Freedom of speech and expression involves any kind of remark, idea, opinion, gesture and basically any word you utter or hand you move. We can argue until dawn whether violence is always a solution, sometimes a solution or no solution at all. We can talk all you want about whether the freedom of speech and expression is the way to 'rule' the world, but there's just no time or use for that.
If freedom of speech is going to instigate hatred between different people which might consequently lead to violence, then freedom of speech SHOULD be limited. Who said that freedom of speech is a holy value/belief? Who said that every person has the right of freedom of speech? Why should those who do not know the consequences of their insults be given the right of freedom of speech? Who defines what's right or wrong? I do have the right to ask these questions, right?
To keep it short and simple, you reap what you sow. If you go around insulting/threatening people, you should expect to get it back in one way or another. If you want to let your opinion be heard, you should expect to open your ears to hear the other side of the subject at stake.
What crazy said is very true, your own freedom stops at the freedom of the other person. The very same basic example of a smoker's right to smoke stops at my nose.
That is exactly what we've been trying to say. I have to agree with you on this one. Ok if pikatore (or anyone else) is not going to respect me or my beliefs I'm not going to inflict any harm on him, but why would he bash at my beliefs? I have the right to believe whatever I want, no one has the right to insult me for what I believe. I might be a muslim, a christian, a jew, an atheist... whatever you want to call me, it is MY RIGHT! And it is my right to make you shut up when you insult me for my beliefs. I'm not going to insult your beliefs so why would you? Just leave me alone, give me my space, and I'll give you the same in return. This way everyone is happy and no conflict would be triggered.
You say you are believers and religious? That's fine. Expect others to be atheists, agnostics or of different views and opinions at least. Just like you are allows to practice your faith and belief, they are allowed to differ. It's their right.
+1
Yorgi's lecturer had all the 'right' to say whatever lies he said about this part of the world and Yorgi, likewise, had all the right to object to what was said and stand up for what he believed was right. Whoever stopped him from going on and beat him up was very wrong and failed to acknowledge the right of the others, just like those that made a big deal out of a drawing and the following consequences.
Since when was lying to people a
right? If a person lied in a court, wouldn't he get punished? Does that mean it's an illegal act? Isn't it against the law to give speeches of hatred and broadcast propaganda which might lead to violence? The lecturer did NOT have the right to say what he said, I live in the Middle East and I am not a terrorist, why would he call me one? Isn't it his country's army that is invading countries, killing people, and causing civil wars? Well, you decide who's the terrorist...
Now concerning those extremist (whether they are Islamists, Christians or whatever religion/ideology they believe in), I strongly denounce their actions. Those actions are what made Muslims be perceived as terrorists in the West. If they believe the Sharia law should be the way to run things around, they should practice it ONLY where it is accepted. They should not impose it on a European country where the majority of people are Christians or atheists or whatever, ie. they do not believe in the Sharia law in the first place.
@ pikatore: You assume that European values are better than Eastern/Middle Eastern values. Who said this is true? You believe that you are more civilized than we will ever be? I'm not going to debate this here (you can open another thread if you want - I'll be glad to discuss this with you), but think about this: Over 70% of high school girls in USA carry anti-pregnancy pills in their back-pack, yup that's what civilized is all about :)
