Tolerance Toward Intolerance - Washington Post / Die Zeit

This article, in English so even Americans can understand it, explains very well how essential freedom of expression is and why the United States should stand up for that (as well actually as for all other civil and human rights and liberties) in the face of, and despite, the threats posed to it by fanatic intolerant fundamentalists.
Here the last paragraph:

"On Friday the State Department found it appropriate to intervene. It blasted the publication of the cartoons as unacceptable incitement to religious hatred. It is a peculiar moment when the government of the United States, which likes to see itself as the home of free speech, suggests to European journalists what not to print."

And follow the link to read the entire article in the Washington Post, written by the German weekly Die Zeit's Washington bureau chief. Excellent! Thanks for helping spread some enlightenment in the U.S.A.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/06/AR2006020601258.html