The Selectivity of Freedom

To get things started, I want to touch a bit on the notion of free speech, in particular, religious freedom and its perception in modern times. Without alienating non-American readers, I'd like to make Park51, often referred to as the Ground Zero mosque, the focal point of discussion. If you're not up to date on the issue, wikipedia offers a pretty impartial take on things.

At risk of oversimplification, supporters of the mosque point to the First Amendment while opponents cite insensitivity to Americans, especially those affected by September 11th. It's worth noting that these are not the only arguments and counterarguments put forth by each side, but for the sake of relevancy to our freedoms, I think it's best to narrow the range of discussion.

While I remain sympathetic to the victims of 9/11 and their families, my take on the issue is simple. Last time I checked, our religious freedoms weren't dependent on the sensitivity of our words or actions. And not that our rights are contingent, in the first place, on some sheet of paper but to illustrate my point, below are excerpts from the Bill of Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

United States Constitution: First Amendment, Bill of Rights (1791)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Articles 18 & 19 (1948)
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

I understand that our freedoms, often when they infringe upon the rights of others, have limitations, and rightfully so (consider yelling "fire" in a crowded movie theater or practicing human sacrifice under the guise of religion). But such limitations are independent of any notion of sensitivity.

I'll leave you with a surprisingly profound clip from South Park: