Respect and it's limits

Last November during the Ellison campaign/coronation, just about any criticism of the man was dismissed as anti-muslim bigotry. More recently, the Twin Cities have been the frontline of a debate on religious accomadation as cab drivers have refused fares that might offend their principles and checkers at Target have refused to scan pork products. We are urged to understand and respect religous differences.
Meanwhile, it's hard to drive in my neighborhood without stopping behind a car with a bumper sticker ridiculing Christians. The Darwin fish is probably the most popular, of course, because making fun of people's creation beliefs is always good for a laugh. I'm sure most of these cars just haven't gotten around to getting something that explains that Gaia spirit thing isn't really grounded in science either.
This outstanding post from Ken Jennings brought all of this to mind for me. He's writing about the recent uprising in Mormon ridicule that goes along with the Romney bid. Excerpt:

After you get off a particularly good zinger at those gullible Mormons, try recasting your sentence so it refers to “those gullible Jews” or “…Catholics” or “…Muslims.” If, Wonkette, you think Mormon temple garments should be called “magic underwear” throughout your post, try substituting “magic beanie” for “yarmulke” or “magic Nilla wafer” for “Communion host” in a similar context and considering whether that’s journalism, or whether that’s even funny anymore. If you’re horrified by the result, it’s because bigotry is bigotry, no matter the target.

And I couldn't agree more. What bothers me is that the tempo of this will only increase as the election season continues. People who preach understanding will take cheap shots at someone because of their 'weird' beliefs. Hyporcrites, and classless hypocrites at that.