Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh has been laid to rest. He was murdered ostensibly for his involvement in a film titled "Submission", which addresses the topic of women in Islam. I have not seen the film, nor do I need to in order to condemn the actions of the terrorists who took his life, and in doing so attacked one of the core pillars of western democracy - freedom of expression.
Even 20 years ago it would have been inconceivable that anyone in the western world should fear retribution for expressing his or her opinions candidly and openly. We are living in very dangerous times. If western civilization is to survive, we must stand up to those who have come to the west with the intent of bringing about its annihilation.
November 11 is Remembrance Day, a day in which we honor those who have fallen in the defense of our freedoms. On this day may we all pay homage to our fallen protectors - ordinary men and women who exercised extraordinary courage in the protection of our right to freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom from fear. May their souls rest in peace - each and every one of them!
The torch of freedom has now been passed to us. It is now our turn to protect those freedoms. Like anything else Freedom MUST be exercised to remain strong. Let us all guarantee the survival of our freedoms, by using them each and every day, and further more by demanding that there shall be zero tolerance towards any individual or group, which seeks to destroy them.
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