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commentary on the passing parade Agree? Disagree? Tell me
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Thursday, February 12, 2009
TWO VERSIONS OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH These are images from the streets of London. They pretty much speak for themselves. Freedom of speech carried about as far as any democracy would allow.....         And THIS is the story of how England is dealing with the freedom of speech rights of Dutch Politician Geert Wilders, who made this fim about Islam for which he has been indicted by a Dutch court. An organization called the International Free Press Society - about which I know nothing, is advocating on Mr. Wilders behalf. It's an interesting comparison of what kinds of speech can or should be tolerated in free societies. Apparently, the Dutch seem to believe that Mr. Wilders' film is hate speech - and the British do not think that these rallies on the streets of London are. Maybe members of the Islamic faith have a right to be disturbed at Mr. Wilders' film. He obviously thinks the religion and its holy book are a danger to society at large. But I think we need to be very worried about the kind of "free speech" that the British think should be allowed and defended on the streets of London. Those same streets where native born Islamic extremists did their dirty work on July 7, 2005 - England's "9/11." I am a strong believer in the right of free speech. I also believe there are limits to that right. Shouting "Fire" in a crowded theater isn't protected free speech. And neither should these disgusting pictures be protected as any kind of "speech." |