Support Sir Salman

The decision to recommend that Salman Rushdie receive a knighthood was a bold and correct one. In addition to the merit of his literary work, the author is a symbol of free speech.

The counter-attack was bound to come, and it has.

I think it is important that we show that we are not prepared to be cowed by this sort of threat. I have therefore submitted a petition for the Number 10 Downing Street website that reads:

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to accept our congratulations for recommending to the Queen that Salman Rushdie receive a knighthood

Only UK residents can sign this petition and even they must wait until the petition is accepted.

So if you are from another country or can't face waiting, please leave your support in the comment section.

(UPDATE: Rushdie vs Wallace and Gromit - Pakistan is keener on some honours than others)

(UPDATE: Iran's intervention)

(UPDATE: Petition online now)

Comments

[Joe Bruno]

You are giving us the opportunity to support the knighthood but not to oppose it.

Is this free speech?

[Laconian]

I'm uneasy about your petition. I think the recommendation of Rushdie for a knighthood speaks for itself, and I suspect few will think the petition worth bothering with (assuming it is accepted in the first place). I hope I'm wrong...

[Tony Francis]

Salmon Rushdie said, in 1988 "The book that is worth killing people and burning flags for is not the book that I wrote." I never really understood all the hoopla over this book. It was as much about mental illness and immigrant populations as it was about religion. In the west, we are used to this: Dan Brown, "The Davinci Code". Great fiction, poor history, no fatwas, no deaths, no threats. There are books and movies portraying Jews as comic figures. They are written by Jews. Several people were killed over Rushdie's book. The more interesting story would be how he has survived.

[Andrew]

I am British and I oppose the knighthood.
Mr Rushdie has stirred up racial hatred in the world. Freedom of speech happens in this country, but if you allow your books to be read world wide then you must be aware of the effect that your writing will have on different cultures.
Mr Rushdie must have been fully aware of the effect of his Satanic Verses and was grossly insensitive to use his great intellect to touch a raw nerve world wide. In modern parlance he is a stirrer, but what has he done for Britain?

[Susan]

I will sign the petition because as I understand it somebody has said "1.5 billion muslims" are offended by Rushdie getting one. Well I'm 1 humanbeing who's not.

[John Ruberry]

I'm an American, so I'll leave my support here. I think Rushdie's knighthood is a great move. As for the first commenter, why don't you start your own petition?

[Charlie (Colorado)]

Sign me up.

[Anthony C]

It will be a very great pleasure to sign. If we become a country where Iqbal Sacranie - a man who largely rose to prominence off the back of the Rushdie fatwa - is seen as fit to be knighted and Salman Rushdie is not through fear of the consequences I think it will say something very grave and disturbing indeed. It is vital that there is no climbdown on this issue in the face of threatening rumblings from abroad (or from within for that matter).

[Jared Tester]

This American has Rushdie's back.

[Laconian]

Mr. Bruno, your implication seems to be that through supporting Rushdie's knighthood Finkelstein has somehow prevented you from opposing it, thereby curtailing your freedom of speech. Is this actually what you are saying? If so then how do you account for the fact that your post has been published in the comments section?

[Maggie]

I am happy to support it for the simple reason I CAN !
Unlike all those other poor women in Islamic states, I am allowed to have views & if they clash with other views I am still allowed to have them.
Seeing all those angry Muslim man standing around burning an effigy probably throwing stones & making threats, makes me want to ask , " why the hell are you not at work " ? putting something into life instead of making others lives miserable & waiting around to go to heaven hoping to get your hands on the promised virgins.

[Pondlife]

I shall not support this petition. This award in unjustifiable. Rushdie was hardly known before his book of alledged insults. The right of free speech carries responsibilities and it does not give the speaker the automatic right to insult and then to claim protection. Who thought this one up? I bet it wasn't HM Queen. I imagine she asked who he was...

[Emsworth]

"You are giving us the opportunity to support the knighthood but not to oppose it. Is this free speech?"

