Muslims ask French to cancel 1741 play by Voltaire

Unlike the items in my last post, this one isn't a humor piece or satire. It is true.

See Muslims ask French to cancel 1741 play by Voltaire from the Pittburgh Post-Gazette.

Danish cartoons, this play by Voltaire, what next? If everyone demanded that things be censored and shut down when their feelings are hurt, then we'd be left with a G-rated, mind-numbingly boring world. But of course that isn't really the issue, is it?

It is interesting that Voltaire's work is the target here, since one of the most famous quotes in defense of free speech is attributed to him: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Muslims (or anyone) who riot and make death threats when someone says something that hurts their feelings are at war with the principle that Voltaire so eloquently defended.

If you read the article above -- which provides some good background on Voltaire and is an interesting read -- then you'll learn that the French mayor didn't cave in and the play went on. After criticizing so many French folks in my recent post on the riots, it is nice to be able to praise one now.