colonial expansion of europe)
they started two of the world wars
they killed jewish people
they killed muslims (in bosnia) and destructing the most beautiful architectures(bridges, mosques...)
they used nuclear sciences to kill mass of humans (in hiroshima and nagazaki)
in every corner, they are the great sellers of weapons (especially in africa)
they fight against civilians in Iraq (where there was no chemical weapons but was a lot of petrol)
USA, still has nuclear missiles and poxvirus
BUT YOU SAID
"islam, a bullshit religion based on sex and killing founded by a FAKE prophet"
I think that you are the greatest idiot in the world (excuse me idiots)

If you think that muslims are against civilisations (like another said), it means that the system of education which educated you (including culture, familiy and school) had never said you that what muslim scientifics did formed the origins of the modern science. (you may have to know who invented algebra or who wrote the great medical book CANON)

BUT EVEN THOUGH CHRISTIANS DID THESE I DON'T FEEL HAVING THE RIGHT OF INSULTING THEM FOR THEIR RELIGIONS (BECAUSE CHRIST IS ALSO MY PROPHET AND MORE IMPORTANT I AM CIVILISED

Lastly, if the freedom of insult is essential, we have the freedom to punish it.

"Rofl they ran out of virgins....
To all you danes i'm sorry to say, YOUR IDIOTS, why the hell did you apologize to these Dickheads??? You are free to do or say whatever you want, you shouldn't apoligize for posting funny pics about mohammed( PISS be upon him), in fact some of those pictures reflect the truth about islam, a bullshit religion based on sex and killing founded by a FAKE prophet "  

4 Feb 2006 @ 20:05 by swanny : ....
....  

4 Feb 2006 @ 20:27 by blueboy : ALL
have their High-end Spiritual Scriptures truly in harmony with Love and Life; one this "this" Insight, the other through this Insight, but BOTH working FOR Unity and Harmony and GOOD WILL towards ALL God's Creatures! And the ALL have the very foundational Insight spelled out loud and clear , which is: " Do Unto Others, as YOu Would Have Them Do Unto You" . This Cosmic Clarion Call has thousand of years been the Foundation for ALL High End Spiritual Teachings!!!
ALL "Religions" have their LOW End reps (fanatics/fundamentlists) among Humanity as well. These Low End Teachings are there to SEPARATE "us" from "the others; the BAD ones"!!!.. you can see the accuracy of this, my statement, just by reading these comments here today! That should talk loads to ALL of us!.....

" There is Healing, when the Radiance of Love replaces all our fears" How does Love replace fears???... By us understanding that pain & sorrow & confusion etc is pain & sorrow, regardless who eperiences the pain & sorrow & confusion etc. Feelings of abandonment, and insecurity are the same in all corners of the World as well as in ANY person's deepest corners of the Heart! We are INDEED ALL MADE IN THE SAME WORKSHOP and we ALL CRY IN THE SAME LANGUAGE -and the feeling of JOY ir released in ANYBODY's Heart by the ONLY COSMIC KEY that unlocks true Joy: TRUE FRREDOM!!!....

Health on all levels of beingness unites ALL Living Things!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 20:58 by Paul @66.214.96.60 : Death to all Fanatics! :)
I know I'm jumping in here way too late. But it's quite simple really. Continue publishing the pictures. Better still, have everyone start doing it, everywhere. Let a million mohammed pictures flourish. Diversify! It's about time that we all start sticking to our principles of being free. Free against any sort of censorship. I could care less what all the muslims think. if they don't like the picutre, DON'T FUCKING LOOK AT THEM!!! That's YOUR religion, not mine. They can all go to hell. And if for one moment, you think this is because I am of another faith.. NO. Same goes for any faith, religion, group or person who trys to do the same. As far as I am concerned any angry reaction from any group on any image is INSANITY, and should be treated as such. To respect that, is to respect someone with a gun to my head. Maybe, just maybe, in a life and death situation I will SAY what I have to do to survive, but genuine respect will NEVER COME. I am at a point that the whole muslim world can go kiss my ass. And yes, I deeply dislike Christian fundamentalism too, as well as Bush and American foriegn policy as well. The whole damn thing is insanity and I want no part of it.

Robert Anton Wilson is right, we are living on the planet of the apes!!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 21:09 by Bstar @4.17.129.67 : Hypocrisy
A few years ago the Taliban demolished two very ancient statues
of the Buddha.

If the millions of Buddhists around the world had risen up in
protest, do you think the Islamic world would have given a shit?
What about the rest of the west? They would have mutely sat by
or mumbled "they shouldnt have demolished the statues, but the
Buddhists are acting idiotically" -- perhaps even have put the
protests down.

But now, 11 harmless and one somewhat offensive cartoon of Mohammed
and the Moslem community rises in unison against the outrage --
freedom of speech does not give you the right to offend religious
sentiments, they say. Well, where were these vaunted defenders of
religious sentiment when the Buddhas were being smashed. Or do these
sentiments only count if the religion being offended is Islam. Do
you think even *one* of these morons would have risen and so much
as snapped a yap if someone had burnt a Bible? Christians and Jews
are *explicitly* vilified in the Koran (and dont give me BS about
the loving nature of the Koran. The relevant verses are easy to
find on the web, if you care to look and in any any copy of the
koran that you can buy in any bookstore). That causes me great
offense. Whey aren't these defenders of religious sentiment protesting
against it?

I dont agree with offending a large fraction of any population on
purpose. To the extent that the Danes and many of the other newspapers
have published these cartoons expressly for that purpose, they are
plain wrong. But the protestors are, at worst, jokers, and at best,
utter hypocrites. Worse, I dont believe even 1 percent of them
have actually seen the cartoons. The cartoons never appeared in Syria
or Palestine or Pakistan. Yet, the populace there are burning
embassies. In other words they are violently protesting against a
rumoured outrage that they havent really seen or comprehended. What
do you call such jokers? Idiots? Fools? Or sheep?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 21:21 by Xavier @83.55.97.198 : sensitive gods and silly stuff


Personally, i find hard to believe in ANY god that will be offended by laughter,or hurt by it.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 21:43 by blueboy : ALL FANATICS are
just that: FANATICS and ALL are equally wrong in their fanatic ways and equally dangerous!
NONE of them is "Better" than the other!.... this is a MAJOR point for the Global Family to learn to understand!
Dogmas have been used too long already as some kind of Sacred Garments to wrap around one's body and then go out and do evil and say "you can't defend yourself coz, look what "Garment" or "Flag" I have around me as my foolproof shield!.... this piece of Dogma/"cloth" both entitles me to my evil towards you, little piece of shit and protects me against your retaliation" .

