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Scenes at Hyde Park, Sydney earlier today. @postboxadam via Twitter

Anti-Islam film protests spread to Australia

Police in Sydney clashed with demonstrators outside at Hyde Park.

WAVES OF PROTESTS have been seen in the Middle East and London and now demonstrations over an anti-Islamic film made in the US have spread as far as Australia.

Six police officers were injured and eight people arrested during Saturday’s violence in Sydney.

ABC News reports that police clashed with protesters in Hyde Park and the city’s business district, while fights were also seen on the streets.

The broadcaster said it understands the rally was started after a mass text message was sent, which read: “We must defend the honour of our prophet, we must act now.”

Hundreds of Muslims then took to the streets to protest against the controversial film made in the US. At about 1pm, a group of people marked from Sydney Town Hall to Martin Place, where a confrontation involving both protesters and police occurred outside the US Consulate.

Police said that a number of people left the group peacefully but some others moved to Hyde Park where police negotiated with them in an attempt to disperse the crowd. However, further violence erupted until about 5pm.

About 150 officers were called to the protest and six were injured during the events. Eye witnesses said that glass bottles and other missiles were thrown in the direction of police. Two have been taken to hospital for treatment. Eight people were arrested for various offences including affray, assault and throwing a missile, said NSW Police Superintendent Mark Walton.

“I think we have actually acted very professionally and responded very well to what was a completely unannounced and unorganised protest. There was no advice given to police by this group that they intended to protest and, as a result, in a very short amount of time we had a significant amount of police,” he added.

Protesters say that pepper spray was used on them. Police admitted to the use of OC spray “in an attempt to subdue and disperse the crowd” during an incident at Martin Place. A total of 17 people were treated on site for the effects. Two others received medical treatment for dog bites.

“In NSW there is a right to peaceful protest,” continued Walton, “a right to express our view – but there are rules to follow. This group did not advise police of their plans, there was little or no organisation or control of what they were doing, and their actions were disgraceful.”

Whatever their grievance, there is no excuse for this type of unlawful and anti-social behaviour, and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the protest was unacceptable.

“Violent protest is never acceptable – not today, not ever,” she said in a statement.

US diplomatic posts around the world have been targeted in recent days by protests against the film Innocence of Muslims, which ridicules the Prophet Muhammad.

Yesterday: More deaths as protests against anti-Islam film spread>

Egyptian leaders call off nationwide protest against anti-Islamic film>

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166 Comments
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    Mute Larry Roe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:22 PM

    behead all those who insult the prophet…scary:(

    238
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    Mute JayK
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:48 PM

    My favourite was “behead those who say Islam is a violent religion”. It would actually have been a pretty ballsy joke to pull in the middle of the protest but I think the irony was lost on him.

    206
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    Mute Anthony O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:49 PM

    That’s the irony of religion for you!!!!

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    Mute Little Jim
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:31 PM

    You’re next Larry.
    Oh by whatever, you’re next!!!

    15
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    Mute Jim Jameson
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:24 PM
    30
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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:48 PM

    Them Muslim kangaroos are just hopping on the bandwagon…

    46
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:02 PM

    JayK that image is actually a forgery. The original said “behead those that insult Islam”. Same disgusting meaning but just without the irony. Google search the image and you’ll see.

    14
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    Mute Strongbow62
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:54 PM

    Mohammed in a Skippy movie ?

    12
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    Mute Paul
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    Sep 15th 2012, 9:33 PM

    They should just over it

    5
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    Mute Andrea Rock Massey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 10:03 PM

    The type of fanatic carrying posters encouraging beheading should be deported back to the country they are claiming asylum from. They clearly are not fleeing the terror of such regimes, they obviously support it and have no place in western society. They are giving peaceful, forward thinking muslims a very bad name.

    55
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 5:16 AM

    …could it not be figurative speech ….why take it as literal..!?

    2
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 5:16 AM

    …could it not be figurative speech ….why take it as literal..!?

    2
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 19th 2012, 3:25 AM

    ..RM..humanities teacher as an intro to gullible people/public/population….found showed picture of the Chinese artist “dissident so called” dropping an old ceramic urn….caption reading “Weiwei drops Han Dynasty ceramic…. Fielded Year 11 for response….the picture fomented total denunciation of the “artist’s behaviour…must say no one said” off with his head”…neither did anyone say “well it’s only a picture with a caption! “….

    1
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    Mute Marc Anthony Power
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:23 PM

    Radical Islam has no place in western democracy and should be purged at any cost lest khedive social disruption in future years

    222
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    Mute tomnewnewman.org
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:34 PM

    Also Radical insult and abuse should have no place in society, but under the cloak of ” free speech” insulting Catholics has now become widespread. Yet the British/Irish film producers have not yet produced an Imam Ted series

    47
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:43 PM

    Jeez would ya ever give it a rest with the imam ted crap. If you want it so badly do it yourself!

    92
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    Mute Chuck Farrelly
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:21 PM
    37
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    Mute Eoghan Wallace
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:17 PM

    Well Tom, Muslims are as fanatical and backward as Christians were 500 years ago.

    58
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    Mute Gordon Bernard
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:30 PM

    Chill Barry! It’s a joke!

    8
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    Mute Gis Bayertz
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:09 PM

    Radical Islam has no place anywhere

    39
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:28 PM

    …still wondering what a Moran could be,,,,!?

