CitizenKarin

In response to:CitizenKarin on entering the public sphere

2006-02-04T01:48:27+01:00

Thanks for a well written summary of the JP issue. Press freedom is of course very important and the Danish government should definetly not apologise. However, the purpose of the pictures leaves a foul smell.

http://www.blogs.se/index.php/base-infection

In response to:On the freedom of the press vs. respect for religious sensibilities

2006-02-02T20:36:34+01:00

Frankly, I think there are more serious issues for governments of Muslim countries (indeed, all countries) to focus on: poverty, education, human rights, education and welfare infrastructure, for example. This is comparatively a trivial issue and I do not see how turning it into a bone of political and economic contention is going to have a positive outcome.

I will also take issue with lee954's comments about freedom of speech. The word "absolute" is a dangerous and contested word and should be used carefully. Furthermore, there is freedom of speech, but there is also racism and sexism, for example, and these are issues of human rights, which I think should take precedence over freedom of speech. Rights do not exist in a vaccum - responsibilities come with rights. Respect is one of them.

In response to:On the freedom of the press vs. respect for religious sensibilities

2006-01-31T14:43:01+01:00

Freedom of speech includes the right to be offensive, wrong, ill-informed, prejudiced and unpopular. It is an absolute concept, there can be no restrictions. Even telling something that is obviously a lie should not be prevented; it can be rectified in a libel court. By the way; I'm aware that most Muslims don't live in deserts; but most people who live in deserts are Muslim.

In response to:On the freedom of the press vs. respect for religious sensibilities

2006-01-31T14:14:05+01:00

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" (attributed to Voltaire).

I'm sorry. You've clearly misunderstood all of the above article. First of all most Muslims do not live in the desert. Since you are obviously very proud of freedom of speech, please do not abuse it. Racist and stereotyping comments are not conductive to a useful debate on the virtues of democratic freedoms.

Then consider the fact that people are put on trial in the UK for leaking documents allegedly related to a certain superpower wanting to bomb the greatest beacon of Middle Eastern freedom of speech. Oh yes actually, they already have, twice, by 'accident'.

"Absolute right in Western countries"? Not the right of all people everywhere? Are you not basing your feeling of superiority on other people's oppression here?

In response to:On the freedom of the press vs. respect for religious sensibilities

2006-01-31T08:18:51+01:00

Freedom of speech is an absolute right in Western countries; if Muslims don't like this...stay in the desert where you won't be offended.

In response to:CitizenKarin on entering the public sphere

2006-01-29T16:39:13+01:00

Thank you MagicalMysteryTour, I must say I envy your name.

In response to:CitizenKarin on entering the public sphere

2006-01-29T16:35:20+01:00

I look forward to your blog!