TIME TO STOP THIS MADNESS!!!

Want something worthwhile to read while cooling off, from this "debate": " "Warpaint of the Gods" by Nila Sagadevan. www.warpaintofthegods.com  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:06 by Avenger of Islam @172.201.217.21 : ALLAH AKBAR
YOU ARE ALL ZIONIST KUFAR. ALLAH AND HIS MESSENGERS WILL PREVAIL. YOU WILL SEE THE ERROR OF YOUR WAYS WHEN YOU BURN IN THE HELLFIRE.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:09 by Embassies Burning @172.201.217.21 : Burn baby, burn.
OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP! OH SNAP!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:19 by Elizabeth @68.163.248.237 : the Islamic Reformation is ongoing
I am stunned by the amount of condescension, hostility, and utter ignorance I see here. To those with the "oh, get over it" attitude: Many of the people in the Middle East and Asia HAVE NEVER HAD A TRADITION OF FREE SPEECH. Among western nations, even where there is a strong Christian ethos, speech that questions or mocks religious traditions is tolerated because free speech and dialogue are valued, except where they incite others to actively harm people. Islam, however, is a religion that advocates complete submission to God in accordance to the Q'uran; you cannot mock something or even make jokes about it and still be completely submissive. To someone who practices Islam--and I mean REALLY practices it, not just dabbling or being a "Friday Muslim" if you will--questioning or mocking the prophet is an atrociously harmful act. Consider: if you are a Muslim, you MUST believe that God sent the Q'uran to Muhammad, verbatim. If you make fun of Muhammad, you are making fun of someone so incredibly holy that he was chosen of your own Creator to do his most perfect work to date. That is something to take seriously if you are a Muslim, especially if you are an Arab Muslim. In the Middle Eastern tradition, whether we're talking Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, God tends not to have much generosity toward those who flout, question, or mock His will and/or Being: he has a tendency to smite them, and often those around them get smitten as a side effect because they didn't act to stifle the offensive behavior. Thus the low tolerance of blasphemy: if you sit there mocking God (or his prophet), his wrath may not just fall upon you, but also upon your family, friends, neighbors, and even total strangers IF THEY TOLERATE YOUR BEHAVIOR. The backlash against the Danish cartoon is not simply an overreaction among "savages" as a lot of people appear to think: it's an expression of the very real concern that the cartoons are offensive to God himself, and that the consequences of offending God could be, not to be ironic, universally bad.

I know that the concept is tough for those of us living in the western world, where we have either turned to a more personal and spiritual understanding of God as a "best friend" or a benevolent, kindly parent figure or have boxed God into a regimen to be taken out on Sundays and at bedtime and ignored most of the remaining time. But before you start feeling smug about how rational the Christian world is, try to remember your history. Hasn't anyone heard of the Protestant Reformation? There was a time in the Christian world when making even mildly disparaging remarks about the central religious authority could get you burned as a heretic. BURNED ALIVE. There is no more painful way to die. The thousands of people who died violently and horribly during the backlash of the CAtholic Inquisition? Christianity went through the same horribly divisive and deadly throes that Islam is going through right now only a few hundred years ago (and it still isn't completely over, it's just a lot less violent than it was in the middle ages). The big difference is, the Christian world underwent its Reformation in an age when there was no mass media; the Islamic world is not so lucky. We are smack dab in the middle of what appears to be the Islamic Reformation, and yes, it's violent, but don't forget we have seen this before among Christians. Only diff is, the Muslims are doing their Reformation in a mass media environment, which tends to magnify the reactions. Individual sense tends to get swept away by passionate emotional responses, made all the more intense by images shown on television. Anger begets anger; Middle Eastern and Asian Muslims are already fairly angry at the West (and with justification--never mind Iraq, let's talk about decades of exploitation and imperialism on the part of European nations, and we won't even mention the Israel/Palestine conflict...all right, so we WILL mention it), and when they see even mildly offensive images such as the cartoons in question, it turns simmering outrage into boiling. It would behoove those of us who are not Muslims, therefore, to be a bit more sensitive about blasphemy in the Islamic sense, and to have a little bit more compassion toward a religious faith undergoing some fairly severe changes under a glaring spotlight.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:24 by vibrani : Be sure to include yourself
Blueboy as an equal fanatic in your little list.

Why do so many religions make God in human's image? Good wants sacrifices, and murder? Wouldn't you think God could handle all of that for Itself, if It really was that kind of a God? Why would it ever need humans to do Its work for It? It created EVERYTHING, afterall. Even lets you be a complete idiot and deny Its existence. It isn't needy or dysfunctional and isn't on an ego trip - humans are. And It isn't a man, either.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:32 by Martin @62.252.224.13 : French revolution
On the French revolution course at my university one of the questions posed is ‘Has the French revolution ended?’.
The answer to that is categorically YES!

Why? Because on 2 feb 2006 ;-

The managing editor of France Soir, Jacques Lefranc, was fired after the publication (of religious caricatures) by owner Raymond Lakah, an Egyptian magnate, employees said. No official reason was immediately announced.

Raymond Lakah, although not a Muslim is a resident of Egypt on of the most radical of Islamic countries, did so solely on religious grounds; this has in effect put France back to the period before the revolution when religious bigots governed.
Allowing the mindless rantings of a minority world group to dictate to the DEMOCRATIC, FREE west is unacceptable (there Are 3 times more non Muslims than Muslims) the ranting is amounting to a demand that the west embrace Islam.
As they wish to impose there own religious intolerance up on the west they are more like the Nazis than any other group (even the BNP).
Like the Nazis they revere their Leader (as there is no head of Islam you can assume I am talking about Mohammed) like a GOD!
Like the Nazis any insult to there leader is met with death or threats of death.
Like the Nazis they believe that anything said by their leader is true regardless of its historical or scientific inaccuracies.
To demand that the west accept that their god is the only true god is beyond a joke, to site their law and demand its imposition on the west is totally unacceptable Islamic law is not valid under any democratic society and never should be. Any Democratic leader or politician who condemns the freedom of the press and in effect the freedom of all western and indeed all non Muslims has no right to represent the people of his or hers country.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:40 by vibrani : Muslims
want to destroy modern life only because they're afraid we will prove their religion to be wrong. Muslim believe that anybody who fights Muslims is an enemy of Islam, and then it is only right that they be killed.

