“The fury against Pamela Geller is motivated mostly by fear — by the understanding that there are indeed many, many Muslims who believe that blasphemy should be punished with death, and who put that belief into practice.” The proper response to them is not surrender and submission.
“Pamela Geller’s Critics Are Proving Her Point,” by David French, National Review, May 7, 2015:
Let’s be clear: The great freak-out over Pamela Geller’s “draw Muhammad” contest isn’t about love for Islam or for robust and respectful religious pluralism. Indeed, many of those expressing anguish over blasphemy against Islam show no such concern over even the most vile attacks on the Christian faith. Beyond that, they’re among the leaders in movements designed to banish religious liberty — including Muslim religious liberty — to the margins of American life.
Instead, the fury against Pamela Geller is motivated mostly by fear — by the understanding that there are indeed many, many Muslims who believe that blasphemy should be punished with death, and who put that belief into practice. It’s motivated by the fear that our alliances with even “friendly” Muslim states and “allied” Muslim militias are so fragile that something so insignificant as a cartoon would drive them either to neutrality or straight into the arms of ISIS.
That’s why even the military brass will do something so unusual as call a fringe pastor of a tiny little church to beg him not to post a YouTube video. That’s why the president of the United States — ostensibly the most powerful man in the world — will personally appeal to that same pastor not to burn a Koran. They know that hundreds of millions of Muslims are not “moderate” by any reasonable definition of that word, and they will,in fact, allow themselves to be provoked by even the most insignificant and small-scale act of religious satire or defiance. After all, there are Muslim communities that will gladly burn Christians alive to punish even rumored blasphemy.
Our nation’s “elite” knows of the 88 percent support in Egypt for the death penalty for apostasy, and the 62 percent support in Pakistan. They know of the majority support for it in Malaysia, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories. They know that even when there’s not majority support for the death penalty for exercising one of the most basic of human rights — religious freedom — that large minorities still exercise considerable, and often violent, influence on their nations.
The elite also knows this bloodthirstiness extends to supporting terrorists. The following Pew Research Center numbers should sober anyone who believes in the “few extremists” model of Muslim culture:
That’s a staggering level of support for a man who not only targeted innocent men, women, and children in the West, but who allied himself with the most medieval Muslim regime in the world: the Taliban. And, ominously, his support waned only as his power waned. Islamists have a new jihadist idol — ISIS.
Further, our elites also know that while ISIS’s brutality certainly repels many Muslims, it attracts many others — that there are Muslim young people who are so captivated by images of beheadings and burnings that they’ll defy the law and their own nations to make their way to the jihadist battlefronts of Iraq and Syria.
Unable or unwilling to formulate a strategy to comprehensively defeat jihad or even to adequately defend our nation, our elites adopt a strategy of cultural appeasement that only strengthens our enemy. Millions in the Muslim world are drawn to the “strong horse” (to use Osama bin Laden’s phrase), and when jihadists intimidate the West into silence and conformity, the jihadists show themselves strong.
In a sane world, our national elites would not only rally unequivocally around free speech, they would point to the events of Garland, Texas, as perfectly symbolic of the way we handle threats against our Constitution and our culture — by defeating our enemies and defending our liberty. Instead, they express fears that provocative speech not only threatens our troops abroad but our cities here at home.…
Islam has a serious problem. Silencing Pamela Geller isn’t the solution.

Jay Airahs says
Florida atheist professor attacks Christianity under the guise of ‘Humanities’ course.
Gets full backing of administrators who race to his defense.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/05/07/college-doubles-down-in-support-of-anti-christian-humanities-professor-who-failed-student-for-defying-his-atheistic-worldview/
Jaladhi says
These people know very well that there are no “moderate” Muslims nor any moderate Islam. Both are figment of imagination of the American lefty liberals who have pervaded the American society. These apologists act as a buffer to blunt any criticism of Islam and Muslims!!
