Freedom of Speech - Going, Going, Gone! Civilization's Loss - Europe at the Tipping Point

Every student of civilization has been exposed to the- However, Christian religious displays have been
thrilling words, "I may not agree with what a man hasbanished: Christmas trees, nativity scenes, even
to say, but I'll fight to the death his right to say it"!Dutch flags on backpacks are banned.
Although widely attributed to Voltaire, it cannot be- The shocking reality of young Muslims burning cars
found in his writings and was apparently crafted by ain hundreds of French towns (to cries of Allahu
later author as an epitome of the ideal politicalAkhbar) is described in the European press as being
attitude. The phrase captures the core concept ofcaused by "delinquents", with no further descriptions -
democracy, the once-proud heritage of Europeanthe freedom of the press also being deliberately
countries - now apparently being sacrificed on thecurtailed.
altar of appeasement.- The pattern of appeasement is evident - the Dutch
- Freedom of speech, democracy's basic tenet, iscartoons really evoked little comment when originally
now voluntarily disavowed in Europe by bothpublished - then the Imams began agitating and
governments and intellectuals, rationalizing it away asinternational furor was aroused - riots by Muslims
"hate" speech (added motivation possibly fear ofoccurred, with dozens of people killed - then came
Islamic terrorist retaliation).speeches justifying the riots plus demands of religious
- The Iranian fatwa against Salman Rushdie for histolerance from Muslim countries such as Iran and
Satanic Verses in 1987 was an initial indication thatSaudi Arabia - the response from Europe, intensify
European governments would back down and notappeasement.
defend their freedom of speech - and so has it been.- The Berlin opera house in September 2006 canceled
- Author Oriana Fallaci is facing charges in an Italianthe performance of a Mozart opera - an epitome of
court that her book "Among the Cicadas" vilifiesculture - because of anonymous phone threats over
Islam - similar charges against her are also raised ina scene depicting the severed head of Prophet
France and Switzerland. Today's Europe everywhereMuhammad. The opera house was accused in the
is obviously willing to sacrifice freedom of speech toGerman parliament of "falling on its knees before the
mollify Islamic critics.terrorists."
- Fallaci, with a first-hand knowledge of political Islam,- Iraq and Afghanistan - The US/Allied "occupation" to
describes it as a force with strong and broad appealoverthrow threatening dictatorships and terrorist
to Muslims who belligerently advocate the historicregimes, along with introduction of democratic
conviction of Islam's supremacy of over all otherinstitutions of government, are always severely
peoples and faiths.criticized in the media by detailing real or imagined
- The European Union's reaction to Islamic riotsproblems - omitted is any mention of the much larger
against cartoons deemed offensive was passage ofsuccesses in keeping the conflict away from US
a law against blasphemy - backing down fromshores, the removal of oppressive local rulers or of
centuries of freedoms of press and speech.any democratic achievements of peace, such as
- In response to Muslim outcries against cartoons,openings of schools, hospitals and small businesses.
both secular and Christian Danish authorities have- A mild, observational quote by Pope Benedict XVI
responded, not with determination to uphold theiron Islamic history, in September 2006, causes
traditions, but with apologies and calls forworld-wide reactions, including the shooting of a nun -
self-censorship.no Muslim leaders call for Muslim tolerance and
- European newspapers have decided not to riskrestraint on such killings - instead the European press
printing satirical cartoons about prophet Muhammadrenews its calls for self-discipline in European
after the Muslim furor generated by publications inspeeches (blaming the victim)!
Denmark .