Apology over Holocaust statement

Apology over Holocaust statement (BBC News, Thursday, 14 February 2008)

Council chief Alan Jones wrote in a newsletter:

"They now join the ranks of those who believe the earth is flat, that the Holocaust never happened, and those who dress as pirates to worship the Flying Spaghetti Monster and his noodly appendages."

Although he apologises, he doesn't really seem to feel bad about it:

"When taken in context, I would be surprised if people were to take offence at my comments, but if some have, I apologise unreservedly."

The Flying Spaghetti Monster is a joke. It is a tasteful and clever joke, and it serves serious purposes, for example to ridicule the American creationist scum who demand 'equal time' in science classrooms. But it is a joke nevertheless, especially if one adds "and his noodly appendages". To mention this in the same sentence as the Holocaust is unfathomable bad taste and shows a complete lack of historical awareness.

Alan Jones is supported by Amshid Ahmadi, chairman of the council's Black and Minority Ethnic Employees Network, but something tells me the latter may not have much understanding of recent Western history either.

I strongly believe in free speech and I don't think Alan Jones should be lynched, nor fired from his £157,000 council job, nor legally prosecuted (he may want to stay away from Austria though), but I do feel he should be given a prominent spot in the proverbial Hall of Shame for all eternity.