Iranian Newspeak

The stupidity of totalitarianism is illustrated superbly by an AP wire report noting that the Iranian confectioners' union has ordered that Danish now be called something else. Take in these gems of socialist-idealist thoughts:

"Given the insults by Danish newspapers against the prophet, as of now the name of Danish pastries will give way to 'Rose of Muhammad' pastries," the union said in its order.

"This is a punishment for those who started misusing freedom of expression to insult the sanctities of Islam," said Ahmad Mahmoudi, a cake shop owner in northern Tehran.

And we expect to be able to reason with these people? I'm sure the Danes will be weeping in the streets over this one.