Let the truth about Islam, Mohammad and Muslims come out without any interference from these apologists – what are they afraid of?? Truth will set them free!!
mortimer says
Moderate Muslims have not done serious thinking about discriminatory Sharia law.
If they read Sharia and understood it, ‘moderate’ Muslims would quickly become ‘ex-Muslims’.
A ‘moderate’ Muslim is a lax Muslim or a non-practicing Muslim or a non-thinking Muslim.
RickMT says
……and the silence of “moderate” muslims is deafening.
Bernadette de Wit says
Exactly. This is why we should go at great lengths to support and protect ex-Muslim apostates.
Angemon says
Superb article. I would only contend this bit:
Islam doesn’t have a serious problem. Islam is a serious problem.
Jaladhi says
Indeed Islam is the problem and we have a serious problem on our hands due to Islam. – islam has no problem!!
jihad3tracker says
As someone who has visited Jihad Watch & Atlas Shrugs for three years, I am astonished at how fast CAIR and their partners in sedition are LOSING CONTROL OF THE “ISLAMOPHOBIA” CAMPAIGN.
Thanks to the Garland jihadi’s failed attempt at mass murder, the media privilege-guilt imbeciles are forced to do some straight thinking . . . We see it happening day by day evidenced here by Mr. French.
AS ALWAYS I GIVE A SHOUT TO ELLISON AND CARSON . . . THE VILE DISGUSTING COWARDS WHO PREFER SILK SUITS TO ACTION FOR THEIR “FAITH” ..
Pork Rind Addict says
Yes what Robert and Pamela are doing is emboldening freedom fighters like themselves to come out and speak the truth like they do. That is one MAJOR positive outcome of the First Annual Draw Mohammad Contest. One of many.
marc says
Interesting statistics there “confidence in OBL”, i wonder what the % is amongst muslims in America and Europe? I bet very high amongst young male muslims.
Rick Hochmann says
Pamela Geller is not the problem. Radical Islamic Jihadist punks are the problem. Like the two who drove from AZ to Garland, Texas to kill people at an art and cartoon exhibit. Much like the Spanish Inquisition on steroids and wheels. What the hell are the talking heads and political figures talking about when they target the voice of reason and not the ‘wanna be killers’,???
Pamela Geller is educating us and “we” can’t even see it. Those two Jihad punks have made her point better than she could have. They are proof of the danger of Islamic terrorism.
I would stand in front of Pamela Geller any day in a protective detail if allowed.
Shalom y’all, FSH
Jay Airahs says
There is still plenty of water in the well of truth.
But their pump has grown rusty from lack of use.
Rather than look us in the eye when they talk,
they squeak and squawk insults because they are so parched.
Scott says
In defense of Pam Geller and Robert Spencer….
I link the following three posts from the westernfreepress.com
Part 1 of 3
http://www.westernfreepress.co…
Part 2 of 3
http://www.westernfreepress.co…
Part 3 of 3
http://www.westernfreepress.co…
Andrew W says
Religion = Ignorance.
ALL religions. Including the one YOU inherited.
Grow up.
Bernadette de Wit says
No. This is the atheist fallacy. Even if you do not believe in (a) god, you should at least take the trouble of discriminating between Islam and Judaism/Christianity.
I recommend your reading The Victory of reason. How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism and Western Success, by Rodney Stark (2005). A good read and you will be surprised about how much you owe to this religion.
Islam on the other hand has contributed nothing worthwhile to huimanity. On this one we probably do not disagree.
Darren says
I disagree, and I’m agnostic. I don’t believe in any of man’s religions but I do believe in a higher power. I simply think we humans are far too ignorant to be able to know what god is. Regardless I still respect the benefits a religion like Christianity gives society and the teachings of Christ. There is also a lot of wisdom to be found in some eastern religions as well. For someone who likes philosophy you find some interesting questions and answers in many religious teachings.
The religion of islam is the exception. Religions like Christianity are uplifting and try to make humans live up to a higher standard, one none of us could realistically live up to, but to try to live that ideal life is a good thing for people and for society. You don’t have to agree with all of the teachings but the core ones if followed are a net benefit to human society in my opinion.
