Islam, the West, and Geert Wilders
A devout Muslim does not believe in democracy. Neither does he believe in the rule of law, freedom, pluralism, religious liberty, freedom of conscience, the equality of women, the equality of non-Muslims, and so on. For these reasons alone we have to ask whether there is any way that Islam is compatible with Western democracies, values and freedoms.
While many Muslims may well enjoy and favour Western beliefs and values, the religion of Islam does not. Thus all those who love the West and its benefits must be very wary of the political ideology known as Islam. And they must all be willing to defend the West against those who would war against it.
Islam is an exclusive religion which brooks no rivals and tolerates no opposition. Setting up a universal caliphate with everyone in submission to Allah is the true desire of every faithful Muslim. Thus they cannot peacefully coexist with the infidel who refuses to bow to the demands of Islam.
To warn about those who would seek to destroy us and our way of life would seem to be the height of patriotism, love of freedom, and common sense. Yet incredibly those who are strongly speaking out about the threat of Islam and the dangers it poses to the free West are often being vilified, condemned and railroaded by Western leaders and the forces of Political Correctness.
Perhaps at the top of this list is the Dutch politician Geert Wilders. He has been fighting this fight for years, and he knows all about the costs one has to pay for this, being under 24/7 protection by security personnel because of all the threats he has received from incensed Muslims.
He is being tried at the moment – again – in a Dutch Court, this time for ‘vilifying’ Dutch Moroccans. As one news report states:
A trial began against Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders on Monday for inciting racial hatred against Moroccans – but with not a hair of the controversial politician in sight. Wilders is being tried for racial discrimination and inciting hatred, after he led a 2014 party rally to call for “fewer, fewer” Moroccans in the Netherlands. According to Dutch newspaper the Trouw, if he wins, his lawyer Geert-Jan Knoops wants to claim his costs from the ‘named parties’ – thought to be largely Dutch Moroccans – whose complaints and claims have brought the trial.
He certainly has not been cowed by this latest trial, and spoke out strongly on Wednesday. As another news service reports:
Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders has told a court that his trial for alleged hate speech is a “charade, a disgrace for the Netherlands, a mockery for our society”. In a televised statement on the last day of the trial, he said that if he was convicted “millions of Dutch citizens will be convicted with me”. The charges were brought after he led a chant for fewer Moroccans in the Netherlands at a rally 18 months ago. He denies inciting racial hatred.
Mr Wilders has denounced the trial as an attempt to suppress freedom of speech. If convicted, he faces a fine and a year in prison. The verdict is due next month. The populist politician, who had previously refused to attend the trial, addressed a three-judge bench at a high-security courthouse near Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport.
Thankfully his 3200 word speech is now available in English, and I am very pleased to be able to share parts of it with you here. He began with these words:
Mr. President, Members of the Court,
When I decided to address you here today, by making a final statement in this trial against freedom of speech, many people reacted by telling me it is useless. That you, the court, have already written the sentencing verdict a while ago. That everything indicates that you have already convicted me. And perhaps that is true. Nevertheless, here I am. Because I never give up. And I have a message for you and the Netherlands.
For centuries, the Netherlands are a symbol of freedom.
When one says Netherlands, one says freedom. And that is also true, perhaps especially, for those who have a different opinion than the establishment, the opposition. And our most important freedom is freedom of speech.
We, Dutch, say whatever is close to our hearts. And that is precisely what makes our country great. Freedom of speech is our pride.
And that, precisely that, is at stake here, today.
I refuse to believe that we are simply giving this freedom up. Because we are Dutch. That is why we never mince our words. And I, too, will never do that. And I am proud of that. No-one will be able to silence me.
Moreover, members of the court, for me personally, freedom of speech is the only freedom I still have. Every day, I am reminded of that. This morning, for example. I woke up in a safe-house. I got into an armored car and was driven in a convoy to this high security courtroom at Schiphol. The bodyguards, the blue flashing lights, the sirens. Every day again. It is hell. But I am also intensely grateful for it.
Because they protect me, they literally keep me alive, they guarantee the last bit of freedom left to me: my freedom of speech. The freedom to go somewhere and speak about my ideals, my ideas to make the Netherlands – our country – stronger and safer. After twelve years without freedom, after having lived for safety reasons, together with my wife, in barracks, prisons and safe-houses, I know what lack of freedom means.