Yes, of course it is, unless The Times has become the only press source in the entire country and dissenting views are punished by the police. If you oppose the knighthood, if you wish to express your support for foreign governments and ideologies urging the murder of authors in free countries for having contrary views, you are free to do so in many forms, just not in that particular petition.

[Liam Malone]

Doh, Joe Bruno, you made your point. As usual some troll wants to try and divert our attention from the riots violence and death threats brought about by some very minor offence caused to a religion. As usual the troll makes some brainless point which either attacks the West or makes a personal attack on someone raising legitimate points about the madness that ensues anytime islam is even faintly commented upon.

[An expat]

I'm an expat Brit, unable to sign but definitely against the motion. On merit the award is questionable, on political grounds it seems extremely ill-judged. This act, in effect giving official approval to the Satanic Verses, single-handedly must be raising the world temperature several degrees higher.

[Colin Tredwell]

Joe Bruno sets a red herring,as his kind does. Muslims are opposing the knighthood, petitioners support it, thus free speech is happily served. Take your choice Mr Bruno, join the rational world or sink into the abyss of religious fanaticism.

[Salamantis]

I support Salman Rushdie's knighthood enthusiastically. Although he deserves the Nobel Prize for Literature on the basis of the work he has already done, I despair of a politicized Nobel prize committee ever awarding him. If such be the case, he will join a list of recent literary luminaries, including Jose Luis Borges, Stanislav Lem, and Harlan Ellison, who have been denied the prize, in favor of lesser lights, for reasons having nothing to do with the quality or significance of their work.

[Michael Johnson]

"Sir Salman" has a deserving ring to it. By standing up to the bullies and dark age tyrants of radical Islam, Sir Salman deserves to be knighted with a golden quill instead of a sword.

[Raza Ali]

Congratulations to Mr. Rushdie. He is a shining example of bravery and strength in the face of intolerance. I feel pity for those Muslims' whose faith is so weak that they feel threatened by any viewpoints differing from their own. Grow the hell up! Cheers.

[Imli]

Sir Rushdie's knighthood is well deserved.

Pakistan owes the Queen an official apology.

[ImNoDhimmi]

What doesn't outrage muslims ?

That a member of the Pakistan government would utter such an incitement to violence and terrorism is totally disgusting. He has no business meddling in Britain's affairs. The Queen can knight anyone she damn well pleases and if it offends muslims, too bad !

[Phil]

Im all for Salmand Rushdie getting a seat in British Parliment.WHile I hope he isnt made a scapegoat of free scheech campaigning,he is one of the few who is not afraid to say what he feels towards what is obviously a violent movement in the form of Islam. We need more people like him who wont back down in face of criticism.

[John Ball]

It's always better to support those who write books, rather than those who burn them.

[Steve]

Of course it's free speech. You've replied haven't you?

[Greg Mills]

Throughout the dragon-breathed lunacy of the fatwa declared against, Mr. Rushdie responded with coolness, irony and wit, ultimately outlasting the ardor of the fanatics. He handled his arbitrary and diabolic burden with aplomb, and I hope he will now accept the knighthood with similar dignity.

[Mark Baker]

I actually don't have feelings one way or the other about knighting Rushdie (I'm an American), but if some radical religious windbag thinks it's OK for any muslim in the world to take violent action against something, then I'm for it. So I guess count me in by default.

[Cameron Hilton]

That an icon of free-speech and resoluteness in the face of intolerance (not to mention, modern literary master) be given a Knight-hood is only fitting and proper.

Would that Her Majesty made such an excellent choice every time she handed out such a peerage.

[Megan]

This American would sign it if she could. Glad to see a bit of backbone in the outgoing PM.

[Wade]

One American in full support.

[Jeff N San Diego]

Being a yank, I can't sign the petition but I admire Rushdie for the courage he has shown since this rediculous ordeal began. Kudos to Tony Blair and the Brits in general. Religious fundamentalism is the greatest threat to democracy. That includes here in the US.

[Robert]

Offering a petition to support only one side is not a burden upon free speech. Nothing is preventing you from making your own petition or expressing your concerns in a public forum.