    1
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:33 PM

    ….ok got you….. really you are the pope!……

    1
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    Mute Mark Larson
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:25 PM

    Islam , The Religion of Peace, yeah right….

    165
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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:30 PM

    I think they would be much happier if we were all still living in the dark ages, seriously these guys would love to be burning witches, its frightening to think that anyone could still think and behave like this in the 21st century.

    115
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    Mute Marc Anthony Power
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:32 PM

    no peace to this religion mark….many of them still living in the time of the crusades….used to see their brain washed brethren trying to recruit to the cause outside tube stations…now doing the same evil work outside one of our monuments here in Dublin….the GPO

    90
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    Mute Raynond Cahill
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:11 PM

    Mr powers,the people who promote Islam outside our GPO are EVIL,have you seen the evil,if so
    tell us what it was,i have spoken to these people,i found them to be o.k. Do i agree with their views
    NO.But we live in a democracy,the violent protesters in the middle east are usually uneducated
    fools who believe the local mullah who spouts hatred,We have the same type in the west look at Fox
    News last nite one guest after another spouting propaganda.Not one news network showed the
    protest in tripoli Libya, hundreds of libyans holding up signs of support and sorrow about the deaths
    of 4 US. In this country a few years ago citizens destroyed the city centre,because a march was about to take
    place by protestants from the north. They did not represent the whole of Irish society,but were manipulated
    by a small faction for their own gain,

    25
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    Mute Marc Anthony Power
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:05 PM

    Mr Cahill s….I’m not Mr powers

    Grow up…one thing leads to another and from my own experience of 18 years teaching in multicultural londonistan the most evil ones….yes I said EVIL.are the converts…

    23
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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:24 PM

    Wow a religion where its ok to behead people, isn’t religion great.

    163
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    Mute Barry
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:53 PM

    i miss the old catholic way….nothing like a good burning!

    75
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    Mute Sean McNally
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:05 PM

    Ah yes, the old auto da fe. And think of what it would do for those in receipt of Winter fuel allowance. “We don’t have any coal for you missus, but have you ever considered . . .”

    8
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    Mute Chuck Farrelly
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:22 PM

    What religion were the Khmer Rouge again?

    The problem isn’t religion, it’s people. They’ll always find a reason

    46
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:30 PM

    …when we say and “heads should/will roll”…..be it literal or be it figurative….!?

    1
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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:36 PM

    ….is ..”and heads will/should roll”… Meant literally or figuratively…!?

    1
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    Mute James Halford
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:50 PM

    Great to see the Australian police actually confronting these headcases with attack dogs and tear gas. The only language these Neanderthals understand…

    107
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    Mute Andrew P
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    Sep 16th 2012, 12:42 AM

    no need to insult neanderthals. They were as smart as humans and we interbred

    12
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:44 PM

    If they can arrest and convict anyone for this violence then deport them. Won’t see so many protesting then in case they have to leave the country that the moved to ‘for a better life’.

    105
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    Mute Noirin Lynch
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:53 PM

    So its not possible to be born in Australia and be Muslim in your opinion Barry? What about Irish born Muslim … also impossible for you to imagine?

    19
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:10 PM

    Noirin, you seriously think they were all born in Aus? How many of Ireland’s current Muslim population were born here? A very small amount I’d wager. I lived in a city and yet was 18 before I even met an Arab in person (later became my best friend for many years).

    29
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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:57 PM

    Noirin, I would recommend that you google the term ‘useful idiot’

    20
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    Mute Diarmaid Twomey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:48 PM

    How in the name of God are you supposed to reason with people who want to behead half the globe because of one film made by a few individuals. Even the Irish Muslim community who were interviewed on RTE news yesterday were saying free speech should not apply when their religion is in question. I understand that those causing violence are a small minority but there is a mindset deep within the Muslim religion that believes themselves to be massively superior yet they are very insecure at the same time. It’s a strange one. I for one do not think the producers did one thing wrong. There’s a film about Mohammed, get over it!

    99
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:04 PM

    If people actually looked at their religion objectively rather than subjectively they would realise it’s a load of codology. They have a hatred of anything that could cause them to question – hence their insecurity.

    52
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    Mute James Cronin
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:58 PM

    The Aussies don’t tolerate any type of radical intimidation. The unapologetic terminology used by the police and Prime minister should be a benchmark for other countries to follow.Europeans should take note!

    95
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    Mute Gearóid Ó Murchadha
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:00 PM

    Yup. It’s a disgrace seeing the Americans apologizing instead of defending this guys right to freedom of speech. But that’s America all over, full of hypocrisy. And let’s not forget my right to hear what people have to say, regardless of whether people (me included) find it offensive!

    40
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    Mute Geoff Tracey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:32 PM

    A horrible minority of Muslim people with really narrow views. kinda the equivalent of the thicks who turned violent at the love Ulster rally but with less Celtic Jerseys…

    76
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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:43 PM

    Minority? You may be right. But do you have stats to support it?

    42
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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:44 PM

    Really, minority ? You are delusional if you think that, find one of your moderate muslim friends and say something negative about their religion and let me know the results.

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    Mute Mark Vieregge
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:26 PM

    The statistics are really very simple: worldwide there are between 1.2 and 1.5 billion Muslims.
    7% of those consider themselves as radical. I doubt that even 1% is actively involved with terror activities.
    The fast majority of Muslims are peace loving family men/women who want to live a decent live.

