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Sunday, June 08, 2008

Canada Under Free Speech Muzzle

The so-called 'human rights tribunal' in British Columbia, Canada has completed its trial of National Review columnist and political commentator Mark Steyn. Steyn has been charged with 'Islamophobia' resulting from his article that was reprinted in the Canadian magazine McLean's on the subject of the growing oppressive influence of radical Islam in Europe.

It has not been mentioned as to when we can expect a verdict to be rendered.

Human rights activists have pointed to the Steyn case as proof positive that Canada has fallen victim to totalitarianism, where free speech and other basic human rights are not respected.

If Steyn loses before the tribunal in Canada, we can kiss goodbye not only free speech but freedom of the press throughout Canada. The very fact that Steyn was hauled before a tribunal for a trial has already placed a chilling muzzle on free speech in the country.

The liberal, mainstream media has been into its typical hysteria over 'Islamophobia' in the aftermath of the trial. One prominent news organization in Canada went as far as to say that the article written by Steyn resulted in mass Islamophobia, threats of violence against Muslims, and the push to convert Muslims to Christianity. The problem is that no such thing has occurred.

One would think that the arrest and trial of a journalist over a free speech/free press issue would bring forth howls of protest from the mainstream media, no matter what political ideology they lean toward. Not so. Rather, the mainstream media has vilified Steyn as a 'rebel rouser' of sorts. Oblivious to the fact that what happens to Steyn may well directly muzzle them as well, the mainstream media seems to believe that they are safe from the long arm of progressive government totalitarianism.

Perhaps the Press in Canada should think again. It may be only Steyn now. It will be THEM next.

For more information on the Mark Steyn case, click here:
http://www.freemarksteyn.com/

And here is Mark Steyn's website:
http://www.marksteyn.com/

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