US Press Ignores Danish Cartoon Freedom Issues

Did you notice? No one major media outlet in the US is touching the whole controversial Danish cartoon story. Not even with a ten-foot pole.

Even on the satire news outlets. Jon Stewart--nothing. Stephen Colbert--nada. (Ok, ok...update: so they are now reporting about it, but very carefully, as if walking on glass with bare feet.)

Why?

Well, right click on the title link and read that article. Is it fear? Fear of retalliation? I thought we were fighting so we would be free, and so would Iraq and Afganistan.

I think it is culture clash. I'm sure that the hit "Rock the Casbah" from the 80s rock band The Clash is offensive to Islam, too. But then again, we had Ronald Reagan in the White House, who scared the living daylights out of anyone who dared to harm us with his iron clad phrases like:

Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.
Ronald Reagan

It is the Soviet Union that runs against the tide of history.... [It is] the march of freedom and democracy which will leave Marxism- Leninism on the ash heap of history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self-expression of the people.
Ronald Reagan (Replace Soviet Union with current "evils")

Coersion, after all, merely captures man. Freedom captivates him.
Ronald Reagan

I don't believe in a government that protects us from ourselves.
Ronald Reagan

It is the Soviet Union that runs against the tide of history.... [It is] the march of freedom and democracy which will leave Marxism- Leninism on the ash heap of history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self-expression of the people.
Ronald Reagan (Replace Soviet Union with current "evils")

History teaches that wars begin when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.
Ronald Reagan

You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man's age-old dream -- the maximum of individual freedom consistent with order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. Plutarch warned, "The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits."
Ronald Reagan

The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.
Ronald Reagan (Boy, isn't that the truth!)

If you want to read more quotes from Ronald Reagan, check out one of my favorite sites: Wikipedia's Wikiquote!

Don't be surprised when you read these quotes that your head starts to shake from side to side. It seems just about all great leaders contradict themselves or their political party's beliefs at one time or another.

Another Perspective of Danish Cartoons Gone Awry

Sigh. Now how many posts have I done on these sour Danish cartoons? Good grief.

I want to present to you this link that gives a different perspective on the situation from a Danish muslim.

In so many ways, the profound remark President Bush said in his State of the Union speech, applies here, too.

"America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society."

Yes, it is in how we treat one another that sets us apart.

The Danish cartoons were done in response to how they were perceiving treatment from Muslims. However, the manner of conveying that has been distorted in that Muslims are upset about any image of Muhammad.

Muslims should feel upset and they should stand up for their religion. However, they should also remember that they are known by how they treat one another, as well, which is why the cartoons were done. Do you see the tangled web that is being weaved here?

This is indeed a public relations issue for all involved here. We'll see who comes out with the least mud on their face.

Damn Freedom!

Who knew that a series of cartoons in a Danish paper would have such an effect on the Muslim community... and even the rest of the world.

This is Denmark, for pete's sake! Denmark, people. You know that small sliver of land that sits on top of Germany? That's Denmark. Small, itty-bitty country.

Let's just overlook that for a moment.

After a Danish paper published cartoons in September that satirized Muhammad, a prophet of Islam, papers in Germany and France have recently followed suit and ran their own cartoons along with republishing the ones from the Danish paper.

Pssst! Muslims apparently don't have a sense of humor for this.

I mean, Muslims are really riled up about this. Really.

Can you image if Christians and Jews got this upset about some cartoons portraying God in a controversial way? Hmmmmm.... ah.... yikes. I don't think editors would get fired for portraying a controversial God.

But, they are getting fired for publishing the Muhammad cartoons. Is this all in a vain attempt to appease a group of people who really just want to be angry and nothing you say or do will make them happy? Hmmmm.

Muslims are demanding apologies from the governments of Denmark, Norway, Germany, and even France. Why? The governments did not publish the cartoons. The governments didn't do anything wrong. So, then, why? For allowing freedom of press.

Damn freedom!

It's amazing how a small wave from Denmark could get so huge when it hits the Middle East. Did I mention how small and inconsequential Denmark really is?

This is Freedom, Muslims

Hey, Muslims, this is what freedom is all about. That's the message the Danish paper, Jylland Posten, and many others are now saying, as they defend freedom of the press.

Newspapers in France and Germany are republishing the cartoons from the Danish paper in support of freedom of press.

This is what Muslims fear, too. And that is why insurgents fight so hard in Iraq. Islam does not apparently fair well with this type of freedom.

Upholding Free Speech in Denmark

Denmark's in hot water, again. No, it's not because of global warming. It's because a Danish paper, the Jylland Posten, published about a dozen cartoons with images of Islam's Muhammad. It was in an attempt of political satire regarding the Muslim religion and the current jihad that certain Muslim radical sects have instigated against Western countries and cultures.

Let's make one matter clear here before we go on: With its free speech laws, Danish law does not forbid such publicized caricatures. Got that? Okay. Then, let's move on...

