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[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally Posted by Hank Chinaski

I'm not even going to engage in this, because the Mohammad cartoons "discussion" showed you just don't believe in free speech.

I'm not sure what loony views you're attributing to me, and I do "believe in free speech," whatever that means.

But I will say the embassy criticizing whatever this film is BEFORE the protests strikes me as worse as doing it to chill some maniacs outside the gate.

Here's what the embassy said:

The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims - as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.

What's wrong with that?

eta:

Just saw this:

One staffer at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo was responsible for the statement and tweets Tuesday that have become grist for the presidential campaign, and that staffer ignored explicit State Department instructions not to issue the statement, one U.S. officials close to the issue told The Cable.

Two additional administration officials confirmed the details of this account when contacted late Wednesday by The Cable.

I have a good friend who has had that job (albeit not in Egypt), and it's a tough one.