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hmm, what about the supposedly uncensored version of it going around on the net? I think it could be real or fake, but confirmation would be cool

I applaude Matt and Trey for what they're doing. And I don't think they're getting "too preachy" or anything like that. They're standing up for what they believe in and the idea that others aren't standing up for free speech is ridiculous.

"In light of recent world events we feel we made the right decision." A Comedy Central spokesman declined to elaborate.

From: Viewer Services @ Comedy Central

Date: Monday, April 17, 2006 3:01 PM (I watched it on my university's TiVo recorder)

To: (address withheld)

Subject: RE: South Park - Cartoon Wars Part II


Dear Viewer,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding the "South Park" episodes entitled "Cartoon Wars." We appreciate your concerns about censorship and the destructive influence of outside groups on the media, entertainment industry and particularly Comedy Central.

To reiterate, as satirists, we believe that it is our First Amendment
right to poke fun at any and all people, groups, organizations and
religions and we will continue to defend that right. Our goal is to
make people laugh and perhaps, if we're lucky, even make them think in the process.

(I've seen the previous paragraph aimed at the Catholic League in defense of their right to air the "Bloody Mary" episode.)

Comedy Central's belief in the First Amendment has not wavered, despite our decision not to air an image of Muhammad. Our decision was made not to mute the voices of Trey and Matt or because we value one religion over any other. This decision was based solely on concern for public safety in light of recent world events.

With the power of freedom of speech and expression also comes the obligation to use that power in a responsible way. Much as we wish it weren't the case, times have changed and, as witnessed by the intense and deadly reaction to the publication of the Danish cartoons, decisions cannot be made in a vacuum without considering what impact they may have on innocent individuals around the globe.

It was with this in mind we decided not to air the image of Muhammad, a decision similar to that made by virtually every single media outlet across the country earlier this year when they each determined that it was not prudent or in the interest of safety to reproduce the controversial Danish cartoons. Injuries occurred and lives were lost in the riots set off by the original publication of these cartoons. The American media made a decision then, as we did now, not to put the safety and well being of the public at risk, here or abroad.

As a viewer of "South Park," you know that over the course of ten
seasons and almost 150 episodes the series has addressed all types of sensitive, hot-button issues, religious and political, and has done so with Comedy Central's full support in every instance, including this one. "Cartoon Wars" contained a very important message, one that Trey and Matt felt strongly about, as did we at the network, which is why we give them carte blanche in every facet but one: we would not broadcast a
portrayal of Muhammad.

In that regard, did we censor the show? Yes, we did. But if you hold Comedy Central's 15-year track record up against any other network out there, you'll find that we afford our talent the most creative freedom and provide a nurturing atmosphere that challenges them to be bold and daring and places them in a position to constantly break barriers and push the envelope. The result has been some of the most provocative television ever produced.

We would like nothing more than to be able to look back at this in a few years and think that perhaps we overreacted. Unfortunately, to have made a different decision and to look back and see that we completely underestimated the damage that resulted was a risk we were not willing to take.

Our pledge to you, our loyal viewers, is that Comedy Central will
continue to produce and provide the best comedy available and we will continue to push it right to the edge, using and defending the First Amendment in the most responsible way we know how.

Sincerely,
Comedy Central Viewer Services

In an interview with the Associated Press, William Donohue of the conservative Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights -- who totally didn't get the point -- went after Parker and Stone over the Jesus bit, but not Comedy Central.

"Like little whores, they'll sit there and grab the bucks. They'll sit there and they'll whine and they'll take their shot at Jesus," he said.

I thought the 'censored' notice was very clever, adding to the satirical point Trey and Matt were making - it made me laugh anyway! In any case, if we really want to see what the "South Park" version of Muhammed looks like all we have to do is go back to Season 5's "Super Best Friends", and were there ever any complaints there?

Come on British Terrestrial TV (ie Channel 4), you haven't even shown season 6 yet. By the time you show the Paris Hilton episode she won't be enjoying the simple life anymore! Ditto for all the other 'famous people' who deserve having the piss taken out of them.