Time to Move Some Books

Back before I had a blog, I read that the famous (if now aging) journalist Oriana Fallaci was living with the threat of court action in France (scroll down a ways, you'll see it) because her book written in response to September 11th, The Rage and The Pride, was offending an awful lot of people -- which is potentially criminal.

Needless to say, I ordered it immediately.

Having read it, I certainly understand why some people were so angry, but I also believe all the more that it's important to have voices like Fallaci's -- whether you believe she goes too far or not -- as part of the public debate. Parts of that book may offend, but part are also striking, and powerful.

Now I see via Instapundit that, given from the threats (not only of legal action), the harassment, the ugliness, came a second book, and once more came the threat of legal action -- only this time those who found her words offensive found a judge who was sympathetic.

It seems to me there's only one thing we can do.

You may find her words inspiring and powerful, you may find them purely offensive, you may find this book a mix of each.

But aren't you glad you have the chance to find out for yourself?

Comments

[Judasmac]

Can someone please explain what on earth the legal basis for this is in Italy??? She may have to change the name to "The Weakness of Reason." The political weakness, that is.