Free speech does not mean that private citizens must entertain everyones point of view. You are of course entitled to your point of view, but you do not get to hold other people responsible for expressing it.

Also, I support this petition.

[Robert Geilfuss]

I'm an American and happily support Rushdie. Pondlife wrote: "The right of free speech carries responsibilities and it does not give the speaker the automatic right to insult and then to claim protection." What exactly does this mean? The right doesn't extend to criticism of religious belief? And how dare he not want to be killed for writing a novel? This "he deserved it" sort of thinking is plainly vile. Also, Andrew wrote that Rushdie had caused racial hatred. Muslims are united by a creed, not a race.

[Paula]

Count me, another American, in. What many fail to realize is that "The Satanic Verses" is but one small part of Sir Salman's 25-year output of beautiful and important writing, and this in addition to his life of courage, intelligence, and wisdom is defying violence and backward thinking.
The honor is completely appropriate and well-deserved. Shall the UK also be completely cowed by fanatics? Happily, the Queen has said...no.

[Geoffrey]

"The right of free speech carries responsibilities and it does not give the speaker the automatic right to insult and then to claim protection."

Actually, Pondlife, the right to free speech gives you exactly that right. In fact, as laughably ignorant as your comment was, you have the right to make it - or far worse - and none of us has the right to kill you for it. And if anyone tries, you can claim protection, too. That's what a free society is all about.

[john]

I support the recommendation of Mr. Rushdie for knighthood. Not knowing anything about knighthood I am going on the assumption it conveys respect well earned for service. Which certainly fits the case.

[chadi salim]

Sir,
The knighthood recommendation comes at a time when the government is spending millions of pounds on communities’ cohesion in order to pave the way for interfaith coexistence which is unpicked by the promotion of Satan versus that has caused religious sensitivity and is likely to turn one community against the other and undermines a heathen’s view towards the other religion. Knighthood should only be awarded to people promoting the government agenda and consolidating a united society motto that places mutual respect and understanding on the front banner. Rashdi is not eligible for such a knighthood but on the contrary he should be reprimanded for upsetting the society cohesion and growing the seeds for dangerous and unwelcome consequences.

[Verity]

"Andrew | 18 Jun 2007 18:47:10" Andrew aka muhammad. What a wittering of illiterate, unsophisticated drivel. In the West, we aren't dictated to by theocracies. Too bad that some people are offended. Frankly, I am offended by Cherie Blair's dress sense. But I have to live with it. That's life.

Pondlife pontificates: "The right of free speech carries responsibilities."

Actually, no it doesn't.

One can be sued for libelling or slandering someone, but that's about as far as it goes in the knockabout political system we know as democracy. Ever read a really mean and amusing theatre review? As long as it's opinion, there was nothing the performer or the playwright could do about it. And nor should there be.

Cheers to you, too, Raza Ali!

[Hugh]

"It's always better to support those who write books, rather than those who burn them."

Yes. Yes it is.

[Brian]

Another American in full support.

[Muhammad Cheema]

Yes I support the petition.
He is a symbol of free speech. I support his strugle for democratic values against islamic totalitarianism. Let this century be century of light and not darkness.

[George King]

Surprise surprise those "moderate" Pakistani "allies" are justifying Islamic terrorism yet again - this time over a book. They are going to rescue us all from the "militants" like Fatah would rescue Israel from Hamas.

[Forrest]

I can't honestly say I know enough about his actual writings, or about Knighthood, but I can say that I support him on the basis that I feel to not support him, would be to say that that we should cower in the face of threats of violence.

If the "Islamic world" wants to make an issue of it, I'm going to throw my lot in for free speech.

[Jeff]

If what Rushdie did was not the bravery which knighthood was created to glorify, let's get rid of knighthood.

[John Abdullah]

Tragedy and comedy really do appear to be opposing faces of the same coin. At present this is hilarious, until people start dying.

More seriously, the West continue to be mistakenly portrayed as Christian/Jewish/Zionist, (albeit Bush and Blair's alleged religiousity contribute), historically opposed to Islam. Given religious attendance at places of worship, this is not accurate, we are predominantly agnostic.

