[fporretto]

The above comes from The "Armed And Dangerous" blog of Eric Raymond, and is a fine statement of my own views, except for one thing -- I take issue with his characterization of criticism of Islam the "religion" as somehow bigoted. I'll be posting a coda to this at the Palace this evening.

Freedom, Wealth, and Peace,
Francis W. Porretto
Visit The Palace Of Reason: http://palaceofreason.com

[steve-b]

WE REJECT, as a self-serving power grab by the least trustworthy elements of our own side, the theory that terrorist depredations can be effectively prevented by further restrictions on the right of free speech, or the right of peacible assembly, or the right to bear arms in self-defense; and we strenuously oppose police-state measures such as the imposition of national ID cards or airport-level surveillance of public areas

I think ESR is being overly charitable here.

[steve-b]

I take issue with his characterization of criticism of Islam the "religion" as somehow bigoted.

???

[bassmaner]

bump for common sense!

[steve-b]

ESR has posted another revision; the main change is the addition of this item to the list of numbered points:

3. THAT the terrorists have declared and are pursuing a war not against the vices of Western civilization but against its core virtues; against the freedom of thought and speech and conscience, against the life of reason; against the equality of women, against pluralism and tolerance; against, indeed, all the qualities which separate civilized human beings from bestiality, slavery, and fanaticism;

[subsequent items renumbered accordingly]

[lainde]

BTTT

[B Knotts]

ESR BUMP!

[skeeter]

WE REJECT the idiotarianism of the Right -- whether it manifests as head-in-the-sand isolationism or as a Christian-identity chauvinism that all but mirrors the Islamo-fascist fanaticism of our enemies.

This assertion is complete over-the-top anti-Christian hyperbolic BS & discredits what would otherwise be a pretty reasonable screed.