Freedom of expression - going, going, gone! Loss civilization - Europe at the turning point

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.

Why Egyptians Should Demand Freedom of Religion in Their Constitution

Libertad de religión es la primera de las libertades mencionadas en la primera enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. Los estadounidenses teníamos buenas razones para poner allí! Colonización europea de América del Norte fue en gran medida impulsada por la guerra religiosa. Es muy probable que la mayoría de los estadounidenses son descendientes de los pueblos que buscaban la libertad de religión. Sé que mis antepasados eran.

Mi antepasados Holanda izquierda en 1625 para convertirse en 5 de los primeros 200 pobladores de la isla de Manhattan, a continuación, en la colonia de Nueva Amsterdam. Querían nada más que para hacer una vida. En Holanda se encontraron en medio de los guerra (1568-1648), de 80 años en los ejércitos de España católica envió a Holanda cada verano para forzar a los cristianos calvinista (protestante) en la Iglesia Católica. La batalla podría derivarse a través de la principal temporada de crecimiento cada año y la caída de que los granjeros holandeses inundaría sus tierras, obligando a los españoles para volver a España soleado para el invierno.

Wolfert Gerritsen Van Couwenhoven, el Patriarca de todos los Conovers del mundo, tuvo la oportunidad de asentarse en la colonia holandesa de Nueva Amsterdam, hoy Nueva York y escapar de estas incesantes guerras religiosas. A continuación, en sus treintas finales, llevó a su esposa y tres hijos con él y fue instrumental en la Fundación de las ciudades de Manhattan, Brooklyn, Albany y Renssalaer. Despejaron la tierra en el área ahora conocida como Wall Street, que se convirtió en su primera granja. Wolfert todos quería hacer era cultivar y hacer una vida para su familia.

Hoy nosotros pensamos como estadounidense, no neerlandés-estadounidense, parcialmente porque los americanos nos hemos se casaron tanto. Mis abuelos eran holandeses, alemanes, galés y sueco, y tres de nuestros nietos apuntará a abuelos de ascendencia coreana. Estas diferencias de religión, cultura y herencia han hecho América fuerte y pragmático.

Hoy muchos de mis amigos son católicos. No se sabe incluso de la triste historia de los guerra de 80 años, pero para mí ellos contando la historia sobre bebidas. Ellos probablemente pensaría me excéntrico para hacerlo. Somos americanos y tomar poco aviso de cómo honrar a Dios. Dependiendo de la secta de la cristiandad, podríamos creer que no vamos a ver nuestro amigo en el cielo, pero esto es ahora y que será entonces. Pero que será el problema de quien cree el camino equivocado y preocupación de Dios y no una cuestión que nos debe inquietar mucho en nuestras vidas cotidianas. ¿Por qué debemos cuidar si tienen ideas tontos?

Todas las religiones han dividido y subdividido a lo largo de la historia. Aunque la mayoría de los estadounidenses ve a Egipto como un país musulmán, normalmente no sabemos de las muchas divisiones dentro del Islam. Muy pocos estadounidenses saben algo acerca de los cristianos coptos, que representan el 10% de la población egipcia.

Los egipcios tratando de construir una nueva sociedad harían bien en tomar nota de las historias del Islam, cristianismo y judaísmo y demanda que libertad de religión se escribe en la piedra angular de su nueva Constitución. No hacerlo puede invitar a los conflictos, la animosidad y la pugna dentro de su sociedad y retener como nación.

Presidente George w. Bush cometió el error triste de pensar que si él derrocó a un dictador, democracia y la paz que reinó Supremo en Irak. Subestimó las larga celebradas animosidades entre las facciones sunitas y chiítas del Islam en Irak, y este error costó cientos de miles de paz amante a iraquíes sus vidas en una guerra civil entre sí.

Las interacciones violentas entre sunitas y chiítas siguen jugando todo el mundo musulmán este mismo día. Ellos se detendrán cuando líderes deciden detenerlos y vivir en paz. Eso sólo puede suceder si la libertad de religión se convierte en el cimiento de la nueva Constitución egipcia muy.

Skip Conover es un ejecutivo internacional, autor y artista. Ha escrito una novela, un libro publicado de asuntos actuales y un diario publicado. Convirtió su interés desde hace tiempo en arquetipo jungiano en el arquetipo de organización de la acción, y desarrolló su sitio web en http://archetypeinaction.org

Freedom of the press against blasphemy in Nigeria

The geographical area known as Nigeria was created in 1914 following the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates by the British Colonial Masters. Available statistics show that the population of Nigeria is in excess of 140 Million, with a growth rate estimated at two percent per year. The country has a vibrant press which occupies the forth estate of the realm. The press is relatively free at the moment and consist of Government owned Television and Radio as well as private Media and the Print.

