A right for Freedom of Speech

Submitted by Leslie Satenstein, Montreal Canada (Canada), Dec 28, 2002 at 14:59

I agree with the rebuttal from the two eminent professors who expressed a principal written into the American constitution, but from a foreigner's perspective, finds that free speech clause is lip service only. From my perspective, there is no right in the USA to dissent or free speech, unless it follows the lines professed by one of the two political parties.

Mr. Pipes is worried about Muslim terrorism, as these terrorists take some of the Koran's words to extreme. We have no assurances that extremism will become the majority's beliefs. Also, from my understanding, the Muslim religion has to evolve to emulate the Judeo and Christian ethics, where every life holds a value that cannot be sacrificed for a political cause...

The fact that one American citizen should be able to criticize American policies is an American's right to free speech. Only, in my eyes, when individuals are arrested, transported to a foreign shore where no lawyer has access to them, and where the US Government may even submit them to torture to extract implausible information is proof positive that free speech and other rights guaranteed by the constitution do not exist and are lip service only.

So, Dr. Pipes, continue reporting your observations, but expect rebuttals, until either you or your opponent's right to free speech is stopped. It will occur if you or your opponents are complacent. Both sides, do not let it occur.

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