If this comes to fruition, then at least Rose can’t be criticized for maintaining double standards

If this comes to fruition, then at least Rose can’t be criticized for maintaining double standards on

freedom of speech. We’ll see if the same holds true for the various commentators who have hailed his

decision to run the Islam cartoons.

I hasten to note, however, that editors shouldn’t have to prove their objectivity/fairness/whatever by

appeasing those who shriek loudest. If the point of the Muhammad cartoons was simply to challenge hate

-speech laws, then taking on other, bigger taboos is a logical next step. But printing Holocaust

cartoons in the name of “balance” is a non sequitur. It implies that, far beyond supporting free

speech for both blasphemers and Holocaust deniers, a “fair” editor is obligated to see no difference

between the two. If Rose really believes that, then yes, he is an idiot. If, however, his intention is

to strike a blow against the thought police, then let’s hear it for those plucky Danes.

The provocateur at the center of the Muhammed cartoon controversy, Flemming Rose, verifies my thesis

that he is a complete idiot by declaring that his newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, is seeking to publish

cartoons “satirizing” …. the Holocaust. Where will they get these cartoons? Oh, not to worry: an

Iranian newspaper has announced a Holocaust cartoon contest.

There is no excusing the Muslim mobs who have used or threatened violence in response to the infamous

Danish cartoons. Period. If that’s not immediately apparent to everyone, Messrs. Cavanaugh and Parris

should help out.