Skip to main content

Today's Poll: Should man who made 'Innocence of Muslims' video be punished?

By Howard B. Owens
Mark Brudz

Strictly as the poll question was written, I voted no, as a matter of Free Speech that is.

However, Jason was absolutely correct as well, the man violated his probation which precluded his use of the Internet. From that perspective he should be prosecuted.

I think the poll should have indicated an option 'For his probation violation only'

Sep 28, 2012, 9:51am Permalink
Gary Spencer

Jason,
I agree with you, I voted "NO" in that he should not be punished for making the video, but probably should and will be punshied for violating his parole. (allegedly!)

Sep 28, 2012, 9:52am Permalink
Patrick Wilson

I voted "no" assuming your question was related to the Freedom of Speech issue. He certainly should be prosecuted for his parole violations. Perhaps a better wording of your question is needed.

Sep 28, 2012, 11:10am Permalink
C. M. Barons

Indeed the film's producers should not be punished for the content of the film as the film remains protected speech. However, (as pointed out in earlier posts) there are charges reflecting violations of probation terms that may be pursued. There is also a question pending as to whether some of the actors and other personnel associated with the production may have been mislead to secure their participation in the film. In any event, these other charges should not be construed as punishment for perceived objectionable nature of the film's content.

I would suggest to the producers of the film, they might want to present the film within the milieu of their intended audience- perhaps screen it at the next Tehran, Kabul or Islamabad film festival. It's unfortunate that the rave responses to their production have been only indirectly visited upon them. Certainly they deserve to bask, first-hand, in the fruits of their labor. There is nothing more rewarding than experiencing -in person- public emotions lifted by one's art.

They might bring Terry Jones along to contribute his perspective to the presentation.

Sep 28, 2012, 11:41am Permalink
Ted Wenzka

I voted YES for the simple fact that his use of "free speech" got people killed. Using the freedom of "free speech" comes with responsibilities to society. This person crossed the line and should pay.

Sep 28, 2012, 11:44am Permalink
Mark Brudz

You must not be watching the news Ted.

The attack on the Bengazzi Consolate had absolutely nothing to do with protest at all. it was a planned terroist (Military Style) assault using mortars and rocket launchers on the anniversary of 9-11

Sep 28, 2012, 12:08pm Permalink
John Roach

Ted,
So it's OK to disparage Christianity because we do not kill people for it, but not OK to disparage Islam because they do? Does that mean you support blasphemy laws?

Sep 28, 2012, 12:21pm Permalink
Ted Wenzka

John,
Yes! I am a Catholic who does not believe in saying Thank You when someone slaps me in the face. I am a believer in "An eye for an eye". This is a free country and this gives me the right to think as I wish and gives you the right to disagree with me. Let's leave it at that.

Sep 28, 2012, 1:12pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Free speech is not predicated on outcomes.

One does not lose a right to criticize an institution or a religion because somebody may react negatively to it. The person with the negative reaction is at fault for his reaction, not the speaker. Nobody forced the Muslims who rioted to riot. That was their choice. They're responsible for their actions, nobody else.

And, Ted, as a Catholic, surely you understand that Jesus overturned the Old Testament. He said, rather than an eye for an eye, turn the other cheek.

And the poll question was intentionally vague.

Sep 28, 2012, 1:48pm Permalink
Jeff Allen

Our government harasses, defames, and intimidates the maker of a film that disparages Islam, yet gives the artist that created Piss Christ thousands of our tax dollars and it's back on display in New York. Our Secretary of State denounced the film yet raved about seeing the Broadway play Book of Mormon which blasphemes their faith. The White House SAYS that all egregious insults to faith should be denounced yet is completely silent on those who disrespect Mormonism and Christianity.

Sep 28, 2012, 4:58pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

No Ted it just makes you more Jewish than Catholic, The Torah and the Old Testament all share the same books. If you paid attention in church then you'd realize that to be called Christian you should at least attempt to follow the teachings of Christ. I at least try to practice "turn the other cheek" I am not always successful but that what Christianity is about. Acknowledging that while we all are human and will sin. We are still welcomed by Christ because of his sacrifice to redeem us.

Sep 28, 2012, 7:00pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

John...I think you meant to say Today's Christians dont kill people for not believing. Even though from the time of the crusades about 500 yrs ago to as recently as the 1800's during the european colonization of north and south america when native cultures were slaughtered for not converting to Christianity.

Sep 28, 2012, 7:05pm Permalink
Billie Owens

I have no problem believing the Bible and in science and evolution. To me, they are not mutually exclusive. Faith is mysterious and I don't think I can know and understand all there is about the universe.

Many, if not most, of the great minds of science realize and accept that the astounding complexities of the natural world, prima facie, belie an intelligence that cannot be anchored to a calendar.

There is absolute necessity in adhering to strict protocols in scientific research and it is not diluted, in my mind and heart, by a belief in things unseen and very possibly unknowable.

Sep 29, 2012, 2:51pm Permalink

Authentically Local