Free speech or fomenting hate?
Re Uphold free speech, even for vile views, Editorial, Aug. 5 I find it disconcerting that the Toronto Star is supporting Kevin Johnston, a serial hate monger. If you say it once, it is free speech. But if you repeat it endlessly, with an aim to denigrate us, belittle us and trash our faith, it is not free speech. It is harassment, fomenting hatred and a vindictive vendetta.
Your support gives permission to like-minded hate mongers to do the same. With bullhorns, they spew hate while we pray in the mosque, and shout to our children while at school.
Kevin Johnston offered a bounty of $1,000 for a video of our children praying. His website is a cesspool of hatred. Kevin Johnston is our Ernst Zundel.
(Holocaust denier) Zundel was classified as a hate monger and was not defended by the Star. In fact, he was tried and convicted. So why has the Star changed its opinion? Why are we being treated differently? Shah Nawaz Husain, Brampton It was certainly a pleasure to read the Star’s common-sense approach to one of our most basic human rights. Previously, I had few, including the late Alan Borovoy (longtime general counsel to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association), to admire because of their sensible, rational and outspoken defence of our freedom to communicate. Borovoy believed that any attempt to target what is illegitimate creates a significant risk of restricting what is legitimate.
Many otherwise intelligent persons in Canada have little understanding of the concept of free speech. We need only look at our centres of learning to find administrators, teachers and students who are thoroughly confused over this highly valued human right.
Do they really believe it has anything to do with hurt feelings, unpopular views, embarrassment, lies, propaganda or hatred? Those unfortunate human traits are best addressed by compassion, good manners understanding and respect.
I trust that the Star’s views will finally gain wide acceptance among all right-thinking Canadians. George Dunbar, Toronto