Yesterday I spoke at the Young America’s Foundation High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch Center, about the ongoing efforts to choke off dissent and make the far-Left perspective the only one that is heard.
Kudos to YAF for being one organization that is telling young people the truth and energizing them to be active in its defense.
RonaldB says
Actually, true free speech is the enemy of the status quo and is opposed by not only the far left, but the Republican establishment.
An example is the MSM news reporting of the Charlotte violence, including Fox News, unfortunately. The protests in favor of keeping the Confederate flag were uniformly portrayed as examples of hatred. The politicians universally deplored the 3 deaths, although 2 of them were accidental and completely separated from the actual demonstrations.
I believe the political establishment is trying to expand the boundaries for “hate speech” so that demonstrators and blog commentators run an ever-increasing probability of being charged with a hate crime. Along with that, we already see instances, such as in Charlotte, where the police are ordered to allow attacks on peaceful demonstrators. People fighting back can be charged with disorderly conduct or assault, with the “hate crime” designation. It’s the usual salami technique of the coalescing totalitarian government.
It seems to me the best way to defend freedom of speech is to form groups, including political pressure groups. I include white interest groups. We have black interest groups, Mexican interest groups…why not white? Although, it’s hard to see a common interest between, say, Italians and Irish. But, the idea is, no peaceful idea should be allowed to be an automatic trigger. I do have a sympathy for Trump’s statement that we are all Americans, but you either have no identity groups, or all kinds of identity groups. The idea is to prevent rent-seeking behavior by capitalizing on the fact that one group is organized and can get special privileges for itself.
CelticToTheBone says
Speaking as an Irish man who wooed many Italian girls during and post University -the Irish and Italians have tons in common. We are as alike as any 2 other nations/cultures that emanate from Catholic upbrings and large families. I won’t go into “political” reasons why we are similar – a topic for another time. The elemental and fundamental reasons we are similar:
We are Catholic
We love America
We have large families
We love America
We love music
We love America
We love story telling
We love America
We love debate (Yanks might label this arguing)
We love America
We are passionate about protecting our women – and will fight all outsiders to accomplish this (Yanks might see this as giving rise for the need for “Paddy Wagons”)
We love America
We love Free Speech – can’t you hear us yelling?
We love America
We love wine
We love America
We love football (I was a reporter at the Ireland-Italy world cup game at the Meadowlands in 1994 – the only time we have beaten Italy – what a day)
We love America
Two of my 4 male best friends extending back to University are Italian, and include a couple of Jews (what I experienced and learned from these mates would fill a binder!)
We love America
I have been engaged 6 times – 1 Sicilian, 1 Abruzzese, 2 Jewesses, 1 Canadian, and 1 American
I and the vast majority of Irish and Italian Americans love America.
Larry says
Amen, brother. I am one American who is grateful for Americans like you.
Carolyne says
Italians can also make love and sing opera.
guest says
“It seems to me the best way to defend freedom of speech is to form groups, including political pressure groups. I include white interest groups. We have black interest groups, Mexican interest groups…why not white?”
I think that’s exactly what the SJWs, Antifa etc want you to do: form groups based on nothing but skin colour, so they can call you racist, violently attack without police doing much, and have total antifa support from the MSM.
I think instead we need lots of Freedom of Speech groups that include everyone, of every colour, that believes in it.
gravenimage says
Freedom of speech for everyone.
Joe says
We keep seeing a coordinated effort among the left between the police and demonstrators. The police are told to stand down, and an army of thugs are bused into to beat up the demonstrators. This is the part that is never investigated. The recruiting and busing of thugs is against the law, and telling the police to stand down is against the law. The mayor and governor should be indicted. Only a little detective work could uncover who buses these thugs around, and they can be indicted.
It seems that most cities are run by unapologetic criminals.
Berengaria says
I believe the Benghazi Betrayal of Our Own American Citizens, defines the “Failed Obama/Clinton Regime”. But the same Regime also sanctified certain “Identity Groups” as being excluded from Our Laws. We saw it with BLM,CAIR, ANTIFA, etc.
Only when White Men formed into a Group, was there an OUTCRY FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT.
Again, the Many Tiered Justice System!
Mike9a says
As usual, so refreshing, pleasurable to listen, clear, articulated. No wonder, when one is speaking the truth.
Thank you Robert for all you do.
CelticToTheBone says
Amen!
Gwenie Mugliston says
Nemaste and AMEN, Robert Spencer.
blitz2b says
I’m just wondering, what and when would be the turning point of the relationship between the left and Islam….
At what stage or after what sacrifice would these Leftist idiots realize that they are routing for the wrong side.
Would our demise be so gradual and subtle that we boil to death without actually knowing it?
The state of the nation of Lebanon now should have been our litmus test on what happens when Muslims are given a foothold into a country lacking a backbone to oppose their disingenuous whims…
Joe says
Always great to listen to a bright mind and something to learn (regarding inner struggle of jihad in this speech as taqiyya). Thanks a lot Mr. Spencer! 🙂
Lydia says
I second that! Not many are willing to take on this battle and stand for our freedoms and human rights that once were taken for granted. Truth and freedom of speech to express it are under attack and few heroes rise to the occasion.
