In reply to Geert Wilders: In Defense of 'Hurtful' Speech (WSJ)

A comment in reply to the Wall Street Journal post Geert Wilders: In Defense of 'Hurtful' Speech
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While I'm glad Mr Wilders was aquitted--especially judging by American standards of free speech (The real issue is--or should be--speech laws, not Geert Wilders or what he said about folks of nationalities and creeds not like his)--I do believe he is bigoted against those who are not Dutch, and especially against Muslims. Short of violence, and limits as to time and place (think Westboro Baptist, and military funerals), acting or speaking like a bigot should be legal everywhere, and I'm pleased that Mr Wilders' right to say and write bigoted things in Holland was upheld. Hopefully the day will come when the law that he was accused of breaking--and similar laws in such forward-thinking, modern countries as England and Canada, too--will be overturned.

The answer to offensive, bigoted speech should be more speech, (and perhaps scorn for the speaker) not censorship or trial. I'm glad the Dutch court did the right thing. Here's hoping the Dutch people do the right thing too, and reject Geert Wilders and the bigotry he espouses.

Also posting:
Little Green Footballs - Dutch Hatemonger Geert Wilders Acquitted of Inciting Hatred

Previously:
American Racist = ASFL = Lying Asshat!!!: Reply to: American Power: The Netherlands at the Crucible of Liberty or Slavery

Wingnuts and Moonbats: Replies to American Power blog (AmericanNeoCon)