First Step on the Path to Slavery

The concept of free speech is not to be taken lightly since it is an integral part of the structural strength of freedom. The less free speech, the less freedom. The American public has a grasp on this concept and accordingly judiciously promotes the concept at every opportunity. Generally speaking, anyone can say anything in the realm of personal speech with the exception of utterances which will immediately cause physical harm to others. The example is yelling “fire” in a crowded theater. Not so, in much of the rest of the world. Why Europe is even having a discussion about blasphemy and free speech is illustrative of varying attitudes on speech and freedom. Read my previous blogs on Europe and free speech here and here.

Muslims displeased that the Danish government refused to prosecute the newspaper Jyllands-Posten on account of publishing the Prophet Muhammad cartoons are now planning to sue the paper and take their case to the United Nations. That sounds like an appropriate endeavor for the worse than worthless United Nations.

The Internet is proving to be a thorn in the side of countries wishing to limit the access of its public to free speech. The Chinese are right out in the forefront. Michelle Malkin reports that now Pakistan has joined in the cause relative to the Jihad Cartoons. In addition the UAE is banning internet sites, and Malkin’s blog is one of the forbidden sites.

Let all who value freedom be forewarned that you can’t allow freedom of speech be abridged. It’s the first step on the path to slavery.