Sep 27, 2012
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Islamic leaders in Missouri and New Jersey are calling for lawmakers to limit free speech after an anti-Muslim film sparked outrage across the world.
The Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City has launched a petition calling on Congress to “establish a law against insulting one’s religion.”
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“We understand the First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights and, as such, prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, etc., but when the allowance of “free” speech incites violence it should be banned,” read a statement from the Islamic Society.
While condemning the violence that was originally blamed on the film, the Muslim group said ti would “be in everyone’s interest to ban such actions from reoccurring.”
“We condemn the violence and feel that, in spite of the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, action may be necessary to pass such a bill or, at least, censure such actions in order to calm the current situation as well as prevent future re-occurrences,” the statement read.
The Islamic Society in Kansas City is not alone in their calls for limiting free speech.
“We, as Americans, have to put limits and borders [on[ freedom of speech,” Imam Mohammad Qatanani told The Blaze.
He leads the Islamic Center of Passaic County, one of the largest mosques in New Jersey.
Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American Islamic Relations, told Fox News that he doesn’t believe the calls for speech restrictions will go anywhere.
“I think it’s just an expression of frustration at the insults directed at the Prophet Mohammed,” he said. “It’s really a non-starter. The First Amendment protects freedom of expression – - even hate speech.”
Hooper said mainstream Americans should be promoting mutual understanding.
“The real answer is to promote more speech – but speech directed at promoting mutual understanding and not interfaith hostility,” he said.
And Hooper said in this day and age it’s nearly impossible to limit speech.
“Even if one wanted to put limitations on any type of speech – in the Internet era – it’s just impossible,” he said. ‘no matter what anyone would try and censor there would always be a way around it.”
Paul Kengor, a professor of political science at Grove City College, told Fox News he is not surprised at the calls to limit free speech.
“This is America,” Kengor said. “You have the right to be critical and even insulting of other religious beliefs – so long as you do it in a peaceful and nonviolent way. That’s what makes us different from the Muslim world – where you generally don’t have those same rights.”
Kengor said he is interested to see how liberal groups like the American Civil Liberties Union responds to the petition.
“Are they going to stay true to their convictions of freedom of expression or are they going to hold a double standard here and accommodate Muslims?”
The ACLU did not return calls seeking comment.
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people have a right to free speech; and people have a choice to react to the free speech; now…..two wrongs do not make a right, nor do two wrongs justify taking away our right to free speech. So. I suggest that the muslims change their reactions to adverse speech about the prophet Mohammed. Yes its wrong to berate a holy man, but its also wrong to kill, maim and destroy people's lives, property and upset the lawful civil order of society in the name of a religion. the reaction of the muslim world to adverse comments about Islam is wrong, wrong, wrong. Islam teaches peace and love. not hate! For pete's sake, "read your Koran".
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Not happening!
Of course we will not ban our free speech! We could however ban all Islamic terrorists from coming to the US – and if these folks don't like the US why do they come here? We will continue to have films and cartoons that show the true side of the Muslims – we do believe in the truth. And the false stories they try to tell us of a peaceful and tolerant religion, well, they keep proving that is a lie.
OK, no problem….if they get this, then every time a muslim extremist commits violent acts against someone of another religion, it should be prosecuted as a hate crime….can't have it both ways…….
OK, no problem….if they get this, then every time a muslim extremist commits violent acts against someone of another religion, it should be prosecuted as a hate crime….can't have it both ways…….
If they want limited speech they need to go back to their Muslim homeland. In America we have the right to speak freely…..and no group of Muslims will take that right away.
If they want limited speech they need to go back to their Muslim homeland. In America we have the right to speak freely…..and no group of Muslims will take that right away.
Islam is engaged in a world war against the West, Freedom, the US, Israel, and modernity. They can call 2 men and a camel and extricate!!!!
How about we put limits on your mouth 'Imama" Muhammad! You can go to hell with the rest of your pedophilia murderous gang of inbred illiterates. How's that for free speech?
