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I have to say, even if she is being used by them, there is a part of me that cannot help but admire Wafa Sultan for the strength and courage of her convictions. Its like a natural corrective - how much shit can you hear being spouted from Islamists, and generalised Islamic apologetics, without someone standing up and saying, enough of this shite. You're lying.
And Faraz Nadeem The Engineer says
Apparently secularism is biased; “freedom of speech” is an oxymoron.
As long as freedom of speech serves a purpose it will be upheld, otherwise not so much. While I support freedom of expression and speech, I think there should be a clear line that should never be crossed. Free speech, to the best of my understanding, is in place to protect the people from oppression if there is a tyrannical government in place, ensuring that the voice of the masses is not subdued.
We have instances throughout history where free speech and expression have lead to wars. Was Communism not just an idea? Yet, it was openly restrained by the Free world, including the Muslim world. From a secular standpoint, it clearly seems like double standards are maintained by the Free world to restrict an idea or free thought. At the same time, this is an example of lines being clearly drawn in the so-called “freedom of expression and free speech.” It was clearly understood at that point in time that such expression and speech should not be protected.
Another right the people in the US enjoy is the right to bear arms, but there are clear laws and guidelines as to when and how to use them. This is to protect others from abusing or violating that particular right. My question is: why can’t there be certain guidelines for the freedom of speech and expression, so they are not abused?
The global Muslim community is sensitive when it concerns the honour of our beloved Prophet (pbuh). The Jewish community is protected from Holocaust deniers due to their sensitivity on the topic. Why can’t that courtesy be extended to Muslims on the topic that we are just as, if not more, sensitive about? Had there been a page on Facebook denying the Holocaust, it would have been taken down, as it should be.
By that same token, such courtesy should also be extended to the Muslim community. I believe that to ensure a peaceful coexistence or cohabitation, each community should respect the feelings of other communities.
The world needs to understand that liberal as well as extremist Muslims believe that it is their duty to protect the Prophet’s (pbuh) honour. An act to draw Him, even with the noblest of intentions, is not allowed. Whenever such an attempt is made, every Muslim inevitably find him/herself shoulder to shoulder with fellow Muslims – even the orthodox ones – whom they may disagree with on numerous other issues.
I am disappointed with the management of Facebook. At least the founder and owner of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, being of Jewish decent, should understand how one feels when a touchy issue is brought to a global forum and made a mockery of.
So I wonder what the billy the smoker says to that disappointed Faraz Nadeem The Engineer
Topic: May 20th. 2010. Draw Muhammad Day