    37
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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:35 PM

    The Muslim side of my family and their friends have all managed to restrain themselves from rioting and breaking the place up, funnily enough. Perhaps they’re just in the minority though.

    1.6 billion Muslims in the world, if they all suddenly took to the streets in anger, we’d know all about…
    Ridiculous bigoted comments

    65
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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:43 PM

    Red thumbs can bite me

    47
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    Mute Eoghan Wallace
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:21 PM

    Surely when Muslims number around 1% of a county’s population they behave in a dignified manner because they lack the numbers to make a ruckus.

    43
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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:12 PM

    What are ya saying? 50,000 isn’t enough for a good ruckus? Jaysus, better put a cap on the numbers before critical mass is reached.

    18
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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:54 PM

    They’ve managed to ‘restrain themselves from rioting’ please do extend my gratitude Imran.

    42
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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 9:51 PM

    You can suck me to neck Bucky

    10
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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 9:53 PM

    *the neck

    7
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    Mute Kevin Niazi
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:52 PM

    Many people in the west (see Sharia law in the West) are trying to make it illegal to criticise Islam or Islamism. Briefly, criticising people’s genes is wrong. You can’t change your genes. You can’t help being born white, black, Arab, or whatever. But criticising people’s memes is ok – indeed it is what free speech is all about. You can change your memes. Being born an Arab Muslim doesn’t mean you can’t adopt western values, be tolerant of gays, Jews and atheists, even abandon Islam altogether. There is an extraordinary modern idea that we should “respect” other people’s beliefs. Often it is suggested that we should “respect” Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or other religions, simply because they are old, or have lots of followers. This shows a basic lack of understanding of what a free society is. A free society is one in which you have the right to believe nonsense, and I have the right to call it nonsense. You don’t have to “respect” my stupid beliefs. And I don’t have to “respect” yours. But we both must agree to leave the other alone to believe what they want in peace. So many so-called “liberals” fail to understand this basic building block of a western liberal society. How the accusation of “Islamophobia” is used to silence atheists, unbelievers.
    Source: http://markhumphrys.com/islamophobia.html

    65
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    Mute tomnewnewman.org
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:00 PM

    If no limit on free speech is the required standard then those who are harmed by lies and ”lies in joke” have a right to Equality of abuse in their peer group but where will we end up as a society. ?

    6
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    Mute Petr Tarasov
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:11 PM

    Ah the Irony, Kevin.

    I criticise the state of Israel and you immediately call me anti-Semitic and racist. You’re pretty good at trying to shut down debate yourself lad.

    28
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    Mute Kevin Niazi
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:35 PM

    Tom, every human being has lies told about them. Every religion is ridiculed, mocked, and exposed for what it is. Every relgion doesn’t react by bombing/attacking embassies, hijacking planes, beheading people, stoning people, and murdering them in 2012. @Petr, you have a problem with a Jewish State? But yet no problem with Islamic States; thats a double standard. I highly disagree with what you say; but I would defend your right to say what you want. Even if it is against me. As the Washington Post Slogan is – “If you don’t get it, then you don’t get it.” I wont be responding after this, as this argument is absurd being put by both you. When you restrict people’s speech/opinions/biases it is no longer “freedom of speech”.

    44
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    Mute Eoghan Wallace
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:37 PM

    That’s a common issue Petr. As the world’s only Jewish state, there is a misconception that to criticise the activities of the Israeli government is to be anti-Semitic. Israel is not the saintliest of countries and I don’t always agree with what they get up to in the Middle East yet I have nothing but respect for the Jewish people.

    25
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    Mute Lisa Leonard
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:46 PM

    If I could like this comment more than once, I would. Couldn’t have put it better.

    16
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    Mute Niall Power
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:46 PM

    Great commentn

    14
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    Mute Kevin Niazi
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:55 PM

    Thanks, Niall and Lisa! It just comes down to freedom of speech and basic human rights; so many for some reason just don’t get it or want to.

    15
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    Mute Phil Mc Donald
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:27 PM

    Howard Wolowicz is our most important Jew!

    5
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:22 PM

    What I find ironic is that if I criticise Israel or Zionism I’m shouted down as an anti-Semite yet the people doing the shouting then rant against Muslims. What they don’t realise is that Arabs and Jews are both Semitic so their barely veiled racism against Arabs is actually anti-Semitic. I don’t hate Jews. I don’t hate anyone. I hate religion and how much it holds back humanity from achieving incredible things. I’m sure that there’s probably plenty of Muslims with incredible intelligence who could provide so much for humanity but are held back by tribalism and religious brainwashing. THINK! Before the western enlightenment the most scientifically advance culture was the Islamic Golden Age of Science!