Being an ardent supporter of Voltaire, (although as an avowed coward I'd prefer somebody else fought to the death on my behalf), I must support this petition, however, I feel a more accurate award would have been to Richard Dawkins, the arch-atheist.

I am a Brit writing this from my home in Malaysia, (as of last month an Islamic nation), where outside the Government controlled media, they really know how to debate these issues. I recommend www.malaysia-today.net as a good starting point for those genuinely interested in the comedy of belief arguing against logic. I am also a paper convert to Islam (its tolerance didn't extend to me marrying a muslim without converting - the inferrence being i'm not worthy).

Time for me now to sit back with a G&T and chuckle at this infantile nonsense.

[Jason Sylvester]

As an American, I have little use for peerages, knighthoods, or any such similarly "titled" happy horsecrap.
But I support this petition wholeheartedly, unreservably, and with my real name: Jason Sylvester, from Oklahoma, America.
Salman Rushdie is a gifted writer whose prose I admire, but, more importantly, he is a free citizen of a free land.
The instant we concede a smidgen of that intellectual ground to those who would re-barbarize us all in a regime of free-speech suppression that would make even the Brownshirts of 1933 Germany blush, we have lost.
Again, my name is Jason Sylvester from Oklahoma, America, and I support this petition to the hilt.

[secular south asian (jairaj)]

judge sir salman by his literary merit alone - which, objectively assessed, surely must be obvious; and by the same token, judge the insecure by their own apparent illiteracy!

i vividly remember the images of the book burners and thinking: surely these morons haven’t read a word of the book! and, wondering too, how such a great faith, a promoter of some of the greatest and most tolerant culture, poets and writers in south asia, could have been reduced to such a simplistic world view.

as a person (i did meet him at a small gathering in chennai), i found him exactly the opposite of what i’d expected – with much humour and far more pleasurable than the truly arrogant and offensive naipal – he listened more than he spoke! both, of course, are great authors and deserve their well-earned place at the high table of literature and secular discourse.

i am reminded of the words of the great sufi poet, jalal al-din rumi:

be a full bucket,
drawn up the dark way of a well,
then lifted out,
into the light!

this, i think, is our challenge today.

[Michael]

Right on Brits! My only regret is that as a Yankee I cannot sign the petition, but I deeply admire the personal strength and courage of Mr. Rushdie. He did not ask to be placed in the apex of the fight between light and darkness, but his response has been heroic, and a source of inspiration to all who cherish freedom.

[Vishwanathan]

Sir
Rushdie richly deserves this honour and not just for speaking his mind on Islam but for defying Islamist extremism by firmly standing by his decision to have the book on the market.That he has survived threats and still lives to write is testimony to his courage in the face of unwarranted criticism.If those who called for his deasth can be tolerated in the name of free speech,the Queen is rightly and amply justified in choosing him for the knighthood.

[Maria]

Great! Good for the British Government! Please stand for the values of CIVILISATION for all of us in third-world countries who cannot...

[N Murdoch]

"Mr Rushdie has stirred up racial hatred in the world"
"Rushdie was hardly known before his book of alledged insults."
"free speech....does not give the speaker the automatic right to insult..."

First, Islam is not a race, it's a religion.

Second, Rushdie is not responsible for the fascist rantings of an illiterate demagogue like the Ayatollah Khomeini - who hadn't read The Satanic Verses (even in Farsi).

Third, he won the Booker Prize in 1981 and was a widely repected and admired novelist - long before the Fatwa.

And last, in a free society, people have the right to insult, mock and ridicule whoever they want - as long as they don't incite violence, murder or racial hatred.

Some people just need to grow up.

[Stephen Thomas]

I support this petition, its an outrage that Pakistani leaders can say this knighthood justifies killing. I am totally disgusted with the Muslim world.

[Robert Allen]

As an American, I support this petition. Also, I can say with confidence that if the Brits decide to cower, then Americans will welcome and honor Rushdie (and "have his back") as we did Ayaan Hirsi Ali when the Dutch sold her out.

