I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to
say it. (Voltaire)
Controversial columnist and political activist Freddie Kissoon has been attacked yet again. But do we really understand what this means?
Those of us who are able to see the situation for what it really is, will realise that it isn’t Freddie who has been attacked but our freedom of expression. Those who remain ignorant of this fact are thoroughly amused by this latest attack and some even believe that Freddie deserves to be treated in such a manner.
How can we even think that another human being deserves to be attacked? How can we support violence just because we don’t agree with another man’s views? So should it become the norm then for us to deal out beatings to those people who voice opinions with which we disagree? Should I then beat all the people who have voiced a belief that Freddie deserves to be beaten because of the controversial views which he pens? Seriously?
I am not a fan of Freddie’s writings nor is it my agenda to defend the gentleman’s opinions. However, while I may not agree with Freddie’s opinions, I will defend his right to voice them. I will defend his right to freely express his views and I will not tolerate any attack on this basic human right of freedom of expression.
Even if Freddie has used his pen to insult and hurt, it still does not give anyone the right to harm him physically, or in any other manner, simply to limit his right to freely express himself. Violence will not heal the wounds which have been inflicted on those whom Freddie has offended nor will it change the fact that he has a right to freely express himself.
Often Freddie has been dismissed as nothing more than an offensive rambler. So ask yourself this, if such measures are taken to stifle the voice of an alleged rambler then what measures will be taken to silence a voice that speaks truth without frills or fluff?
Agreed!! Well said Bharrat!