The problem with islam is it gives moral sanction and rewards the worst human behavior, what’s worse it amplifies the dark impulses inherent in human nature. islam is the devil on your shoulder saying it’s OK do it. From my brief reading of some eastern religions, they are similar in nature on many points. You have gems like Buddha saying you aren’t destroyed by your anger but for it.
The very fact islam’s holiest figure was a vile human being even if he never existed, he is still depicted as that, and people think this man whether fictional or not is holy and moral is a major problem. muhammad was no Jesus or Buddha. Whether the multi culti cult cares to admit it or not, not all religions or cultures are the same, and in fact some are better than others, if you don’t believe me go to Mecca with a non muslim religious symbol or book. Do the same thing at the Vatican, or other holy sites for other religions. Compare and contrast.
Darren says
I meant to say many eastern religions like Buddhism are similar in many ways to Christianity. I understand there are thousands of differences, I’m simply saying they make you think and lift humanity up.
Mo says
@ Andrew W
“Religion = Ignorance.
ALL religions. Including the one YOU inherited.
Grow up.”
No, YOU need to grow up and grasp the reality that religions all teach different things.
YOU are the ignorant fool who apparently doesn’t know that Western civilization was built on Judeo-Christian principles!
Grntonpnt says
I am proud that this brave Woman drew a line in the sand. We are at war and we need to put islamic jihadists down….She is very brave to step out into the minefield of public bullcrap and blindness from the left and some from the right. Next year we should have ‘Draw mohamid in a scene from his life’, contest and have the correct koranic verse to go along with the scene……
torontino says
These guys don’t know that only by celebrating Valentine’s Day they are offending all muslims on Earth??
Are they to stop that celebration too?
(I don’t even mention Christmas+ in the equation)
Sabri S. says
Islam has obviously been proven to be the solution because
1. It seems to stir fear and resentment among the bigoted nonstop
2. It is the fastest growing religion in the usa, particularly among the poor and minorities
3. No muslim Country shoots drones and kills and occupies a non-Muslim country anywhere in the world
You all are clearly in the diminishing minority….
Bernadette de Wit says
People like you, who adhere to the evil Quran (“incite fear in the hearts of the un believers”) should be expelled from our Western rule-of-law countries.
Your triumphalist tone clearly shows that you do not share our Christian ethics, in which you should empathize with the weak and minorities. Muslim believers sympathize with the winner of jihad war until they are the majority and can implement sharia law. Everywhere in the Islamic world sunni oppress and kill shia and/or reverse. Muslims kill more Muslims than the West ever has.
You can threat us, like you have been programmed, but we shall never give up freedom.
Why don’t you leave. Choose any Muslim country.
Angemon says
Sabri S. posted:
“Islam has obviously been proven to be the solution”
Solution to what? Certainly not female genital mutilation, equality of rights of all people before the law, protection of minorities, etc.
“because
1. It seems to stir fear and resentment among the bigoted nonstop”
Define “bigoted”. And let’s apply your “logic” elsewhere, shall we? The Mafia is the solution, because it seems to stir fear and resentment among the bigoted nonstop. Man, tought choice. Islam or Mafia? Which should we pick as the solution?
“2. It is the fastest growing religion in the usa, particularly among the poor and minorities”
Eh? Not only is that statement dubious at best, it’s also a clear example of appeal to numbers. Just because X people are doing something it doesn’t mean that said something is magically right. I bet that the sheep grazing in the fields saw the sheep going into the slaughterhouse and thought to themselves “you know what? Those guys are going into that big building therefore we must go as well”.
“3. No muslim Country shoots drones and kills”
Do muslim countries even have drones? Oh, wait, a drone requires a certain level of technology to build. And are we supposed to feel bad because Western nations use drones to kill terrorists? If the alternatives are either to NOT kill the people plotting attacks against innocent civilians or indiscriminate bombing a whole area, possibly killing innocent civilians in the process, I say “Gentlemen, man those drones”.