Bob in Austin, Texas
(Remember the Alamo!!)

[howard]

I think the establishment is stupid to propose this and not to realise how insensitive it is. Why the need to inflame opposite opinion in this way?

[Nicholas Watson]

Muslims have every right to feel offended if that's their wish. However, it's the whole tone and content of their condemnation, that because this is offensive they somehow believe they have the right to intimidate, kill and maim in defense of their honour. That's why I support not only Rushdies' knighthood, but the right of the government to award it.

[Joachim Kopp]

I was really glad, when I heard that Rushdie, who has suffered a lot by the hatred of uncultivated muslims, was honoured in this way.I congratulate the british people (I'm german) that it has a government that backs free speech in such a finde way!

[Bob Finbow]

The whole honours system is rank with cronyism and crawling, and should be abolished. Almost all recipients have made very good livings from what they do - they neither need not merit additional public acclaim. Having said that, I greatly admire Salman Rushdie's preparedness to stand up for free speech in defiance of religious bigotry and death threats. For this he is to be commended

[J. Paul Parker]

Bravo to the Queen and to the Brits for showing some guts and standing up to these fanatics.

[Arnold Ward]

While I oppose the Honours System, which is a feudal relic, Salman Rushdie must be supported since he has been key to exposing Islam's intolerance of free speech and revealed it to be a medieval cult intent on violence to all who do not share its consuming creed.

[peter]

Can we at least change the terminology? The British Empire does not exist anymore, we are laughed at all over the world.

[Richard]

Why do people of any faith feel that the only option is the need to Kill people who do not agree with their worldview. Is their faith threatened so much by diverent views that it will not survive without removing everyone who has different ideas? It's only a book and it's only one mans thoughts.

[Tom Edwards]

Intolerance is a by word in this century.
I would quote a frenchman, who I believe undermines those citadels of intolerance. Voltaire said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

[The sunflowerchild]

Rushdie was not given his Knighthood for the Satanic Verses. He was given his knighthood for the many other outstanding pieces of literature he wrote - Midnight's Children etc. - in fact MIdnight's children was highly critical of India's government and I don't see Indians running around shouting murder. Muslims need to grow up.

[Keith Campbell]

As a Briton living abroad, I can't sign the petition. But I support it. The knighthood for Sir Salman is support for freedom of opinion. It was indeed a bold and correct move.

[Ana Rojas]

I whole-heartedly support the petition

[Ian Kemmish]

One cannot help but suspect that, as part of Tony Blair's last honours list, this is something of a two-fingered salute, but the award itself is justified, I think.

I had an epiphany watching a TV interview with Salman Rushdie after he came out of hiding. I'm paraphrasing terribly, but asked about the fatwah he pointed out that since it too was an expression of free speech it wasn't for him to comment. He said that free speech was an all or nothing thing, and however bad "all" might be personally for any of us from time to time, it was infinitely preferable to "nothing".

That statement has stayed with me ever since. If only our own politicians understood it better.

[Alec Macpherson]

JOE BRUNO ==> You are giving us the opportunity to support the knighthood but not to oppose it. Is this free speech?

Logic 101: Joe Bruno was able to post on an open comments box. Therefore, freedom of speech was respected.

Logic 201: Joe Bruno is presumably free to start his own petition. Therefore, freedom of speech is still respected.

MAGGIE ==> Rushdie was hardly known before his book of alledged insults

Rushdie was an renowned author prior to 1989, not least for the multitude of awards conferred on Midnight's Children.

I echo the commenters above that if the likes of Iqbal Sacranie, who was "hardly known before" 1989, can be knighted, but such outrage be generated for Rushdie, something is deeply wrong.

[Rick]

This government have degraded and devalued the Honours system so far that a knighthood is, to all intents and purposes, worthless.
Nevertheless, why should English people have to conform to the dogma perpetuated by people who would be happier living in the 7th century ?

[Keith]

"Why do people of any faith feel that the only option is the need to Kill people who do not agree with their worldview. Is their faith threatened so much by diverent views that it will not survive without removing everyone who has different ideas?"

