“Here in France, where no accusation against America or Israel is too scurrilous for official dissemination and mass consumption, Finkielkraut was beaten almost senseless for developing, with utmost precaution, a thoughtful analysis of the riots. Going beyond the simplistic sociological description of ghettoized youths bursting out in frustration against discrimination and unemployment, Finkielkraut analyzes the violence as a nihilistic attack against the French Republic. He points out the dangers inherent in romanticizing the riots as the justified revolt of the wretched of the earth. And he has the courage to mention that the perpetrators of the street violence are, for the most part, black and/or Muslim…born in France but anchored to an ethno-religious identity that makes their integration well nigh impossible.”
This reminds me of the time when CAIR dhimmi-whipped an ABC affiliate to drop Michael Graham. In France and Italy, you can get arrested for criticizing Islam. If you can’t criticize the problem, it’s not going to change.
I noticed the attempts and noticed that they didn't succeed (last I heard.) It’s bothersome that they are even proposed. Exempting an ideology from criticism is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Trying to distinguish between criticism of ideas and criticism of people is fraught with peril.
ReplyDeleteIn the 20th century, while virtually all of continental Europe, at one point, came under dictatorial governments with limits on speech, the Anglo-sphere retained rights of free speech and parliamentary government. It would be sad if we couldn't withstand the trend today.
dhimmi-whipped
ReplyDeleteYep! That's the correct term, all right.
What happened with Michael Graham (others, too) proves that freedom of speech is under attack.
Did you read about Marriott Hotel Hell on Jihad Watch? The Marriott hosted CAIR's banquet but not the other forum, where Spencer was scheduled to speak!