Geert de Wilders
By Roy Bercaw
Columbia Spectator
Published Wednesday 28 October 2009 07:10pm EST.
http://www.columbiaspectator.com/2009/10/28/letter-editor-0
To the editor:
Geert Wilders’ appearance indicates Columbia is re-establishing tolerance, as reported in “Dutch leader tests free speech,” (Oct. 23, 2009), and Adel Elsohly’s op-ed, “Wild, wild Wilders,” (Oct. 22, 2009.), but attacks on free expression continue.
“We are fundamentally accepting of freedom of speech,” said Elsohly. “What are denied are hateful and derisive comments.” Everyone supports speech that they like: Elsohly’s standard. The idea of free speech is to protect speech that you hate.
Elsohly argued that ‘freedom from fear’ is just as important as freedom of speech.” Under what system? Without free speech all other freedoms disappear. Try ending criminal abuse without expressing critical speech.
Ancient Greece thrived during 1200 years of free speech. There was no law or constitutional provision. It was a tradition.
Saying Wilders “would have us all give up not only our right to practice our religions but also our ability to see value in cultures that do not adhere to his perspective” is not logical. Criticizing religion is protected speech.
Saying “The line between freedom of speech and hate speech intent on inciting fear of Islam and Muslims within the greater community was crossed” makes no sense. Hate speech is protected speech. Who drew the line? Freedom from fear is not a right. “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one,” Ben Franklin said. Equating speech with suicide bombers or beheading nuns for criticizing religion is distorted speech. Passing a course in logic should be required for participation in public discourse.
John Stuart Mill wanted to guarantee freedom of expression so that good ideas were given the chance to drive out bad ones. Bad speech is defeated by more speech, not less.
Roy Bercaw, GS ’70
Bercaw was chairman of a University-wide group of students elected to meet with a Committee of the Trustees to study restructuring Columbia in 1968-69
Created: Wednesday 28 October 2009 07:10pm
Updated: Wednesday 28 October 2009 08:46pm
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