LettersViewpoints

Offensive justifications

By Josh Basson , , Seattle

The informative article by Andrew Silow-Carroll (?Looking for honesty in the Muslim world,? Feb. 17) raises some important questions on Islam.

The cartoon, of Adolf Hitler in bed with Anne Frank, that was posted on a Belgian Islamist Web site, in response to the drawings that insulted Muslims, are insensitive and deeply offensive to Holocaust survivors.

The jihadis in the Islamic world that violently reacted to the purportedly offensive cartoons appearing in the Danish press have tarnished the image of Islam as a peaceful religion in the civilized world. It does appear to many as a religion of conflict, conquest and violent suppression of individual rights in the name of the Creator. There can be no justification for the orchestrated riots, mob violence, death threats, kidnappings and burning of embassy buildings and flags.

Apparently the Islamofascists think they have the right to publish offensive cartoons on other religions in their news media but are free to react violently when democratic nations publish something they consider offensive. They cannot have it both ways.

The Danish people?s heroic efforts during World War II in refusing to obey Hitler?s orders to deliver their Jewish population to be sent to Nazi death camps will never be forgotten. They represented a bright light in the darkest chapter in human history. I hope all believers in free speech will show solidarity with Denmark by buying Danish products.

Josh Basson

Seattle