muslim sensitivities

[jomifl]

The thread that I posted re. the video that muslims found offensive enough to justify murderous rampages around the world seems to been removed. Perhaps the Ed. would do me the courtesy of explaining why. As far as I know the UK is not a muslim state and sharia law does not govern our lives. I know it is a good idea to be polite to a madman when he is waving a sword at you, but it hasnt quite come to that yet has it?
If I can't have a debate about a current matter of serious concern, can I at least have a trouble maker badge.

[jomifl]

Thankyou for your response Ed.
I posted the video in order to show how juvenile and deliberately offensive it was. There are several points that arise from this.
1. Nobody was forced to watch the video
2. This video had the English soundtrack not one of the Arabic overdubbed versions which may well have been made more insulting just to cause unrest.
3. The video could have been removed or replaced with a link.
4. I don't see how AB could negatively affected unless there is more muslim funded advertising on this site than is apparent.
5. I cannot see why this thread will be removed as it does not contravene the Site Rules.
6. Giving in to pressure from bullies will solve nothing
7. This issue will return so there is no point in hiding from it now.

Many thanks to the ABers who have supported me over this. It is comforting to know that there are some people who are capable of recognising an important issue when it is waving a sword in their face.
Long live free speech.

[vivandorron]

Good question em. It seems that the Ed is willing for us to discuss the matter but will remove the thread latter today. Rather strange arrangement I think.

Ron.

[tamborine]

Ed, Boxtops comments for muslims & supported this thread as a discussion. If all questions re muslims are removed how will we build bridges and get a balanced view.

[Kerosene]

'build bridges' ? 'build bridges' ?

This is AB, not the farquharring United Nations - Duh!

[Duncer]

Very strange arrangement indeed.

[Duncer]

"This thread will be removed later on today."

Any chance you could let us know why please Ed?

[Kiki-frog]

This thread's still going, though, so it looks like it's been reprieved, jomifl. A victory for free speech methinks.

[jomifl]

Kiki, Freedom of speech seems to depend on the whim of the Ed. I just hope he has sufficient pollux to handle the awsome responsibility :-)

[FredPuli43]

Could effect us negatively [Ed.] Yes, in the sense that rebroadcasting the video coud be seen, in theory, as assisting in incitement to racial or religious hatred, I suppose. Hope we're not worried about a gang of extremists burning the AB flag; that should prove a puzzle ! But there's really no need to show it, or any similar video, is there? We know the nature of it, and may readily conclude that a)it's offensive and b) meant to be and c) it has been used as an excuse for yet another riot by some Muslims.

[emmie]

well for the moment, unless this is pinged shortly, it's still alive and kicking.
Democracy funny word that, means so much to us, or it does to me, but it would seem that some, and i am not referring to Ab Editor or any AB member seem to think it a dirty word. One angry, inflamed individual said that he did not want democracy he wanted Sharia Law imposed everywhere, across the globe, how charming, at least it was unequivocal.
You can't respond to that can you?

[Duncer]

I hadn't seen the offending piece, so viewing it on here allowed me to make my own mind up rather than having a version of the press do it for me.

Long may this sort of thing continue. Nobody here was actively promoting the video or supporting it; in fact nearly all saw it for what it was.

[naomi24]

Sadly, I can fully understand why the trashy video was removed - but I'm very pleased the thread has remained. There have been some important points made here.

[emmie]

Naomi, they have, and i am also glad that it's still here.

[beso]

Then let's be fair to atheist sensitivities too and delete any thread that makes any claim about the existence of gods.

[jomifl]

beso, you anticipated me...again. I am considering complaining to the ed about goodlife's posts as I find them insulting to my belief.

[naomi24]

^^ :o)

[beso]

Seriously. I am sick of declarations that assert the right of religious belief that seem to fall short of affording the same rights to those of us who choose to reject religious dogma in favour of rational debate.

Instead we are accused of intolerance for stating our position while those of regognised religions are guaranteed the right to preach their doctrine openly in a society where universal free speech is supposedly the centrepiece of democratic freedom.

[jomifl]

Naomi, It was an exceptionally awful video. I can't see how any body with a functioning brain would treat it with anything other than contempt and quickly forget it. However we forget that muslims are not like other people and are highly sensitive, unfortunately only to their own pride and self interest and are incapable of understanding that non muslims are as different to themss they are to non muslims.

[naomi24]

I know. :o)