Honestly, I find it extremely hard to believe that Muhammad would care either way, as he never said that images of him were not allowed. That rule was created after his death to prevent idolatry. But, nevertheless that would still be a personal insult to Mohammad that Muslims happen to take personally. But that isn't the issue. My problem is the insistance that you are suggesting that we limit our speech simply because people will act irrationally as a result. And, Muhammad claiming to be a prophet opened himself up to criticism and insults, which he faced with peace during his life. So, when we insult Muhammad personally, you are suggesting that we expect others to react with violence. If that were the case, I would call Islam an extremely dangerous theology. Fortunately I feEl strongly that most Muslims take this just like any insult to a belief system. It might anger them, but violence as retribution doesn't even enter their mind.
And I too "know" that Muhammad wouldn't take the insult of these toons, he would just keep quiet and tell other to ignore it as he did in his days for similar treatments. The problem is that now Muslims consider it an insult and don't want it. Isn't that enough? Why can't people respect the feelings of ~1.6 billion people? So many people censor the N word used for Africans just to consider their feelings. How difficult it is to do that with Muslims too? It was originally aimed at terrorists? If so, what is the fault of the moderate Muslims like me to have a father figure of theirs insulted?
I'm not against the freedom of speech, I'm against using it for ulterior motives (abuse it) and using it stupidly. The latter caused the death of 7 innocent people. I'm not suggesting to expect it with violence, I'm reminding you of facts of similar incidents that happened to have violence and that people should take it as an example. To use their heads and (indirectly) prevent possible deaths. If you think Islam is an extremely dangerous theology, I wouldn't be reasoning with you now, but instead planning to bomb some place full of innocent non Muslims, and I'd never do that.
Violence is never the answer, but unfortunately it is there. We have to tackle it with smart actions not ones like the subject toons.
And please keep in mind, my feelings against censorship do not in any way mean that I think the cartools weren't in extremely bad taste. I didn't think they were funny or appropriate knowing the Muslims I do. But I will argue for their right to publish it without deserving any kind of physical retribution.
But you already know that with that right to do it, violence
will most likely happen as a result. You would be encouraging them to get themselves killed.
Tell me, how would you feel if the Christ Jesus or the Virgin Mary were drawn in an X-rated way like they did to Muhammad? Would you be happy about it? I wouldn't. Wouldn't you wish it wouldn't have happened?
I'm not arguing against the right to do it, I'm arguing to be smart and give priorities. Just today I was discussing this subject with my mom and brother and I was very upset at the sad end of the 7 victims because of a stupid decision from the director of the establishment. No one would keep their rightful lane driving in a highway if they noticed a long heavy weight truck drifted from the other lane to hit them and send them directly to heaven (or hell), just because it is their right to keep that lane.