If this comes to fruition, then at least Rose can’t be criticized for maintaining double standards on freedom of speech. We’ll see if the same holds true for the various commentators who have hailed his decision to run the Islam cartoons.
I hasten to note, however, that editors shouldn’t have to prove their objectivity/fairness/whatever by appeasing those who shriek loudest. If the point of the Muhammad cartoons was simply to challenge hate-speech laws, then taking on other, bigger taboos is a logical next step. But printing Holocaust cartoons in the name of “balance” is a non sequitur. It implies that, far beyond supporting free speech for both blasphemers and Holocaust deniers, a “fair” editor is obligated to see no difference between the two. If Rose really believes that, then yes, he is an idiot. If, however, his intention is to strike a blow against the thought police, then let’s hear it for those plucky Danes.