People outside the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia, protest the film

Innocence of Muslims made by the man in the picture, Nakoula

Basseley Nakoula, known to much of the world as Sam Bacile.

Western Apologists for Islamic Extremists are Just as Guilty (Sol, Portugal)

"What so puzzles me is the sight of fundamentalists invading embassies and killing people, all in the name of their sacred religion, without a word from advocates of freedom. When Catholics protest the showing of a movie, such as Hail Mary, they are attacked and considered enemies of freedom. But when someone decides to violently attack U.S. and Western interests, these same people look the other way."

By Vitor Rainho

Translated By Andréia Barbosa da Silva

October 1, 2012

Portugal - Sol - Original Article (Portuguese)

Freedom of expression has always been one of the sacred values for democratic countries. Regardless of religious belief, political climate, or any other factor, democracy is characterized by the idea that every individual can think whatever they want, as long as, obviously, they don’t undermine the existing system.

For this reason, whenever a political party that proclaims Nazi ideology appears, it is considered illegal. The same doesn't happen with respect to other doctrines that are responsible for as many or more deaths than Hitler's immoral movement ... But that's another story.

Caught up in our nation's crisis, little attention has been paid to what is happening in the Arab world. Because of a poorly-made movie that refers to the Prophet Muhammad released in the United States, radical Muslims have decided to attack all symbols of the United States - and Western values, in general. In Germany, the government and opposition haven't come to an agreement on banning the film. In Russia, Putin’s opponents may well protest the fact that the film will not be available. Interestingly, there are few voices defending the freedom of expression of the film's producers. I'm not particularly keen on movies that affront peoples faiths, but my collection of favorite movies does include The Life of Brian, one of Monty Python’s best.

What so puzzles me is the sight of fundamentalists invading embassies and killing people, all in the name of their sacred religion, without a word from advocates of freedom. When Catholics protest the showing of a movie, such as Hail Mary, they are attacked and considered enemies of liberty. But when someone decides to violently attack U.S. and Western interests, these same people look the other way.

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To such people, freedom of speech only matters when the ideas are politically convenient. It is therefore not surprising that so many side with the Islamic fundamentalists. After all, if they could, they would also persecute those who think differently from them.

P.S. Recent rallies in Portugal have reinforced the power of social networks. Without them, it would be difficult for any political movement to take to the streets with such a cross section of the country's people. Despite the serious problems they are facing, the protesters have given us all a great lesson in good citizenship.

vitor.rainho@sol.pt

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