Richard, unfortunately this is indeed the case for too many. Because they are based on blind, unquestioning faith, the leaders of the monotheistic religions have throughout the centuries used murder as a tool to impose their will upon those who would question them. Some religions have grown to accept the hypocrisy of this, while a sizeable minority among Islam are yet to do so.

[David Hyde]

About time this government did something to support western liberal values.

We continually hear from the Mohammedans (and a few fellow travellers - another crop of useful idiots?) that theirs is a tolerant faith. But that is by their own standards. Those seem to include that if, no matter where, or which culture you live in, they take offence at what you say or do they are free to condemn you to death.

Not much tolerance there -by our standards.

We must resist attempts to compromise our own ideals of a free society to accommodate the demands of Moslem enthusiasts. We will lose so much and not get any respect in return. Nor will we buy peace - more demands will come.

Let's make the petition a resounding reply to the fanatics.

[Phil]

Typical of the R&R (Rage and Rant)religion (Islam). It's becomming synonymous with total intolerance, bombings, beheadings & continuous death threats. Grow up! Free speech trumps Islam - or any other cult that wants to restrict freedom..... that's why they come here.

[Santokh Singh Santokh]

Time can not go backward some fundametlist thinking and living two century back.

[ja]

No one in Britain is telling Iranians what they can and can't publish. Religions should be offended and insulted every day, and twice on Sundays. Sign me up.

[Bruce, UK]

Danny,

As the award is for services to literature I cannot support it. I did like Haroun and the Sea of Stories but that is no basis for an honour. The rest of his canon is, in my opinion, rubbish.

I do, however, support the idea that others may have deemed him worthy and that his perceived merit is sufficient to the award, irrespective of my opinion, and that external interference is unacceptable.

Churchill is said to have remarked that had Hitler invaded Hell then Churchill would have found one or two remarks favourable to the Devil. Therefore, welcome aboard Sir Salman. I trust you will prove worthy.

Sign me up. But I will be watching you Rushdie.

As for Mr Bruno. Start your campaign and I will support it on the grounds of bad writing - that is free speech.

[Jonathan Anthony]

If Islamophobia now means offending extremist religious nutbags, I plead guilty. As an epithet, too many Muslims wish this word to have a racially accusative impact. This must never happen. Islam, wherever it is practiced, has the same poisonous elements as all religions. The rest of the world must be free to question and attack it in peaceful, forensic means. However, Islam's love of violence, and the willingness of its crazier elements to risk immolation as they rave in the streets, shows just how extremism has gripped much of the mainstream. It seems all it needs is a box of matches to make the stupid famous. Sign me up.

[Sunny]

Peerages and titles are a bit outmoded, but Mr. Rushdie's opus - especially prior to 1995 - stands for itself and is deserving of all honours possible. Midnight's Children, Shame, Satanic Verses, Grimu, Jaguar Smile and Haroun... have been inspirations for my generation of Indian writers. His work for PEN is outstanding. And weren't peerages for courage? If so, this is the right decision.

[barbarashm]

Support of Sir Salman's Knighthood ist a Must-Do

[Davis J. Tomasin]

In 1776, as the American colonists pondered separation from Britain and the empire, the Declaration of Independence was drafted in Philadelphia. As those delegates to the Continental Congress assembled debated the possible detrimental effects this document could have upon their "lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor", John Hancock of Massachusetts took quill to hand and affixed his name upon the document in large, bold handwriting. Hancock then proclaimed to his fellow lovers of freedom that now even King George could read his name and his intention, damn the consequences. Now, I sign my name to this petition for freedom and liberty against Islamic intolerance and violence in letters large and bold enough for any Mullah or terrorist to read.

D A V I S J . T O M A S I N

[Simon Stephenson]

Surely there are two sepatate discussion points here:-

1. Has Rushdie's contribution to the world been sufficiently meritorious to warrant him being given an honour as recognition?

