FW: #976: Pipes on "Why I Stand with Geert Wilders" in National Review
Jerry Krasnow
To: jekra...@hotmail.com
From: dpl...@danielpipes.org
Subject: #976: Pipes on "Why I Stand with Geert Wilders" in National Review
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:13:39 -0500
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Dear Reader: I have begun writing on a regular basis for National Review. Yours sincerely, Daniel Pipes Related Articles Why I Stand with Geert Wildersby Daniel Pipes http://www.danielpipes.org/7888/stand-with-geert-wilders
That Islamic challenge consists of two components: on the one hand, an indigenous population's withering Christian faith, inadequate birthrate, and cultural diffidence, and on the other an influx of devout, prolific, and culturally assertive Muslim immigrants. This fast-moving situation raises profound questions about Europe: will it retain its historic civilization or become a majority-Muslim continent living under Islamic law (the Shari'a)?
In addition, Wilders is a charismatic, savvy, principled, and outspoken leader who has rapidly become the most dynamic political force in the Netherlands. While he opines on the full range of topics, Islam and Muslims constitute his signature issue. Overcoming the tendency of Dutch politicians to play it safe, he calls Muhammad a devil and demands that Muslims "tear out half of the Koran if they wish to stay in the Netherlands." More broadly, he sees Islam itself as the problem, not just a virulent version of it called Islamism. Finally, the PVV benefits from the fact that, uniquely in Europe, the Dutch are receptive to a non-nativist rejection of Shari'a. This first became apparent a decade ago, when Pim Fortuyn, a left-leaning former communist homosexual professor began arguing that his values and lifestyle were irrevocably threatened by the Shari'a. Fortuyn anticipated Wilders in founding his own political party and calling for a halt to Muslim immigration to the Netherlands. Following Fortuyn's 2002 assassination by a leftist, Wilders effectively inherited his mantle and his constituency. The PVV has done well electorally, winning 6 percent of the seats in the November 2006 national parliamentary elections and 16 percent of Dutch seats in the June 2009 European Union elections. Polls now generally show the PVV winning a plurality of votes and becoming the country's largest party. Were Wilders to become prime minister, he could take on a leadership role for all Europe. But he faces daunting challenges.
Remember, he is his country's leading politician. Plus, due to threats against his life, he always travels with bodyguards and incessantly changes safe houses. Who exactly, one wonders, is the victim of incitement? Although I disagree with Wilders about Islam (I respect the religion but fight Islamists with all I have), we stand shoulder-to-shoulder against the lawsuit. I reject the criminalization of political differences, particularly attempts to thwart a grassroots political movement via the courts. Accordingly, the Middle East Forum's Legal Project has worked on Wilders' behalf, raising substantial funds for his defense and helping in other ways. We do so convinced of the paramount importance to talk freely in public during time of war about the nature of the enemy. Ironically, were Wilders fined or jailed, it would probably enhance his chances to become prime minister. But principle outweighs political tactics here. He represents all Westerners who cherish their civilization. The outcome of his trial and his freedom to speak has implications for us all. Mr. Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. Related Topics: Muslims in Europe This text may be reposted or forwarded so long as it is presented as an integral whole with complete information provided about its author, date, place of publication, and original URL. | ||||||
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Joseph Gopin
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Date: Monday, January 25, 2010 8:21:31 pm
To: "David Spiselman" <trade...@comcast.net>,"Irwin Weisberg" <iwe...@yahoo.com>,"Jeff glickman" <rab...@juno.com>,"Rabbi Joseph Gopin" <e-t...@googlegroups.com>
From: "Jerry Krasnow" <jekra...@hotmail.com>
Subject: [E-Torah] FW: #976: Pipes on "Why I Stand with Geert Wilders" in National Review
To: jekra...@hotmail.com
From: dpl...@danielpipes.org
Subject: #976: Pipes on "Why I Stand with Geert Wilders" in National Review
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:13:39 -0500
Daniel
Pipes
January 19, 2010
Homepage | Articles | Blog
You can help support Daniel Pipes' important work by making a tax-deductible donation to the Middle East Forum.
Dear Reader:
I have begun writing on a regular basis for National Review.
Yours sincerely, Daniel Pipes
Related Articles
[The Islamist-Leftist] Allied Menace
Europe's Stark Options
Talking Freely about the Enemy
Why I Stand with Geert Wilders
by Daniel Pipes
National Review Online
January 19, 2010
http://www.danielpipes.org/7888/stand-with-geert-wilders
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