Egyptian blogger Kareem Amer was sentenced to 4 years in prison earlier this year, for "criticizing religion" and "defaming the President of Egypt". People all over the Internet and around the world have rallied together since the beginning of the onslaught against Kareem to protest against this idiocy. 

A person should be free to criticize anyone they like, publicly or privately, as long as it does not physically interfere with another's lifestyle.  

I've read about half the posts that Kareem was condemned for, and I happen to agree with a good number of them.

This one really touched me:

I hereby declare, in all frankness and clarity, my rejection and repudiation of any law, any legislation, and any regime that does not respect the individual’s rights and personal freedom, and does not acknowledge the absolute freedom of the individual in doing anything – as long as he does not affect anyone around him in a physical way –, and does not acknowledge the individuals’ absolute freedom in expressing their opinions, whatever they may be and whatever they cover, as long as this opinion is merely an opinion or words coming from a person, and is not coupled with any physical action that harms others. At the same time, I declare, in all clarity, that such laws do not obligate me in any way, and I do not acknowledge them or their existence. I detest, from the depths of my soul, whoever works on implementing them, whoever uses them as a guide, and whoever is satisfied with their existence or benefits from them. And if these laws are forced upon us, and we have no power or strength in changing them because that is in the hands of those in power with agendas, who are more than satisfied for the existence of such laws and are making use of it: Nevertheless, all of this will not push me into submission, or into waiting for relief and appeasement.

 

I completely, wholeheartedly agree with Kareem!

In the US, we have the luxury of freedom of speech, but not so much the freedom from laws against victimless crimes. We still must abide by many laws that are based strictly on social or religious taboos.

If you would like to join with myself and others to petition the powers that be to free Kareem, please click here!