http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/news_theswamp/2006/02/tolerance_is_no.html
Originally posted: February 8, 2006
Tolerance is not enough
Posted by Mark Silva at 2:25 pm CST
“Tolerance is such an awful word,’’ King Abdullah of Jordan said today, during a photo-op with President Bush in the Oval Office.
But don’t misinterpret the king’s sentiments in the raging controversy over Danish cartoons depicting Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. The royal point was this: Tolerance of different religions is not enough. Acceptance is the key.
“We have to continue to ask ourselves, what type of world do we want for our children?’’ King Abdullah said. “I too often hear the word used as, tolerance. And tolerance is such an awful word. If we are going to strive to move forward in the future, the word that we should be talking about is acceptance.’’
The two leaders appeared in complete agreement on the question of condemning violence that has erupted in the aftermath of a Danish newspaper publishing cartoons depicting Muhammad, one with a bomb in his turban.
“I have made it clear to his majesty and he made it clear to me that we reject violence as a way to express discontent with what may be printed in a free press,’’ Bush said. “I call upon the governments around the world to stop the violence, to be respectful, to protect property, protect the lives of innocent diplomats who are serving their countries overseas.’’
The king said: “The issue of the cartoons, again, and with all respect to press freedoms, obviously, anything that vilifies the Prophet Mohammed… or attacks Muslim sensibilities, I believe needs to be condemned. At the same time, those that want to protest should do it thoughtfully, articulately, express their views peacefully.’’