Quote:
Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug
I agree that it does take some courage, but look what you wrote, "in the line of fire". Printing cartoons is not, or should not, be considered an act of war. Any actions that suggest otherwise must be condemned in the strongest manner possible, and I think that includes reprinting the images. As Hitchens points out in the video, the western press failed miserably in the Danish cartoon incident. They absolutely need to do better, and I think by showing solidarity, it removes the power from the radicals, as it shows we will not succumb to blackmail. "Je suis Charlie" basically means we are all targets, and I for one believe that is true.
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Those are fine words to believe we are all targets, but it's simply hogwash. Are you a target for getting bombed, burned or shot because the Herald reprints a stupid cartoon? No, that's ridiculous. It will be the girl at reception, the guy working the press out the saleswoman walking around near the front. Printing cartoons should not ever be justification for any violence. Doesn't mean you can call someone who fears for their staff a coward from behind a computer desk. As usual, the subject is more complex and difficult than a slogan or Hitchens YouTube can solve. We need to show solidarity with the press. Maybe we start by not calling them cowards???
I agree it's the right thing to do, but this holier-than-thou finger waiving from behind a computer screen is the very definition of Internet martyrdom.