Da Techguy's (no longer backup) Blog

Years ago when the Satanic Verses came out there was outrage when threats were made against Salman Rushdie. There was a move to have people buy his book in solidarity with Rushdie and to stick those who called for his death.

On of the functions of terrorism is to make a person or a group do something they would not normally do. I was outraged at the threats against an author’s life but I thought about it and asked myself this question…

Would I normally have purchased this book if these threats didn’t take place?

Since I found the answer was no I decided that the only reason I would be buying said book would be to prove to people that I was a supporter of free speech and opposed to the fatwa against Rushdie. I decided I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone, so although whenever the subject came up I condemned the Iranians and expressed support for Rushdie I didn’t buy the book, I’ve never read the book and I never plan to read the book.

Now comes “Everybody draw Mohammed day” and the blog that comes with it and a decision comes again.

Would I be doing this to illustrate my opposition to Jihad? Would I normally do this? The answer both times is no.

I have unabashedly declared islamic killers as barbarians, I will continue to do so. I have condemned the cowardice of Comedy Central. I don’t feel I have anything to prove. In addition I don’t like caricatures of Christ, Mary etc that are unflattering. I want respect for my religion therefore I need to show that same respect. Free speech has to also include freedom to not speak if you don’t want to.

Therefore I am not going to draw Mohammed on May 20th. If you think less of me because of that, so be it…

…oh and I can’t draw to save my life either.

One more thing; there are items that are not offensive that some extremists have deemed offensive, that can’t stand. So I will be doing something on the 20th but not a drawing and not something that I think is offensive.