Go to CNN.com and see the new video of a new French documentary "Suicide Killers" on female suicide bombers. Another way Muslims are destroying women. This is one way the women feel equal to Muslim men! Screwed up! They're actually convincing these women that God has announced that they will be the prettiest virgin in heaven after they die. They only live for this massive illusion, not for life on earth, so they don't give a shit about anything here. All these fake promises of rewards in heaven drive extremists to their terrorist activities and suicide. If they all hate life here on earth, why would they have a problem getting a little help over to the other side so innocent people don't have to die with them? The joke will be on them when they get to the other side, anyway.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:48 by Some fucking 16-year old dane @212.99.255.41 : who is involved..?
Why does this thing have to be so generalized because of some poll out of 1000 people..? Why can't these islamic people who wants to see blood just don't kill the involved..? Like the publishers or our prime-minister...Well i don't think that our Prime-minister should apologize..? We live in a democracy and every single person is living their own life, he can't apologize because some idiots published the prophet...Is it just me or what..?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:49 by martin @62.252.224.13 : cartoons
i visited my local shop earlier today the shopkeeper a Muslim was very angry over the cartoons, and was in full support of the demonstrations and threats to the publishers, he openly said he would willing kill for Islam, this is a common problem as all Muslims tend to agree
I intend to get a tee shirt mad with the following caption to ware to uni ::

I LIKE DANISH BACON  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:50 by vibrani : hahahaha
that will go over big, Martin.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:55 by Andy @84.9.13.114 : Mohammed Cartoons
Muslims need to lighten up, their dark complexion with no sense of humour and a permanent chip on the shoulder is a joke.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 22:57 by martin @62.252.224.13 : above
I do like Danish bacon and I do believe in freedom of speech and freedom of the press freedom to be myself, freedom from oppression and really want to see what the uni does to those Muslims that attack me as that is assault and as I retired from martial arts undefeated do I really give a fuck?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:01 by vibrani : you go, Martin!
Wear that shirt with pride!  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:10 by James @82.43.145.116 : the Islamic Reformation ... a view
I found your post illuminating Elizabeth. I was interested in reading your views about the global village viewing the potential of an Islamic refomation, the subsequent harsh consequences and the tolerance we would all ideally wish to adopt in understanding the motives of some of the more extreme elements in the process. I do feel however that despite all the best intentions in the world, lines are being drawn and sides are being taken. Perhaps this is one of the key elements in the reformation process you discuss. Love all. J.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:15 by Islam will win in end @196.202.81.19 : ALLAH SHOW THEM THE TRUTH
don't ever believe what you hear or see on your T.V . all are FAKE dirty things about islam.i'm a man that loved or maybe adored America and Europe but guess what???!!!! if u people learned about islam without just talking as donkeys without even understanding anything about that religion, u will know that you are all wrong.who said that Muhammed (peace up on him ) i promise them that they will be just FUCKED in the end , i really promise that.come to our islamic countries and learn islam,don`t see what happenes in your TVs cause they are fake.BE TO ALLAH,HE HAS YOUR BIRTH AND DEATH .  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:22 by martin @62.252.224.13 : islam
There you are typical bigoted Muslim, I know Islam, I worked for 4 years with Mohamed Khan (one of the 7/7 bombers) and the others at Iqra Bookshop in Beeston, Leeds, there were and are the most bigoted racist egotistical mutters I have ever met it wasn’t the War that drove them to bomb but their religion! and how that are brainwashed by the imams at all mosques.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:30 by vibrani : More threats
from these so-called peaceful Muslims. Just let Mo try to mess with me! He hasn't got a prayer....he'll take off running with his forked tail between his little legs.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:40 by tracy @66.245.44.203 : WWMD - What would mohammed do?
What a wonderful opportunity for introspection. I wonder what the prophet would be saying right now were he alive? Being a seeker of truth first of all I don't let anyone else tell me how I am to relate to my creator: god, allah; jhwh, etc, etc.

The fact that Mohammed disapproved of images has more to do with people worshipping images rather than the truth which can only lie within and not be seen. I feal that anyone who reacts to images as being disrespectful fails to understand the message of spirit. The sad thing is those who react against the images only serve to reinforce the view pthers have of them and how they practice/INTERPRET their faith. All religion is an interpretation of the message and 99.99% of all who profess to believe in anything get it WRONG. This is where the heart of the problem lies. It doesn't matter what anyone else believe about your religion. It only matters what you believe in your heart. If you walk the talk of love, this life will only improve3 for you and those you touch.

Blessings to all.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:40 by Daniel @24.118.4.87 : Perspective
Freedom of the press is something that cannot be questioned, infringed upon, or otherwise censored. Regardless of the content, or the "sensitivity" of the content or message, when we start putting up barriers - like with our civil liberties after the 9/11 attacks, we will never get them back.

I am a Christian - I have seen my religion negatively portrayed by others in print, speeches, and other forms of media. Even with the literal justifications that are indicated in the bible, I have never thought of attacking, kidnapping, or killing other people who have opposed my viewpoint. What right can ANYONE think that they have to take these actions when they are offended at the message?  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:42 by Rick @216.175.66.24 : Some thoughts ...
Some say all religion is the cause of all wrong. I say if you selectively read your to justify intolerance, then you are deviating from your intended destination which is God.

It is beyond me how anyone can want to harm another of any faith (including those of no faith) in the name of God. It is also beyond me how anyone can say such an act is God’s will. This is not God’s will, it is the arrogance of mere humans. The audacity of such statements is astounding.

I actually can imagine Christianity responding similarly to objectionable cartoons about Jesus … up until say the renaissance (14th-15th century) or at the latest perhaps the Enlightenment (18th century). Did God change? No, we Westerners did the changing … culturally, socially, politically, and theologically through the efforts of Luther, Voltaire, Locke, Calvin, Rousseau, Wesley, and others.

Islam has not been through that change yet. It’s going to happen and I’d say we are all witnesses to their transition right now this instant. Damn few established power structures ever willingly allow change. I pray for tolerance, wisdom, guidance, empathy, and real justice that rights the wrongs of the world in ways that END THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE.  

4 Feb 2006 @ 23:43 by vibrani : These guys don't know
if Mohammad gives a damn about these cartoons. Mo was just a man. Not a god. Just as Jesus was a man, not a god. Same with Buddha. Same with Moses. Where are the goddesses? Ah yes, not there.

