Will 2006 see the end of free speech? :: Understanding Islam

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January 1, 2006

Will 2006 see the end of free speech?

Diana West has written an excellent opinion on the difficulties that are facing journalists who dare to speak out against Islam, as viewed by various Islamist interpretists.

Ms. West highlights two cases - the first from an editor in Afghanistan who was tried for daring to question the Sharia, and who in the end capitulated and said he was sorry. This man has been released but his every move will be watched by the government (sounds like the Taliban remains in control).

The second case she highlights is that of Denmark. The Danish Prime Minister has remained firm and has refused to interfere with the freedom of the press to depict cartoons of Mohammed. Diana reports that the European Union has gotten in on the act, in true Dhimmi style demanding an explanation.

Denmark has faced rioting from Islamists; there is a bounty on the head of the cartoonists; in Pakistan the lives of Danes are at risk; and many of the Danish diplomats have castigated their Prime Minister for refusing to speak to the Islamists. He remained firm in the face of all of this.

Freedom of speech is something that we all treasure. If the Islamists have their way then all of us loose - both Muslims and non-Muslims, alike.

Take for example my own outspoken attitude towards the way in which women are treated within Islam. Under Islamic rule I would be taken before the court, found guilty and sentenced to death for my thoughts. That is not freedom. That is repression, and Islam is no more excempt from criticism than is Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, or any other faith if and when such faiths trample upon the inherent freedom of expression valued by all of us in a free society.

Islam is in it's early stages of much needed reform, and as mainstream Muslims begin to take back their religion from the fundamentalists, we will then see an increase in the tolerance, peace, and interfaith tranquility and cooperation that we all seek, begin to take root. Let's all hope that we see that coming sooner rather than later - while we still have a civilization.

Should the Islamists and their views prefail, hope for humanity will vaporize as a Taliban-world emerges. Defeating the Islamist agenda requires Muslims and non-Muslims working together, juxtaposed with a universal unwillingness to compromise a single freedom for politically correct dhimmitude that serves only Islamic fundamentalism and weakens Western civilization and democracy.

Posted by at January 1, 2006 8:40 AM

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