    20
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    Mute Gaius Gracchus
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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:26 PM

    Barry, you need to open your heart to Jesus

    5
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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:40 PM

    That sounds like it could get messy Gaius, have a few clean towels on hand just in case

    11
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    Mute Kevin Niazi
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    Sep 15th 2012, 9:22 PM

    Barry in no way was I personally inferring that just because someone is critical of Israeli policies that were because they are anti-Semitic, anti-Jewish, or anti-Israeli? If we are going to go way back and be very technical about the origins of different groups then yes Arabs and Jews are Semitic. But Arabs are not considered Semitic or referred to as that today. Most people can tell whether some is a Jew or Arab; most Jews are of an amalgamation of Hebrew (Semitic) and European origin. When someone is racist against Arabs they aren’t called “anti-Semitic”. Definition – Anti-Semitic – relating to or characterized by anti-Semitism; hating Jews. I know there are a portion of people that over-react when calling someone anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish because they get overly-emotional. My problem (not referring to you in anyway) is the people who constantly bring us Israel and Jews in subjects that have nothing to do with them in the first place. Comments like the following are what make me question a person’s real motives/integrity – “The Jews/Zionists control the media.” “The Jews/Zionists control the weather.” “The Jews/Zionists are the reason for all the problems of the ME; something has to be done.” “The Jews/Zionists were behind 9/11; to make everyone hate Muslims.” “Typical Jew/Zionist propaganda.” “Israel keeps threatening/bullying Iran.” “The Jews/Zionists control everything and all are banks.” I have confronted people on such comments and accused them of being anti-Semitic or anti-Jewish; they fiercely deny they are of course and mock the idea that they are. The KKK also mocks the idea that they are a hateful organization. But for some reason no one seems ever outraged by Iran’s comments. “Israel has no place in the ME.” “We will take Israel off the map.” “There is no scientific evidence to prove the Holocaust even happened.”……”Scientific”?!!! Instead they defend Iran and portray them as the “victim”. That is as hypocritical as it gets.

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    Mute Karl O' Neill
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:04 PM

    Saps. Why can’t they bog off and worship their deity however they wish, and leave the rest of us infidels in peace.

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    Mute Gaius Gracchus
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:06 PM

    Were definitely at the point now where these lads needs to be told to cop on or they’re getting jailed or deported, they’re let run amok every time someone gets the crayola’s out to draw a picture or makes a film about the nomad

    59
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    Mute Anthony O'Brien
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:48 PM

    You have to wonder if many of them even know what they are shouting about?????? I was watching the protests on TV last night and it reeks of just plain thuggery.

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    Mute random
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    Sep 16th 2012, 10:08 AM

    I read an article about the Egyptian protests where a number of the protesters were interviewed. Apparently they are under the impression that the film is a big hollywood production, that it has been released and is very popular, that it was funded by the US government, and other such lies. Attempts to explain the truth to them fell on deaf ears, of course.

    So yeah, they really don’t know what they’re shouting about…

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    Mute Tara Brady
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:41 PM

    Whatever you say about other religions, Muslims and their muslim ‘leaders’ and ‘academics’ are the only people who have ever protested on the streets for less free rights. America should not pander to these people anymore and not even justify their protests with a response. The west should show this film in every cimema in the free works and if the muslim countries want to make an issue of it, let them do it. And if the muslim community in Ireland doesn’t respect our freedoms they should go home to the utopian paradise that is their home countries. We welcome them to the west and they should respect our freedoms. If not tey should just go home.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:54 PM

    I’d love to see you try repatriate the 20,000 or so with Irish citizenship… What time’s the book burning at your place tonight anyway?

    Another moronic comment, trying to find hassle where there’s none, ie the Irish Muslim community

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    Mute Rusty Balls
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:14 PM

    So Imran, instead of inviting people to “bite you” would you condem this violence, or are you going to try to justify it?
    I live in a society, as you do, where we are free to speak our minds, say what we want, draw any cartoon we want or watch any movie we want. If I’m offended with you that’s fine, I’m not going to kill you. You have that freedom, you can tell me to “bite you”.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:49 PM

    Mr Balls, I don’t condemn this violence for the same reason I don’t condemn violence in the north, or the certain actions by elements of the traveller community or any other group…. Because it has very little to do with me and to condemn these actions would come across as though I feel I have something to apologise for…which I certainly do not. I will, however condemn some of the borderline racist, bigoted comments I see on this site by the less than enlightened and uneducated growing number of morons here who think there’s some kind of impending Islamic takeover of this small backwater of a country. I condemn these comments, because although I’m an ardent athiest of Irish birth, I still will have to put up with the casual bigotry I encounter on an infrequent but growing basis.

    Now, usually I don’t give such in-depth responses to commentators who aren’t sure enough in their convictions and have the sufficient scrotal mass, rusty or otherwise, to reveal their true identity… and similarly, if you’re only capable of a thumbing down without comment, fair enough….but the ‘bite me’ stands.

    How’s that?

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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:58 PM

    Imran, I am an athiest just like you, i dont take any offense to any of these comments so just wondering why do you ?

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    Mute Michael Tuohy
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:13 PM

    Well said tara why dont they go home if they dont like our liberial country because they like our liberial welfare more.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:27 PM

    What I expected. But you see I do condem the violence in the North, and that by certain elements of the traveller community. I also condem flying planes into buildings, killing innocent people because you hate the country they’re from and passing a death sentence on those who draw cartoons or make movies. I condem a culture or religon that encourages the use of viloence as a tool. I invited you to condem the violence, not apologise for it.
    I’m confident of my “convictions” and my “sufficient rusty scrotal mass” but I don’t wish to use my identity on an open forum, don’t want a mob after me now do I? I’m also an atheist and as such I’m curious which comments you found racist or bigoted, if they were without foundation. You have no problem insulting yet seem to be easily offended.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:32 PM

    My mother’s side is Catholic, I would be equally offended if someone said all Catholics were paedophiles… although it’s more irritating than offensive to me.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:42 PM

    Mr Balls, I see absolutely no value in passing a comment of the “Oh isn’t that awful” type and swiftly moving on to the next story. Does that automatically make a bad person in your book? You can invite to do this or that all you want, but I feel no obligation to you to comply. If you want my opinion on the riots, or any other matter… I will have no bother answering any specific queries you may have.