I don't understand how our Freedom of Speech got mixed in with Freedom of Religion. As I remember, each has a different number on the Bill of Rights. If we let our Freedom of Speech be taken away, what will be taken away next? This is not a Muslim issue even though it appears that is what they want to make it. This freedom allows us to express our opinion on anything and everything. Are we going to amend the First Amendment to read: You have Freedom of Speech in all areas except when it comes to anything Muslim-related.
Blasphemy laws are nothing new, the Founding Fathers made sure that "Freedom of Speech" and "Freedom of Religion" were in the 1st Amendment and while technically separate issues are intertwined because of blasphemy issues. That the 1st Amendment specifically states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; (etc.)"
Therefore while religion precedes freedom of speech in the listing context. Both are held to the same level of importance in the eyes of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution which covers our basic rights. That when religious tyranny regardless of which faith Abrahamic or otherwise imposes their will of the religious institution on the state it should be seen as a violation of civil rights before all.
This isn't the first time a Western religion has imposed their leaderships' will upon other's rights of speech. The Catholic Church and Southern Baptists had battles both in the 20th Century over the freedom of speech in regards to issues of sex, gender, and reproductive rights. That they wanted to legally restrict freedom of speech in public and classrooms. While certain states complied because of ignorant and foolish leadership. When a "new" faith group imposes its rules, of course people are going to stand up and resist with a passion.
I see they have a new chia Obama and Romney. A chia Muhammed should be next.
Jimmy Carter and 0vomit.
0vomit kissed the king’s ring. It is a sign of servitude in their culture and 0vomit knows it, so the prez of the USA was showing our servitude to these filthy muz that seek our destruction! This is treason!
Poor Carter was just an idiot. Remember when Jimmy Carter went to Iraq and was on stage with Saddam? Saddam patted Jimmy on the head with his left hand. In the middle east this means " This man is a piece of shit" the left hand is the ass wiping hand, remember these goat herders don’t have much paper.
I wonder if the cameraman missed the king patting 0vomit on the head with his left hand.
Now the muslims are demonstrating here in America to ban free speech. They are supposed to be the moderate muslims. They whose shari law allows them to beat their wifes, chop off their heads, through accid in their faces, etc. The muslim are allowed to kill their childrem mostly female children. These are the the muslims that are in our country. However, this past week the presidents speech at the U.N. constantly accused the terrorist attacks in Benghazi on thie film. Not on terrorism. The Ambassador and 3 other people were brutely murdered, raped and Ambassador Stevens dead body was dragged through the street on the 9/11 anniversary. The president and intelligents new about this terror attack being planned at least 24 hrs. prior to the attack. I say to you all this is a planned set up for the MARTIAL LAW.
The next thing will be more muslim demonstartions and the regime will call for MASHAL LAW RIGHT BEFORE THE DEBATES and just a little more than a month to go before the election. WATCH!
First of all, I'm not surprised that FoxNews would be quick to redirect this issue to the ACLU. "Hey, it's not our problem!"
Secondly, I would welcome free speech from Muslims assuming they would respect out nation's laws. I cannot conceive why Muslims would come to a country founded on free-speech and then immediately ask that we change what makes this nation great. If we changed at a whim, we would just be pandering instead of STANDING.
I love their rhetoric:
"in spite of the First Amendment of the U. S. Constitution, action may be necessary to pass such a bill or, at least, censure such actions in order to calm the current situation as well as prevent future re-occurrences".
To this I recall the words of William Pitt the Younger, who wrote that "Necessity is the argument for every infringement of human freedom; it is the plea of tyrants, it is the creed of slaves."
Kinda like Islam.
This just proves that Muslims don't understand freedom– it's AGAINST THEIR RELIGION.
I would'nt be suprised if our president looked at this and again apologized for our "freedom of speech". As many of you have said, go back to a country where there is no freedom of speech! Then try and say you want to change their laws. They probaly would never be able to speak again. When Americans go to other countries to live, we would'nt think to try and change their laws. So why is they try in America? FREEDOM OF SPEECH!
IT WOULD ONLY GIVE THEM MORE POWER TO PUSH THIER putrid islamic america.
