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A press release from the March for Free Expression:
A Rally in support of Freedom of Expression will be held in Trafalgar Square, London, UK between 2:00pm and 4:00pm on March 25th 2006. A direct response to the Danish Cartoons controversy, this rally aims to send a message to British politicians of all parties demanding resolute action in the face of violence, threats and intolerance. The statement of principle for the campaign is as follows:"The strength and survival of free society and the advance of human knowledge depend on the free exchange of ideas. All ideas are capable of giving offence, and some of the most powerful ideas in human history, such as those of Galileo and Darwin, have given profound religious offence in their time.
The free exchange of ideas depends on freedom of expression and this includes the right to criticise and mock.
We assert and uphold the right of freedom of expression and call on our elected representatives to do the same.
We abhor the fact that people throughout the world live under mortal threat simply for expressing ideas and we call on our elected representatives to protect them from attack and not to give comfort to the forces of intolerance that besiege them."
So far, individuals and organisations from all parts of the political spectrum and from many parts of the world have offered support and endorsements. Though based in Britain, we offer our support and solidarity to the people of Denmark and every other country that faces religious intolerance today, and ask that people in other countries consider organising their own rallies and marches for March 25th.
Let's march in March to show our governments that we expect our societies to be ones in which free and open debate and disagreement can take place without people being threatened, killed or imprisoned.
Peter Risdon
Patrick Vidaudmarchforfreespeech@googlemail.com
Posted by Robert at February 22, 2006 10:01 AM
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Expect a very un-quiet counter protest.
Posted by: Gary![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jihadwatch.org/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 22, 2006 10:11 AM
I'm pleased to see that the organisers are distancing themselves from the BNP and other fascists. After all, Islam is fascism. There is no need for the word "Islamofascism", though it makes some well-meaning people feel better to use this word rather than plain old "Islam".
Posted by: Interested at February 22, 2006 10:25 AM
I can't wait! Reminds me of good old times when I was a student plastering pro-Solidarity posters on a nearby militia station at 4 a.m. (there were already queues of tired women in fron of the butcher's to grab a few bones).
Long live freedom of speech! We are all Danes!
By the way - www.faithfreedom.org is not down!
at February 22, 2006 10:28 AM
What is incredible is that such a demonstration needs to be undertaken in London, in 2006.
Posted by: Hugh at February 22, 2006 10:50 AM
Gary, I just hope the phone lines won't be cut off and general Jaruzelski (read = Blair) wearing black shades won't appear on the telly with Chopin's music played in the background when he annouces the martial law being introduced!
Posted by: Polish infideless at February 22, 2006 10:58 AM
PI~ Greeting from a fellow Pole. Or Kossack, to be exact. My family came from White Russia, which I believe is now part of Poland and one of the original lands of the kossacks.
My parents began receiving mail from family there after Poland liberated itself. Oddly enough I can still picture Jaruzelski's face. First time I've thought of him since those days.
Back on track:
'Let's march in March to show our governments that we expect our societies to be ones in which free and open debate and disagreement can take place without people being threatened, killed or imprisoned.'
My guess: muslims won't be, that day. People marching for Freedom? That's another matter.
Posted by: Gary at February 22, 2006 11:16 AM
I wish all of the participants Godspeed.
Speak up clearly, fairly, loudly and persistently!
Posted by: Chatillon at February 22, 2006 11:43 AM
Way to go UK I hope this draws crowds by the 10's of thousands.
However expect serious counter opposition from the Jihadists and probably your own police.
Posted by: km at February 22, 2006 11:56 AM
Take lots of pictures and bring your video cameras.......you may need them to share your freedom of speech...........on the internet.......just in case your PRESS are afraid to print your images in the newspapers or run your video on the BBC.
Posted by: rumoret at February 22, 2006 12:07 PM
Kudos and hoorays to the Brits.
Wish that we could be there with you in our new Mohammed t-shirt
Give 'em hell.
The Texican.
Freedom. The only choice at any cost.
at February 22, 2006 12:28 PM
That's when I'll be there! I am taking my camera, and intend to sent photos ASAP afterward. With any luck at all, my sweatshirt with the flag of Denmark will arive by then.
