Republican Senator Jon Kyl from Arizona will be hosting anti-Muslim Dutch politician Geert Wilders on Thursday. Wilders will be screening his 17 minute film, Fitna, at the Capitol to members of Congress and their staff. The screening is being co-sponsored by the neoconservative think thank, Center for Security Policy, led by Republican Frank Gaffney. And it won’t be open to the media. Gee, I wonder why?
So what’s wrong with this whole idea? First of all, in the film, Wilders compares Islam to Nazism and calls the Quran a “fascist book.” That’s enough reason right there to not hold this event. Not only that, but Wilders also wants to ban the Quran completely. This from a man whose supporters say is a proponent of free speech. Really? Banning books is free speech? And an American senator wants to listen to this crap? That’s just wrong.
Senator Kyl’s spokesman put out a statement saying: “Senator Kyl understands the controversial nature of the film, Fitna, but agreed to facilitate the screening and Q & A with Mr. Wilders because he believes that, all too often, people who have the courage to point out the dangers of militant Islamists find themselves vilified and endangered.” Okay, talking about militant Islam is fine. But, when someone vilifies over 1 billion people and the their holy book, that’s not fine. This guy has no place speaking in the Capitol.
Earlier this month, Wilders was banned from entering the UK because officials felt he would cause public unrest due to his views. Now, I don’t think this guy should be banned from coming to the United States, but he sure as hell doesn’t deserve the opportunity to speak to members of Congress. Even though he’s not my senator, I’ll be writing Jon Kyl a letter and giving him a piece of my mind.
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