How Free?

Hello Space Travelers, you're staring at possibly the most terrible offences to Islam: An image of the Prophet Muhammad. I drew it. Me. I'll tell you why.

Recently, the creators of South Park aired an episode which featured (kind of) Muhammad. On screen, he was a stick man, and later a black box that read "censored." The point was simple: Your beliefs can't dictate my life and my speech, or rather that of Matt and Trey. The creators and various staff received death threats for this. Eventually Viacom (parent company of comedy Central) said they would pull the episode. This displeased a lot of people. It wasn't because the episode was particularly good either (it was par for the course if you ask me), but simply the principle that people had successfully leveraged violence to get their way.

I'm not really the type to provoke, and certainly as a I drew this, I was concerned about the Muslims that have nothing to do with this issue. Would drawing this make incense them and send the wrong message? Would it marginalize a group further that has been struggling to fit in? In the end, I decided to draw it and let it be what it will. I admit that I'm not well schooled in the dogma surrounding the rule about recreating the image of Muhammad. Perhaps in the end, what comments will come will serve to open up the dialog that is so terribly absent. Either way, I know that if this is truly an offense, it is not worth my life (or anyone's). I get offended daily. I'm not going to hurt someone. If this is serious enough that people are being threatened, the Muslim world is going to have to do some honest introspection on how they find harmony with the rest of the world outside of their customs. There is one question: Do you value free speech over being offended? I do, even if my blood boils as I listen to cruel bigots like Pat Robertson use it to demoralize the entire gay population or even the people of Haiti.

I've never been a USA USA USA rah rah rah type, so when I say that I value the freedom of free speech, it's not some flag waving crap. Our ability to express ourselves without the fear of the government, and without fear of violent reproach is the foundation of all free societies. On May 20th, many artists (both professional and amateur) will partake in the drawing of the Prophet Muhammad to stand in solidarity with those who have already been threatened with violence. While it inspires a warm feeling inside, I hope it also serves to remind us how fortunate we are to be one of the free societies in the world that we can do this. Plenty cannot claim the same.

I won't use the line that if we don't use our right's we lose them. That's a Tea Party rationale for bringing guns to a protest. Instead, I'll keep it simple, don't do this because it's "cool," or "controversial," it isn't a funny. I'd be just as worried about our freedom of speech if it became nothing more than a punchline, even if it started with a joke.

Closing thoughts from Thunderfoot:

Chapter Zero: The End of the Prologue.

There were many odd sights on the way to Osh Kosh. Most ironic to note was passing a truck that "rented" (not sold) rain. The irony is that we were attacked by what I only describe as aggressive rain shower for what seemed to be all of Illinois. My personal feeling is that one should not have to pay to rent rain... Well perhaps in the southwest... I guess I'll find out in a few days.

You must be kidding.

Then of course there is "Freedom." Let me tell you that when I saw a sign for freedom, I was elated. My cheers were however short lived as would soon learn that freedom was a gas station. As we know, freedom isn't free, in fact it's closer to $3.25 for a gallon of freedom.

Freedom costs more than a buck'o'five.

Being at a NACURH conference is unlike anything else in college acadamia. The first and most notable thing is that staight men are the minority at these things. So to all single hetrosexual male readers out there, you may be interested in a career in housing or student affairs

Truman University's delegation in the MACURH regional meeting.
The NCCs: Craig, Brady, and myself in full Scottish kilts. Beck wanted to join in, but was kilt-less.
This was my room with a view. It was hot, but if the people across the hall opened their door a nice cross breeze would keep the rooms at a decent temperature.
Josie & Erin demonstrating that they know only one photo pose.
Many Delegations also made special clothing for the conference.
While it may seem like a blur in this photo, I assure you it is even more of a blur in reality. This is by my best guess about 500 people playing ride the pony.

I am very tired and my voice hurts from cheering. My Delegation was amazingly spirited and set a new standard in school pride. As the acting National Communications Coordinator for UMR in the cooperate board room, I was given an entirely new experience in this conference (My 5th). Something I learned in the boardroom is that I come from a long line of UMR NCCs with strong voices. I believe my actions were not be viewed as a reproach to our legacy. The only concerning thing about boardroom was the feeling I had when I left: In my mind the thought echoed that people don't care anymore; they have no passion; no drive to do what is needed. In this case I am speaking of a particular piece of legislation for which many proponents conceded was "imperfect." It made me sad, that people would knowingly do the wrong thing. The time it took to argue if it was worth revisiting the issue, we could have amended the legislation and made for national consensus. instead, I personally feel that I am now challenged to find a way to be forward looking and proactive about my responsibilities in the future.

All serious business aside, I had a blast. I was unfortunately unimpressed with the conference as a whole in terms of organization and logistics. When the closing ceremony ran over by almost two hours, I felt like the fluff speeches was like being stabbed with a knife covered in glitter.

"Sir there's glitter in this wound."

I am home now in Springfield, even if only for a few days. I leave soon for the big trip, and I am ready for my next adventure. While driving back from OshKosh, I can't tell you how relieved I was to see St. Louis. I wonder what kinds of feelings I will have as I return from the big trip on the way home in my final chapter?

The arch looks its best from the Illinois side of the Mississippi river bank. The downside is that you are in east STL!