If one is confident in their own beliefs, nothing will sway them and it won't matter what anybody else says or thinks about it. As long as they don't force it on anybody else.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:12 by بو عبد الله @62.150.186.29 : المشكله اعمق بكثير
لماذا؟؟؟؟؟

فهم خاطى كبير بسبب نقص المعلومه هل تعلم بان المدارس فى اوربا تتجاهل وبشكل متعمدتثقيف الشعوب الغربيه باى شى حول الشعوب التى تعيش بجانبهم هل سمعت عن انسان اوربى يتقن العربيه طبعا نادر هل رايت فى اوربا اى علامه كتبت بالعربى طبعا لا....ماذا يعلمونهم..حول جيرانهم سأقول لكم....( لديهم نفط ولكنهم شعوب همجيه متخلفه)..وكأن العرب لم يساهموا باى شى فىتاريخ البشريه المشكله يا اخوانى بان هناك من يصر على ان تكون الورود ذات لون واحد وهذا بالطبع شى غير مقبول نعم هناك اشياءسلبيه كثيره من جانب الشعوب العربيه والمسلمه ولكن من يقود العالم هم الغرب فهل الغرب يقبل بالشعوب على ثقافاتها ام انهم درسوا ليعتقدوا بان اى لون يخالف لونهم.. أقصد هناالثقافه فان هذه الثقافه متخلفه هكذا تعلموا تخيل بان معظم الغربيين لا يعرف اى شى عن العرب والمسلمين والكثير منهم بدأيقرأبعد احداث سبتمبر البشعه لماذالانهم ممنوعين من قبل قادتهم0الفكريين. هذه هى الحقيقه واقع الامر هناك تاريخ قديم سى بين المسلمين(العرب وغيرهم) والشعوب الاوربيه وهناك الكثير من الامور التى يتناقلهاكل طرف حسب تفسيره ولكن ان اردناان نهزم المتطرفين فى كل جانب على الجانب الغربى الحمل الاكبر لان الوسيله تحت يديهم مثال( كيف أستطيع أن أصدق بأن فرنسا التى برلمانهايعتبر احتلاله للجزائر كان عملا انسانيا.. كيف اصدق بان الفكر الانسانى اصبح سائد بالتاكيد لااااا) المشكله فكريه وليست اقتصاديه نعم نحن فى العالم الاسلامى والعربى علينا ان نطور تعليمناوعلى الغرب ان يبداء كذللك  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:26 by infinitynexus @82.192.160.50 : Nothing wrong with religion
Theres actually nothing wrong with religion.. in its own sense, its a decent alternative to the rules of the jungle.. But every religion fails BECAUSE theres people with power who are corrupted in it.. humans are the failure, not the religion  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:31 by martin @62.252.224.13 : TRANSLATION OF ARBIC CRAP
THIS IS A TRANSLATION OF ARBIC CRAP USING TRASNLATION SOFTWARE
Understood [xaaTY] big because of [nqS] [aalme'lwmh] is learning in to the schools [fY] [aawrbaa] ignores and in shackles [mte'mdtthqyf] the people [aalGrbyh] [baaY] [shY] around the people [aaltY] living in their side is reputation about human [aawrbY] [ytqn] [aale'rbyh] of course rare is banner [fY] [aawrbaa] [aaY] his perceptive wrote [baale'rbY] of course not….What teach them. .[Hwl] their limes punching will say….(for de their blistered and for their his his backward shelter people savage)..[wk'an] Arabic did not contribute [baaY] [shY] [fYtaaryx] [aalbshryh] [aalmshklh] [yaa] [aaxwaanY] in to there from bundles on that formation the roses of self of color one and this in the printing [shY] other than acceptable blessings there [aashyaa'slbyh] many his from side of the people [aale'rbyh] [waalmslmh] and to are from the their scientist the strangenesses so Hill of the crows leads the people on her educations of mother kisses in that them studied to believe in to [aaY] color their color contradicts. Intend [hnaaaalthqaafh] transient this [aalthqaafh] backward his this way imagining know in to most of western not knows [aaY] [shY] about Arabic and conceded and many from them [bd'ayqr'abe'd] renewing September [aalbshe'h] [lmaadhaalaanhm] forbidden before [qaadthm]0[aalfkryyn]. This [hY] [aalHqyqh] happening the matter there old date [sY] between Muslim (Arabic and change them) and the people [aalaawrbyh] your weakness a lot of the matters [aaltY] [ytnaaqlhaakl] edge according to his of interpretation and to are that [aardnaaaan] defeat extreme [fY] all side on the side [aalGrbY] the pregnancy big be soft [aalwsylh] under their hands of idealization (how can to tell the truth in to France [aaltY] [brlmaanhaaye'tbr] his occupation for islands humanitarian works was. How tell the truth that the cerebration [aalaansaanY] became dominant [baaltaakyd] [laaaaaaaaaa]) [aalmshklh] his cerebrations and not economic his yes we [fY] the world [aalaaslaamY] [waale'rbY] on us to develop [te'lymnaawe'lY] the crows that [ybdaa'] [kdhllk]  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:34 by john @69.181.51.251 : RE: Mohammed cartoons
Isn't the primary tenet of islam that there is only one god named allah and mohammed is his last phophet. Isn't that statement alone offensive to anyone who believes otherwise.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:36 by vibrani : It's rubbish
to me. Not offensive, particularly. Shows their lack of compassion or respect for anyone not a Muslim, shows lots of ignorance and a bad ego, inferiority complex. Martin, does that actually make sense to anyone? If so, they have no mind (that means intelligence, wisdom and heart).  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:43 by Ultrecht @68.251.110.150 : At your own risk
I find it amazing that we are consistantly having to watch what we say and fear the reprecussion related to our minds. I want to feel strongly about opening all boarders and letting people go and say what they want at will. But proven by some religious communities, letting some people cross boarders, is a mistake in absolute. I am a Christian by upbringing and love the fact that as an American, I can question the validity of my faith and the history of the written word. You just have to pose a question to yourself, no matter what your faith is. Why would God pit two religious factions against each other? What purpose does it serve? We learn two different contradictory lessons from religion. God is caring and compassionate and God is a vengful and retributional being of swift justice and total anhialation. If this is your belief, then it explains tornadoes, hurricanes and flooding in the United States. It explains drought, abject poverty, and civil unrest in the Middle East. If you want to take a lesson from religion, this should be it. All religions are at fault as far as many are concerned. These are much bigger issues, than some idiot with a pencil drawing a picture that offends you. I'll tell you what, everyone that is interested can send me a picture of your mothers and I will draw something really offensive for you. Muslims, Christians, Buddists, Taoists, Shintoists, Moroms, Hindus, Kabalists, or the worshippers of any animal on earth. So, in all respects to everyone who will read this, may God give you and your families peace and prosperity, and grow the f*** up. Oh and I think STOP STOP WE ARE ALL OUT OF VIRGINS is the funniest one.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 00:43 by Rick @216.175.66.24 : Lost in translation
Martin, well that certainly lost something in machine translation.