He continued:
Members of the court, you are passing judgment on the future of the Netherlands. And I tell you: if you convict me, you will convict half of the Netherlands. And many Dutch will lose their last bit of trust in the rule of law.
Of course, I should not have been subjected to this absurd trial. Because this is a political trial. It is a political trial because political issues have to be debated in Parliament and not here. It is a political trial because other politicians – from mostly government parties – who spoke about Moroccans have not been prosecuted. It is a political trial because the court is being abused to settle a political score with an opposition leader whom one cannot defeat in Parliament.
This trial here, Mr. President, it stinks. It would be appropriate in Turkey or Iran, where they also drag the opposition to court. It is a charade, an embarrassment for the Netherlands, a mockery of our rule of law.
And he concluded with these stirring words:
Our ancestors fought for freedom and democracy. They suffered, many gave their lives. We owe our freedoms and the rule of law to these heroes. But the most important freedom, the cornerstone of our democracy, is freedom of speech. The freedom to think what you want and to say what you think.
If we lose that freedom, we lose everything. Then, the Netherlands cease to exist; then the efforts of all those who suffered and fought for us are useless. From the freedom fighters for our independence in the Golden Age to the resistance heroes in World War II. I ask you: Stand in their tradition. Stand for freedom of expression.
By asking for a conviction, the Public Prosecutor, as an accomplice of the established order, as a puppet of the government, asks to silence an opposition politician. And, hence, silence millions of Dutch. I tell you: The problems with Moroccans will not be solved this way, but will only increase.
For people will sooner be silent and say less because they are afraid of being called racist, because they are afraid of being sentenced. If I am convicted, then everyone who says anything about Moroccans will fear to be called a racist.
Mr. President, Members of the Court, I conclude.
A worldwide movement is emerging that puts an end to the politically correct doctrines of the elites and the media that are subordinate to them.
That has been proven by Brexit.
That has been proven by the US elections.
That is about to be proven in Austria and Italy.
That will be proven next year in France, Germany, and The Netherlands.
The course of things is about to take a different turn. Citizens no longer tolerate it.
And I tell you, the battle of the elite against the people will be won by the people. Here, too, you will not be able to stop this, but rather accelerate it. We will win, the Dutch people will win, and it will be remembered well who was on the right side of history.
Common sense will prevail over politically correct arrogance. Because everywhere in the West, we are witnessing the same phenomenon.
The voice of freedom cannot be imprisoned; it rings like a bell. Everywhere, ever more people are saying what they think. They do not want to lose their land, they do not want to lose their freedom.
They demand politicians who take them seriously, who listen to them, who speak on their behalf. It is a genuine democratic revolt. The wind of change and renewal blows everywhere. Including here, in the Netherlands.
As I said:
I am standing here on behalf of millions of Dutch citizens.
I do not speak just on behalf of myself.
My voice is the voice of many.
And, so, I ask you, not only on behalf of myself, but in the name of all those Dutch citizens:
Acquit me! Acquit us!
We need to keep Wilders in our prayers. He is exactly right about freedom being on trial here. If he loses, freedom loses. So we must support him in every way that we can. And we need to ask ourselves if we too are willing to pay the price – indeed, willing to lose everything – for the sake of freedom. Are we?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/31/trial-of-anti-islamic-politician-geert-wilders-begins-in-netherl/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38083903
https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/9404/wilders-trial-closing-statement
[1657 words]
Every primary source and informed secondary source I have read over the years on the subject of Islam tells me that your first three paragraphs are an accurate and alarming summary for any Western leader willing to do his or her homework. Oh that they would do it.
Thank you again Bill
Thanks Alec.
Such a courageous man.
Sure is Peter.
The PC politicians and the socialist Left have become the Trojan Horse for Islam. We are told that we must be tolerant of intolerance and accept an ideology that wants to destroy our western traditions.
We are told that we must respect an ideology that has no respect for non-Muslims.
We must to submit to any number of insults, threats and violence but not whisper any protest.
