Conditional speech does not equal free speech

MSA President Farhan Abdul Azeez’s claim that "anybody's right to say anything ends where another person's dignity begins" is antithetical to free speech. Free speech is speech not subjected to restriction or control - regardless of someone’s dignity. Azeez uses Orwellian doublespeak when he states "freedom of speech is an important principle in the Muslim world”. Would this be the same world that issues death threats against authors and filmmakers for criticizing Islam?

Personally, I find Azeez’s claims to be insulting to those who believe in individual liberty. However, no matter how offensive I find his speech, he retains the right to speak of his beliefs and opinions. On the other hand, I reserve the right to ignore him and his prophet.

[Letter to the Editor - The State News. Published 03/14/2006]