Some would say this is a poor and distasteful way to sell newspapers. There are even some Middle Eastern countries that are completely aghast at the publication of these Danish cartoons. The Jylland Posten has made a full front page apology to Muslims, but that's not apparently going to cut it with these Muslim countries that are so offended that they have banned Danish imports. Some countries, like Saudi Arabia and Lybia, have either vacated their Danish embassies or have closed them entirely. These are some very upset people.

And, they are demanding an apology from Denmark's prime minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The Danish prime minister is declining to apologize because the Danish government has not done anything wrong and the newspaper did not break any Danish law. Doing so would only negate the power of law and free speech in Denmark. Bravo, Prime Minister Rasmussen.

But, where does the problem lie in this situation?

Sure, the Danish newspaper, the Jylland-Posten, was irresponsible in soliciting and publishing such inappropriate cartoon material. For that, the editors of the Jylland-Posten get a tap of the golden ruler from Sister Jen. And, a scolding, that according to the teachings of the Danish National Church (Lutheran), you should love your neighbor--including Muslims--and such cartoons aren't very loving, even if they depict something that seems to be true. There are probably more gentle ways to tell Muslims that bombs and mass killings aren't the answer.

Then there are the angry Muslims. Angry not as much at the Danish newspaper, as much as they are just angry. And now Denmark is the recipient country of their anger. Congratulations, Denmark. Your laws and culture are now completely offensive to Muslims.

Reflecting the reaction from Muslim nations, irresponsible Danish free speech is apparently evil. I guess it's okay for Muslims to burn flags and photos of leaders, and to kill other people, but for someone to draw an image of Muhammad in response to their political jihad is bad. Very bad. Hmmmm. Wonder when these Muslim countries will get over it.

You know, if I were a Muslim country and wanted my Muhammad portrayed as something holy and sacred, and battle the war loving images depicted in those cartoons, I'd hire Karl Rove to do some propaganda waging for me. And then, I'd make sure that my country showed Muhammad and our peace-loving Muslim religion just as such: Peace-loving. Call it silly, but you know sometimes water puts out fires better than more fire.

I'm glad that Jewish people don't overreact to all of Christianity's writing God's name as G O D and not G - D. Now, that would be an interesting battle.

Thinking of that, it's amazing that Christians don't do anything about cartoons showing God and Jesus as less than holy and sacred. Maybe Christians know that God is more powerful than any jovial jab in the funny pages.

Danish Muslims Offended by Jewish Cookies

Isn't it amazing how another religious group found Jewish Cookies offensive? What's with these Danish Muslims anyway?

If you know what's up with the Danish Muslims or are one of these Danish Muslims, please comment to this post. I'd love to hear your side of the story.

Something's Rotten in the State of Denmark...

Hamlet could not have stated it better... And it's not just in the state of Denmark. Hmmmm... It reminds me of something I wrote this past summer about Muslims infiltrating Europe. De ja vu? Oh, speaking of the French, what did they do to upset the Muslims so much? Cappucino too hot, or too cold? Not enough froth? And what about the isolated incidents of riots in Denmark? What's wrong with the Danish? They give you a cheese danish when you wanted an apple one?

I'm waiting for the day when the peaceful Muslims get together to protest the militant Muslim's actions and start singing REM's "Losing My Religion." But, I won't hold my breath on that. Oh, well.

Someone should check and make sure that those Europeans aren't getting lead poisoned in small doses, or that their rye bread doesn't have some odd infestations.

I wonder what Rosencranz and Guildenstern are saying as they dig those graves at the graveyard??

Denmark Researchers Able To Store Hydrogen in Tablet

I almost forgot to post this great news from Denmark!

Click on the title of this post for the link.

Denmark Technical University has found a way to store hydrogen in tablet form! This is a breakthrough advancement in utilizing hydrogen as a renewable source of energy to replace our dependence on oil and petroleum products. Read the article and get excited!

Rare Gauguin Bust Found in Danish Family's Christmas Decor

A rare bust by Paul Gauguin of his son was found in amongst the Christmas decor of a Danish family on the Seeland Island. Gauguin and his Danish wife lived on Seeland Island in Denmark with their children.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=29&art_id=qw1125380880575A153&set_id=1

What do you have in your heirloom chest that might just be more than a family treasure?

Denmark Says No to Unathorized CIA Flights

http://denmark.dk/portal/page?_pageid=374,610577&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&ic_itemid=857199

So, what are CIA planes doing flying unauthorized over Denmark, anyway?

Maybe I'm Still On Vacation?

Wow. George W. Bush goes on vacation, and I just get back from vacation, and voila... I am not so upset about current events. I don't know if it is just the vibes from a nice relaxing vacation that give me the aura of everything is right with the world or what, but I might have to rethink my blog this week.

I am just not upset or driven to write about any certain topic. I try. Really, I do. I keep checking Google News to see if there's something that justs gets me, but no. Nothing.