It reminds me of the founding of the Dutch Republic against the Spanish Inquisitors who tortured or even executed people for what they said and for what they believed. Geert Wilders is being persecuted by the new Inquisitors of the Socialist left. Instead of prosecuting those who wish to kill him for his honest and forthright views on Islam, the victim, WIlders, has been strapped to the sacrificial altar of PC politics.
Personally I believe it is highly unlikely that Geert Wilders will be convicted of hate speech. Political supporters are far too numerous in the Netherlands. There will be a huge outcry, if not civil unrest, if they convict him, he knows it. One of the reasons of his complacent stand on not appearing in the first instance of the trail progress. He must have decided that this opportunity for world wide attention to his case was too good to let go. Hearing him speak in his native tongue makes a stronger impression. But even in this translation his defence makes a powerful impact. He sure is controversial and there are many that would do away with him, not only Muslims. But like Donald, there is a huge silent majority that give him support. I would not be surprised if he wins a majority in next years elections in the Netherlands.
Wilhelmus Heggers Bridgetown W.A.
Stirring speech from Wilders. I know a lot don’t like him but he’s strong and determined. Controversial yes, maybe, but so was Jesus!
Islam is the most vile and brutal doctrine that exists, this is true. I am amazed at how many stupid and totally out of touch people exist in the world that are in fact ‘perpetuating’ this insanity on mankind by way of political correctness. We are witnessing the slow death of civilization as we know it. This barbaric doctrine has subjugated civilization wherever it has gone for 1400 years!! How is it possible that this is not understood in the western world? How is it possible that the majority of western leaders don’t truly know what Islam has in mind for the world? Are they all insane? I have studied the contents of the Koran, and its paedophile creator – all ‘non believers’ are in for a tough time if this Islam stupidity gains momentum. Geert deserves the nobel prize.
Geert Wilders is a hero & should be acknowledged as such in the Netherlands; Shame on the Government, the Public Prosecutors Department & all who have conspired to bring this trial to the courts of the Netherlands.
Fully support him and all those that stand with him. I’m in Australia and we have Pauline Hanson who is saying the same. What we need is the media to start publishing these stories and wake up mainstream political leaders who seem to encourage Islam.
Wow – what an excellent speech. For someone who is not even a Christian he sure sounds like a Christian politician should. Reading through the full text on that last link, Wilders also talks about the folly of labeling someone “racist”. “Moroccans are not a race. Who makes this up? No-one at home understands that Moroccans have suddenly become a race. This is utter nonsense. Not a single nationality is a race. Belgians are no race, Americans are no race. Stop this nonsense, I say to the Public Prosecutor. I am not a racist and neither are my voters. How do you dare suggest that? Wrongly slandering millions of people as racists.”
When all this PC nonsense finally rolls over and dies, we will be looking back on Wilders like we look back on Wilberforce and slavery today.
Thanks Tim. Yes we need to pray for Geert, not only that he wins this case and continues to stand strong for truth concerning Islam vs freedom, but even more importantly, we need to also pray that he becomes a Christian.
A true Dutchman. Thank God.
I really hope he wins the case and free speech is restored for once and all. It’s hard to fight an enemy if we can’t name them!
Geert has done what the big boy clergy, popes, archbishops, cardinals, should have done years ago. Most of the clergy are weak and pathetic, a disgrace to Jesus and his honour.
Geert Wilders certainly needs our prayers, both for him to come to know the Lord Jesus and salvation in Him, and also for strength to carry on. That he hasn’t cracked yet is a miracle. On the other hand I believe that this trial is the best publicity for him and his party and that provided for him by his enemy, the Dutch Government. His PVV party is already well ahead in the polls and I hope and expect this trial will deliver him a few more seats in the next elections on 15 March 2017. In that case he should end up becoming Prime Minister or Premier as they call it in the Netherlands. Thank God for Geert Wilders and people like him.
As a Dutchman I can say this has been one of his most brilliant speeches ever. It is interesting to see that in the Dutch media he even gets praise from people and websites who are normally critical of him, for his outstanding ‘statesman-like’ performance.
Also his laywer Mr. Knoops, was excellent in his defense, completely destroying the Public Prosecutor’s ‘argument’ that Moroccans are a race and therefore Geert Wilders is a racist. It’s just so ridiculous beyond anything.