    I must ask about this mob you’re afraid of…. who might they be now?

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:42 PM

    I agree, not all Catholics are paedophiles. But as we now know it has certainly been a significant issue within the Catholic church. It would be the same as saying that not all Muslims are murderers… but yet there is that significant minority who are willing to kill for their religon.
    Incidentally, you referred to Ireland as “a small backwater of a country” yet you seem to have benefitted from what this small backwater has to offer, we must be a terrible disappointment to you, one who is used to so much more.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:47 PM

    Imran the use of hyperbole is not going to get you out that easy.

    The thing is you can say that, in fact you can say whatever you want about catholics, christians, hindus, buddhists, atheists, mormons, even those people that still think the world is flat (http://theflatearthsociety.org/cms/).

    Thats free speech, the problem is that when it comes to your old faith the same rules dont seem to apply, which is what this article is all about.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:53 PM

    Ah sure wasn’t I born and raised here…. According to Tara that means I can take all I want and give nothing back

    And I don’t appreciate the ‘we’ as if to say I’m somehow less Irish than ‘ye’

    Everybody has the right to criticise or moan about the country of their birth without having their patriotism questioned.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:06 PM

    I know what the article is about, and I think anyone riots or kills in the name of religion a disgrace to mankind… but I also suspect what we’re seeing in the ME is more a release of seething underlying ant-western anger than it is specifically about the film. The film was just the straw that broke the back.

    I’ve never felt muslim and was raised Catholic. What a joke that was. But I’m not a fool and I know that any anti-Muslim feeling in this country will be also directed my way at least until set people straight…. I’m not saying there’s a problem in Ireland, nor moaning or playing some kind of victim. I’m just saying there’s a few off comments on this and similar stories

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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:25 PM

    @Imran I’d love to sit down face to face and dicuss this with you someday, but this is becoming about you and not the topic it was supposed to be about. I may not agree with you, well not on everything anyway, some things maybe, but I’d rather it didn’t get any more personal. Good night.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:31 PM

    Imran this maybe of use to you.

    http://xkcd.com/386/

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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:45 PM

    Rusty, sometimes some background is necessary to avoid misconceptions…. Also, I am directly responding to other commentators and clarifying where they make erroneous, yet understandable assumptions… such as where James referring to Islam as my ‘old faith’. I doubt anyone would allow such statements to go uncorrected.

    Also, you remember you invited me to make a condemnation of the violence, which I refused to do for you directly, but politely explained why I wouldn’t. To now say I’m just harping on about myself is being disingenuous.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:53 PM

    @Imran I think you misunderstood, I don’t feel you’re “harping on about yourself”. I think you’re being attacked. The topic is supposed to be about the anti-Islam movie but instead has become about you, Marc Anthony Power just made references to you being a Muslim – without bothering to read that you were raised a Catholic and are in fact an atheist.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:59 PM

    I’m sorry, I did misunderstand….. and much appreciated.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:09 PM

    I’m a Moran imran because I have an opinion?…I dislike religion and I dispise radical Islam….no place in the west…if that makes me a Moran it’s your opinion….I may not agree with you but I accept it….something most muslims can’t do

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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:26 PM

    I thought you were a Power

    If ya even bothered your arse to read the previous comments, then you shouldn’t be replying with what’s going to end up being a completely off the wall comment. That’s not free speech, that’s called being stupid. Suggesting 50,000 people pack up and leave based on your misunderstood reading of 1 person’s comments is called something else.

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    Mute Danny Supafly Kehoe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:14 PM

    imagine if any other group protested like this in these muslum countries..they would bloody behead ya!but yet we tolerate it nd accept it..think half the world lives in the 21st centuary nd the other half on abother planet!let them colanise mars :-)

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    Mute Paddy BeBop
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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:46 PM

    Anyone have a link to this film or is it banned?

    Want to see what all the fuss is about!

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    Sep 15th 2012, 2:59 PM
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:24 PM

    I don’t know what the big deal is, I just watched it to see what all the fuss is about, its a bit like a bad “Life of Brian”…..looking at the riots/protests on tv, it seems to be telling the truth..a bunch of barbaric neanderthals!

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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:00 PM

    Apparently the Obama administration have asked Google to remove this video, but they refused on the grounds of free speech, but I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time.
    We’re supposed to live in free and open Western democracies yet the maker of this video has been arrested for “probation violations” and sites like google’s Youtube have been asked by the American government to remove it. In other words we don’t have these freedoms when it comes to Islam we have Sharia law imposed on us under threat of violence, we can have the freedom to have a laugh at any religon – just not Islam, because thats against Sharia law and if anyone does they’ll become violent. Nope, can’t have that.
    It’s about time America and the West met this threat head on, that America stopped giving Aid to Middle Eastern countries like Egypt, whom the give $1.6 billion annually to, as they’re being laughed at. This week while the American embassy in Cairo was being attacked President Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood tweeted in Arabic “Egyptians rise to defend the prophet.” but in english “We’re relieved none of @USEmbassyCairo staff were harmed & hope US-Eg relations will sustain turbulence of Tuesday’s events”.
    Time and time again we’ve heard and seen evidence from muslims refusing to distance themselves from their own violence or even condeming the violence of others. Time to kick them out cut them off and get ready.