If the Mohammedans don't like free speech and freedom of thought in America, deport them out of the USA.
Maybe this explains the whole Muslim thing:
Muslims, the most inbred population on Earth.
http://www.consang.net/index.php/Summary
Consanguinity: The condition of being of the same blood; relationship by descent from a common ancestor; blood-relationship.
- Oxford English Dictionary.
Marriage to 1st and 2nd cousins among Muslims.
1. Afghanistan: 55% (population: 30 million ).
2. Algeria: 22% (population: 37 million ).
3. Egypt: 30% (population:80 million, 90% Muslim ).
4. India, among Muslim Indians: 33% (Muslim population: 145 million Muslims).
5. Iran: 38% (population: 74 million).
6.Iraq: 33% (population: 31 million).
7. Israel, among Arabs in Israel:34% (population: 1.4 million).
8. Jordan: 40% (population: 6.5 million).
9. Kuwait: 38% (population: 2.5 million).
10. Lebanon: 35% (population :4.1 million, 80% Muslim).
11. Morocco: 20% (population: 31 million).
12. Oman: 36% (population: 2.7 million).
13. Pakistan:61% (population:180 million).
14. Palestinian Territories: 29% (population: ).
15. Qatar:45% (population:1.7 million).
16. Saudi Arabia: 45% (population:26 million).
17. Sudan: 52% (population:32 million).
Also 55% of Pakistani Muslims in the UK marry 1st or 2nd cousins.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk
British Pakistanis, half of whom marry a first cousin (a figure that is universally agreed), are 13 times more likely to produce children with genetic disorders than the general population, according to Government-sponsored research.
I have read Sharia law and find it completely barbaric, anti women, anti gays and anti anyone not muslim. It does not even belong in the mideast. It should never have been allow to exist and left in the dark ages where it was created.
The better solution would be to stop rioting at every little whip stitch, every joke, every perceived insult, and to understand there are cultural differences. If they want this law, then I want a law that says Christians can walk freely through Muslim neighborhoods preaching the Gospel. They don't have to be so barbaric and insanely violent. THEY can change THEIR problems and leave our Constitution alone.
This is like liberals saying "Big Gulps can make a person fat, so let's outlaw Big Gulps"—Oh, they did that. Ok, its also like a rapist saying, "Women tempt me too much, make a law so I can't see their faces or bodies" Oh, the muslims did that. All of it makes the same kind of no-sense.
It will happen, has already started.
True, Valerie, with Obama's pledge that there should be no future where the prophet of Islam is insulted. That kind of says it all, doesn't it? This guy has to be voted out.
Should we Christians start mobbing, burning, killing and acting like psychopaths because some low life put a picture of the Crucifixtion in a bottle of his urine to display as "art"? NYC let him show it, our Constitution protects it and we deal with it. We don't go out and pillage, rip, tear, burn, destroy because of it, why should our laws be changed because their behavior will not change?
The only chance we have is to get Obama out of the White House!
In the statement professing to understand our First Amendment Rights they end with "….but when the allowance of “free” speech incites violence it should be banned,” read a statement from the Islamic Society…. that contradicts their "understanding" on the entire document. I find it interesting that they want these limits, but it wasn't AMERICANS that performed the violence and killed people… it was THEM.. It sounds to me like maybe muslims/arabs should take anger management classes. No one made them take to the streets and act like animals. They did that all on their own.
So to those that seek to limit MY freedoms, Kiss my American ass! If you don't like OUR Constitution get the hell out. This Country was founded on principles and rights those people don't recognize, don't like, refuse to respect and refuse to follow even as they reside here. If you can't or won't abide by the Constitution of The United State, the door swings both ways. Go back to where you came from where you are "FREE" to practice your religion. And by all means kill you own people if you feel the urge to get a little violent, but don't you dare step on OUR soil and demand that we give up what has been so hard fought for while you are taking advantage of those same freedoms, as well as all American has to offer.
Islam is not a religion. It is a cult run by child molestors. Muhammid was gay.
