Dutch Priest Charged in Madonna Threat
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Sept. 8) – Amsterdam prosecutors said Friday a 63-year-old priest has confessed to phoning in a fake bomb threat to a Madonna concert in the Dutch capital city last week. The priest was arrested almost immediately after making the threat Sunday, since he used his home phone to make it, and he called an emergency services number where the call was automatically traced.
A couple of points here. First of all, how stupid is this guy? Doesn’t even know how to phone in a fake bomb threat without being caught? I mean, I’ve never done it myself, but I think I could have given him a few pointers. Second, as it stands, this story is a little diversion that will quickly pass from any public consciousness or discussion. But if you were to replace the word “priest” with the phrase “Muslim cleric” here on the eve of 9/11, this would suddenly become a HUGE story in the world press. Yes I know that Madonna has specifically parodied the crucifixion in her concerts, so this is very much a Christian issue for that priest, but my point stands – after all, I don’t think the Madonna tour will be cruising through Tehran or Damascus anytime soon.