Each student of civilization has been exposed to the exciting words, "I can not agree with what a man has to say, but will fight to the death his right to say it." Although widely attributed to Voltaire, it is not in his writings and was apparently developed by a later author as an epitome of the ideal political attitude. The phrase captures the basic concept of democracy, the heritage once proud of European countries, now apparently being sacrificed on the altar of appeasement.
Freedom of expression, a basic principle of democracy, is now voluntarily disavowed in Europe by Governments and intellectuals, rationalization by far as "hatred" (possibly added motivation fear Islamic terrorist reprisals).
The fatwa against Salman Rushdie for his Satanic Verses in 1987 Iranian was an initial indication that European Governments would be back and not to defend their freedom of expression - and this has been.
Author Oriana Fallaci faces charges in an Italian Court that his book "between the cicadas" vilifies Islam - similar accusations against her are also raised in France and Switzerland. Europe today everywhere is obviously willing to sacrifice freedom of expression to appease Islamic critics.
Fallaci, with a first hand knowledge of political Islam, describes him as a force with strong and broad appeal to Muslims who advocate belligerently historical belief of the supremacy of Islam of all peoples and religions.
Reaction of the European Union to Islamic riots against cartoons deemed offensive was the adoption of a law against blasphemy - give centuries of the freedoms of the press and of expression.
In response to protests against cartoons-Muslim, secular and Christian Danish authorities have responded, not with determination to defend their traditions, but the apology and calls for self-censorship.
European newspapers have decided not to jeopardize the impression satirical caricatures on Prophet Muhammad after the Muslim furor generated by Denmark publications.
However, has been banished Christian religious sample: Christmas trees, Nativity scenes, are prohibited even Dutch flags on backpacks.
The shocking reality of young Muslims burning cars in hundreds of French cities (to shouts of Allahu Akhbar) is described in the European press as caused by "criminals", with no more descriptions - freedom of the press also deliberately be restricted.
The pattern of appeasement is evident - Dutch cartoons really evoked little comment when he published originally - then the magnets began they shake and it was awakened international furor - there were riots by Muslims, with dozens of people killed - then came the speeches justifying the riots more demands of religious tolerance in Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran - Europe's responsethey intensify the appeasement.
The Berlin Opera in September 2006 cancelled the representation of an opera by Mozart - an epitome of culture - because of telephone threats anonymous on a scene that represents the head of the Prophet Muhammad. The Opera was accused in the German Parliament of "fall on his knees before the terrorists".
Iraq and Afghanistan - United States and Allied "occupation" to overthrow threatening dictatorships and terrorist regimes, along with the introduction of democratic institutions of Government, is widely criticized in the media detailing real or imagined problems - omit is any mention of the very biggest hits in maintaining the conflict far us banks, the Elimination of oppressive local rulers or the democratic achievements of the peace, such as openings of schools, hospitals and small businesses.
A soft quote, comment by Pope Benedict XVI in Islamic history, in September 2006, provokes reactions from around the world, including the shooting of a nun - the call by Muslim leaders of Muslim tolerance and moderation of those murders - instead the European press renews its call for self-discipline in European speeches (blaming the victim)!
Aaron Kolom qualifies as a "scientist" with more than 50 years aerospace engineering: stress analyst head of structural Sciences in many military aircraft, Corp. Director of structures and materials, program Assistant Chief Engineer shuttle through three first flights (award-winning NASA public service medal), Rockwell International Corp.; Program administrator of Concorde SST, VP Engineering TRE Corp.; Aerospace consultant.
Aaron l. Kolom - brainwashing ** and miracles **
The perceived mentality of the Secular evolution of Darwin re Elite!
** To believe in them, have faith - in science and logic!
Visit the website [http://www.brainwashedandmiracles.com] to learn a little bit about the Bible, from conflict to the confirmation of science vs.