Hypocratic Free Speech Debate

Even as a pacifist, I can't help but lift the corners of my mouth in a sly grin in satisfaction at the controversy that has errupted at the release of the Turkish film "Valley of the Wolves: Iraq" that (with or without reason) villifies American soldiers.

This story has come on the heels of the all too infamous caricatures of Mohammed, which have seriously offended a large portion of the Muslim population, having been reprinted over and over again in the western world all in the name of free speech.

I would bet that all of those that have their panties on a little too tight over this film are probably the same ones that saw nothing wrong with the caricatures. Ultimately, it all surrounds the same founding principle of freedom of speech.

William Donohue, President of the Catholic League actually stated (incredibly) on MsNBC's Scarborough Country that using the freedom of speech argument was "[...] such a cop-out."

He also stated that "In this country, we are civilized. We don't appreciate it when some one sticks it to you in the name of freedom of speech...we condemn it. But over there they take the uncivilized approach, and then they wonder why so many people don't trust the Muslims when it comes to liberty, because they will abuse it [...]" Did he really just say that? You can watch the entire segment here.

Furthermore, to date there have been hundreds of American films that have villified a number of nations, religions and ethnies around the world, from the Russians, to Vietnamese, to Cubans, Mexicans, Serbians, Czechs...and the list goes on and on and on. Just a few examples include "True Lies", "Rules of Engagement", and "Navy Seals." How much do you want to bet that Mr. Donohue has seen at least one of these films and the thought of American film makers abusing their liberties didn't even cross his mind. He probably enjoyed it if anything, along with his popcorn.
People are saying - okay, fine, we are upset, but we sure aren't burning any embassies. Were any American embassies bombed bacause of the release of these pro-American films? No.
We must keep in mind the context of the rioting. It is not just the caricatures, but a serious of events that have occurred throughout decades, that are all compounded by the ongoing occupation and control over the Muslim world by what most would consider 'foreign invaders'.

If anything, the backlash in America to this film will only fuel more hatred and propoganda on the "western" side against the Muslim world, even more than the film will invoke hatred against Americans. Sadly, this is already the reality.

Please note that I do not blame American, or allied soldiers, for the situation that they are in. I watched Private Ryan after all. I do however blame the world leaders that have a tendancy to view human beings as mere "collateral damage" in their quests, and who invoke war on the world in the first place.