A local (my area) paper's recent article:
http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/632182/Defending-Freedom-Vital-for-Americans.html
*sigh* I can't believe I'm about to say this, but... I agree with Isadore. There. I said it! I hope this never happens again :RpS_glare:
But there is a clear and definite double-standard that is happening in America lately. It's become such a commonplace thing as to be trendy or a fad. And that meme of the moment seems to be that you can say anything you want to/about Christians and Christianity and that's fine. But dammit "don't say a thing about muslims or Islam! You're only going to piss them off!" Or as seen in this thread "What do you think would happen?!"
This is exactly what Islamic extremists want to happen. This line of thinking plays right into their hands. Whether we agree or disagree with art and freedom of speech, we can't avoid it. We can't not do it.
I don't exactly care for the Piss Christ exhibit, I don't like the burning of the American flag and I certainly wish that people wouldn't talk about Christians like they are dirt not fit to walk on - but guess what? It happens. The moment that Americans become fearful of daring to step on that double standard is the moment that we lose the definition of who we are as a country and as people. It is the moment we let them have sway over us.
Would I ever go to an event like the one held in Texas? No. Just like I would never go to a political protest that features flag burning. Just like I would never go to the Piss Christ exhibit. But if I ever chose to do something like that, I should be able to go freely without the fear of being amidst a slaughter.
When was the last time there was a bombing/shooting/killing at an abortion clinic? Did anybody here post "Well, there shouldn't have been people there." Or "Well, they are only poking the bear by having abortions." Think of the same principle for flag burnings, of art exhibits. Of town hall meetings.
It is up to us as Americans to not fall for the propaganda of "We can't poke the bear!" That is all.