The Simon Wiesenthal Center is circulating a petition to German chancellor Angela Merkel to “keep the Holocaust-denying president of Iran out of Germany” for the World Cup. I signed, of course.
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ìI signed, of course.î
I will not. The Simon Wiesenthal Center is making a mistake, although a well intentioned one. This is a free speech issue. Angela Merkel and her top government officials, however, should refuse to honor this nut case—and publicly explain the reason behind their decision. The message must not be subtle. Holocaust deniers can come and go in Germany, but they will not be invited to state functions of any kind.
David:
“This is a free speech issue.”
Is it free speech or the expression of state policy?
This is not some nutcase ranting in Hyde Park, this is the elected leader of Iran expressing the policy of that nutcase country, Iran.
Of course, the Germans will cave and allow
this nutcase to come to the World Cup; European political correctness and all that garbage.
Since Iran, to everybodyís surprise, showed they have no reverence for ìdiplomatic immunityî per the US hostage taking, canít we let him go and dispute the Holocaust, then put him in jail, since itís against the law there?
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,418660,00.html
ìIs it free speech or the expression of state policy?î
Regardless, we should shy away from punishing people for stupid remarks. In this particular case, a cold shoulder from the German government would send the appropriate message. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad must not receive the state honors normally reserved of someone with his high rank.
The censorship mentality of the EU nations has caused enormous damage. It currently hinders their fight against Islamic nihilism. Punishing individuals, even those who are top government leaders, may very well add to the crisis. No, German should allow Ahmadinejad to enter the country—and then ignore him.
Hope they hassle his a** at the airport customs(“What is the purpose of your visit?have you ever been arrested?…”).He’s certainly seedy looking.