One Cartoon May be Worth a Thousand Syllogisms

In an editorial, "Too Late to the Party," (March 10), Free Inquiry magazine is castigated
for publishing controversial Muhammad cartoons. The editorial maintains that publishing
the cartoons was "too late" and "inflammatory."

We published four of the cartoons from a Danish newspaper as soon as we could (being
a bimonthly). We did so because we believe that freedom of expression is precious
in a democratic society and we were disturbed that very few newspapers or magazines in America had the courage to do so. Moreover, the theme that they deal with--the bombing of
innocent people "in the name of God"--is timely, for it happens almost every day.

Two reasons given for not publishing the cartoons were first, that they might be
offensive to devout Muslims; and second, because of the fear that publishing them
might provoke violent retaliation. In answer to the first objection, should we avoid
publishing anything controversial that might offend someone in the community? Surely
not; for there would be little of interest to publish. The second motive is the most lilkely one, but this is hardly a justification for the lack of courage; and democracy is unlikely to survive if writers and editors capitulate to vigilante mobs.

On the contrary, the cartoons express a powerful form of political satire. Indiscriminate
bombing of bystanders in the name of religious faith should not be immune to commentary,
particularly when it affects everyone in society. Which is the greater obscenity: to offend
the unexamined beliefs of those who would blow people to Kingdom Come in the hope
of being rewarded by 72 virgins in heaven (this was mistranslated, it most likely referred
to "white grapes"), or to remain silent when men, women and children are murdered and

maimed?

I am surprised by the position taken by the editors, particularly at a University, which
is committed to freedom of inquiry of all sides of questions--literary, political, economic,
moral and religious)--and above all the right of dissent.