2. Should the awarding of such an honour ever be made for purposes other than to recognise meritorious action?

My views are that (1) is dubious in so far as there is no consensus that Rushdie's work is especially good, and maybe there are others more deserving whose efforts have not so far been recognised with an honour.

As far as (2) is concerned, I consider the whole concept of using the honours system for effect to be inspired by juvenile one-dimensional thought patterns; vulgar, insincere and unthinkingly insulting to those whose honours are genuinely deserved. But, unfortunately, quite in keeping with a lot of 21st Century behaviour.

[Charles]

This award seems to be playing out well in the United States (its intended audience, eh, Mr Blair?) but will do NOTHING for the image of the Queen, the UK or our armed services amongst moderate Muslims in faraway lands. The Middle East is poised on the edge of an abyss at the present time. One cannot help but think that future generations will look back on actions such as this, undertaken by our current government, with utter dismay!

[Brian]

I find it worrying that so many assume it was Rushdie who 'stirred up racial hatred' - he did nothing of the sort; he wrote a work of fiction. The hatred was stirred up by those who felt one of their ancestors was insulted, not Rushdie. If Islam is so insecure that it cannot intellectually rebuff a perceived insult without resorting to pathetic death threats it must be based on shaky foundations indeed. Frankly, I think the honour is hardly warranted, as my opinion of his writing does not place him among those deserving of such high recognition. No, I will not be signing this silly petition.

[Daniel Weiner]

Whatever "offends" 1.5 billion muslims in the eyes of their self-appointed mullahs merits a knighthood in my book. Shame on the Western lefties who let themselves be cowed by this kind of cultural terrorism. There are many things about Europe that I consider superior to the United States, but the entire continent really does need to grow a backbone.

[Robert Pavlacka]

As yet another American, this petition may not recieve my signature but it recieves my full support. If I could sign it, maybe the name "Theo van Gogh" might be appropriate. As for this statement:
"The right of free speech carries responsibilities and it does not give the speaker the automatic right to insult and then to claim protection."
Yes. Yes it does. You may cede your own freedoms but keep your hands off of mine.

[Richard Marriott]

As Voltaire said – “I disapprove of everything you say but will defend to the death your right to say it.”. In my view, Satanic Verses is a pretty poor read, but I will defend the right for any such book to be published, to the death if necessary. It does not say much for Islam if it cannot tolerate satire or even blasphemy. Islam needs to join the modern world of free speech, tolerance, democracy, secularism and equal rights for women. I shall certainly sign the petition.

[Cuffleyburgers]

I fully support the courageous decision to honour Mr Rushdie. I have read a number of his books including the Satanic verses, which I didn't find particularly offensive (to my disappointment).

However, I did find them very well written and a pleasure to read, and am, as ever, bemused by the ridiculous reaction of the leading lights of the islamofascist world; I suppose we should be pleased they regard it as so important.

If they would only grow up, and think about what fools they make of themselves... no wonder people take pleasure in provoking them.

Nice also to see a number of sensible postings from our American cousins, as ever shoulder to shoulder.

[Silvia Bove]

I completely agree with Cuffley Burgers comments.
Silvia bove

[Damian Shand]

This is far better than the spectacle of that gentle and parfit knight, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, the ex-secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, who was reported saying on the occasion of the first fatwa that death was 'too good' for Rushdie. Now at least the system is being used to recognise a literary figure who has become a symbol of freedom of thought and speech in the face of a murderous medievalism. How dare the pious justify death as a penalty for the expression of free opinion, and how dare they suggest that Britain should not openly support the freedom to express one’s conscience. The moral universe inhabited by those who have no problem with the concept of religious murder, but who can’t tolerate the merely written/spoken criticism of their belief, is beneath contempt. An expat Brit says: Arise Sir Rushdie, and confusion to your enemies!

[Stuart Mc Fadzean]

I applaud Salmon Rushdie's knighthood, but with reservations. Should he take his seat in the Lords he will sit amongst the sycophantic, pusillanimous,"cash for honours maybe" pondlife already there.He is the glowing antithesis to that "ennobled" bio-mass.Only the Order of Merit can do him justice.

