Geert Wilders acquitted of Anti-Islam hate speech

[joslar15]

Geert Wilders, the fiery right-wing Dutch politician, was acquitted on Thursday of hate speech charges by an Amsterdam court, which found that his inflammatory comments about Muslims were protected by rules governing discourse in a free society.

Mr. Wilders, 47, had faced a possible one-year prison sentence on five charges of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims. He has become an important force in Dutch politics, making provocative statements including comparing the Koran with Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” and calling for an end to Muslim immigration.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/world/europe/24dutch.html

 

[Expat]

The rest of the Dutch just took a little longer to get where Wilders was already. They are losing patience with an immigrant population that does not want to integrate, that insists their host society change to suit them, that is violent and seems intent on getting their way through intimidation.

 

[spec4]

Glad to hear this. The Europeans need to wake up to what is happening there.

 

[chraland51]

I really wish that we had some Geert Wilders running around in our country and warning everyone of the growing dangers that our gutless leaders choose to ignore out of political correctness. I just heard on the news this morining that another attack was being planned on a military base by two converts to the religion of peace. I do not know if they were recruited while in jail or not like many. I was surprised that the local news identified their religious affiliation, however, since the national news shows probably would not have done so. Our elected leadership continues to ignore what is going on right in front of them.

 

[ArmedProgrammer]

I'm still not convinced that Wilders isn't a bit of an over the top crackpot. I understand his concerns with Islamists - but I fear that focusing on that EXCLUSIVELY is probably not wise. That said, I am TOTALLY in favor of his right to speak up politically. Whether it is popular or not. The acid test that will determine whether he is expressing legitimate concerns, or is just a racist crackpot and opportunist will be to see if he extends the same free speech courtesy that he asks for to those he opposes.

 

[miguel]

I really wish that we had some Geert Wilders running around in our country and warning everyone of the growing dangers that our gutless leaders choose to ignore out of political correctness.

He was actually in the US last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqu_eB_gga8&feature=related

 

[rambone]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ882QYzr-M

 

[PatriotPride]

The rest of the Dutch just took a little longer to get where Wilders was already. They are losing patience with an immigrant population that does not want to integrate, that insists their host society change to suit them, that is violent and seems intent on getting their way through intimidation.

Precisely.

 

[NYFelon]

The rest of the Dutch just took a little longer to get where Wilders was already. They are losing patience with an immigrant population that does not want to integrate, that insists their host society change to suit them, that is violent and seems intent on getting their way through intimidation.

Precisely.

So, when's it our turn?

 

[RockofStrength]

So, when's it our turn?

I think that answer is dependent on whether our country survives long enough to reach that point...

 

[gunowner930]

Well "hate" speech is free speech and should be protected as such. Unfortunately the laws in Europe and Canada sometimes make "hate" speech legally punishable. Good thing we have the 1st Amendment in that pesky old antiquated document written by evil white slave owners.

 

[RockofStrength]

Well "hate" speech is free speech and should be protected as such. Unfortunately the laws in Europe and Canada sometimes make "hate" speech legally punishable. Good thing we have the 1st Amendment in that pesky old antiquated document written by evil white slave owners.

You forgot imperialists.

 

[PatriotPride]

I think that answer is dependent on whether our country survives long enough to reach that point...

Our nation's survival will depend on how we respond to the threat.