Jeri -

"If the question had been about what Yusuf Islam believed as opposed to what he thought was 'Islam's view', then yes, he should have said he didn't believe Rushdie shouldn't be murdered."

And I'm sure he has had ample opportunity to say that, and I suspect that he would have, had he been sure he believed it. Surely he was aware that the Rushdie issue was a source of great public animosity, and, asked about it, would want to make it clear that he disapproved in principle of the proposed murder, if he did. The man is not a fool, is he?

"You ('GUEST,the real me') gave a perfect opportunity for a Christian parallel. If someone asked you what the bible says should happen to someone who curses his mother and father, and you replied, "He should die," is this not simiar to what happened to YI?"

Not really. Until I read this thread, if that question had been asked me, I would have said, "I really don't know". And why don't I know? Because I have never in my life heard a minister, priest or rabbi calling for the death of someone who cursed his parents, or calling for the death of anyone else for the matter (okay, I know that's going to get some response). However, if I had that knowledge, and were asked about it in the context of some heated public controversy like the one around the Rushdie fatwa, I imagine I would say something like, "There is a verse in the Bible that says death is the penalty, but no reasonable Christian or Jew takes that seriously today, and I certainly don't think this person should be killed." If I didn't give that clear an answer, I would make such a statement after I had had time to think over what I had said.

"Shock/horror: GUEST,the real me said that anyone who swears at his mom should be killed. What horrible person would think such a thing!?"

Am I missing something here, or did you not notice the "sarcasm ahead" alert? Unlike Mr Islam, I will make a simple statement of my position: I do not believe anyone should be killed for cursing his parents. (Or did you mean to illustrate how people's words get twisted and used against them? If so, then I believe I have just demonstrated what the suitable response is: make your position clear).

"People are working too hard to find reasons to hate Yusuf Islam."

I'm not. I've got nothing against the guy, and I've enjoyed some of his music. I just think some of his comments quoted in this thread are pretty weasly.

"At least YI is intelligently discussing the issue with people."

Obviously I don't agree that he is discussing it intelligently.

"I don't have to agree with him to learn something from listening to him."

Yup, I do agree with you there, and I think that's a productive approach to any artist or thinker.

Now, I'm in the middle of moving, so I probably won't have time to carry on this discussion; my apologies - on the other hand, the last word is yours, if you want it!