Posted by: libbysmom at February 22, 2006 12:56 PM
'We assert and uphold the right of freedom of expression and call on our elected representatives to do the same.'
Marching for such principles in 2006 will draw accusations of fascism from the BBC.
Posted by: chevalier de st george at February 22, 2006 1:17 PM
Libbysmom, you are a real free speech crusader!
Everybody from JW/DW please pack your bags full of Danish flags and Mo cartoons and come over to join us!
My sweatshirt from Cafepress has already arrived. Let the Danish colours be our coat of arms ;-)
at February 22, 2006 2:56 PM
Try to get the bbc to report on it. I bet they don't go near it.
Anyway, get the word out.
at February 22, 2006 3:07 PM
I'll be there. I'm thinking of something amusing to put on my placard :)
Posted by: Sneaky at February 22, 2006 4:27 PM
As one of the organisers of the march, I'd like to thank you all for your expressions of support, and jihadwatch for mentioning our efforts.
We value and appreciate your good wishes.
Thanks.
Peter Risdon.
Posted by: FreebornJohn at February 22, 2006 4:54 PM
Following in the wake of an apparently enthusiastic response to Christopher Hitchen's article at Slate magazine yesterday:
http://www.slate.com/id/2136714/
he appended this to the article today:
"Update, Feb. 22: Thank you all who've written. Please be outside the Embassy of Denmark, 3200 Whitehaven Street (off Massachusetts Avenue) between noon and 1 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 24. Quietness and calm are the necessities, plus cheerful conversation. Danish flags are good, or posters reading "Stand By Denmark" and any variation on this theme (such as "Buy Carlsberg/ Havarti/ Lego") The response has been astonishing and I know that the Danes are appreciative. But they are an embassy and thus do not of course endorse or comment on any demonstration. Let us hope, however, to set a precedent for other cities and countries. Please pass on this message to friends and colleagues."
So for all JW posters and readers who live in the Washington D.C. area, I'm passing this on...
Posted by: Caroline at February 22, 2006 7:54 PM
Libbysmom, you are a real free speech crusader!
No I'm not, and this is exactly the point. I am a single mother who is trying to educate and raise four sons in a world suddenly turned upside down. If I want a peaceful and sane world for my children and grandchildren to live in, it is my duty to demand that we be able to speak freely. By participating in this and other marches, my children will see my commitment and will also learn just how serious it is to fight for our rights, in fact for our entire civilization.
Posted by: libbysmom at February 22, 2006 8:05 PM
25th March eh? I'll be there. Just hope that SWP posse dont disrupt it!
Posted by: Vikrant_Camberleykar at February 23, 2006 2:10 AM
Just hope that SWP posse dont disrupt it!
Or the BNP. For that reason I see that the organisers are inviting street performers to join in, "Jugglers, clowns, unicyclists will be very welcome. It's a serious event, but let's make it a party too."
My husband is relieved that my accordion is too heavy for me to even lift onto the tube, and I have to play sitting down, there is no way I could stand, much less walk and play.
However there is a bagpipe band who practise at the same art centre.....
and bagpipes did sterling service at Alamain I hear....
at February 23, 2006 3:37 AM
I'll be there - although my juggling/unicycling/busking skills are limited to say the least. Still my partner is very good at drawing cartoons. Granny W. - how about a Bob Dylan style mouth organ?
Posted by: Jinnee at February 23, 2006 8:37 AM
I can't wait to see how many of the police beat people for breathing too loud. Perhaps there will be many arrests for civility?
They'd better wear threatening placards which threaten to blow up 'Big Ben' or put 'The House of Lords' into a pile of dust, then they are sure to be safe from any attacks and fellas', don't forget to wear your long dresses and ladies, a hankie around the head will fool them and nobody will go to prison.
Will Jack Straw be there or will he be hiding and hoping that all the good neighbouring Mohammedans will like him for now and leave his head where it is. Well that would be one man who wouldn't miss his brains if that happened, 'cause you can't miss what ain't there.
PJ
Posted by: PJ at February 23, 2006 10:34 AM
how about a Bob Dylan style mouth organ?
Because I don't have Bob Dylan style talent.
I might match Dylan the Rabbit on a good day.
Posted by: Granny Weatherwax at February 23, 2006 12:57 PM
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