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    Mute Alan Kenny
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:06 PM

    I could not stop laughing at it! What a load of crap! It’s like father Ted for Muslims lol

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:54 PM

    @toorkeel
    Bit like Orangemen rioting and throwing stones at primary school children on their way to school….

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:14 PM

    Rusty, have you a source that the US gov asked google to remove it? Because all I’ve read is that google made a statement that they will not remove it but only block it in majority muslim countries and that’s their own decision – nobody asked them to – but they feel they don’t want to inflame tensions any more than already is.

    Toorkeel, I’m sorry but even when I agree with you it’s hard to take you seriously with that avatar.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:36 PM

    @John. You have lost me completely? I fail to see a connection between throwing stones at schoolchildren and islamists rioting?

    @Barry. What’s wrong with my avatar, its a pic of a cannon!!! is it offending you, honestly????

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    Sep 16th 2012, 6:24 PM

    @toolkeel
    You’ve changed your nasty avatar nevertheless…

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    Mute James Patrick Smith
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:14 PM

    “Religion does three things quite effectively: Divides people, Controls people, Deludes people.”

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    Mute Wes Freeman
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:32 PM

    lunatics

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    Mute Dubliners Againstclamping
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:25 PM

    Must have a quick look in my Quran to see what the good prophet said about films and video again

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    Mute Tara Brady
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:07 PM

    Don’t think i said repatriate…….:) but since you brought it up, maybe the west should think twice before offering citizenship to members of the muslim community going forward….If the muslim community actually protested about the conditions of the less fortunate in this country (and their own home countries), maybe people would have respect for the muslim communities opinions.

    I will stand corrected if you can offer examples of any muslim ideologies, inventions, medical advances or anything worthwhile that the muslim community have offered the world in the last 100 years, I’d gladly like to hear them. In order to protest, the muslim community must first prove that they have something to offer the rest of the world other than trying to get rid of rights which most peoples ancestors fought and died for over many centuries.

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    Mute Noirin Lynch
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:52 PM

    Tara: The film/exhibition “1001 inventions” might be a good place for you to start with: http://www.1001inventions.com/1001inventions

    Then have a look at the wesbite of the Irish Islamic community for a brief intro to the faith and community
    http://islaminireland.com/

    Then heres an interesting article from the Irish Examiner, looking at the very real challenges of integration
    http://www.irishexaminer.com/features/pride-and-prejudice-being-a-muslim-in-ireland-163331.html

    It finishes with a final plea, which all those here who appear to think that Muslims are automatically open to deportation (and therefore not Irish citizens) might like to consider:

    “Ireland, if it is not the home of all the Muslim people living in Ireland, I can tell you it is the home of Muslim children, who have been born and brought up here. There is only one layer of Irish citizenship and of creating a first-class citizen and a second- class citizen is a very serious thing to do. We are building for the future of your children and my children. What you are doing today will not affect you but affect your children, but my children as well. It is our duty to make the future of our children as beautiful as we can.”

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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:07 PM

    Seeing as being born here doesn’t give you the automatic right to remain, tell me what you personally have done for your country lately?

    You should do a regional hospital tour of Ireland, most of the darkies in there are the doctors and most likely muslim.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:14 PM

    Irish don’t need to do anything as this is the country fought for by our ancestors. That’s why we have borders so the children of the people who fight for a country’s independence can live in a safe and properous environment. You mightn’t know this, but the west has always endevoured to pass on a better society to their children. We have had our set backs, but we are still in a far better position than we were 100 years ago. If muslims want to live here, they should understand this and try help us advance instead of trying to reverse progress.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:24 PM

    Yeah, I can see the Irish have done sweet FA for the country bar bleed and let it be bled dry… your ancestors would be real proud I’d say… and your children even more so

    I’m going to stop talking to you now since you seem to have genuine difficulty comprehending the fact that there’s Irish born Muslims here who contribute to society and mind their own business, and have the same right you do to live peacefully without have to listen to the rubbish coming out of your mouth

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    Mute Rusty Balls
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:50 PM

    @Tara While I may not agree with Imran, that was out of order. Imran I know quite a few of those “darkies”, would never refer to them as that, I may have much the same discussions with some of them that I had with you, sometimes more heated, we may disagree but shake hands and agree to disagree. No violence.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 9:13 PM

    Tara

    Mr imran et all will only read what they feel like agreeing with…..those of us with suggestions or opinions are Morans or something ….I think that people who immigrate into a country should bring something of value as a mass…I’m not talking about all the individuals who bring knowledge and skill to their new homes…but coming to a western democracy and expecting to import sharia and radical Islam is wrong and should not be tolerated….indeed I believe that Australia alone among the western democracies has got it right….than again what would I know?…..I’m only a Moran according to Mr imran

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    Sep 15th 2012, 9:52 PM

    Yes, you are. Once again, Imran was born here, raised a Catholic but is now an atheist. He did not immigrate into Ireland, is not a Muslim (radical or not) and does not ascribe to Sharia Law. Your opinions are wrong. What suggestions did you make?
    Rusty “et all” Balls

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    Sep 15th 2012, 10:18 PM

    Mr Power,Islam has been with us in the west for a long time hundeds of years,
    my experience is they generally keep to their own community. I dont know where
    this takeover or attempted takeover is except in mind.From one of your last comments
    “londonstan” you should stop reading trashy paperback propaganda and get some real true
    understanding and knowledge,you stated you*were* are a teacher,try be a pupil again.
    Although i think your probably set in your opinions about the world.I am not a supporter
    of Islam but what you are saying is blatently untrue.

