Yale University 0, Terrorists 1

Yale University Press decided not to reprint the cartoons of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad in an upcoming book.

Now for the absurd part. The book is about the cartoons and the ensuing violence they allegedly caused.

"The Cartoons That Shook the World" by Jytte Klausen explores the fallout that took place after the cartoons were published by a Danish newspaper.

The university honchos decided not to run the cartoons out of fear that violence and death would follow publication. Frankly it's a cowardly stance to take. The cartoons were published in 2005. Everyone who wanted to see them has already seen them. I'm almost positive that those who were insulted have burned and killed all they plan on doing. Events that happened in 2005 are dictating what is published today. The idiots and zealots who were enraged will riot over something else if the pictures aren't publish. If Yale withholds the cartoons, the fanatics will just wait for the next perceived insult to carry out their crazy acts of violence.

A university should be a place for free exchange of information. Hiding the cartoons stops that free flow. It also stifles debate on whether or not the cartoons are insulting.

In this case, the terrorists have won. Yale is a private institution and may choose what to publish. First Amendment rights and censorship laws don't apply to Yale. However Yale is allowing the past acts of terrorists to control what they publish. As a nation we should stand up to these threats and live our lives despite the
terrorists. We should show that yes we may be vigilant against attack but we will not allow terrorist acts to undermine our core values as a culture and nation.

Yale instead took the low road and decided that a group of terrorist may or may not carry out violence. In fear, Yale decided that the prospect of violence outweighed the American values of free speech and free flow of information. Yale allowed past terrorist acts to dictate policy.

Thank you Yale. Fear and intimidation won while Yale cratered.