The Quran, the Bible: Two books, two standards

There is already a copious amoung of good commentary on the various issues coming to light following News"weaks" Quran-flushing scandal. One of the issues is the MSM's apparent struggle with double-standards and bias. It seems that the MSM is on a heightened state of alert against any possible desecration of the Quran because this is what civilized, tolerant, and enlightened people do. On the surface, I don't have much of a beef with this very general outlook. I believe that one aspect of freedom is protecting the rights of others to follow their conscience and heart in whatever religion they observe. That being said, the ideals of freedom, equity, and justice would seem to demand that these standards and protections be applied to all religions and faiths, within reason. Many conservative blog sites and commentators have brought to light the obvious bias and even bigotry that seems to be lurking out there in the MSM (see this roundup at Captain's Quarters for an excellent overview and helpful links). While the Quran and the rights of Muslims are the cause du jour, there seems to be painfully little sensitivity regarding instances where the Bible or the Torah are desecrated or destroyed.

This may surprise some, but I am not even advocating action that might make laws and enforcement regarding Bible-abuse stricter and harsher. As a believer, I take the Bible to be the inspired word of God and thus a sacred book. Yet, I treasure freedom enough to even allow for others to oppose what I believe, even if it means abusing a treasured artifact of my faith. As Voltaire once said (paraphrasing): I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it. I do happen to treat my Bibles with care and feel a visceral sense of offense when I see stories about Bible-abuse and desecration. However, I also know that the reason I honor the Bible is its contents and not the physical material that comprises it. The Word of God is to be honored, but the medium on which His words are transmitted is just that - a medium. I am offended by those who desecrate the Bible because their actions reflect a greater attitude towards the Author of this Book, not because they have physically destroyed the Book, itself.

Like so many other stories that are in the news today, I am saddened, but not surprised. The media is largely comprised of those with a liberal world-view (politically, socially) and so it makes sense for their work to reflect this. I guess the most regrettable aspect of this issue is that there is no introspection, no attempt to acknowledge bias and double standards in a profession that is supposedly based on equity and objectivity. Commentary and editorials can reflect a slant or bias, but if you are being paid to report facts and inform others of "truth," evidence to the contrary ought to lead to action and correction. This sense of fairness is glaringly absent in the MSM right now. It's one thing to have blind-spots, we all do, but it's another thing to see what's happening and purposely turn a blind-eye to it.

Other notable roundups and insightful commentary from the "usual suspects":
Michelle Malkin
Austin Bay
Paul Mirengoff at Powerline