From Editor and Publisher:
* National Public Radio decided not to even post a Web link to the cartoons. “The bottom line for me is that the cartoon is so highly offensive to millions of Muslims that it’s preferable to describe it in words rather than posting it on the web,” said NPR News executive Bill Marimow, the former editor of The Sun in Baltimore. “In this case, I believe that our audience can, through our reports — on radio and the web — get a very detailed sense of what’s depicted in the cartoon. By not posting it on the web, we demonstrate a respect for deeply held religious beliefs.”
* At USA Today, “we concluded that we could cover the issue comprehensively without republishing the cartoon, something clearly offensive to many Muslims. It’s not censorship, self or otherwise,” said Deputy World Editor Jim Michaels.
* According to an article in today’s USA Today, New York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller said that he and his staff concluded after a “long and vigorous debate” that publishing the cartoon would be “perceived as a particularly deliberate insult” by Muslims. “Like any decision to withhold elements of a story, this was neither easy nor entirely satisfying, but it feels like the right thing to do.”
Of course, Bill Keller and company don’t mind putting a picture of the Virgin Mary covered in shit in the paper again. Perhaps a few Catholic radicals need to behead Mr. Keller, then the NYT might realize that it is giving a “particularly deliberate insult” to Catholics.
It’s become inarguably obvious that these secular champions of the 1st Amendment are pansy paper tigers. They’re bold and brave enough when attacking a religion that instructs followers to turn the other cheek, but they suddenly find deep sensitivity and respect when a religion of the sword is involved.
The lesson? No atheist ever died for his religion.