Nigeria is a multi-religious country, although recognizes two main religions, Christianity and Islam. Blasphemy and die is the stand point of the world's two main religions on the issue of blasphemy. There is no option for the penalty for blasphemy offenses in places where laws exist and no one is above punishment once proven guilty. In Christianity, blasphemy is against the trinity or their own doctrines.In the Bible, offenders of blasphemy were sentenced to death(Leviticus 24:16)while blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, was not forgiven (Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10).

Blasphemy in Islam is speaking against Prophet Mohamed, and any other prophets mentioned in the Quoran, or Biblical prophets. Similarly, speaking against Allah constitute blasphemy. In Nigeria, adherents of the two religions hold tenaciously to their beliefs and would not hesitate to deal with any one undermining their position. There are no existing blasphemy laws in Nigeria but in the Northern part of the country the Shariah law serves as check and balance to deal with offenses against Islam.The Shariah Legal Law where ever they are operated in the North has replaced the Penal laws and is said to affect only Muslims.

Since the Islamic law was introduced formally in 2001, no one has been punished for blasphemy.The closest, being the case of one Isioma Daniel of "This Day" Newspaper who allegedly blasphemed Prophet Mohammed in her column, a fatwa was placed on Isioma urging Muslims to kill her. Isioma Daniel wrote in an article that prophet Mohammed would have approved of Miss World contest and might have wedded a beauty queen. Such statement in a religious volatile place like Nigeria is costly. So, as was expected, Isioma's article sparked up Muslim-Christian riots in Northern cities particularly Kaduna, as a result, thousands were killed and property destroyed. Isioma later fled the country in a bid to save her life from Muslim fundamentalist.

The shariah being practiced in the North is made to be superior to the nation's constitution as government at the center has not challenged it, rather dismissed it as Political gimmick that would soon fizzle out. Some of the Northern States have what is known as"hisbah" an apparatus set up to defend the cause of Islam and performing similar functions with the Nigeria Police Force. The 19 Northern State Governors have a forum where they meet from time to time to take far-reaching decision that would be used to govern the member states as well as improve their economies. It was in 1987 that a Muslim apostate, a certain Reverend Bako ignited the embers of religious riots when he allegedly made blasphemous references to the Quoran while preaching to his fellow Christians at the College of Education in Northern town of Kafanchan, Kaduna State.

The Mayhem that followed resulted in multiple death and destruction of property worth millions of Nigerian money. Almost a decade later, the gruesome scenario was re-enacted again in Kafanchan in 1996 by Monday Yakunat, a Christian preacher while conducting an open-air service just by the town's motor park. Angered by his sermon, some 50 shi'ite fundamentalists kidnapped Yakunat and detained him in a house. The stage was set for a confrontation when Christians stormed the home and forcefully released Yakunat. In the Muslim-Christian riot that immediately ensued, at least three persons were killed and property destroyed.

This is the kind of jungle justice slammed on people that are perceived to be a threat to Islam even before the adoption of Shariah in Northern Nigeria. Even the leader of the greatest fundamentalists groups in Nigeria known as Islamic Brotherhood Movement, Ibrahim El-zat-zaky criticized the setting up of Sharia in a country ruled by a Christian President. In 1991, the Shi'ite sect in Nigeria headed by El-Zat-Zaky violently demostrated over a "Daily Times" publication which they termed as blasphemous.The rioters had set the Times office in Katsina ablaze. Both Islam and Christianity are blasphemed and their followers get criticized on blasphemy issues the same way.

However, Christians react differently to insults on their religion as against the Muslims. It is very common for Islamic preachers to insult Christianity and Jesus openly on street preaching or even in the Mass Media without hell being let loose. Muslims contradict the belief that Jesus is the son of God and that he was conceived by the Holy Spirit. They say if that is so, it then means that the Holy Spirit slept with Mary and the result is Jesus.This is a derogatory statement to make, but some of them say it and get away with it.

In his paper, "The canon that did not go off", Terry Mattingly a Journalist Professor and columnist, asked the million dollar question, "Who will arrest the mob" he came to the conclusion that there is no absolute truth. The Islamic reactionaries declared jihad on the West and their allies, that is talking about Christians living in any part of the globe. Northern Nigeria where the demonstration was fierce, the demonstration took to the street carrying placards with inscriptions such as"Damn the Westerners, kill the infidels or Muslims would be wiped, enemies of Islam must pay with their blood."The Jyllands-Posten Mohamed cartoons brought a reprisal reaction in several Northern cities of the country resulting the death of scores of innocent people and the burning of 60 churches.