I also have been called to speak out on many issues as a voice of warning from the Lord.
It is not when all is well, but when the storm clouds hover and the road is rocky, the pressure is on and the risks are great, that is the true test to see what character we are made of…when the heat and pressure are on we watch…as the cream rises to the top. We refuse to back down and fall asleep with lies. We refuse to turn a blind eye as the wolves come to devour the sheep. We sound the warning even in great risk. We serve a higher cause, a greater calling from above, and it is to the ones who are willing to undergo some form of self sacrifice that the mantle is bestowed, the calling falls upon you because no one else is willing to take up the duty. It is in days like these that all the ‘fair-weather followers’ depart the path, but the loyal disciples follow to the bitter sweet end. I am following Jesus to that end. Part of the journey has brought me here, among other places, to sound that voice of warning and to speak the truth, to stand up for what is right, no matter the cost. In nazi Germany, there were not enough such voices against the looming darkness. All I can do, is do all I can, do my part in this battle. And help sing the tune of inspirational melodies that urge these hero types on into the thick of the battle. A crown of victory does await those who endure till the end. (Matthew 24; 13).
On a jovial note, I recall a tale of humor that I heard once about communism in Russia, and it was a true story from what I recall. There was a secret church meeting because Christians were persecuted there at that time as well. Anyway, in walks a general or some member of the communist soviet army. Most of those in attendance ran for their lives and disappeared. Only about ten remained, who made no effort to move anywhere. Then, the general says something like this; “Okay, now we can start the church meeting. I just wanted to see who the real Christians were!” Well, it’s sort of like that in this life.
No matter what happens, no matter what laws are passed, that sort of thing, I will still be doing all the same things that God wants me to do, that He has written in His Word. When the laws of man contradict the laws of God, it is better to obey God and disobey man rather than obey man and disobey God. It is God that I fear, not man, so I obey God above man when there is a contradiction. (Acts 5; 29, Exodus 1, Daniel 3) On judgment day, I will be the one at ease! Oh the sweet peace of honoring God!
( :
Blessings!
Carolyne says
A “Warning from the lord” was quite jovial, I thought. Who exactly “Called,” you “Out?” Out from where? By what method? Cellphone? Clouds? I find this kind of stuff quite ineffective in fighting the takeover of Western civilization by Islam. Silly even.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Silencing of the media: Investigative reporter Lee Stranahan’s channel terminated by YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaTgMZE_lF0
gravenimage says
Video: Robert Spencer on the Islamic and Leftist war against the freedom of speech
…………………..
Thank you, Robert Spencer.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
+ 1
FYI says
Do you want hate filled speech,anti-semitism,incitement to violence and racial bigotry?
Read the koran.
Read the hadiths.
Have Google executives ever read ..the koran or the hadiths?
Probably not.
I suggest they do..
As for “blasphemy”:what about the INSULTS to God by the koran’s promotion of the breaking of God’s Original commandments?
What about the koranic insults to Christians,the violent anti-Semitic hatred of the Jews?
Tom S. says
…and kudos the the Reagan Ranch Center for hosting this event regardless of the pressure they no doubt received form the SPLC and other leftist pressure groups.
gravenimage says
Yes–kudos to them!
mortimer says
If the Left doesn’t want ‘FREE’ speech, what kind of speech do they want?
Note: one-sided messages is the description of propaganda.
Clueless Kafir says
Hate to correct you Robert, but Richard Dawkins is best known for his work in ethology and evolutionary biology. His last academic position was as University of Oxford’s Professor for Public Understanding of Science. He is also the author of brilliant books on evolutionary biology. It was only at the very end of his career that he became a shrill and strident critic of religion.
underbed cat says
Vehiclular jihad is used quite cleverly. As soon as it is used….the media has a maybe uninformed understanding of the roots of this method to disrupt the peace, cause a stir. Somehow in the events of Charlottsville, I think this plan may have been a planned, outsider intruder….the hate words are thrown around, Pence seems to NOT to understand, extremist view should be allowed to speak….but” violence” is not a part of free speech…..somewhere I believe an operative to suppress free speech is totally in the shadows….if Trump gets influenced by the comments of the Mayor and Vice Pres. ,….he will loose all credibility…suddenly the MB seems to dissolve among the people who were protesting the removal of a statue that is part of history…history I remind you that was a civil war….so to protect right…but to also allow free speech. White supremacist is the choice word of the MB so no one will allow free speech that may clarify what is Islam and the doctrine of sharia to silence and take control of our government needed diligence to know the doctrine…..which is warfare. To disrupt our peace, and call people white supremacist is a way to take us down as we are distracted from our true enemy. We need the information , exmuslims will scream do not allow sharia….it will be our death.this is true and part of sharia,…this is not racism this is subversion and it is working as long as we stay ignorant. North Korea got you scared……I am sure they have the blessing of Iran who every Friday after prayers called for our death. Trump should stay steady get away from the people who do not want you to succeed in protecting our country. Free speech silencing is part of the darwah.
Carolyne says
Underbed cat, you are right. This is really a coup d’etat against our form of government.