The Beauty of Freedom of Speech:Watching the Fools Hang Themselves

Let it be known, thence, hence and all points in-between: I despise Fascistic Islam.

Neither do I tolerate X-tian Supremism, Extremist Judaism nor any forms of militarised faith.

Having said that, in a liberal democracy freedom of speech is a reality. As much as we love the truth, sometimes we have to take in the lies as well. That's how politicians get elected. That's how crap from American Idol get into our airwaves.

And hence, we get Dr. Zakir Naik, president of India's Islamic Research Foundation.

The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), Mumbai, India, is a registered non-profit public charitable trust. It was established in February 1991. It promotes Islamic Da’wah - the proper presentation, understanding and appreciation of Islam, as well as removing misconceptions about Islam - amongst less aware Muslims and non-Muslims.

A noble cause that makes sense. Sadly, Dr. Naik own presentations may leave something to be desired.

To be fair, Dr. Naik seems to be very erudite. Witness this:

Okay - so he's a bit condescending. But like all lobbyists and salesmen, he knows how to spin the spin.

Of course, I can't claim to have seen all his presentations, so I can't be too quick to judge. If only he can follow his own advice in this more benign example...



Let the man speak so the others can challenge him. That's the beauty of free speech.

"Plus ça change... plus c'est la même chose":Same old Ivan

For those who assume that the Russians are now our friends and partners in the war against terror, one must take into account the old adage that those who foget the past are condemned to repeat it.

Or at least something that resembles it.

The fact is that it has only been 20 years since the Soviets have rebranded themselves as Russians for the same reasons that the Russians have rebranded themselves as Soviets, in the same way that the porn industry has rebranded itself as the "adult entertainment" industry: it just looks good on paper.

Say what you will about W, at least he was standing his ground when he proposed an expansion of the SDI to the former Warsaw Pact nations. Sadly, he didn't have the guts to say to Vlad Putin that the US simply couldn't trust Russia enough at the very best of times. (All these years of Soviet subversion and destabilization still hurt. Find any Pole who could trust a Russian at his word.)

What we actually have here is the ongoing clash of 2 post-colonial behemoths. Needless to say, the US always have good PR, regardless of scandals, skullduggery and endless attempts at social re-engineering (thanks, Hollywood). Russia's PR, though, is an endless exercise of spin-doctoring, book-cooking and reckless chest-beating, chased with Potemkin villages of manipulated facts and state-sanctioned fiction.

Wanna know more... click here.

And yes kids... Jacques is back. Not quite in the black, but still primed to take up slack.

Should you be as hyped-up about the new Arcade Fire album as I am?

Yes... Win Butler can be an arrogant prick at times. But if you have passion about what you do in life, a little pride once in a while doesn't hurt.

The Greatest Band in the Land. Ever!

Any questions? Check out this interview with Jian Ghomeshi. Unlike the Stones, Rush is still keeping things fresh, still rolling the bones and working them angels. With lean, mean pride.

It's been a while. So what the hell?

I love a good slow-news-day scandal. Especially when you have the world's ugliest "journalist" spouting a little hate.

Since I have better things to do, I'll just leave you with this little piece of history...

Jews? Give 'Em Hell, Helen ... - Op-Eds - Israel National News