Infinitynexus, its pretty hard to argue with the maxim "Absolute power corrupts absolutely". I don't buy the argument that that is why religion fails us, however, since it is ultimately based on relationship between the individual and God. I don't think it's God that's trying to muck up the relationship either!  

5 Feb 2006 @ 01:05 by martin @62.252.224.13 : translation
yup it just shows that the arabic language has changed over the years as the translation program (its costs £1000 and i got it for translating german and italian not for the arabic translation) used the quran as a guide to the language as muslim scholers claim that arabic has not changed since the writtin down of the quran ... bollocks if thats true the translation should be perfect LOL  

5 Feb 2006 @ 01:09 by martin @62.252.224.13 : iqra
for all you muslims the site iqraleeds was designed and produced by me for the bookshop the intor was designed and produced by me including the recording do you know what it is ? [link]  

5 Feb 2006 @ 01:16 by Rick @216.175.66.24 : Another translation attempt
I don't read arabic and it's frustrating not knowing what the author originally intended to convey so I gave a shot using [link]

"They sewed a big because of the decrease of the information does it know that the schools in Europe neglect and by the form of the western Mtamdtthqif of the nations with any grilling around the nations who live in their side did I hear about an European human he masters the arabic a rare printing Wright appeared in Europe any mark wrote by the Arab of course no ....What know them ..Around their neighbours I will say for you ....( they have an oil but they are nations a barbaric is its backward ) ..And as if the Arabs did not contribute with any grilling of the human Fatarikh the problem O a Muslim Brotherhood by that there who insists that they is the roses with a single colour and this definitely an unacceptable grilling yes there the Ishiaslbeh of its many from the nations the Arab and Muslim but who leads the world they are the West then do the West turn by the nations to its cultures or that they studied so that they believe that any colour disagrees with their colour .. I mean Hnalthqafh, this culture its backward so they learned an imagination that most of the Westerners do not know any grilling about the Arabs and the Muslims and many of them the Bdayqrabad of the hideous events of September is a forbidden Lmazalanhm from their leaders 0 intellectual . This is the truth the matter reality is there an old history the European Sa between the Muslims ( the Arabs and others ) the Muslims ( the Arabs and others ) and the nations and there many of the matters that end Ytnaqlhakl according to its interpretation but that Irdnan defeats the extremists in each side on the western side the greatest load because the means is under their hands an example ( how I can believe by that France that the Brlmanhaeatbr of its occupation to Algeria was a human work ..How I believe that the human thought became dominant certainly Laaa ) the problem is intellectual and is not economic yes we in the Islamic world and the Arab ones on us that we develop the West Talimnaoala that it shows"  

5 Feb 2006 @ 01:17 by Support Change In the Middle East @68.251.110.150 : Have fun with this one
Why would anyone in thier right mind go to the Middle East to learn Islam, when extremists there kidnap people, threaten and actually behead innocent people. Why would you even get mad about Western countries coming in and trying to establish peace when you can't obtain it on your own. You can get mad at America or any other country as much as you want, because even though some innocent people are dying, it doesn't compare to the millions murdered by a hitleresque HUMAN BEING in Iraq, you are getting ready to hold as a martire. When it comes down to it, I was not for the war in Iraq. If a whole country can't converge on a centralized power based on breaking legs and raping women to save themselves and the future of thier own children, then why should I really give two shits. I was however in favor of a CIA assasination of the so loved dictator. Why would anyone kill Christians when as a whole, they don't represent government or governmental views? They come over as missionaries and bring food and hope for education for all (MEN AND WOMEN)who are both equal in GOD'S EYES. If women were really inferior as a whole, then why aren't men carrying babies for nine months and growing breasts. Women are inferior and no one can really objectively fight this issue, but Men are equally inferior to women. Women have babies, have better control of thier mental facilities, are more objective when it comes to thought, and have a higher tolerance for pain. Men just hit harder, and yell louder. Christians, don't converge and start riots, kidnap people, cut thier heads off in praise of retribution. This was the mode of demonstration during the Crusades, and practiced by both sides. There comes a time when you have to negotiate. We have been there for a long time. If you don't get there soon, then you will just destroy yourself. God is the Only God and JESUS WAS HIS SON. Praise God. By the way, Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. What did Moehammed do? I don't know how to spell his name since I can't find it in the Bible. If you read the Koran carefully you will see that his name wasn't actually Mohammed. Her name was Amalya Shamat from Damascus.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 01:35 by Leif @83.219.199.121 : ignorance
This is a case of ignorance feeding on itself! Westerners who are upset that muslims are offended by something individuals in Denmark have published have themselves to blame and muslims upset with westerners for something individuals in Denmark published, ditto. Ironically due to all of their own ignorance the whole world is focusing on pictures of someone who should apparently never be seen. Way to go media for bringing that into the light. remind me never to draw a picture of mohammed for any of my muslim friends, the subject never came up... Ignorance just keeps getting more and more dangerous. Who knows maybe someday everybody will be put to death for any and all spiritual beliefs and the animals will clean up the mess ignorance of mankind created.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 01:38 by blueboy : "Islam will win in the end"
this just shows what's wrong with particular fundamentalism -regardless which one it is: Everyone of them sees themselves secretly-and sometimes not so secretly- as the -sole- Winner "in the end"!...CROOKS ALWAYS WORK TOWARDS THAT END!!! Oftentimes they use eachother as accomplises, each having a secret Plan how to get rid of the accomplises once the /Goal/Trophy is achieved/gathered; just like in "A Fish Called Wanda"!!!
How can you say such a thing: "Islam will win in the end". Is your own psychology ( all religions are an expression of psychology )a question of competition -like in Pissing Match- in the name of God?... Learn to heal your aching soul instead and learn to relate to ALL sad feelings be it felt by you or someone else -even women!!!! Learn to feel compassion when seeing someone in distress... -or even just because they exist! The Jesuites, who like to be cruel to little Altar boys, think the same; "we will eventually win". Bush with his twisted "christianity" is sure he'll win "in the end" . On 'n' on it goes!... Geeez guys!
So, let's cut through ALL "religious" "ideological" "sacred" chase and be a little Down to earth REAL: Peniscomplex; that's what you all have!... afraid the guy Nextdoor will have a bigger n better!... MuuuuchoMachoooo!You are all pathetic! 'n you know what guys; these cartoons here are quite funny! Gave me a good chuckle!... -especially pic nr four! Then again, this is NOT the first time I see some GOOD cartoons/charicatures about some repetitious stupidity being held sacred by some MuchoMachotwits!...
In the link here is much more Life-important - IF your frazzled nerves can allow you to any thinking resembling CLEAR thinking!... I know, that IS to ask a LOT ... most men (read older boys) are genuienly not able to think past the ever shrinking treasures in their pants!...

