Fatwa Me!

2006-02-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

We, the undersigned, agree that:

Liberty to express and discuss any issue including religion is a basic principle of a free society and human dignity.

Accepting free speech is an essential quality of free people.

Fear of free speech is the mark of one whose beliefs are weak or based on force.

We further desire to express:

Our solidarity with those who suffer for expressing opinion.

Our contempt for those in office who fail to stand up for freedom of speech.

Our contempt for those whose support for free speech is determined by self interest.

Our contempt for those whose beliefs must be supported by silencing others.

And finally, because we so despise those who would use violence to silence others, and because we laugh at the thought that their voices speak for any power beyond their own weakness and fear of open talk, we hereby:

Request, invite, and laugh at the issue of a FATWA, CURSE, SPELL, HEX, or any other fancied ignominy that any enemy of human liberty may choose to place upon us.

Frequently Asked Questions-

2006-02-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Isn't this offensive to Muslims?

I hope it offends anyone and everyone who wants to use violence to shut people up. If you're an Embassy burner, I hope it offends you until your tiny little mind explodes.

Shouldn't we be sensitive to others' beliefs?

Not if those beliefs include silencing free expression.

Is this just for (specific political outlook or party)?

NO. Freedom of speech is more important than who runs things. Control of expression is as necessary to tyrants as water is to fish. That's why we sneer so at politicians and media outlets who fear standing up on this issue.

What about (religious group)? Don't they try to silence criticism?

If and when they do, I will invite a fatwa or whatever mumbo jumbo term they use from them, too. This is non sectarian as well as non partisan. If your faith is so weak that a cartoon or a remark would shatter it, then it's a pretty pitiful faith.

Didn't the Catholics complain about the "Piss Christ"?

If you can't tell the difference, or make a distinction, between griping and an international rampage of arson and murder, you are insane.