Freedom of Expression is at the Core.

There are those who believe that The Popes quotes regarding Mohammad, or a few silly cartoons depicting Mohammed are of greater negative noteworthiness than the fanatical ensuing reactions to them in the Muslim world. These mostly well- intentioned folks woefully misunderstand the larger issue at hand; which is eloquently and succinctly described in the quote below by Dr. Daniel Pipe of the Middle East Forum:

"The Muslim uproar has a goal: to prohibit criticism of Islam by Christians and thereby to impose Shar‘i norms on the West. Should Westerners accept this central tenet of Islamic law, others will surely follow. Retaining free speech about Islam, therefore, represents a critical defense against the imposition of an Islamic order."
Dr. Daniel Pipes

In other words, criticizing expression (however misguided or not) over rioting hordes seeking to stifle free thought and free expression, only plays directly into the hands of those who would impose speech codes and thought control on us all.

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