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This cartoon sums up our unpreparedness - and police nervousness - in the face of extremism. During the Muslim protests in London in which protesters held up death threats as placards, several passers-by complained to police, and the police did nothing. Home Secretary Charles Clarke has praised the police for their lack of action. Instead the police have set up a post-protest investigation.
Some British politicians have gone even further saying that Muslims needed to be allowed to let off steam. “They’ve had there protest now and hopefully things will calm down,” said one apologetic Member of Parliament.
From extremism to regret
One protester who wore a suicide bomber’s jacket as his protest-prop has identified himself as 22-year-old Omar Khayam, saying “I would be prepared to wear that jacket again.” Later he said, “I understand it was wrong, unjustified and insensitive of me to protest in this way … I do not condone these murderous acts, do not support terrorism or extremism and would like to apologise unreservedly and wholeheartedly to the families of the victims.”
Should the survivors of the 7/7 bombings not accept his apology, take offense and torch his home? Of course not. The survivors of 7/7 are civilised.
Stark Contrast
A quick recap. Compare the following pictures:
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Extremists burn the Danish flag to offend Danes | |
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Danish consulate is torched in Beirut | |
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Vehicles are overturned and set on fire. | |
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London protest where extremists promise Europe another Holocaust and their own 9/11 |
And…
A peaceful vigil in Denmark asking for calm and reconciliation.
Reuters reported it as “Hundreds of Danes gather for a peace torchlight procession demonstration to appeal for a peaceful dialogue to resolve a row that has erupted over the publication of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed”.
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It’s amazing how in a society that practises free speech, the citizens hold peaceful vigils against violence, and in societies where there is no free speech, some citizens run riot like baboons out of a zoo.
Which society would you prefer to live in? Which society should we protect? Buy Danish.
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