[link]

Let's be fair here, there's a lot of crapp in fundamentalism Islam, just like in fundamentalism 'Christianity' and the rest of the fundamentlism religions!

Common decency towards ALL, goes a long way in creating Understanding and more Harmony among ALL people! EVERYBODY: TRY THAT FOR A WEEK and see/feel the difference in your Human interactions! This, BTW, is a "job" that is "never" finished for ANY of us, I don't think.... In other words: It has to become our "Way of life"!


 

5 Feb 2006 @ 02:31 by jew @216.67.40.96 : arabs
I don't understand why we, the advanced westerners don't just bomb to shit
iran' nukelar sites and in general ground them with airforce whenever they show
they scrawny little balls. I am sure that would make them turn to christianity
and civilized ways. You can try to convince a dog that your argument is correct
but unless you stick it's face into kaka it won't stop shitting on your carpet.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 02:32 by Wake Up Europe !!!! @70.237.228.12 : Fuck Allah Fuck Allah
I don't know who is the bigger idiots Muslims or Europeans for lettings Muslims in. Send them back to the desert or fire up the stoves!!!! SS  

5 Feb 2006 @ 02:39 by Mani @204.210.237.22 : Moderation and tolerance please
I was born a muslim and grew up as a moderate muslim. I left when my secular countery was seized by islamic fundamentalism. I am familiar and fearful of islamic fundumentalism, but I am not fearful of Islam and neither should anyone elsebe. Having lived in europe and the US I have seen the many faces of intolerance, by muslims as well as by non-muslims. I have also seen gnerosity, kindness, tolerance and acceptance by both. The current reaction of the "muslim world" to the cartoons is an unfortunate developement. However, the messages of hate in responce to the reaction, posted on this website by the islam-hating westerners, is also unfortunate. What grabs and disturbs me is the call to violence and anhilation that is heard with increasing ferquency by both sides. It is as if there is a recurring human need for blood and we are looking for excuses to start demanding it and shedding it yet again on a gigantic scale in the 21st century. The current mentality of live or kill the muslims makes me wonder if we don't live a preamble to a 21st century genocide of the muslims, or anyone who is suspected of being one. This is what a lot of moderate muslims fear. We must remeber and watch out for our own individual tendencies towards violence, and look everyday to remove the seeds of violence from our hearts and intolerance. Many advocates of free speech on this website are enraged at the reaction of the muslims to the cartoons. I wished that muslims had a better sense of humor, but not all of them do(Elizabeth eloquently and generously explained the reasons). With an eye on our own hearts let's remeber that we can't demand of people to have a sense of humor, we cann't demand that they be able to laugh at themselves.

I agree that islamic fanaticism is a menace to the globe, as is exploitation of the poorer countries, poverty and ilitracy. For me and my family, the west has been the refuge from the opressions of an islamic government. I believe that the existence of western democracy and tolerance require continuos hard work by responsible, sensible people. The biggest menace to the western democracy might be the knee jerk reactions of some of its people and the nurturing of hate values. Today it is the muslims who must be crushed, tomorrow the chinese, then the gays, then the artists, etc. History has shown that one generation is indeed capable of wiping out centuries of cultural growth and advancement. So please, let's be careful with what we have.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 02:40 by Stefan Karns @69.234.210.45 : Mohammed Cartoons
It is only a matter of time before Muslims take over European countries democratic establishments due to the rapidly growing population relative to the "indigent" Europeans. Take the blinders off your eyes and see the apolocyptic danger right before you. Mohammed preached Jihad to enforce the constant struggle against the "infidels". What is the answer? That is for the populace to decide. A truly frightening episode that should shake Europe and the rest of the world to its foundation. God help us all.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 03:09 by jan kramer @70.230.172.209 : Mohammed Cartoons
The freedom of expression cannot be stopped because of religious beliefs. Religion is not fact. It is a set of rules, guidelines, whatever you prefer to call it, by which people use to live their lives. The reason people suffer so much in the Middle East and other predominately Islamic Nations is because religion is the ruler, and not the people themselves. The World has not declared war on Islam. Rather it is the Islamic World and their view of "Holy War" that will ultimately lead to their own destruction.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 04:56 by Arkady @203.59.198.116 : Freedom
I'd like to draw a parrallel between the publication of cariacatures of Mohamed and the culture from whence they came. I'm not certain why *exactly portraying an image of Mohamed is considered to be so bad, however I will guess by agreeing with Ming and basing it on the idolatory principle.

In certain Aboriginal cultures here in Australia, it is considered disgraceful nay offensive to take a photograph of said person. It is believed that in doing so you will capture a part of that persons spirit, never to return.

However, in the interests of living in a free society, it is my understanding that if such a picture could be offensive to them, they simply look the other way and make a choice not to purchase the paper or article that contains the pictures. Note, we don't put disclaimers up, nor do we censor our press for that reason.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is that you will never please everybody all of the time, however in a true democracy you do have the power to demonstrate your feelings, be it by voice, text, or simply by using your feet and exercising your right to walk away.