In Kontagora, a town in Niger State, Nigeria, three christian worshipers were killed and 13 churches burnt in the reaction following the publication of the cartoon on the Islamic prophet. Consequent on the strong condemnation by the church in Nigeria, 25 persons arrested and accused of orchestrating the mayhem in Kontagora, were arraigned in court for murder. On 28th June, 2006, the"Compass Direct" reported that an unidentified Christian woman in Izom, Niger State of Nigeria was stoned and clubbed to death for carrying out a street evangelism. The woman who was reported to have witnessed to a group of Muslim youths and for giving them tracts, was later accused by the same group for insulting Mohamed.

Muslim extremists in the area stormed the Izom police station where she was held and demanded for her release to be stoned to death in accordance with Sharia law. While trying to smuggle the woman through the back door, the Muslims grabbed the woman and stoned her to death while three policemen were injured in the fracas. The journalist who has the mandate from the people to mirror the society and educate it, is in difficulty in reporting societal issues.

In some situations, the reporter faces personal self censorship, for some other reporters, it is regional oppression and pressure from the state. This limits the ability of the reporter to deliver result. The media that is caught in the web of regional divide most certainly would be polarized on religious line and partisanship will begin to creep in. The questions however being raised now are, how can the Media operate in an extra-legal or out-law situation, especially when Muslims insist the Quoran is superior to the Nation's constitution.

Secondly, how do journalists ensure fairness, objectivity and balance while reporting such polarizing issues as religious crises, as well as how they navigate the various ethical legal strictures in seeking to report violent religious crises. Some suggestions were that Christians and indeed journalists should seek to learn about Islam and should understand it, for them to be able to relate with Muslims better.

In addition, Muslim reporters should be send to cover Islamic assignments and vice versa and one on one interviews with Government Muslim officials should be recorded in the event of disclaimer. On the whole, journalists reporting religious issues should be unbiased, objective and above all should put National interest above primordial considerations. The Media must be socially responsible even to report sensitive issues like blasphemy without fear or favor, but must present the facts factually, knowing that truth is a defense in the court of law.

If there is a religious fracas anywhere, journalist must promote peace, through sensible writing and should try not to escalate or give out staggering figures that would trigger violence. A note of caution to religious sects as given by Bishop Michael Ali, "Religion should accept criticism from the outside just as they should be self critical of themselves".

Name-Godwin Shekari

Gender-Male

Occupation-Journalist

Address- Cecilia Shekari
Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Samaru Kataf,
Zonkwa, kaduna State, Nigeria.

How About a Cultural Islamic Renaissance Which Includes Maximum Freedom for Women?

The other day, I was speaking with an acquaintance and they brought up a very good point, and that was; what if the Islamic World had a renaissance which exploded with culture, new freedoms, art, and the advances of science? Consider if you will that the Middle East has a net inflow of global monies for oil and resources. Consider that the Middle Decentralists make very good businessmen (and women), and more and more folks are becoming highly educated. My acquaintance asks if within the next 8-years if this is possible? Well, these are all great concepts and questions so let's talk, shall we?

In my view, I'd say it is totally achievable, especially in key areas, in fact, it's already starting. Consider the progress in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Turkey. We could see the same in Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, and even Yemen, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Sure, I can see it plain as day, it's doable, even on that accelerated time-table.

Let's face it the Middle East needs the United States for the inflow of money, and the US needs the oil, and therefore like it or not we are coupled, and those mutual needs will not be changing anytime soon. It's obviously best if everyone gets along, and at some point the cultural differences must be celebrated for what they are and the differences understood, not as to barrier to friendship, but as a glimpse as to how others live and the wonderful diversity amongst human populations.

My acquaintance remind me that the US would be better off to assist in any way that the Middle East would ask for our assistance to help with a renaissance within their culture, regionally, or throughout, as the "Middle East will remain vital to US National interests." Yes, I agree with my acquaintance and would add something to that statement, because I don't see it as only in the Middle East.

I'd like to say that; "Every Region of the World remains vital to the US, and every nation, region, and peoples of planet earth have human interests to all nations and peoples!" So, with that said; "Ye" and plus; "we will continue to need the resources, as that light-sweet crude is perfect for our fuel needs here at home, and abroad."

So, since they need our money for their economy, and we do need the oil, we ought to find a way to mend our differences and move forward with a peaceful and friendly future. Please consider all this.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of to Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.NET