It just goes to show that there is nothing so true that nobody can be found to lie about it; nothing so good that nobody can be found to slander it; nothing so righteous that nobody can be found to defame it; nothing so heart-rending that nobody can be found to mock it.
However, the other side of the story is that whoever does that doesn't necessarily get away with it in this period: http://www.inform.umd.edu/News/Diamondback/archives/2003/03/19/news0.html ONLINE UPDATE: March 19, 2003; 7 p.m. FROM THE EDITOR Response to controversy over yesterday's editorial cartoon First, I want to thank all of you who showed up outside our offices today and the thousands of you who e-mailed comments. Our campus lacks enough people of your courage and values. In our staff editorials, we've repeatedly begged students to take stands on this generally apathetic campus, but to little avail. I've received close to 2,000 e-mails and hundreds of phone calls, most of which expressed outrage -- a few making threats -- at our decision to publish the editorial cartoon. I've also received requests from other papers to reprint the cartoon, requests I have denied. OUR POLICY The Diamondback employs two editorial cartoonists. At the end of last semester, we had one opening and one applicant. That applicant was Daniel J. Friedman. Our policy on editorial cartoonists is to allow them a rectangular box on page 4 to express their views, so long as those views do not threaten individuals and the content is not libelous. I have discussed the cartoon with The Diamondback's lawyer, who assured me no legal issues, including libel, arise from the drawing. Related item: Editorial cartoon (March 18) WHY WE PUBLISHED IT Friedman's cartoons are often jarring and controversial, but clearly this one went further than any other. When he submitted his cartoon Tuesday evening, several editors and I had a brief discussion and some voiced disagreement with Mr. Friedman's viewpoint. But ultimately, this decision was not about a viewpoint. The decision was about freedom of speech, and that made the decision easy. Though the cartoon represents a radical view, The Diamondback's editorial board believes whole-heartedly in freedom of speech. We would be hypocritical to revoke any speech on the grounds of radicalism. Neither this cartoon or any other represents the opinions of myself, the editorial board or The Diamondback staff. As a newspaper, we are beneficiaries and guardians of the First Amendment -- the very same First Amendment that guarantees anyone the right to protest in front of our offices and question our judgment. As many of you know, we have largely steered clear of the Middle East conflict, focusing instead on our campus and leaving international issues to the major media. The Diamondback has not taken a stance on the conflict, nor do I plan to during my tenure as editor in chief. THE FEEDBACK All this said, let me emphasize to all dissenters that your concerns and efforts are not in vain. The response to this cartoon is unprecedented for this newspaper, and you have raised the level of awareness. Let me add, though, that we take very seriously the threats by a small minority of the protesters. I have spoken with Mr. Friedman, and he is very shaken right now. As I write this, at least 60 people are protesting outside our offices. I spoke with this group, and they have told us they will stay until we publish an apology and an article honoring the life of Rachel Corrie. They have that right. We thank University Police for ensuring everyone's safety. We appreciate the feedback, but ask that you keep it peaceful. We are publishing letters and a guest column on our Opinion page Thursday, plus an article covering the protest and the global reaction to the cartoon. We are accused of factual errors, but the cartoon was not a news account and there are conflicting reports on how Ms. Corrie died. We do not have the resources to report on Ms. Corrie's death, and different accounts of what happened make it impossible to determine what is fact unless an impartial government or media organization undertakes an in-depth investigation. INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER Many responses have been directed to the university administration. Since 1971, The Diamondback has been independent of the university. We receive no funds from the university, other than advertising purchases, and the administration has absolutely no say in any of our decisions. CONCLUSION We are in awe of the overwhelming response, we are listening to the feedback and that is why I met with the protesters today. I am unable to respond to every e-mail or take every phone call, but please know that we are listening and we will continue our policy of publishing as much feedback as we have space for on our Opinion page. Sincerely, Jay Parsons Editor in Chief The Diamondback _______________________________________________ Leninist-International mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change your options or unsubscribe go to: http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/leninist-international