“and occupies a non-Muslim country anywhere in the world”
PFFFFFTTTT!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! What is the “islamic world” if not occupied lands belonging to, for example, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh and pagans? Hello? Cyprus?
“You all are clearly in the diminishing minority….”
Kthanksbye
Darren says
I have a simple question for you since you are a muslim. Do you feel the life muhammad lead was noble and moral? Do you feel humanity should conduct themselves in the same manor as muhammad did? Do you feel muhammad should be considered a role model for society considering the long list of unpleasant things he did? Do you feel mohammad is the ideal human being? If so how can you justify feeling that way?
Jim says
I dont fear them, let it be known, millions of Americans, are ready for them. We will win if attacked. obama or no obama. I bow to no one. And i think they are backward religious nuts.
Johnny Bigodes says
People often quote the “Fire in a crowded theater” bit from the Supreme Court, but Oliver Wendell Holmes conclusion, not so much:
“The question in every case,” said Holmes, “is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent.
…
“If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other it is the principle of free thought—not free thought for those who agree with us but freedom for the thought that we hate.”—United States v. Schwimmer, 1928.
How quickly these principles are being abandoned! As Steyn’s book title goes, After America — Get Ready for Armageddon. How one gets ready is the question to consider.
spot on says
Great article, Robert.
Rachel Cohen says
The author is very wrong one one important point, that most of these media whores are against Pamela Geller due to their fear of the Muslims–this is provably wrong.
These media whores for the most are economic and Cultural Marxists–they are in full support of Islam and is sycophantic, sociopathic adherents. The Marxist democrat party is joined at the hip with Islam. And why? as a means to further destroy Christian America and God given American liberty with it. And not just here in America–but globally. The Marxist democrats are also in league with these wicked people {Sharia Muslims} to further their goal of completely destroying Israel. This is evidenced in the Obama administrations Middle East operations and policies, which extend far beyond the Middle East.
arish says
Media who support these islamic jihadis and are against Pamela are afraid of own death and don’t care for the future of their children. ISlam is clear you are their enemy .ISlam is religion of poor and brute and lazy people who don’t believe in rightful working creativity Loot is way to live with no gilt. Their masters did in past and they do it now. Arab are good they have perfected the art to win your local poor and fools and make them work for them . WE fools let them do it.
Bernadette de Wit says
May be they care for the present safety of their children. They behave as dhimmis.
John says
If only those keyboard commandos. Would just head on over. And fight ISIS people might take their views more seriously
Or not
John says
What percent of Muslims believe that blasphemy should be punished by death ? About equal to the number of Christians thst believe. That witches should be burned to death as demanded by the bible
“Suffer not a witch to live”
Western Canadian says
Instead of demonstrating your kingship in the realm of assdom, why don’t you remove your head from your nether regions, and TRY TO EDUCATE YOURSELF, YOU MOUTH BREATHING MORON!!!!
The ‘translation’ to ‘witches’, as well as ‘unicorn’ and ‘ slave’ were not legitimate or accurate translations. For ‘witches’, try someone adept at the art of murder by poison. For ‘unicorn’, try water buffalo (or a similar creature), for ‘slave’, try ‘debt servant’.
People as ignorant as you, should learn to shut up.
Rossbro says
What is needed are ‘Art Shows’ daily in every town around the World. These religious zealots must be shown that freedom trumps bigotry, everytime. Those who wish to live in Sharia need to move to Sandland.
Prinz Eugen says
Yes, islam IS the problem. While sultan Barry continues to be in cahoots with iran, hamas, the moslem brotherhood and affiliated beheader groups, and whole the GOP continues to give him a free hand to destroy the US and the west, the treason will continue until the US is “transformed” into a sharia-compliant (that is, islamic) state.
Impeachment is sorely needed, but we have too many spineless blustering blowhards ion congress who support the subversions!