Sir Salmon Rushdie,

[Lonnie]

I'll probably be hauled over the coals for this, but I strongly feel, that this was a calculated act by our esteemed leader, knowing the effect it would probably have on the Muslim world, to stir up more discontent.

I'd like to know your views on this, because if it wasn't, then it shows naivity in the extreme.

[rojash]

Salmon Rushdie is a famous angler. I think you are confusing him with Salman Rushdie.

[NJOK]

Naivity perhaps. It wasn't calculated by our esteemed leader though. He doesn't select people for honours, he just has the right to veto. Apparently:

The arts and media committee that proposed Rushdie for a knighthood is one of eight similar committees that make recommendations to the main committee, which then forwards the final names to the prime minister.

It was chaired by Lord Rothschild, the investment banker and former chairman of the trustees of the National Gallery. The other committee members are Jenny Abramsky, the BBC's director of radio and music; novelist and poet Ben Okri, who is vice-president of the English chapter of PEN International, which campaigns on behalf of writers who face persecution; Andreas Whittam Smith, former editor of the Independent; John Gross, the author and former theatre critic of the Sunday Telegraph; and two permanent secretaries, one from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and one from the Scottish executive.

It would be for the main committee to assess any other aspects of the honour. The Foreign Office is represented on the main committee by the permanent secretary, whose job it would be to raise any potential international ramifications.

[Gromit]

Fighting two wars against Muslim peoples probably rattles them more than honouring an author. The news reports I have seen did not show mass discontent. They quoted a Pakistan MP and showed a handful of protesters, so I think the reporting over here has been blown out of proportion.

The reaction was predictable and I am sure the powers that be deliberated on Rushdie's honour. I don't think it was naive or deliberately provocative. It is actually brave not to be dictated to by religious zealots.

[vehelpfulguy]

I annoys me that when we make the slightest comment or action that upsets Muslims they go through the roof.

They totally overreact and can suggest killing people (fatwah) or blowing them up (in the case of Salman Rushdie) and yet we are supposed to sit back and accept it.

The amount of dis-harmony in the world caused by the "West v the Muslims" problem is making everyday life unbearable. It is being rammed down our throats and seems to be on the news every day.

(I am not saying it is totally the Muslims fault, Bush and Blair have done their bit to pour oil on the problem).

[brionon]

Tony Blair calls Islam ''That Noble religion'.

[jimmysipples]

I am not a racist, i am far from it. I have respect and equality for all walks of life but there is a problem here. This nation is creating a demon which in the future will create more trouble than prevent it. A white person need not look the wrong way at a muslim for fear of being branded racist. It is in fact quite an uncomfortable situation to be in where you have to think twice about every comment, every expression and every decision regarding your muslim colleagues, neighbours and friends. It cannot continue or will lead to a greater race divide. Why is every single statement or proposition have to be taken the wrong way? I am irish, i get called paddy, i get irish jokes at me all the time. Is this wrong people do this to me? I find it funny. Does that me make wrong also to have a sense of humour? White people are fearful of being reprimanded in work or in society over the smallest molehills being turned into a mountain.

I hope this offends no-one. This is not the purpose of my post, but its nice to hear both sides of a sensitive issue isn't it?

[NJOK]

What about white muslims?

[sp1814]

jimmysipples

I've always thought it has more to do with who you are rather than what you say.

I used to work with a great Muslim bloke who use to take the mickey out of me for being gay, and I would likewise take the mickey out of him for listening to 'kebab shop music' and buying his prayer mat on discount from Matalan.

Now, because we're mates, we can get away with nonsense like that, because you're afforded a degree of trust.

The problem comes when you work with people who don't know you or trust you and I 'spose after coming through a period when Asians/Blacks/Disable/Women hit the glass ceiling, there is a feeling of "You're not going to get away with that any more".

I think it was so bad before, that the pendulum has now swung in the equal, but opposite direction.

It'll settle down, but I reckon it's going to take some time yet and a hell of a lot of communication.

[nedflanders]

Finish this gag...........
"Did you ever hear the one about the irishman, the gay and the muslim in matalan?"

[maxi2]

Personally I am sick and tired of pandering to Muslim sensitivities over the slightest thing that they think offends them. Historically and traditionally this is a Christian country and, whilst not particularly religious myself, I have no problem with anyone pursuing quietly their own religious thing. However, when their "faith" is apparently offended by some trivial occurence (Salman Rushdie honour for example), they make a big issue of it with threats of violence/suicide killings etc.

The message is clear - live here in peace and tolerance - fine. But if you don't like the way we run OUR country then find another place on this planet to live. Please.

[Panic Button]

Agreed maxi, but does this author who no one reads really deserve such a high honour?

[maxi2]

Panic Button - you are right - totally unwarranted. What next - Sir Basil Brush?