Responsibility

Several months ago a Danish newspaper published a satirical cartoon depicting the Prophet Mohammed wearing a turban which resembled a bomb. At the time few even noticed it. Yet, very recently, a grand furore has developed. Saudi Arabia has threatened to break relations with the Danish Government over the incident. Muslims around the world have started protests, mainly centred on Danish embassies and businesses, and demonstrations have been held in streets of various Western cities. This has awkened interest around the world and several newspapers in various countries have reprinted the offending cartoons.
The original Danish publication's editor has apologised unreservedly on Arab TV, in effect stating that it was not realised how much offence would be caused. Watching the statement, I am of the belief that the editor was being honest in his statement and was truly apologetic.
I do not know much about the Muslim beliefs but, apparently, it is considered sacrilege to show any depiction or image of the Prophet Mohammed. Thus to see such an image, especially a derogatory one, is highly offensive to the followers of Islam. Many Muslims live in our various societies all across the world. Some of these societies are based on Islamic teaching, some on Christian teaching, others on the teachings emanating from the other great religions - or no religion. Many of these societies hold dear the "freedom of speech".
Freedom of speech is held in the highest regard in our so-called "free" democracies of the Western world. But with freedom must come responsibility.
Would a citizen of, say, South Carolina or another state of the so-called "Bible belt" in the American South, stand back and not protest in quite vocal - if not physical - terms if a cartoon was published of Jesus Christ armed with nuclear missiles and preaching hate?
Perhaps that may sound like an extreme example but perhaps that is how extreme some Muslims feel these cartoons are.
Freedom of speech must be tempered with sensitivity and responsibility. The US courts are littered with cases of libel and slander mainly because people have not used responsibility before opening their big mouths.
Responsibility seems to be in short supply in some sections of the media. A French newspaper caught the story and immediately re-published the cartoons in the full knowledge of the further offence it would cause to some devout Muslims. I heard later that an editor was sacked. Where is the spirit of the French Revolution, epitomised by "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite" (sorry about the lack of accents but I can't find them on my keyboard) roughly translated as "freedom, equality and brotherhood". They are taking the freedom but where is the equality? Where is the brotherhood? Is this showing responsibility? Is this showing respect? Or is it just cashing in on the situation for the short term and bugger the consequences?
Even the normally restrained BBC showed fleeting glimpses of the offending cartoons in its news coverage "in the interests of reporting". Why? What is to be gained?
With freedom comes responsibility. With freedom must come respect for others' viewpoints. If not freedom just descends into total anarchy and with that comes the end of all freedoms.