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14 Votes
22 Comments
Defending free speech at the United Nations
News Type: Opinion — Seeded on Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:25 PM EST
Article Source: JPost.comadvertisement
"Freedom of speech is under physical and legal threat not only from terrorists but also at the UN. Two US-based Islamists planned to kill a cartoonist and the editor of Denmark's Jyllands-Posten responsible for publishing cartoons depicting Muhammad in 2005, it was revealed a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, at the UN, the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) delivered another blow with a resolution on "combating defamation of religion," which was passed by a committee of the UN's General Assembly on 12 November.
While the tactics employed by terrorists and the OIC are obviously different, the purpose is essentially the same: to ensure that criticism of Islam is censored. And it is working.
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- Public Discussion (22)
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{"commentId":10962969,"authorDomain":"krishna109"}
Following news of the foiled attack against Jyllands-Posten, leading Danish newspapers refrained from reprinting the Muhammad cartoons despite doing so last year when another attack on the cartoonist was foiled. While the editors have explained this omission as a matter of "responsibility," fear would seem more likely. That was, after all, the reason why Yale University chose to omit pictures of Muhammad in a book called The Cartoons That Shook the World. Thus, grotesquely, a book dedicated to investigating "the conflict that aroused impassioned debates around the world on freedom of expression, blasphemy and the nature of modern Islam" does not contain the very cartoons which were at the core of the book's subject matter.
From Salman Rushdie to Jyllands-Posten, death threats have had a chilling effect on discussion, let alone criticism, of Islam
With protection for a loosely-defined concept like religion, the self-proclaimed victims will be the ones who can determine when they feel offended. That is particularly dangerous in countries where the state is the guardian of religion - such as Iran and Saudi Arabia - since the prohibition will affect not only the ability to freely discuss religion but also the ability to criticize the government.
The writer is head of legal affairs at CEPOS, a Danish think tank, and an external lecturer of international human rights law at the University of Copenhagen.
{"commentId":10962969,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"krishna109"}
- 8 votes
#1 - Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:26 PM EST{"commentId":10963094,"authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
Great find, Krish! I don't necessarily buy into the threat of jihadist world domination that some people seem to obsess over, however I DO mark and note actions that have actually come to pass which indicate violations of our individual liberties...
Especially when it comes to the UN...
{"commentId":10963094,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
- 8 votes
#2 - Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:38 PM EST{"commentId":10963425,"authorDomain":"arthurhaynes"}
It is a threat, if you criticize us, we will get you. Like a bully in school yard, he can hit you, but you cannot hit back. The West needs to grow a pair, and hit back.
{"commentId":10963425,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"arthurhaynes"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10963766,"authorDomain":"krishna109"}
Great find, Krish! I don't necessarily buy into the threat of jihadist world domination that some people seem to obsess over,
I'm sure the vast majority of the world's Muslims could care less about world domination-- like everyone else they jsut want to lives their lives.
However, there is a small minority-- in many places, who do want to establsih Muslim rule.
And-- I'm not even worried that they will succeed. they won't.
However what worries me is how much pain and suffering they will cause in the process. (to Muslims as well as non-Muslims).
however I DO mark and note actions that have actually come to pass which indicate violations of our individual liberties...Especially when it comes to the UN...
While the majority don't seek world domination, from what I've seen they would indeed like to limit some basic freedoms worldwide-- especially that of freedom of speech.
{"commentId":10963766,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"krishna109"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10963795,"authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
- what worries me is how much pain and suffering they will cause in the process.
- from what I've seen they would indeed like to limit some basic freedoms worldwide-- especially that of freedom of speech.
From what I've seen... I'd concur, on both points.
{"commentId":10963795,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":10964168,"authorDomain":"silver163"}
Just an attempt to attack the un. Remember this source called the un terrorist loving after the report on Israeli war crimes. Consider the source.
{"commentId":10964168,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"silver163"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10964204,"authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
Just an attempt to attack the un.
So? Who cares? Do you owe any allegiance to the UN? Do you not care when committees w/in the UN vote to limit freedoms guaranteed to us by our own Constitution?
I do... and I'll "attack" the UN about it every time.
{"commentId":10964204,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10964576,"authorDomain":"krishna109"}
Just an attempt to attack the un.
Or-- perhaps some people don't like the idea fo the UN (or anyone0 trying to limit our freedoms.
{"commentId":10964576,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"krishna109"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10966560,"authorDomain":"silver163"}
So? Who cares? Do you owe any allegiance to the UN? Do you not care when committees w/in the UN vote to limit freedoms guaranteed to us by our own Constitution?
if the UN said Israel can kill all muslims in the world you support it :)
Or-- perhaps some people don't like the idea fo the UN (or anyone0 trying to limit our freedoms.
i can too argue that not allowing me to kill random and innocent people is against my freedom of speech.
{"commentId":10966560,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"silver163"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10973653,"authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
i can too argue that not allowing me to kill random and innocent people is against my freedom of speech.
You could try... erroneously... Killing innocent people isn't speech... wtf are you even talking about?
