Mohammed Cartoons: Muslim Leaders Exploit Their People

Is everyone aware of the worldwide eruption with pitting Muslim's defending their Prophet against the world, or pitting Middle East versus West or, most accurately in my opinion, pitting medieval barbarism against civilization? Well, "all hell is breaking loose" as certain Muslim leaders have threatened because of some Danish cartoons picturing Mohammed and Muslims as murderous loons. Those so inflamed don't seem to note the irony of burning down the Danish embassy in Syria--Muslims are so NOT violent! Honey, pass me the match!

While making fun of any religious figure strkes me as poor form--unless you follow The Monolo (hey, fashonistas say that his shoes have a "cult-like following") and then all bets are off, it should be tolerated in any civilized society. Americans have this little thing called the First Amendment--perhaps now is a good time to refresh ourselves. Muzzling disent about one religion imperils the freedom of expression for all religions. This is not good. Are we going to create a "thought police" army where this can be said but that can't? Where are we China?

While Muslims have their collective burkas in a bundle about the nefarious cartoons, they seem to forget that Muslim artists themselves have been a subject of art and humor throughout history.

It seems that there is more at work with this worldwide outrage. Could it be that Muslim leadership sees their power eroding? Could it be that sparking this frenzied response keeps the self-serving leadership protected and the average folks busy elsewhere? Yes, the rage is oozing everywhere but at least the recipient of this vast well of energy and anger and hatred isn't being pointed at the true slave-masters--the Mullahs and religious leaders who get rich with one hand and suppress and deprive their people with the other. Isn't scapegoating a really good way to maintain control? These mischief makers have used this technique for centuries--you'd think the people would get tired of blaming the Jew after all these years, but alas no. What better way to control your people than to pull in all of civilization on the vast conspiracy to keep "you down".

It's worked so far, will it continue to work?