Dutch politician Geert Wilders is on trial in the Netherlands for alleged “hate speech” against Islam.
This writer hates the concept of “hate speech”.
I believe in complete freedom of speech for all – saints, sinners, fools and intellectuals, socialists, capitalists, racists, anti-racists, retards, Republicans, Baptists, bolsheviks, Muslims, marxists, Mormons, creationists, evolutionists, idiots, ideologues, Objectivists, a-holes and angels.
Freedom of speech often means offending certain people’s sensibilities. I regard that as a good thing, because if you are easily offended, that’s a sure sign your arguments are weak and need re-examining. Offending people is essential part of personal and social progress.
Outlawing the right to offend, is a hugely backward step for any society.
Therefore, like him or loathe him, all freedom lovers should stand with Gert Wilders.
Thanks to Carmen.
I don't think that taking offense is a sign of a weak argument. It is an expression of righteous indignation and is the proper response of any Christian to sin.
Geert Wilders should be considered a national treasure by the Dutch. He's a principled man of character. He's a wise man who sees the wrongs around him, threatening to destroy his country. He's a man to ride the river with.