The latest publication to publish the controversial Mohammed cartoons is not your typical outlet. Spare Change, the local paper for the benefit of the homeless, has gotten into the game. Here is part of its editorial explaining that decision:
Yes, the cartoons were in poor taste. The Danish newspaper probably should not have published them. But adults in civilized societies do not murder and pillage whenever their sensibilities are offended. No one should expect a pluralistic world to adhere to his religion’s specific tenants and then riot when this does not occur. No one has the right not to be offended, and everyone has the responsibility to express his anger through non-violent means.
We must ask: What is more offensive – a cartoon that shows Mohammed wearing a bomb for a turban, or an angry Muslim youth murdering a Catholic priest? By rioting against images that depict Islam as a violent religion, these Muslims are simply reinforcing the cartoons’ point.
The mainstream media have also surrendered their duty to the public – and to the truth. As we write this, only two major American newspapers – The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Sun – have published the cartoons. Among local newspapers, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Boston Phoenix have also acted cowardly.