A few thoughts
Reader comment on item: Extra! Leading New York Publisher Spikes Book Dealing with Islam!

Submitted by William East (United States), Aug 19, 2008 at 15:30

A vanguard of freedom of speech has fallen when a publishing house shrinks away from a public forum.

For me several questions arise when considering the excerpt:

Deputy Publisher Thomas Perry stating that Random House received "cautionary advice not only that the publication of this book might be offensive to some in the Muslim community, but also that it could incite acts of violence by a small, radical segment."

Cautionary advice? From who? / Offensive? For what reason?/ Incite acts of violence? Over what and by what radical segment?

I assume the cautionary advice originates from a legal department. The possibiltiy of legal wranglings arising over the content of the book are possible is my guess. The cost of legal defense would surely drain resources. Anyone associated with the book becomes an open target for punishing reprisals. Don't tell me this is not a war.

I assume the content of the book is offensive for the reason that the image of this "perfect pattern" Mohammed person is somehow stained by reality. Allow me to make a dogmatic statement here: Mohammed should need no defense if he is a true prophet. Ultimately God will protect his reputation at the final judgement and there should be no need for death threats or death plans against anyone who believes otherwise.

If a person decides that Mohammed is a watermelon grower, or any other thing, is not that person accountable in the final day of judgement at the throne of God? Herein lies a critical truth: Muslims believe themselves to be God's judge and they usurp God's authority to judge as their own.

How can this be? The answer seems to be that Muslims believe themselves to be the tool of God's justice, guided by his hand, directed by his thoughts, the very thoughts embedded in the teachings of the Koran. Do you really think these people are harbingers of peace?

When a system of thought cannot stand against criticisms by its own merits, and without substantial arm twisting and killing threats then that system of thought does not stand true.

Jews stand true, Christians stand true, Islam does not.

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