Freedom. The principles of this nation are founded upon the concept of freedom. We are free to come and go as we please. We are free to have families as we please. We are free to be successful, or to fail, as we please. Within the reasonable boundaries of law, we are free to do virtually anything we please - as long as we do not harm others.
This situation over the caricatures of Muhammad has gotten out of hand not only by those who would answer this "offense" with violence but also by those who would thumb their noses at decorum and cultural sensitivity in the name of the very freedom that would not only allow such carelessness but would also grant to us the freedom to refrain from that which could ultimately do more harm than good. Just because we have a right to do something does not necessarily mean that we should.
More newspaper columnists are decrying the American newspapers who are choosing to refrain from publishing the cartoons as "caving", but then again these "watchdogs of freedom" must surely be relatively certain that they will not be held financially liable if such "in your face" journalism should cause physical property damage. Ain't freedom grand??
It would appear to me that the American brand of "freedom" is not completely compatible with the kind of freedom spoken of in the Bible. There is a whole different concept that allows that just as surely as we are free to DO, we are also free to refrain - especially when we know or even think that someone may be genuinely offended in any way.
I think it is as simple as defining "moral" behavior. It is not enough to refrain from doing evil but rather, true moral behavior would be more inclined toward actively good behavior. WWII and the Holocaust should be enough for Americans to know that remaining silent and doing nothing is not only not conducive to moral conduct but may in fact actually be immoral.
Never mind the nasty comments such as, "In your face, raghead", and other such derogatory remarks. They achieve nothing. We are indeed at war but we are not at war with Islam; we are at war with a world-wide band of mauraders, thugs, and murderers who happen to align themselves with Islam. There is a major difference, and those who are true and faithful to their calling deserve at least our respect. This will be the only way we can ever hope to earn any respect.
2 comments:
It's freedom of choice while also using a little Common Sense...and Moral Sense.
I am of the opinion that my right to do anything ends when it begins to infringe upon another's rights.
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