If you are outraged about the attempted assassination of Salman Rushdie, consider these two facts:
~ Across the world, many Muslims consider Rushdie’s words to be violence. Therefore they say actual violence against him is justified.
~ These days, many Americans also say that words are violence. They therefore want some voices silenced or denied a public forum.
I am Charlie Hebdo, standing with Free Expression and against the violence that would destroy it. Perhaps you are Charlie Hebdo, too. But is America Charlie Hebdo? In many crucial ways, no, as America becomes more offended and less tolerant of free expression every day. Last week, I called CNN’s management cowards for refusing to show Charlie’s first post-massacre cover (it was neither obscene nor libelous). They self-righteously claimed their decision reflected respect and tolerance. Nonsense. Self-censorship to protect yourself from violence may be smart, but it expresses neither respect for others nor tolerance of diversity. Pathetically, The New York…