Response to the article “Defense of Liberty” written by Andrew C. McCarthy/Herbert London

Shaza Zafer Al Jundi,
aljundi@ilo.org

2011 / 4 / 26

Andrew C. McCarthyHerbert London article published by the Washington Times on October 20 could be considered as one of the racist articles in the wave of hostility against Islam. The article claims that it defends liberty while it is in reality an attack on Muslim Religion and on basic principles of human rights. The Muslims are being falsely stereotyped as threat to the New World Order. The article is full of hatred, discrimination and racism, against one billion and a half Muslims around the world. The Muslim communities are deeply concerned at the vile propaganda aimed at demeaning Islam as a religion and promoting discrimination against Muslims.

The Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and various international covenants prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race or religion, yet persistent and flagrant racism remains, and double standards in application of human right exists. This contradiction is serious enough to make us wonder about the universality of human rights according to the American interpretation of these rights. It would be unacceptable to apply these rights with less than total justice and fairness or in the presence of the slightest discrimination between one people and another, between Americans Muslims and non-Muslims. Bearing this in mind, we can only stress, once again, the importance of fairness and equality in the application of human rights and of the respect of the differences that result from religious variety and are recognised by international conventions.

This article could be considered as a violation of human rights that should be reported the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The article criticizing millions of Muslims “that do not accept the cardinal principles of enlightened liberty and democracy”. Do you consider this Article is promoting Liberty and Democracy? Is this the way of promoting liberty in the world by attacking religion, discrimination and racisms?

This article could be considered as one of the causes of Anti-Americanism across Muslim societies. It recommends the Congress to take several steps for the survival of the American way of life. Does American way of life promote discrimination between American Muslims and non-Muslims?

Maybe you should know that “The Activists” you are criticizing in your article are not working towards limiting America’s free marketplace of ideas, but are working to fight Islamphobia, double standards, discrimination and racism. We are surprised that you consider "Islamophobia" -- as contrary to the very foundation of democratic governance. Does democratic governance means that we are not allowed to defend our religion, dose it means: suppression of the freedom of speech and expression?

Your article is filled with massive assaults on liberty and democracy, and it is funny how you allow yourselves to practice freedom while prevent others from practicing this right. Standards in your opinion should be applied more strictly to some people more than others. Such double standard is unjust because it violates basic instruments of human rights. We are really surprised how you call this article “Defense of Liberty



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