Those Crazy Muhammed Cartoons

so...

A couple of weeks ago, some Danish Cartoonists decided to publish a series of cartoons depicting the Moslem prophet, sparking outrage all over the world. The Moslems rioted in the streets of many large cities in many countries, demanding the death of the "infidels". What was the charge? Drawing a picture of the Prophet, who's image is sacred. Hmph. The more logical and educated amongst them said that freedom of the press was all fine and well, but there must be some moral constraints. Unfortunately, Christianity has never been allowed the respect that the Moslems are demanding; I'm sure you've heard about all the stuff that has abused Christianity. We don't kill people when the 'Holy Family' is depicted in The Simpsons, or when South Park goes out on a blasphemy run! However, it is not permissible for a few people to draw cariactures of the founder of a erroneous, violent, abusive religion.
The main thrust of the protests seem to be directed at limiting the freedom of any given individual to say what they like in a public medium. They say that, if it is illegal to deny the Holocaust, why can it not be illegal to depict the 'Holy Prophet' in cartoons? The answer is simple: the Holocaust occurred. We have ample evidence of it. Islam is a religion. We honour freedom of religion. However, we honour the choice of people *not* to adhere to Islam, Christianity, or Buddhism, for example. When I am in a mosque, I will not draw funny pictures of the old guy who founded the religion, just as I would not draw funny pictures of George Bush in the Oval Office, unless he asked me to, or the mood suggested it. However, there is nothing preventing me from drawing the funny pictures outside of the Mosque--there is no reason that I should not! In fact, the Western world actually encourages freedom of expression and my individual right to poke fun at anything, as long as they are not gay.
The 'educated moslems' of North America and parts of Europe are trying to convince non-moslems that Islam is religion of peace. This cannot be further from the truth. In the Quran, it states: Final Testament,
[4:34] The men are made responsible for the women, and GOD has endowed them with certain qualities, and made them the bread earners. The righteous women will cheerfully accept this arrangement, since it is GOD's commandment, and honor their husbands during their absence. If you experience rebellion from the women, you shall first talk to them, then deserting them in bed, then you may beat them. If they obey you, you are not permitted to transgress against them. GOD is Most High, Supreme.

The way I see it, that will lead some pretty serious abuse against women. "If you experience rebellion from the women...then you may beat them". In the Western World, beating *anyone* is illegal. Beating your wife does not, in my opinion, show maturity, love, or caring to your wife. The Quran was written 1400 years ago, and didn't apply then. The Bible was written 2000 years ago, and did not advocate wife-beating then. It did not advocate beating, period. The Old Testament has definite commands about what must happen if someone breaks the law, but there is nothing about beating your wife in there, nor beating someone who does not obey you.

Islamic clerics are offering up large sums of money for the person who kills the cartoonists.
http://tinyurl.com/q7utk

Western Islamic clerics are still trying to convince people that Islam is a religion of peace. However, as you will see below, this is an absolutely ridiculous attempt. If you can follow the writings on the page that this is sourced from, by all means try. It's not written in contemporary English, unfortunately.

And fight in the way of Allah those who fight you... (V.2:I9O).
Then Allah (swt) revealed in Sarah Tauba (Bara 'a) (Repentance, IX) the order to discard (all) the obligations (covenants, etc.) and commanded the Muslims to fight against all the Mushrikun as well as against the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) if they do not embrace Islam, till they pay the Jizya (a tax levied on the non-Muslims who do not embrace Islam and are under the protection of an lslamic government) with willing submission and feel themselves subdued (as it is revealed in the Verse 9:29). So they (Muslims) were not permitted to abandon "the fighting" against them (Pagans, Jews and Christians) and to reconcile with them and to suspend hostilities against them for an unlimited period while they are strong and are able to fight against them (non Muslims).
(http://www.islamworld.net/jihad.html)
So... basically, if you are a Jew or Christian, and don't pay a certain tax or embrace Islam, may your soul rot in hell forever, because we're gonna kill you. But, don't forget, Islam is a religion of Peace.

I find it truly irritating that North Americans do not look at their neighbours in Europe and see their reactions to the riots as indicative of how truly violent and unacceptable the Islamic religion's policies truly are. They have had large populations of Moslems in Europe for a much longer time than we in North America have. We have not experienced the same troubles as they have yet. Here in Canada, the Moslems are campaigning for the Shariah law to be respected for those who are Moslem, just as Judiaism is permitted to use their laws in minor offenses. However, in Islam, if a man sleeps with a woman who is not his wife, he will be slapped on the wrists, while the woman is killed. The initial offense could be considered minor under Canadian Law; however, the punishment under Shariah law is considered a major offense under Canadian Law. We must respect other people's rights, while maintaining our own. Another person should not be able to dictate what I can or cannot say, as long as it is true.

I am not attempting to incite racisim; I am attempting to defend our rights to freedom of expression. The control that is exercised on the media in Islamic countries must not be initiated here.

Have a good day, ppl. And write a message, 'cos I don't know if you exist out there :)