ONCE AGAIN WE’RE REMINDED OF OUR AMERICAN FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

 

The US Constitution

 

Being an opinion writer, I have received my share of negative comments and threats for some columns and blogs I have written. I was however, shocked and saddened when I heard about the Muslim extremists that attacked and killed the writers and cartoonists at the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo publication in Paris.

As an American that totally believes in “freedom of expression”, these kind of attacks are directed squarely at a free nation’s most important freedoms.

If the constitutional term “freedom of speech” is truly not an empty slogan, which it is not in this country, we need to do whatever is needed to keep all American writers from being intimidated by these kinds of terrorists.

This whole event in Paris brought back an old memory of a despicable Colorado man that had belonged to the white nationalist group then known as “The Order”.  This man murdered the liberal talk show host and attorney Alan Berg in cold blood.  In 1984 in Denver, Berg was shot 12 times at point-blank range and died in the parking lot of the radio station where he worked. 

Ultimately, two members of “The Order”, David Lane (a former KKK Klansman) and Bruce Pierce, were convicted for their involvement in the heinous act. 

 

The attack on Mr. Berg was solely due to him being Jewish and being a liberal.  He was also in the middle of having challenged on the air, the beliefs of an author who had written a book saying that "Jews were from a family line of the devil".

But these latest so called Muslim extremists in Paris, they were following the desires of foreign Muslim extremists that had stated that any editors, cartoonists or publications that depict or lampoon the prophet Muhammad must be killed and the publication destroyed. 

As it usually is when these types of issues arise, it is now obvious that this recent attack on the offices of the satirical Paris weekly was a total failure.  The reason being, that the so called blasphemous cartoons at issue are now receiving much wider exposure than ever before.  They can now be seen via newspapers, television networks and Web sites around the world.  Had the attack not occurred, only a small percentage of those that have since seen the cartoons would even know that the cartoons depicting Muhammad existed.  In addition, the attack has once more made it clear how important freedom of speech is on a day to day basis.

This was not the first time that these publication offices have been attack for their making fun of a religious icon.  The offices were firebombed in 2011, and death threats had become a commonplace event.

Stéphane Charbonnier, the Charlie Hebdo cartoonist and editor-in-chief who was among those slain Wednesday said some time ago, “I don’t have kids, no wife, no car, no credit, maybe it’s a little pompous to say, but I’d rather die standing than live on my knees.”

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened.

I have a deep respect for what the Charlie Hebdo publication stands for and will forever support theirs, and my own rights, for being able to express our opinions.  If any writers or cartoonists in France, the US, or any free nation becomes intimidated by these attacks, then it could be the beginning of the end of everything for which a free nation stands.  Before he was murdered, Alan Berg had once said on his radio program, “Writers, talk show hosts and publication editors cannot accept being intimidated out of presenting certain material by threats of violence.”  That comment is just as correct today, possibly even more so, than it was in the 1980’s.

Now, I do not want to have to start carrying a side-arm, and I hope that newspapers, radio and TV stations and magazines don’t have to start setting up concrete barriers and extensive protection for their offices, writers, editors or talk show hosts.  In addition, I hope that free expression does not start having censorships self-applied, just to be politically correct or to avoid putting a “burr” under someone’s saddle.  For these issues, I definitely will not shy away from any potentially controversial topics, especially those that might involve Islam or Muslim extremists.

These recent events have made one very special point that we all need to be reminded of:  Freedom of the press and freedom of expression is the foundation of any free nation. 

It is the cornerstone of this nation.

And please ever don’t forget it.

Copyright G.Ater  2015