Tuesday, September 19, 2006

The Pope's Right to be Silly

So, I didn't agree with some of the Pope's talking points. But, you know, I could imagine actually sitting down with him and talking about it. I mean, sure, it's not going to happen. But, I get the feeling that he's on a rational wavelength. Those people who are freaking out in the streets, who seem to have no clue whatsoever what he said? Not so much. Der Spiegel points out the important thing to remember while discussing the Pope's speech:

"What will come next? Perhaps a complaint that Allah feels insulted by the numerous European women who don bikinis during a summer trip to the beach. It could be anything really -- militant Islamists will always find something. But the response needs to be firm. Freedom of speech, after all, is a vital value and needs to be defended. Any attempt to make political speech hostage to some imagined will of God must be resisted."

That's right. Although, it should be pointed out that this Pope himself has actually taken the Radical Ideophobe line when other people have offended the crackerjack Middle East varsity riot team, arguing that we really shouldn't be going around saying things that slander religions.

But, it's still right.

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