Muhammad was a pedifile, bigamist who married more for profit than anything else. source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad%27s_wives. He was nothing more than a selfish opportunist, so F**K him and F**K his radical followers.
Yeah, it's the film that causes violence, not a bunch of idiot people. And guns kill people. This is akin to fat people wanting to change free speech laws to be protected from comedians. Blah blah blah. Nobody cares…
If they want to limit freedom of speech, don't they realize they'll no longer have that freedom to speak out about what they may not like. They are trying to use our "FREEDOMS" against us and for them. If they want limited freedoms they can go somewhere else, such as any Muslim country and live!
This is outrageous. Deport them all. Unlike every other immigrant, they have intention to assimilate, integrate and respect our laws.
I thought all these Muslims in America are suppose to be moderate. If they are in favor of limiting speech that shows me they favor Shariah Law. LISTEN PEOPLE these Muslims are pulling the wool over Americas eyes. How can anybody trust ANY of them? Islam is the greatest threat to the world and to freedom. Muslims want to dominate the world and force the whole world into Shariah Law. That means doing away with all western freedoms, all western culture all other religions, then bring in strict Islamic rule. ISLAM IS EVIL VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS. It should not be embraced by any western culture. The more Muslims come in they will push for Shariah Law.
How long will they make enough noise to where they get a few lawmakers to push for hate speech laws just like they did with hate crime laws. People think it cant happen here YOUR wrong. It can happen here if we let liberals do it.
The U.S. Constitution, as interpreted by the courts, in one of the crowning achievements of the American experiment, forbids the government from legally prohibiting certain kinds of speech even where that speech is stupid or disrespectful or hateful. In spite of the constitution, there have been many attempts over the years to make "hate speech" illegal. The U.S. courts have usually struck down these attempts, but some of these prohibitions are still enforced, and the fact that the United States flirts with such prohibitions make it more difficult to clearly defend the high ground on this, and to condemn others who want to prohibit hate speech.
On the other hand, speech which is likely to incite a breach of the peace, whether it is hate speech or "yelling fire in a crowded theater," may wisely (and constitutionally) be regulated on the basis that it breaches the peace. If a mob is so stupidly excitable that even a speaker quoting scripture will incite it to violence, it is probably a good idea to temporarily shut up the speaker, and it can constitutionally be made illegal to incite violence by speech in such a situation. This is obviously not because of the content of the speech but because of the potential for imminent violence.
A difficult issue, of course, in this day of instantaneous worldwide communication, is the question of how to decide what "imminent" means in this world. A "potential for imminent violence," when that criteria was developed, meant that the mob in the street in front of the speaker would be likely to become violent. But now when the mob may be a world away and the speech (or video) may only become suddenly "viral" a month or a year from now, what does "imminent" mean? We need to figure that out so we can continue to regulate speech which incites a breach of the peace without infringing on speech which merely insults.
It's a protection racket. How about we circulate a petition to ban their getting violent any time they hear something they don't like or see the bottom of somebody's shoe. Wait, isn't rioting in the streets already illigal?
When is Obama going to ask muslims to "GIVE UP THEIR GUNS AND RELIGION?"
THIS MAKES ME SICK. I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN KANSAS CITY MISSOURI. I WOULDN'T GO BACK THERE TO LIVE IF YOU PAID ME TO. IT WAS SAFER WHEN THE MAFIA OWNED AND RAN EVERYTHING. IF FREEDOM OF SPEECH INCITES MUSLIMS TO VIOLENCE, THEN IT IS THE FAULT OF THE VIOLENT NOT THE FAULT OF THE FREE.
wow…only thing I can say. Wow. They come from a desert, beat women, and why are they here?
I'm a devout Christian. My faith is constantly being insulted, yet I have never rioted in the streets and I have no immediate plans to murder anyone.
Muslims have no business in America if they expect us to change every facet of what our Founding Father's set forth to go along with their teachings and Sharia Law. We don't live in fear because of the first amendment and they need to get that through their heads. America, like it or not, was founded on Judeo/Christian values not Islam. Please feel free to return to the Middle East, I, for one, will help you pack!