I see no other possibility that he will be aquited. If he does get convicted it will only show how deeply corrupt the highest levels of the Dutch justice system has become. But I still have faith in it for now. By the way the fine has been set on €5000 if convicted.
A conviction though will mean no less than the official implementation of sharia in the Netherlands, putting Morrocans, and basically all muslims, above the law and free from any criticism no matter what they do or say.
Geert Wilders is one of the few, if not only, politician who I could vote for as a christian while not a christian himself. Let’pray for his safefy and salvation which is ultimatly the most important.
Yes quite so Peter.
Australia is heading in this direction.
First I hope the Dutch court is smart enough to acquit Geert and hope the people responsible for bringing this case to court are made to pay the significant costs this has created. If the judges find Geert guilty I hope they will be treated as the criminals they would be when the Dutch people overthrow the corrupt government that would allow this to happen. Last of all I hope not too many of the good Dutch people die overthrowing the government as they will be needed to rid Holland from the scourge of islam
Our Australian Politicians need to stop cosying up with Islam & take a stand for TRUTH & FREEDOM & not give in to being PC.
Sharia law is not above our laws – this can be PROVEN Biblically &Historically.
The LAW / Legal System that Australia has as the basis for our Law was given to Moses & the Israelites to bring / take to and teach the Nations. THAT was WITNESSED & RECORDED in the TORAH & the BIBLE.
Australia’s laws are based on Judeo- Christian Law which is Biblical Law – which is the Word of GOD.
Islam (the Political Ideology wrapped in Religion) was never given the Law to bring to the world – Sharia Law came about some hundreds of years after Christianity had been established & spread in the middle east.
Bill I agree with the sentiment expressed by your readers and with them, am increasingly disturbed by the manner in which the media seems to be popularizing “moderate Islam”. There is no such thing as moderate Islam, if the Quran and other Islamic writings are read correctly. Perhaps two quotations might be of interest. The first is from the late M. Gadaffi, the past President of Libya: “There are signs that Allah will grant victory to Islam in Europe without swords, without guns without conquest. We don’ need terrorists, we don’t need homicide bombers. The 50,000,000 Muslims in Europe will turn Europe into a Muslim continent in a few decades”. The latest statements by the President of Turkey appear more than an idle threat to the EU and its blind leaders.
The second quotation comes from Bowker’s book, What Muslim’s Believe. Oxford. One World: “The sword is the key to heaven and hell and a drop of blood shed in the cause of Allah, a night spent in arms is of more avail than two months of fasting and prayer. Whoever falls in battle, his sins are forgiven and at the day of judgement his sins are forgiven and his limbs shall be supplied by the wings of angels and cherubim”. He concludes: “The way forward for Islam is the way back to Sharia”.
Certainly Wilders understands this.
For decades the West has been slowly wringing its own neck due to the emasculation of free speech by political correctness. What we are witnessing now is many people waking up from this sleepwalk towards the cliff-edge. Geert Wilders is one of the figureheads of this movement. He needs our support because we need to stop the erosion of civil liberties.
I found this essay on the earlier trial of Geert Wilders in 2010 fascinating. The author postulates that the reasons behind the trial were intellectual snobbery, resentment of natural talent, and dislike, even hatred, of the outsider. Wilders does not agree with the political views of these know-all elites and for them, this is intolerable. It reminds me of other more recent decisions by the man in the street. http://www.weeklystandard.com/pretentiousness-kills/article/516687
Many thanks Dell.
He is very inspirational and speaks with a prophetic utterance. It’s sad that one who does not even profess christian faith(yet) is full of more conviction than many, many church speakers who just want to fit into the culture.
Dear Dutch court of justice: I’m shocked to learned that freedom of speech and Geert Wilders have been asked to stand trial. From what he said I do not see hatred. I live in Australia and we also have some problems with Muslims, they may think that our laws are too soft. I met too many muslims and they are a real threat to our social society, they do not share our values. When we are face to face seem ok but behind our backs they step on us, they can not be trusted.
We need more men like this, those unafraid of speaking the truth. For too long we have been stuck with self-hating mealy mouthed politicians who are selling us out to islam. All these “leaders” want is to be re-elected, to hell with the safety of their constituency. I pray for God to protect and bless Geert everyday. Many in the Dutch political class would like harm to come to Wilders, you can bet on that.