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    Mute Imran Ali
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    Sep 15th 2012, 10:24 PM

    Leave him believe what he wants, Minister Shatter’s job is safe for the foreseeable I’d say

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:24 PM

    …way the bye ms Tara wot is a Moran ….!?

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    Mute Marc Metcalfe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:09 PM

    In the words of the noble scholar that is Eric Cartman:
    “RACE WAR”

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    Mute Frank2521
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:15 PM

    All religions should be banned – they only cause trouble and war.

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    Mute Diarmaid Twomey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:18 PM

    There’s a small irony also in observing the huge critics of the Catholic Church and frequent God bashers come out condemning the video and almost excusing the rioters and their attitudes. Just saying as a true non believer in any of the stuff, that it smacks of hypocrisy!

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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:30 PM

    Forgive me for being blunt Sean, but sher you haven’t a clue of anyone in my twitter feed? Why would I go listing off random people you don’t know, that would just be silly.

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    Mute Sean Herbert
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:39 PM

    So if it’s nobody worth mentioning, then it’s just your dumb mates being hypocrites. Hardly a relevant representation or example to be wheeling out.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:47 PM

    Sean, I am not too sure if you normally speak about people you don’t know in such a derogatory way, but if you do, don’t start with me. Twitter is not a collection of friends, more people you are interested in listening to. Just because I or you believe their opinion to be hypocritical or differing to our own does not entitle either of us to call it dumb so please spare me from your macho posts which are presumably are meant to make you look “cool” but in fact have the opposite effect! Thanks.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:01 PM

    Do you know the 6 billion people in the world or something Sean. Just because I am not friends with someone that I follow in Twitter doesn’t automatically mean you’re going to know them plus to be honest I am not interested in explaining basic cop on to someone with as arrogant and ignorant a way of conversing as yourself! There’s also nothing ironic about calling people dumb in this thread. There’s a difference between free speech and plain ignorance. Learn it!

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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:43 PM

    Fair enough Sean, you seem like a guy who has to win the argument. Well done, you’re the winner, can you go away now please, your posts are getting very irritating!

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    Mute James Patrick Smith
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:39 PM

    “History teaches us that no other cause has brought more death than the word of god.”

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    Mute Michael Tuohy
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:16 PM

    we are all monkeys why can they not see that?

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    Mute Rusty Balls
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:54 PM

    Islam teaches creationism and denies the idea of natural selection. That would be an insult to Muslims.

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    Mute Thomas Maher
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:18 PM

    This film has really turned into a must see for me. I would like to thank all the protesters and rioters. for drawing my attention to it.

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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:21 PM

    Trust me it wont win any oscars.

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    Mute James Patrick Smith
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:48 PM

    “Rational arguments don’t usually work on religious people. Otherwise there would be no religious people.”

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    Mute phil
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:25 PM

    Why now ? South Park aired an episode “super best friends”. The profit is shown and little or no backlash. Its only inside the last few years where offence is taken.

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    Mute Thomas Mc Grory
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:49 PM

    What if we made a movie like the life of Brian about Allaaaaaa, do you think they would see the funny side of it ??? :)

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    Mute Diarmaid Twomey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:01 PM

    We should send a floatilla of aid to them. They must be famished after all the rioting!

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    Sep 16th 2012, 3:21 PM

    …just what is a floatilla..when it is at home!?….

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    Sep 16th 2012, 3:21 PM

    …just what is a floatilla..when it is at home!?….

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    Sep 16th 2012, 3:22 PM

    …..floatilla!?…

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    Mute James Cronin
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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:08 PM

    Appeasement of the lunatic fringe never works . They perceive that as fear and get all the more stronger from it. That spurs them on all the more.
    Talking or trying to understand their point of view is futile. They laugh at such action

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 3:19 PM

    …..drivel!…..

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    Mute stephen baxter
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:57 PM

    Tolerance and acceptance are key words that appear lost. Everyone is entitled to their own views and opinions, however if these insight violence and the loss of life surely restraint is needed. I respect the right of free speech but I also respect the rights and beliefs of my fellow man.

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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:09 PM

    So basically, your logic is very much along the lines of; He who shouts loudest gets the respect, he who gives respect gets nothing? Great belief there Stephen!

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    Mute stephen baxter
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:31 PM

    I’m sorry but I don’t think you have read/ understood my comments.

    It would be great see mutual respect for others beliefs.

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    Mute Diarmaid Twomey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 7:50 PM

    You’re basically saying if voicing free speech causes nutters to go on a rampage we should stop exercising free speech yes? Should we stop voicing our condemnation of Irish criminals and the IRA so for fear they’ll attack us?

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    Mute Tom Shine
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    Sep 16th 2012, 1:27 AM

    well said Stephen couldn’t agree more

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    Mute Noirin Lynch
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    Sep 15th 2012, 4:13 PM

    This short podcast from yesterdays Tubridy radio show, might be of interest to those with an interest in the facts of the film – a totally manufactured-to-cause-protests-film supported by Pastor Terry Jones: http://2fm.rte.ie/radio/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=1%3A20025105%3A4678%3A14%2D09%2D2012%3A Violent protestors should be treated as harshly as is appropriate under the law, but using their criminality as an excuse to dismiss all 1.6 billion Muslims is just lazy … oh, and sneering at ‘ignorant people’ who fall for this type of provocation while engaging in generic group bashing is beyond ironic.

