Radical, Decent American and Canadian Muslims Defend Free Speech

We, the undersigned, unconditionally condemn any intimidation or threats of violence directed against any individual or group exercising the rights of freedom of religion and speech; even when that speech may be perceived as hurtful or reprehensible. [1]

The declaration appearing this week in The American Muslim forms an impressive counterpunch to the image of Islam produced by the behavior and influence on both reason and imagination of Muslim Brotherhood affiliates and sympathizers.  With signatories ranging from M. Zuhdi Jasser, founder of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy to Mohamed Elsanousi, Director of Communications and Community Outreach for the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the piece today has a short but broadly embracing reach, albeit with one wiggle: "All signatories are signing as individuals and not on behalf of the organizations with which they are affiliated."

One may hope that the spirit signalled by the signing of the declaration will nonetheless find its way into and throughout each of the organizations so far listed. 

Soothing words only?

Excerpted from The Volokh Conspiracy [2], a publication that along with the declaration floated to Google's surface in the web search on the string "A Defense of Free Speech":

" . . . do you see any commitment to action here . . . ."

*

"When I hear and see this IN ACTION from the world Muslim community on a consistent basis, I might start to believe it."

*

"''Islam calls for vigorous condemnation of both hateful speech'"

Oh? does that include the hundreds of verses that teach hate and violence against non-Muslims?"

Indeed, without summoning such concepts remote to the English-minded as "taqiyyah" or "taysir", one may note the prevelance of systematic lying involved in the rhetoric underlaying the Islamic Small Wars, and it may be difficult for many to accept suddenly quintessential American and Canadian soul affirming talk at face value.

From Holocaust denial and "911 Truth" conspiracies to libels tall and small and much deflection and misdirection besides, practices involving bluff, deceit, fabrication, libel, obfuscation, or omission have been met in conflicted Islam by approval, infantilization, pandering, and patronage, essentially the stuff that both encourages and licenses the burning of Molly Norris in effigy elsewhere in the world [3], such hateful and widespread epithets as "Zionazi" and charges of "Israel Aparthied", and so much fuel for the fires burning in the hearts of Hamas, Hizbollah, Al Qaeda, Al Shabaab, Lashkar-e-Taiba, et al.

What most supports freedom of speech, much including critical and provocative speech, may be the discouragement of assault, first of direct intimidation and threat, and then, of course, law and enforcement sufficient to deter crimes against persons.

Universal comdemnation within the American and Canadian ummah of violence against those who criticize Islam and its prophet, even those who may insult one or the other, may take the public's impression of Islam in the west on a refreshing new course.

It's good to see such a pledge.

However, next steps may be more difficult and include direct address to and repudiation of the Muslim Brotherhood, reforms as necessary in the North American imamate (so the North America's clerical system can no longer harbor, produce, or perpetuate conditions comfortable to the Al Awlaki's of the world), to sustain essential democratic and liberal constitutional values, especially equal treatment of all men and women under the laws, to revamp attitudes towards Christians and Jews and others, and through modern fiqh forge a way of being Muslim, being with God, and living a good life with a good conscience in a greater and wondrously mixed community of Man.

To the signatories: meet words with deeds; confront Islam's most virulent reactionaries, for that is what they are, with radical, even revolutionary insight; surpass those other People of the Book in accomplishment, goodness, honesty, and integrity; having said what you mean, mean what you have said--show it, prove it.

Cited Reference

1. The American Muslim (TAM).  "A Defense of Free Speech by American and Canadian Muslims."  September 29, 2010.

2. Volokh, Eugene.  "A Defense of Free Speech by American and Canadian Muslims."  The Volokh Conspiracy, September 28, 2010.

3. Knowles, David. "Molly Norris, Artists Behind 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day' Cartoon, Goes Into Hiding."  AOL News, September 15, 2010.

Other Reference

Pipes, Daniel.  "Two Decades of the Rushdie Rules."  Daniel Pipes.Org, initially Commentary 2010.

Rosenberg, Matthew.  "A Year After Mumbai Attack, Militants Thrive."  The Wall Street Journal, November 24, 2009.

Brooks, Geraldine.  People of the Book.  New York: Viking, 2008.