Manal and Alaa's bit bucket free speech from the bletches

Free speech is a wonderful thing. As a Canadian, I enjoy the right to express myself as I like; at the same time, I'm proud that my nation has 'hate speech' laws as well. I'm not saying the cartoons spring from hatred, however. Bad judgement, though, for sure.

I've stayed in Egypt 4 times over the last 5 years (total time 16 months), and enjoyed being accepted by Muslims who showed respect for my faith (I'm a practising Catholic). I know that depicting Mohammed is not acceptable to many (most) Muslims, despite Persian and other images of him from the past. What is to be gained by showing the Prophet of Islam in the first place, let alone as a human bomb with a lit fuse? Humour's great.... But who picks the subjects? And how about some respect along with the jokes?

-- Peace --