These pictures are neither offensive or racist, nor are they a targeted or systematic attack on the muslim community. If these pictures offend you, then please tune out (if on TV) or choose not to purchase the paper. You will then have exercised a more powerful democratic freedom than the random rhetoric so easily left.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 05:00 by victoria @203.167.15.117 : abolish intolerance
thank you for posting the cartoons. I found them on a French website and couldn't understand the captions. BTW, I just came out from a long retreat -- stayed away from TV, radio and papers. Hmmm, well the world is on fire or so it seems because of cartoons. I trust that one day people will see just how ridiculous this situation is and how pathetic people can get by being so violent about a difference in opinion and ideas.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 06:08 by Everyone get a grip @68.106.66.148 : Calm down!
These are cartoons. Laugh if you want. Ignore them if you want. But, for all our sakes, get a grip. Religious intolerance from whatever background (Muslim, Christian, etc.) is truly ridiculous. All the religions teach tolerance but their adherents seem to ignore this aspect of their belief systems. Hey, everyoe, turn the other cheek, and be kind to one another as your prophets have preached to you.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 07:33 by fieldmarshall @196.1.53.7 : moroccan
Unbeliavable that one has decided to lock himself in a cage and stay in morocco simply because he,ll be linked with terrorism. One can't go for further studies abroad simply bse he doesn't wanna leave the fellows muslims in morocco. With two legs, you'll set the pace!  

5 Feb 2006 @ 08:24 by yek_irani @87.247.162.4 : dahane hamatoono servis mikonam
bad bakhta ba in karetoon na tanha too in donya dahanetoon servis mishe
balke too oon donya ham servis mishin ridam dahane har chi USA va England ie
hamin ja ghasam mikhoram ta oonjaee ke dastam bar miad az irane azizam va har emamo payambari ke ghabool daram defa mikonam ashghala  

5 Feb 2006 @ 09:37 by nemue : Cause for cause sake
You have to question the maturity of people who whip themselves up over these cartoons. This is cause for cause sake. For gods sake GROW UP....  

5 Feb 2006 @ 10:30 by Mohammad Kanaan @212.77.203.246 : An opinion about the cartoons

Please read the first part of this article. It sheds some light as to why we Muslims don't feel that those provacative and racist cartoons are a laughing matter.

[link]

cheers  

5 Feb 2006 @ 10:41 by Melanie @82.112.142.248 : UK prospective
These demonstrations will end up doing nothing for Islam in England. The British National Party and similar parties will only gain more support in their wish in getting rid of such people. The placards displayed yesterday in London makes you wonder why we have allowed so many such people into this country. Religion has always been the creator of war and nowadays its only the Antheists that seem to be able to live in piece. This reaction to some cartoonist has been well and truely over the top, and will only damage peoples views of Islam even further.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 10:57 by jazzolog : Please Consider This Opinion As Well
Thank you Mohammad for introducing me to Aziz Duwaik and his view~~~

"We respect press freedom, but ridiculing and besmirching our religious symbols is not press freedom. There is a conspicuous malicious intent here, and people's right not to be insulted and offended overrides a Danish newspaper's right to insult the prophet of Islam. Besides, we are living in a global village now, and we should respect each other.

"And we value our religion and our prophet (peace be upon him). Press freedom is a great ideal. However, could one argue that Hitler and the Nazis were practising their freedom prior to the Holocaust? We know the Holocaust started with cartoons like this against Jews..."

Very good point. May I refer you as well, new friend, to a column in Friday's Spiegel? Its author is Ibn Warraq, who was educated in Koran schools in Pakistan and later in England. He currently lives in the United States and writes under a pen name traditionally used by dissidents in Islam. I think his article reveals an important difference in our cultures perhaps, a difference from which we both might learn and benefit. I realize his tone may be offensive, but his idea about "free expression" seems to be the major argument in this discussion~~~

"The cartoons in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten raise the most important question of our times: freedom of expression. Are we in the west going to cave into pressure from societies with a medieval mindset, or are we going to defend our most precious freedom -- freedom of expression, a freedom for which thousands of people sacrificed their lives?

"A democracy cannot survive long without freedom of expression, the freedom to argue, to dissent, even to insult and offend. It is a freedom sorely lacking in the Islamic world, and without it Islam will remain unassailed in its dogmatic, fanatical, medieval fortress; ossified, totalitarian and intolerant. Without this fundamental freedom, Islam will continue to stifle thought, human rights, individuality; originality and truth."

[link]  

5 Feb 2006 @ 11:11 by Jon @82.112.142.248 : Another UK look
I don't think no matter how offensive these cartoons have been that placards displayed in London with death threats is justifyable, especially when over 50 innocwnt people were only murdered last summer in the name of religion. The UK has always prided itself in allowing so many asylum seekers in. But this is becomining to look like a massive mistake. Most white UK people don't give a monkeys about Islam, and are weary of have listen to fanatics preaching hatred. Good point though on the cartoonists of the pre-holocaust era. Though yet again, we have an Iranain president that tells us all that the holocause never happened and that hitler was sent by God. Maybe it is a case that Isalm is no longer a straight forward religion but a radicle one. To the West, it certainly comes across as much more bad then good.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 11:32 by Anders @212.242.236.152 : Am I the only one?
I actually like Islam even though I'm christian. It has many of the same ideas and laws as Christianity about treating people with respect, trying to understand instead of hating, and being a positive role-model instead of keeping to yourself.

I just wonder why there's a whole bunch of self-proclaimed muslims out there who doesn't practice it. The smallest thing threatens them, and up comes the Kalashnikovs, the bombs and the promises to kill every man, woman, and child in a country they've never been to.

An Imam from Saudi-Arabia travelling around Europe said in a speech some years ago that these times where the biggest crisis of the Muslim faith ever, because Muslims had become victims of fear and forgotten their values. He also said that it was up to the Muslims in the west to open the dialogue..

..I wonder if that's what they thought they were doing when two of them knocked over my local hot-dog stand here in Copenhagen yesterday and beat the vendor with clubs for selling "unclean" meat?

(A few have mentioned how christian Denmark would react to a cartoon of Jesus with a swastika on him.. Jeez.. been there done that.. You could draw him with a swastika covered dildo up his ### and we would still just laugh it off and go to church smiling.)

(btw Ming the line-up shows, among other things, one of our most right-wing politicians dressed up as Mohammed.. Pretty funny piss on the right wing, if it wasn't because it apparently went completely above a billion Muslims head)  

5 Feb 2006 @ 11:44 by Mohammad Kanaan @212.77.203.246 : Unwise
> I don't think no matter how offensive these cartoons have been that placards displayed in London with death threats is justifyable.

