It is the role of the government to protect the right of the individual to express his opinion freely even if the opinion is contrary to public beliefs. (Same applies to Taslima Nasreen)
But there needs to be a check to make sure that free speech is NOT inciteful. For that we have the Judicial arm of the government. If someone or some community feels that they were portrayed in a dis-honest manner by an individual/group/institute, they can take them to court.
Financial boycott is a legitimate tool that can be used to express anger or discontent.
PR campaign (Not funded by government Money) is a legitimate tool.
What we do not want is a destruction of Public/Private property. Inconvenience caused dues to "BANDHS". It is a crime for someone to threathen someone based on difference in opinion. In the case of Taslima, the Idiot Mullah should have faced a Jail sentence.
SHOW A PROOF THAT YOU PROTESTED when taslima was almost killed, rioting took place in vast parts of India by Muslims because of Cartoon, when Rushdie's book was banned.
RE:RE:Free Speech - Government Role.
by imran patel on Sep 29, 2007 12:50 AM Permalink
First of all, I do NOT owe you an explanation and I do NOT need to give you a proof.
You should have read my Posts on the Taslima Story. I am not a "Personality" to give press conferences. But people who are regulars on the rediff forum know my views very well.
I was also hurt with the Prophets Cartoons, but I was more hurt with the reation of the Muslims. And now I am hurt to see the reaction of my fellow Indians.
You will not understand or feel this pain. You just want to feel good about yourself by comparing yourself with people who are worse than you.
RE:Free Speech - Government Role.
by Adnan Khalid on Sep 29, 2007 02:01 AM Permalink
if i did not read it wrong, the violence erupted because the protesters (in a silent march to the commission) stopped an ambulance with a patient, and the local residents protested that. Now that is a totally different issue, isnt it????
RE:Free Speech - Government Role.
by Ganesh on Sep 29, 2007 10:05 AM Permalink
hey I believe you are muslim if you believe in free speech why don't u speak on behalf of salman Rushdie and Danish Paper, people like u have double standard about the free speech. u can curse others like Nepali or other communities and it cannot be other way around
RE:Free Speech - Government Role.
by Judge on Sep 29, 2007 12:45 AM Permalink
I dont see any wrong with the mullah.......In fact he followed the basic principle of Islam in doing so. For the betterment of the society you cannot change the person but you need to change the system we are in. If a mullah says so it is because of the religion he is practising. You seem to be quite an intellectual. Why dont you try to face the reality. Dont act like a cat which closes its eyes and thinks that no one is watching it.
RE:RE:Free Speech - Government Role.
by imran patel on Sep 29, 2007 12:54 AM Permalink
That is NOT the "BASIC PRINCIPLE" of Islam.
Here is a story from the life of the Prophet...You decide.
There was an old lady in the City of Mecca who did not like the Prophet (PBUH) because at that time people were idol-worshipper in Mecca. The prophet was spreading the concept of ONE GOD. (Difference of Beliefs)
The old lady would throw dirt on the prophet everyday. One day she did NOT. The Prophet went up to her house to inquire about her. She was bed ridden and weak. The prophet helped her with her shores and other work.
That is one of the Basic Principles of Islam. Not this "Terrorism".
RE:RE:RE:Free Speech - Government Role.
by Adnan Khalid on Sep 29, 2007 01:56 AM Permalink
for once, i read some intellectual discussion on rediff, albeit it still had traces of certain mistakes of humanity like TATHAGATA, who is one among hte small group of people who feel that comparing and splitting populace on religion would do any good. Which religion preaches terrorism man, open ur eyes dude!!!! Its for thoughts like these that provoke bigger fires.
We need to peacefully co-exist like we used before Mountbatten tried the trick and has left the british an eternal joke to laugh at.