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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:52 PM

    I agree with most of what you say, but sadly the 1.6billion number is thrown around far too much, if you look at ethnic crime across africa and the middle east you will see that consistently muslims are involved.

    There is a lot of propaganda in the media, in particularly the U.S. media about muslim faith, but if you look at the amount of this sort of crap that is happening in comparison to people of the other faiths you will see that it is in the vast majority.

    I am equally surprised that you would jump to their defense as a woman, you should try going to live in saudi arabia or syria where you wont be able to leave the house without a male companion and are not even able to drive a car.

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    Mute Noirin Lynch
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:07 PM

    I’m pretty surprised at someone telling me what a womans opinion should be on any matter … but hey … ;-)
    What I shared above is information about a video, not a critique or defence of the Muslim faith. So I’m equally surprised that some people can’t tell the two apart, apparently.

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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:18 PM

    Sorry maybe i misread this bit wrong then

    “using their criminality as an excuse to dismiss all 1.6 billion Muslims is just lazy … oh, and sneering at ‘ignorant people’ who fall for this type of provocation while engaging in generic group bashing is beyond ironic.”

    Seems pretty much like a defense to me. Dont think i told you what your opinion should be either more like trying to educate you and then you can make up your own mind fancy pants.

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:15 PM

    …..we’re it not for irresponsible journalism …..the uneducated would know nothing of this “film”…. Like the release of the Marine ” Koran burning escapade” …..Why is it done in the certain knowledge that mayhem and carnage is going to follow?…….why stir it all up?…….just take in the comment made on this site…..it is as sickening as the responses of those this “news” has infuriated….

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:46 PM

    Why…must you break…everything in your comment…up like this?

    Your comment is bad and you should feel bad.

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    Mute John Turkey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:49 PM

    It wasn’t the media but a few Islamic clerics looking for a fight who brought the film to the attention of the religious mob.

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    Mute james okeeffe
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:34 PM

    …”Why is it done in the certain knowledge that mayhem and carnage is going to follow?” …

    Yes everyone everywhere should not say or do anything that could possibly cause anyone any offense.

    You and I and everyone who watches that video knows that it was made to stir up trouble, and instead of laughing at it because it is probably one of the worst pieces of film making ever , they go and kill people and achieve exactly what they film maker was trying to prove. And I am sorry if my comments about these people living in the dark ages causes offense, but they are holding up banners calling for people to be beheaded, I would love to hear your justification..

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 4:58 AM

    It..is the way I choose to write….who are you to tell another that they may not express themselves as they wish…..As a teacher my students are encouraged to express themselves without fear of criticism….The morning of 9/11….11 years ago… Two PRC students applauded the destruction of the twin towers….despite being a total anathema to their teacher they were not rebuked but asked to justify their opinion…. who is your man to tell others they are wrong having not been subjected to their particular persuasions…..!?

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    Mute James Cronin
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:08 PM

    The irony of this is that totalitarian or dictatorships have a better record in controlling radical extremists. The religious extremists also understand that the regime will have no problem in beheading them for wanting to behead th

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    Mute Andrew Telford
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:16 PM

    There ought to be a double entendre clause that you can’t exercise your rights of freedom of speech to protest the same rights of another group or individual

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    Mute Sean Herbert
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:44 PM

    Double entendre? Stop using phrases you don’t understand.

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    Mute Kevin Niazi
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:48 PM

    Insulting Islam doesn’t take any Musllims rights away? Does people criticizing a PM/President take away the rights of the PM/President. People always bash other religions, no one says anything about rights; because no ones rights is being taken away.

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    Mute John Turkey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 3:51 PM

    Check the definition of “double entendre”. It’s not what you think it is.

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    Mute Diarmaid Twomey
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    Sep 15th 2012, 6:03 PM

    Fair enough Sean, you seem like a guy who has to win the argument. Well done, you’re the winner, can you go away now please, your posts are getting very irritating!

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    Mute Bocque d'Robbeur
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    Sep 15th 2012, 11:00 PM

    Lots of athiests here, apparently. What’s an athiest athier than?

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    Mute James Cronin
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    Sep 15th 2012, 5:08 PM

    The irony of this is that totalitarian or dictatorships have a better record in controlling radical extremists. The religious extremists also understand that the regime will have no problem in beheading them for wanting to behead th

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 5:14 AM

    We have all been subject to the wiles of journalists editors news barons, is it not time the majority of you sat down and thought about how foolish the media consider us to be….time for some dots….someone mentioned others living in the “Dark Ages” perhaps it is worth considering that we all live thus….a government slaughtering its own people in order to invade others…..directing remote controlled drones to eliminate…or tother day heard someone considered quite respectable use the phrase….”Take Out” those considered suspect…”suspect” fer pities sake….of evil intent.

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    Mute Kevin Niazi
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    Sep 15th 2012, 8:53 PM

    ….

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:40 PM

    ….Jees some bigots on this site….

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 16th 2012, 2:40 PM

    ….Jees some bigots on this site….

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    Mute Michael Tuohy
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    Sep 16th 2012, 3:26 PM

    why do you say bigots ,bigots about what?

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 17th 2012, 5:20 PM

    …be that you or the dog talkin….?

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    Mute Richard Mason
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    Sep 17th 2012, 5:29 PM

    …whoops… Sorry praps tis words of the dog….

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