I’m all for freedom, especially in previously repressed countries like Iraq. And I’m all for people being allowed to practice their ridiculous traditions, as long as they don’t interfere with others. But I’m completely confounded as to why someone would voluntarily whip themselves with chains and spray blood from their gashed scalps. Even The Raving Atheist is at a loss for words (he has a good picture, though).
Update: I missed a trick – some of these people were chanting, “Down, down, with the Americans! Yes, Yes to an Islamic state!” Say what you like about the Americans, but who would want to live in an Islamic state? So much for freedom…
“but who would want to live in an Islamic state?”. The answer is pretty simple, It is exactly the same people who support any other extrem political idea. It is the result of fear+ignorance. some people want every one with a gun, some want a powerfull state, some people beleive immigration is the cause of all problems, some people believe money corrupt everything, some people believe socialism is evil, some people beleive it is temptation …. and few like me (I hope) beleive fear and ignorance is the problem !