Sometimes the only response is "Duh!"

I haven't made a "political" post in quite some time, and after I read an article today on Denmark's surprise at being the targets of Muslim retaliation in the Middle East, I feel compelled to air my two cents.

First of all, two caveats. My parents lived and worked in the Middle East for many years, and I myself have (unlike most Americans) a working knowledge of what Islam is all about. Two: I also have no tolerance for stupid people whether they're rednecks or Muslims. But I do not call entire groups stupid, only individuals.

So on with my gripe.

Europe is often a progressive place, or at least it likes to think of itself that way. And nowhere moreso than Denmark. Mecca (no pun intended) for charity, socialism and really nice people. The article I read today was basically expressing shock of seeing the Danish flag being burnt in Muslim countries. Sure they're used to seeing the American or Israeli flag burnt, but surely not the Danish flag. It goes on to say that:

[There are] tensions for Muslims in a country where the prevailing secularity, liberal sexual mores and affection for beer are deeply at odds with Islam.

Now people, I ask you this: WHY MOVE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. If a country is KNOWN for being free, for liking beer and displaying prostitutes in shop-windows....why go there? Is it, dare I saw, for a free ride? To get government aid and subsidies and an education and the RIGHT to say "You are repressing me." How is a country that is so liberal "Repressing" anybody? If there are cultural differences I'm sure it must be very difficult to deal with, but why Denmark?? Why not someplace nice and Catholic where prostitution is illegal (Spain? Take back Alhambra! Just kidding....).

I think that its ridiculous to expect a country that has been around for hundreds of years with its own culture, its own history and its own mores to have to change itself to be palatable to a few thousand in the minority. I mean, call me inflammatory! But that's just how I feel.

I think that as long as they are free, aren't being rounded up and harrassed, and have access to public services there should be no griping. Especially in a place like Denmark where everyone is so darned nice!

Isn't it also a little disturbing that people go so ape-shit over a cartoon? Man if Bush did that every time he was lampooned there wouldn't be anything left to burn....