Another Paper Rejects Distribution of Muslim 'Terror' DVD

We have covered from the beginning, in several posts, the dispute over more than 70 newspapers around the U.S. -- almost all of them in "swing states" -- distributing the DVD "Obsession" which takes a very harsh look at Muslim extremism.  Two papers, as we chronicled in a post here yesterday, have rejected the money deal. Now we have been told about another. Here is an email we received today:

For more than 100 years, the metro Detroit area has been a melting pot of ethnic backgrounds.  The complex diversity adds greatly to the culture and quality of life that metro Detroiters enjoy.  An oft overlooked fact is that the Motor City is also home to the largest contingent of Muslims and descendants of the Middle East outside of the Middle East.

It is with that fact in mind that the Detroit Free Press decided to reject the Clarion Fund’s request to insert the DVD, ‘Obsession: Radical Islam’s War against the West’ to home delivery subscribers earlier this month.  It would have been potentially divisive and counterproductive to the good work local Arab and Muslim organizations and individuals are doing to contribute to the rebirth of Detroit and Southeast Michigan. 

Rich Harshbarger
VP/Consumer Marketing
Detroit Media Partnership

Comments

[A Shocked Citizen]

Stunning. Actually, disgusting. And not only from the perspective of fighting radical Islams. Stopping debate and public discussion of issues doesn't do any good for moderate, peaceful Muslims, the vast, vast majority. The Detroit Free Press seems to be the ones being divise and counterproductive, by thwarting free speech. Doesn't do anyone any good.

[Jerry T.]

I would go a step further and call this rejection pathetic and sad. Pathetic in that the PC police - and the Left - have taken over journalism as we know it. Sad because this so called "fear" of being "divisive" is completely unfounded. I heard about a screening of "Obsession" in Dearborn on 9/11 that elicited nearly zero protest from local Muslims. I've seen this film, too. Extremely even-handed. What is there to fear, Detroit Free Press? By refusing to run this film you are doing the exact same thing these radicals are doing - suppressing the free flow of ideas to promote your own agenda. Embarrassing.

[unionpride]

It sounds like they rejected it without even taking the time to watch the movie or even find out what its actually about.

[George]

I've seen a lot of discussion around the fact that the earlier paper to reject this insert, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, is the same organization that *lost* the press pass utlized by the Code Pink protester to get onto the floor and disrupt the speaking opportunity of the Republican nominee at the convention.

I guess the Detroit Free Press wants to be in the club of news outlets who feel that some folks' free speech is more valid than others'.

[Pro-Freedom Democrat]

Could the irony be any thicker? This film is critical of Muslim extremists -- the same Muslim extremists who rioted violently against the concept of free speech after that Danish newspaper printed a picture of Mohamed. Now the Free Press is relinquishing its rights to free press because of that incident??? Shocking and appalling.

[janice]

That is axactly why the Detroit Free Press should have accepted the deal. I want to see the largest muslim community in America react to this DVD. Will they riot or will they offer to address the issues in the documentary?

I guess the DFP knows best...

[johny]

What is truly sick is how people commenting here always hide behind the "freedom of expression" mantra to essentially promote and applaud disgusting hate material like this filthy DVD.

Would you also be so benevolent if the film was anti-Semitic or anti-American? Would you argue that the Detroit Free Press disgusts you for opposing free speech then?

Just cuz it's free it doesn't make it right or worthy.

Racists will always be Hypocrits.

Congratulations to the Detroit Free Press for doing what's right.

[Kat]

I applaud the Detroit Media Partnership for rejecting the fear-mongering and racism that is the objective of the DVD.

Leave the promos to Rush Limbaugh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjlKF5WUX-4
Yep, Rush is a fan so there you go.

The producer of this DVD founded the Clarion Fund which clearly has its own "obsession" with preventing a fair and accurate portrayal of Muslims while hiding behind the "national security" meme. Will people continue to succomb to manufacured fear such as drummed up by this video and Clarion's newest video "The Third Jihad?"