The first female commander-in-chef at the White House is named, and all I think is ahhh, that's nice. Hurray for women's lib. Whatever.

Denmark decides not to create a flag war with Canada over Hans Island, some dinky ice chip off the coast of Greenland. Good. Diplomatic strategies of talking it out usually work for foreign countries, just not with the USA and muslim countries.

Planes keep crashing everywhere. Tremors in Japan. High school football is about to start up again.

Crawford, TX is invaded by... aliens? I wish. No. Fanatic anti-war protesters. What else is new, anymore?

Is the news truly NEWS if it is not new? OK. That thought is a bit too difficult for me to ponder right now.

Where's my margarita?

We Are Fighting the Wrong War

Originally penned Friday, July 8, 2005

Yesterday’s bombings in London just go to show what the Islamic nation has been doing for at least the last decade or more: living amongst us.

Muslims have been moving out of their birth countries to regions of the world where the people and culture are very, very different from Islamic traditions. When I read reports that Islam was becoming a religion to contend with in Denmark, my ancestral home, I couldn’t believe it. However, the immigration and census reports did not lie. Christianity was being threatened by Islam, and even the natives are starting to change their protestant tune to an Arabian chant.

Psst. And they are here in the USA, too. Right after 9/11, the debate was set in Iowa over a government owned camp that was going to be leased to an Islamic group for $1. I believe the Army Corp. of Engineers accepted a modified version of the Muslim group’s proposed “youth camp.” Thus, there is an Islamic “youth” camp in Iowa, although I can’t seem to find any information about this Camp Heritage near North Liberty, Iowa, next to the Coralville Dam.

This is not a mistake. They are mingling in other geographic regions of the world for a reason. These are carefully planned actions by the Muslim community to take over the world. Whhh—whhhhhaaaa—whaaaat? I know what you’re thinking. I am going over the edge. This is way too radical thinking.

Well, say that to those poor few Germans who thought that after Hitler graced his country with prosperity and the good life, he would try to take over the world. He did try to take over the world, and he would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for those meddling countries. Ah, I digress.

From what the Bush Administration spins, er talks about, they have no idea the magnitude of what they are dealing with. They think these are relatively small cells of terrorists doing this work centered in other parts of the world, with the help of some rogue countries. These people do not see themselves as terrorists, nor are they as small as we think they are. They are a large group of people that have relocated to places around the world, including the US, to carry out plans of covert actions to weaken public societies and accepted cultures. All in an attempt to change the world to their own brand of religion, public policy and government.

Actually Bush and his gang are playing into the hands of the Islamic nation. Bush’s foreign policy and the war on terror make others hate our form of government and ideologies. Thus, swaying more people to defect toward Muslim ideologies and become more involved with their cause.

We are putty in these Muslim factions that want to take over the world. The events of 9/11, instead of uniting our country, have divided the USA and have stripped everyday citizens of our rights and freedoms that previous soldiers died to defend. We have stripped ourselves of attitudes of peaceful tolerance and appropriately civil justice in exchange for righteous revenge. US Citizens are now becoming more accepting to the notion that we must forfeit our freedoms and rights to fight this battle against “terrorism.” Surrendering our freedoms and rights only weakens our societal foundation.

Issues that were mundane in the past are now the forefront of the media and politics, like homosexual marriage and abortion rights. This helps to create a thought process in a population that repression and intolerance is right, exactly what the radical Muslims want to see. It makes their job of clandestine conversion much easier. Even Christianity is becoming more and more twisted in the USA with fundamentalist Christian leaders working themselves into the political and governmental systems to dictate “their” agenda.

And their traditional agenda is changing, too. The more they spout about their pro-life stance in one arena, the more they are covertly giving their blessings to “pro-death” actions in another arena. They have no idea that these Muslims can use this to further twist Christianity into their version of Islamic faith.

Bush declared “war” on terrorism, but it is not a “war on terror” that these Muslims are waging. They are attempting to infiltrate into our public fabric and change the political, moral and religious fibers to a homogenous Islamic thread. And they are winning.

When all Christian churches in the world are lifted from their original foundations onto stilts, the foundation demolished, new foundations poured, and the original church is repositioned to face east, they will still be called Christian churches. Only the worship will be considerably different.

Islamic AQ Groups Target Rich Energy Countries?

Originally penned Friday, July 8, 2005

I wonder if there is a link with migrant Islamic (Al-Qaida like) groups, and the amount of oil and other energy reserves in their country (i.e. Denmark: http://www.dr.dk/nyheder/fremmedsprog/English/article.jhtml?articleID=263502)?

It would be interesting to see if someone would map and highlight countries in the world were there was a major influx of Islamic peoples in the last 25 years, and then denote the countries with large oil reserves and high levels of other energy sources, as well.

Also, it seems rather coincidental that Bush, baby in an oil family, would visit Denmark just days before the Danish Energy Agency announces larger oil reserves than previously thought in that country.