Martin Peretz of the New Republic wrote an article, from which I have taken three sentences that appeared back-to-back. This patter is making news just now because Mr. Peretz is up for a Harvard honor, which he will receive but at which event he is no longer invited to make a speech. (Lacking Solomonic wisdom, Harvard is going to slice the baby in two.)
Peretz' entire opinion piece can be read at: http://www.tnr.com/blog/77475/the-new-york-times-laments-sadly-wary-misunderstanding-muslim-americans-really-it-sadly-w
The three sentences of Mr. Peretz, which I address are:
(1) "But, frankly, Muslim life is cheap, most notably to Muslims."
(2) "And among those Muslims led by the Imam Rauf there is hardly one who has raised a fuss about the routine and random bloodshed that defines their brotherhood."
(3) "So, yes, I wonder whether I need honor these people and pretend that they are worthy of the privileges of the First Amendment which I have in my gut the sense that they will abuse."
Mr. Peretz has apologized for sentence Number 3. For this statement of apology, see http://www.tnr.com/blog/the-spine/77607/martin-peretz-apology
As to his assertion that "Muslim life is cheap" Mr Peretz sees this as a statement of "fact."
As to his criticism that "Muslims led by the Imam Rauf" have "hardly raised a fuss" about the killings of Muslims by Muslims which "defines their brotherhood" neither Mr Peretz nor any of his critics (whom I have read) are exercised by this comment.
All of this patter (including my own statements) reflect shouts from the bleachers, which actual players are entitled to ignore.
Death by murder is horrendous, whether on a small or large scale, whether motivated by private grievances, religious zealotry, warfare, or mental illness. It seems very much beside the point to fault bystanders for not shouting loudly enough, after the fact.
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