Anti-Islam Rhetoric

Geert Wilders and His Hypocritical Argument for Free Speech

The Dutch politician Geert Wilders has riled the American Muslim community by bringing his anti-Islam rhetoric to a conference in Florida. The conference was hosted by Rep. Adam Hasner who is the head of the state’s House Republicans. In recent online statements, Wilders has stated that Islam is not a religion and should not be protected under freedom of religion laws. He now complains that his rights to freedom of expression are being intruded upon because the Council on American-Islamic Relations and others have criticized his inflammatory statements; CAIR has also called for Senator Hasner to be removed from leadership because of his support of hatred and intolerance.

CAIR has never called for him to not be able to speak. The organization fully supports a person’s right to free speech. CAIR also condemned the British government for barring him entry into the country because of his hateful language. CAIR believes these bands to be selective and that only allow popular speech; while people are barred from expressing unpopular opinions.

Wilders claims to be a champion of free speech and at the same time is calling for a ban of the Quran in Holland. He has also called for the resignation of a Dutch Diplomat in Jakarta for delivering a “pro-Islam” speech. While people like Wilder are opportunists seeking the spot light, the American Muslim community and people of all faiths should band together to spread the message of peace and cooperation. Focusing on the hate that these individuals are spreading is only giving them the power they seek.

http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?ArticleID=25941&&name=n&&currPage=1&&Active=1

© 2009 American Muslim Observer.