Every student of civilization has been exposed to the thrilling words, "I may not agree with what a man has to say, but I'll fight to the death his right to say it"! Although widely attributed to Voltaire, it cannot be found in his writings and was apparently crafted by a later author as an epitome of the ideal political attitude. The phrase captures the core concept of democracy, the once-proud heritage of European countries - now apparently being sacrificed on the altar of appeasement.
- Freedom of speech, democracy's basic tenet, is now voluntarily disavowed in Europe by both governments and intellectuals, rationalizing it away as "hate" speech (added motivation possibly fear of Islamic terrorist retaliation).
- The Iranian fatwa against Salman Rushdie for his Satanic Verses in 1987 was an initial indication that European governments would back down and not defend their freedom of speech - and so has it been.
- Author Oriana Fallaci is facing charges in an Italian court that her book "Among the Cicadas" vilifies Islam - similar charges against her are also raised in France and Switzerland. Today's Europe everywhere is obviously willing to sacrifice freedom of speech to mollify Islamic critics.
- Fallaci, with a first-hand knowledge of political Islam, describes it as a force with strong and broad appeal to Muslims who belligerently advocate the historic conviction of Islam's supremacy of over all other peoples and faiths.
- The European Union's reaction to Islamic riots against cartoons deemed offensive was passage of a law against blasphemy - backing down from centuries of freedoms of press and speech.
- In response to Muslim outcries against cartoons, both secular and Christian Danish authorities have responded, not with determination to uphold their traditions, but with apologies and calls for self-censorship.
- European newspapers have decided not to risk printing satirical cartoons about prophet Muhammad after the Muslim furor generated by publications in Denmark .
- However, Christian religious displays have been banished: Christmas trees, nativity scenes, even Dutch flags on backpacks are banned.
- The shocking reality of young Muslims burning cars in hundreds of French towns (to cries of Allahu Akhbar) is described in the European press as being caused by "delinquents", with no further descriptions - the freedom of the press also being deliberately curtailed.
- The pattern of appeasement is evident - the Dutch cartoons really evoked little comment when originally published - then the Imams began agitating and international furor was aroused - riots by Muslims occurred, with dozens of people killed - then came speeches justifying the riots plus demands of religious tolerance from Muslim countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia - the response from Europe, intensify appeasement.
- The Berlin opera house in September 2006 canceled the performance of a Mozart opera - an epitome of culture - because of anonymous phone threats over a scene depicting the severed head of Prophet Muhammad. The opera house was accused in the German parliament of "falling on its knees before the terrorists."
- Iraq and Afghanistan - The US/Allied "occupation" to overthrow threatening dictatorships and terrorist regimes, along with introduction of democratic institutions of government, are always severely criticized in the media by detailing real or imagined problems - omitted is any mention of the much larger successes in keeping the conflict away from US shores, the removal of oppressive local rulers or of any democratic achievements of peace, such as openings of schools, hospitals and small businesses.
- A mild, observational quote by Pope Benedict XVI on Islamic history, in September 2006, causes world-wide reactions, including the shooting of a nun - no Muslim leaders call for Muslim tolerance and restraint on such killings - instead the European press renews its calls for self-discipline in European speeches (blaming the victim)!
Aaron Kolom qualifies as a "rocket scientist" with over 50 years aerospace engineering: Stress Analyst to Chief of Structural Sciences on numerous military aircraft, to Corp. Director Structures and Materials, Asst. Chief Engineer Space Shuttle Program through first three flights (awarded NASA Public Service Medal), Rockwell International Corp.; Program Manager Concorde SST, VP Engineering TRE Corp.; Aerospace Consultant.
Aaron L. Kolom - from Brainwashed* and Miracles**
* The Perceived Mind-Set of the Secular Elite re Darwin Evolutionism!
** To Believe in Them - Have Faith - In Science and Logic!
Visit website at [http://www.brainwashedandmiracles.com] to learn a bit about Science vs the Bible, from conflict to confirmation.
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