Will Chico's Carry Chadors?

Today the U.S. State Department took a position that the press shouldn't publish anything that might be offensive to any religious group.

State Department spokesman Janelle Hironimus said "Inciting religious or ethnic hatred in this manner is not acceptable...We call for tolerance and respect for all communities and for their religious beliefs and practices."

They were comics, fer (he-who-must-remain-nameless) sake!


We already know how tolerant Wahabi Islam is. Should our press not publish any negative comments about bin Laden, for fear of offending the faithful? Hindu's believe cows to be sacred. Should McDonald's Happy Meals be contraband?

How about religions closer to home. There are a number of fundamentalist Christian groups who are offended by abortion, homosexuality, profanity...the list goes on. Should our theaters not show "Brokeback Mountain" because it might offend these people? Should our newspapers not carry advertisements for it?

Comics are ideal for satire, for pointing out hypocrisy and deflating the self-important. Should we take Superman off the shelf because the Cult of Lex Luthor takes offense?

The official position of the United States appears to be yes.