Readers of this blog know that I have often written in defense of the brave Somali born dissident Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of Infidel. Not just from the murder threat that hangs over her because of her collaboration in Amsterdam with the film maker Theo van Gogh, who was stabbed to death by a Islamic fanatic who left a note threatening Hirsi Ali’s life. Not just from milquetoast liberals who can’t see past the shibboleth of multi culturalism to express unequivocal support for Hirsi Ali’s right to live and express her dissent from the Muslim culture she was born into. The type of liberal who coined the term “Enlightenment fundamentalist” for her because she believes that tolerance of intolerance leads to repression and murder. And because it gives such a timid intellectual an excuse not to do anything to protect her from death threats. But also from the cowering, pusillanimous European governments who have refused to give her adequate security protection from death threats.
The situation is precarious. Adequate security against intolerant murderers is costly. Now at last thereÂ’s a way believers in freedom of expression uncowed by fundamentalist rage, can make a gesture that could mean the difference between life and death. Not just for Hirsi Ali, but of all dissidents from woman-hating sharia law. Hirsi Ali has set up a foundation to support freedom of expression for dissidents and offers those who wish to a way to contribute to her own protection. If you go to her new website you can find ways to contribute to her and other brave dissidents. I hope you will.