[Robert Boyd]

I was not an admirer of Sir Salman,but I am now!

[elizabeth schumann]

Mr. Rushdie should get his knighthood, IF ONLY to defend our treasured values such as FREE SPEECH which the Barbarians in and at the doors are constantly trying to erode whilst enviously eyeing the benefits such values have produced for us in terms of quality of life. Forget to defend them at your peril, alas also MY peril. We take everything we have for granted. The controversy around the knighthood should remind us to watch the Capitol.

[Mark]

Richard and Keith, sorry, but true Christians do not kill if they are offended, they continue to love and to reason with. You've been confused by counterfeit Christianity. Don't forget it was the first Christians who were thrown to the lions for preaching their gospel of salvation and love. No tolerance from agnostics there, then! The hypocrisy of unbelievers always amazes me when the worst atrocities of the 20th century were committed by godless agnostic political systems. Also, Mr Abdullah, the Christian faith is entirely logical and reasonable. Try reading CS Lewis 'The Abolition of Man' and 'Mere Christianity'. If there's once thing I absolutely know for sure in this confused world, it is that faith in the God who created us and sent his Son Jesus to die for us is entirely logical.

[Dave]

After the Mohamed cartoon debacle where Europeans gave up their right to free speech, this comes as a breath of fresh air. maybe there is hope for Londonistan.

"Give me LIBERTY or give me DEATH!" - Patrick Henry (March 23, 1775)

[FEF]

I am not sure what services to literature we are talking about here. I am an avid reader of just about everything, but have never finished one of this mans books, and I have tried, and I don't actually know anyone else who has. His claim to fain seems to rest on his ability to upset the world of Islam, the huge amount it cost us to provide security for him and his very hard to understand ability to attract beautiful women. I don't see any reason to grant him a Knighthood
for any of these reasons.

[Fabien]

British citizen from Luxembourg here. I believe he deserves the knighthood for all his works and having to live with the consequences of undemocratic forces making him regret it. He was forced to hide for 10 years for exercising his freedom to write what he wanted. In this sense he's a fighter for democratic values and therefore should bear his new titles with pride.

[Stephen Hughes]

I'm surprised nobody has commented on the comments from Lord Ahmed. Here is one our, ahem laugh laugh, peers who has just about stopped short of supporting the Pakistani ministers support of the fatwa on Rushdie. What an absolute disgrace !! People like him fan the flames of extremism and they bloody well know it, think we have a Trojan horse in our house !!

[c boylan]

Don't really care about knighthoods but care greatly about religious totalitarians atacking free speech. Islamist extremists oppose virtually every tenet of democracy and virtually every democratic right. Got to take a stand against them. If not, they'll only get worse. So don't cave in to the male-dominated, head-banging, flag-burning, yelling and threatening and murder in the streets that we've seen in the last few years.

[John B]

This Canadian cannot sign the petition unfortunately - but I definitely support it. Aside from Mr. Rushdie's qualifications, anything that pisses off the Iranians and Pakistanis works for me.

[Rachael C.]

I was going to offer a long, drawn out reason as to why I fully support S.R's Knighthood, but I won't. Instead, I'll say only this; he is an amazing writer and deserves the honor in full. I have enjoyed his work in the past and I look forward to any new venture.

God bless him and protect him.

[AJ Milne]

I support the knighthood. Without reservation. Rushdie is a solid author, and deserves this respect.

Conversely, louts who demand 'respect' for their favoured superstition--where respect entails saying nothing which they do not happen to agree--and who employ violence and threats of the same when this arrogant presumption of theirs to dictate what is the appropriate range of artistic expression for the rest of the human species is ignored--such voices as these deserve none.

[Jim]

Serious Muslims should organize to confer their own Order of Merit on Rushdie for keeping their great intellectual traditions alive in a time when Islamic fundamentalists are using religion as an inhuman political weapon. Jim of Boston

[pop chen]

sir salman rushdie has certainly brought out the ire of those who relish in chopping off his fingers or suicide bombing him or his property; it helps to define the human geography of the civilised and the uncivilised worlds.