{"commentId":10973653,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10973677,"authorDomain":"sunshine-lv"}
silver163...You are way off base! We are not dicussing passing UN Resolutions to give anyone permission to kill anyone! We are discussing protecting our Constitutional Freedoms which you have enjoyed living under in this country, along with the rest of us.
Take your "hate" campaign somewhere else!
{"commentId":10973677,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sunshine-lv"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10963126,"authorDomain":"inghar2004"}
Yes, this one worries me too. I wonder if it applies to any other religion than Islam.
{"commentId":10963126,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"inghar2004"}
- 5 votes
#3 - Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:41 PM EST{"commentId":10963162,"authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
The resolution is posted online... I skimmed it back when it was proposed, I think the wording aims to protect all, but it's a thinly veiled guise, IMO... it's out there to read if you search for it.
{"commentId":10963162,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"schmittyj"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10963474,"authorDomain":"sunshine-lv"}
With protection for a loosely-defined concept like religion, the self-proclaimed victims will be the ones who can determine when they feel offended. That is particularly dangerous in countries where the state is the guardian of religion - such as Iran and Saudi Arabia - since the prohibition will affect not only the ability to freely discuss religion but also the ability to criticize the government.
Instead of being on the defensive and compromising free speech, Western states should go on the offensive and strengthen it. That would not only give an important morale boost to the victims of death threats from terrorists but also to the many oppressed citizens of Muslim countries who cannot speak their minds or question the dominant religion.
It is not too late to make our feelings known to the White House. A flood of emails stressing the points in the last paragraph ...
{"commentId":10963474,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sunshine-lv"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10963615,"authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
The latest example is the Obama administration's co-sponsoring at the UN of a resolution on freedom of speech with Egypt - of all countries. But this resolution of October 2009 also condemns "negative religious stereotyping." This concept is not included as one of the permissible restrictions of free speech under international human rights law, so it suggests a protection of religions and religious symbols, not just individuals.
Watch closely, world, and NV. There soon may be no political blogs or political websites. This insanity has far reaching repercussions.
{"commentId":10963615,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
- 5 votes
#4 - Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:34 PM EST{"commentId":10963781,"authorDomain":"krishna109"}
Watch closely, world, and NV. There soon may be no political blogs or political websites. This insanity has far reaching repercussions.
I agree that the threat si real`.
But ultimately, I don't think most Americans will let them prevail-- we value our freedoms too much.
{"commentId":10963781,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"krishna109"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":10963938,"authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
I hope you're right, krishna, but it might be too late before some realize it.
{"commentId":10963938,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
- 7 votes
{"commentId":10963684,"authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
Suspiciously,
Thanks for the link!
{"commentId":10963684,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
- 5 votes
#5 - Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:44 PM EST{"commentId":10964630,"authorDomain":"carolyn62058"}
Europe will be predominately Muslim before the end of the 21st century and so will the US if population and immigration continue on their present courses. This UN resolution will eventually be adopted as Muslims take over more and more western countries. High Muslim birth rates will do what the battle of Tours attempted in 732 A.D. Most devout Muslims have no respect for free speech or tolerance for other religions. European and western culture will slowly wither away under the onslaught of Islam. It will be the end of free speech and freedom of religion and religious choice in the west--unless we wake up now to these veiled attacks.
{"commentId":10964630,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"carolyn62058"}
- 2 votes
#6 - Tue Dec 1, 2009 2:26 AM EST{"commentId":10973535,"authorDomain":"sunshine-lv"}
Carolyn...You are 100% right. The Muslims have finally found a conduit to do their work for them...the UN... through the Democratic process! Of course the Muslim/Arab countries have a sufficient number of members to work their will and have large enough Muslim populations in so many European Countries that can be intimidated and threatened if they oppose whatever the Islamists want.
Our only chance is to put pressure on the White House to protect our freedoms. However, it seems with Obama's views we may find him voting for it.
The UN is not the friend of Democratic countries. We should withold our payments (we pay a bundle of tax dollars to fund it) and , or withdraw our membership and kick them out of New York!
{"commentId":10973535,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sunshine-lv"}
- 5 votes
#7 - Tue Dec 1, 2009 2:20 PM EST{"commentId":10983343,"authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
The UN is not the friend of Democratic countries. We should withold our payments (we pay a bundle of tax dollars to fund it) and , or withdraw our membership and kick them out of New York!
Amen to that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
{"commentId":10983343,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"sandiistheone"}
- 4 votes
#8 - Tue Dec 1, 2009 10:34 PM EST{"commentId":10984175,"authorDomain":"canbyte"}
The issue of UN power and potential abuse of it applies to many fields. The upcoming Copenhagen Treaty is another example. If signed, watch out for Clause 38. More info
http://canbyte.newsvine.com/_news/2009/11/28/3559804-cooking-the-frog-slowly-
{"commentId":10984175,"threadId":"735837","contentId":"3568979","authorDomain":"canbyte"}
#9 - Tue Dec 1, 2009 11:17 PM EST{"canLink":false,"threadId":"735837","isPrivate":false}
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