Free speech and a multi-racial, multi-cultural society are at odds with one another. Lots of different groups are going to have different life results and lots of resentments against other groups. Free speech will allow them to express those resentments and then different groups will get riled up and you’ll have riots.
After yesterday’s Paris shooting, in which four journalists on satirical publication Charlie Hebdo were killed, Muslim activist Anjem Choudary has written an open letter entitled ‘People Know The Consequences’. In the letter, which was published by USA Today, Choudary says: “Contrary to popular misconception, Islam does not mean peace but rather means submission to the commands of Allah alone. Therefore, Muslims do not believe in the concept of freedom of expression, as their speech and actions are determined by divine revelation and not based on people’s desires.”
He adds: “Although Muslims may not agree about the idea of freedom of expression, even non-Muslims who espouse it say it comes with responsibilities. In an increasingly unstable and insecure world, the potential consequences of insulting the Messenger Muhammad are known to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”
The post asks: “Why did France allow the tabloid to provoke Muslims?” and Choudary adds: “Western governments are content to sacrifice liberties and freedoms when being complicit to torture and rendition — or when restricting the freedom of movement of Muslims, under the guise of protecting national security.”
