Freedom reigns in the Netherlands ? A long way to an Islamic Life of Brian.

Today's  acquittal of Geert Wilders is undoubtedly a victory for freedom, not to mention common sense.   However it is a sign of the times in which we live that we must both note and celebrate the moment when a Dutch politician gets his right of free speech legally recognised.  That the Dutch prosecutors saw fit to try him for a "hate crime" shows how far the goal posts of freedom have moved.

How many decades, maybe even centuries in the post enlightenment age has Christianity been "fair games" for critics, satirists or even plain mockers.  From philosophical scepticism, through to John Cleese in "Life of Brian" to open hostility by modern atheist "prophets", Christianity has been open to attack and criticism.  Yet when someone has the temerity to challenge some of the more extreme aspects of Islam, they find themselves facing criminal charges (not to mention a potential extra-judicial death sentence from Islam's more enthusiastic followers).

So while I celebrate Geert Wilders acquittal, I know that Europe has a long long way to go before it has a mature relationship with Islam.   An Islamic "Life of Brian" anyone ?

A European politician of courage and vision ?

Welcome to 1984 !  In Europe.  In a "liberal democracy".  In the Netherlands, a politician is on trial for speaking freely.   Here is Geert Wilders in a stirring defence of the essence of post Enlightenment Europe and its values.

Europe's Pyre ?

The focus of this blog shall be the forces and dangers that threaten to destroy Europe as it currently exists.   Is Europa building her own pyre ?

I hope to examine this in the weeks and months to come.  If Europa is building her own pyre, I hope she can yet be stopped.