Fully agree. They are not only Un-Islamic and pure criminal, they are stupid. They contribute to us Muslims losing another just argument because of stupidity.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 13:00 by STEVE @195.10.45.154 : moHAMmed
I'll be tolerant of islam when i see a church built in Mecca. Our tolerance is seen as a weakness by these madmen. Every mosque should be considered a trojan horse  

5 Feb 2006 @ 13:11 by بوعبدالله @213.189.73.111 : martin + rick
بالتاكيد الترجمه كانت بها اخطاء كثيره غيرت المعنى,,,,,,,, وهنا تقع المشكله ,كيف نتواصل اذا لااتعلم لغتكم وتتعلمون لغتى,,,, نحن فى العالم الاسلامى نحاول ان نتعلم لغتكم ونرسل ابنائنا ليتعلموا فى جامعاتكم ولكن من جانبكم هناك محاوله لرفض التواصل وهذه حقيقه,,, لكم ثقافتكم التى نحترمها ونقدرها ولكنكم بالتاكيد ترفضون ثقافتنا والشواهد كثيره ,,, هناك الكثير من شعوبكم من يعتقد بأن العرب شعوب لا تستحق الحياه,,, من اوصل الى هولاء هذه الفكره هل ولدواوهى معهم؟ بالتاكيد لا بل اكتسبوها من واقع حياتكم لماذا الاصرار ,, اما انكون مثلكم او تلغوننا ؟؟؟؟؟؟؟؟؟؟ كل ما اريد قوله يجب ان نفهم بأن الورود لها الوان كثيره وكلها جميله؟! نحن فى العالم العربى والسلامى بالتاكيد بحاجه الى تتطوير التعليم واشيا كثيره أخرى,,,,,,,,,, ولكن ولكن ولكن انتم فى الغرب بحاجه الى تغير نظرتكم الى جيرانكم العرب والمسلمين ,,,,,, اتمنى من كل قلبى عندما أزور أوربا أجد ارشادات للطرق أو فى الفنادق أو المستشفيات أوالاسواق مكتوبه فى اللغه العربيه,, هنا ٍأعلم بأنكم على الطريق الصح وهو تقبل الأخر,,,, اتمنى من كل قلبى ان نعود ألى أنسانيتنا جميعا و أن نعلم بأن ما يفرض بالقوه ليس ظمانا للامان بل القوه حسب التاريخ تنتقل بين الشعوب نعم من حقكم ومن حق كل انسان ان يقول ما يريد أو يرسم ما يريد ولكن القضيه اكبر من هذه الرسوم ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, منى لكم كل الحب  

5 Feb 2006 @ 13:24 by terry wasik @64.230.106.197 : violence in CARtoons
Hello EARTHLINGS, how are you today ?
Why is it so easy to have peeple react to drawings of other peeple that are so-called LEADERS ,when other peeple are starving and HOMELESS that need MORE HELP and SUPPORT ??!!
if this is a so-called INTELLIGENT SPECIE then why are not peeple of this PLANET HELPING each other FOOD and CLOTHING instead of burning homes and buildings ? is it easier to BUILD bombes and bullets then to ASSEMBLE GROUPES of MALES and / or FEMALES to BUILD a BETTER,SAFER PLANET ? is that not GOODWILL is supposed to be ??
BUTT of course,no one wants to WATCH peeple HELPING peeple...they wood rather watch peeple bombing and killing peeple and manufacturating more coffins...god bless this planet of beautiful creatures that evolution created !!
love from CORNWALL ,ONTARIO,CANADA.
BUCKLE UP ...drive safe / soyez prudent !
merci beaucoup,muchas gracias ,thank you very much Mr.Bill Gates for thee INFORMATION HIGHWAY !! (thee road ahead ...is for FREEDOM of SPEECH of thee SEXES...)
why is there always males carrying bombes and guns and shooting peeple...??
isnt the pope in CARtoons as well ?? and he is roomered to be GAY ( as he walks around carrying a NAKED guy !!)  

5 Feb 2006 @ 13:29 by king james @64.230.106.197 : i wanna be a ARTIST
i wanna be a ARTIST and to play in thee SUPER BOWL ...god bless america and all VIRGINS in IRAQ !!
i wanna have 40 wives and all thee VIAGRA that is EQUAL to BARRELS OF OIL !allah is great....butt WOMEN are GREATEST !!  

5 Feb 2006 @ 14:17 by God @82.123.19.124 : ALLAH IS THE DEVIL !
You muslim fools have been seduced by Satan !

Muhammed (piss be upon him) was a devil worshipper, a pedophile who stalked 6yo girls, a rapist and a murderer... he was also encouraging slavery and hatred of other races and religions, especially the Jews.
... and to top it all, this false prophet was also into scatology and possibly beastility.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 14:37 by Habib @211.30.219.100 : cartoons
The cartoons are an accurate reflection of the behaviour of muslims and the behaviour they (the cartoons) incited is also fairly typical of the aformentioned group. Muslims in the west must understand that they are not living in islamic states, which was their own decision. If they are not happy with freedom of expression then they should not have chosen to live in countries where freedom of expression is practiced. I am originally Middle Eastern and have some muslim friends who I hold in great regard.. I know that muslims do not respect other religions as much as they profess. I have heard muslims making fun of other religions. I do not take offence except when they then turn around and take offence if others dare to make fun of there religion... which it now appears (Judging from the behaviour of its followers) deserves a great deal of piss taken out of it.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 15:16 by Adrian @81.181.94.122 : europeans should be ashamed
I think that all europeans in which countries these cartoons appeared should be ashamed of yourselfs.You don't realise what you have done.You cannot make fun about something that's holy.If the arabs would have made such a cartoon of your God you would have destroyed all of them but you believe that is not the same with arabs.God forgive you sins and you should pray that this ends here, because we don't want to see people dead because of a stupid from Denmark that is responsable for these cartoons.
I'm not an arab, i'm an european but I respect the religious beliefs of others and I thnik you should do that to.  

5 Feb 2006 @ 15:38 by Drew @24.50.36.55 : Accountability
I think many of us are overlooking a very simple fact. The Muslim world has allowed there religion to be completely hijacked by terrorists - either through complicity or inaction. The world is slowly beginning to be unable to separate terror from Islam. How many people viewed the whole German population as responsible for the attrocities carried out by the Nazis during WW2? Without a large and obvious attempt by the Germans who did not sympathize with Hitler and his henchmen to directly confront his policies they became, by way of inaction, commplicite with the future attrocities carried out under his regime. So to does the Muslim world then become responsible for the actions carried out in their name when they are not emphatically rebuked by the Muslim world. We are lossing the will in the West t