“It’s My Bloody Right”
By Mitch Berg
Canada is in the process of trying to do to free speech what they’ve done with their health care system; gut it.
In the video clips on Little Green Footballs, we see Ezra Levant, the publisher of The Western Standard, called on the carpet by the ironically-named “Alberta Human Rights Commission” at the behest of a radical imam for publishing the Mohammed Cartoons, testifying in what amounts to an interrogation.
I watched all three clips. It reminded me of my various hearings with Saint Paul Public Schools figures.
Inquisitor asks what the paper’s “intent” in publishing the cartoons was.
Levant: “…the only thing I have to say to the government about why I published them is because it’s my bloody right to do so”.
No, that’s a compliment to neither of the groups.
Watch all three vids.
Ezra Levant; if you’re in town for the RNC, the first beer is on me.
(More on the Corner, Samizdata, and in Levant’s blog)
January 14th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Hmmm seems like just yesterday you and Ed were cheering the conservative victories Up Nort Der. Nice to see that is working out OK for ya!
January 14th, 2008 at 8:26 am
The head of the HRC is a Chief Commissioner appointed to a seven year term by a Governor in Council who in his or her turn is appointed by the Queen.
No one votes for the members of the HRC.
The current Governor in Council is this person: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micha%C3%ABlle_Jean
I don’t think she is a conservative.
January 14th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Dibs on buying the second beer.
January 14th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
The man deserves nothing less than three fingers of his choice of scotch… or perhaps a very fine martini.
Hell, he drinks free when he next steps into St. Paul.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Angryclown wants to know the guy’s intentions before buying him a drink.
Levant, quoted by the National Post: “I have the right to publish this for the most offensive reason, for the most unreasonable reasons.”
True enough. The government has no business asking Levant why he published the cartoons or subjecting him to any kind of liability for it. But if Levant printed to cartoons just to show that he can and to piss off Muslims, then he’s a dick. And dicks don’t drink in Angryclown’s bar.
Free speech martyrs are not created equal. Angryclown would treat George Carlin to a beer any day. Not so Larry Flynt.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
AC:
“Angryclown wants to know the guy’s intentions before buying him a drink. ”
Usually, to quench one’s thirst.
“…dicks don’t drink in Angryclown’s bar.”
That’s true… There’s a one-dick limit at AC’s bar, and he get’s by on a “technicality”.
January 14th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I know it’s Monday, and probably a full moon, when I find myself agreeing with AC about anything.
If the government is analyzing the publisher’s intentions to decide whether to punish him, that’s wrong.
If AC is analyzing the publisher’s intentions to decide whether to buy him a drink, that’s right. It’s that quaint “freedom of association” notion that often accompanies “freedom of speech.”
Except in Canada. And parts of Saint Paul.
January 14th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
George Carlin is a very angry man. He and Clownie would get on swimmingly.
January 14th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
He is now… and I think he has been since his wife died back in the 90s, I think it was.
January 14th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Canada: Freedom of Speech succumbing to Kangaroo Courts of the Human Rights Commission
Proceedings against Ezra Levant are nothing short of ridiculous, but let’s consider the implications for moderate Muslims. This “investigation” will further divide Muslims and non-Muslims in Canada. It will give credence to radicals’ claims that the West is at war with Islam. It will antagonize non-Muslims and moderate Muslims will be pushed towards radicalization. Regardless of the outcome, once again Islamists skillfully manipulated Dhimmi justice system and came out as clear winners. Thank you, Human Right Commission!
http://muslimsagainstsharia.blogspot.com/2008/01/canada-freedom-of-speech-succumbing-to.html
Sign Free Dominion Against the HRCs Petition
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/a-free-dominion-against-the-hrcs.html