The violence in the Middle East is deplorable and expresses all that is wrong in that region of the world. America stands firmly behind the right to free speech, even when that speech is offensive to others. Blaming the film is either an act of extreme cowardice, obfuscating true motives; or illustrates the ridiculous childishness of these riots, analogous to a third-grader hitting someone for calling her a "doody-head".I fully expect that none of our political personalities will express such a strong opinion. Now is the time to be clear, stand firm and avoid diplomatic "double speak".
Furthermore, we demand the charges filed by the Egyptian general prosecutor against those associated with the film be dropped immediately. No government should seek to appease the populace by joining those who shift blame. Rather, a just government would hold responsible those who truly ignited and fanned the flames of strife. Additionally, the persons named are either United States citizens, or reside and acted in the United States, therefore, their actions are protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and not subject to the laws of Egypt or any other country.
The United States will not now, nor ever, bow to any action that threatens the legitimate exercise of free speech by persons acting within the sovereignty of the United States of America.
If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack.
-Winston Churchill
For more information about the fallout from these riots, please check out these articles from BBC News: "Egypt orders arrest of US-based Copts over film" and "Film Protests: What explains the anger?"
UPDATE (19-Sep-2012 20:53 EDT):
Surprisingly (to me at least), Hillary Clinton has expressed a similar opinion, though a bit more watered down and definitely much less confrontational. You can find a video of her speech on the BBC News, Hillary Clinton: Anti-Islam film 'reprehensible'
