Decius wrote:

Muslims don't respect free speech

I think thats a silly generalization. Of course there are muslims who respect freedom of speech.

True, but most who do generally don't often use it to refute those who make death threats to those who do not believe in islam. The moderates usually stay out of the debate. The ones who want a mosque at ground zero are fundamentalist.

I don't think its a two way street. Freedom of speech means tolerating the expression of views you dislike. Let the totalitarians speak. Their ranting opposition to freedom of speech is easily refutable. People who are capable of independent critical thinking do not believe this sort of tripe, although unfortunately there are an aweful lot of people who fit into that category.

Evangelical Christians argue. Fundamentalist muslims bomb or at least threaten those who disagree with them. While both groups would like to control what people think, evangelicals are more likely to use the democratic process. You can refute a politician, but you can't refute a bomber. Most groups will play basketball with those who disagree. When you threaten to blow up the basketball court, your free speech ends as far as I'm concerned. When they are able to respect the rules of the game, they can play.

RE: At Ramadan Iftar dinner, Obama supports new mosque on private property near Ground Zero | Top of the Ticket | Los Angeles Times