Ezra Levant, the courageous publisher of the late lamented Western Standard, does not suffer fools gladly.  Summoned before the Alberta thought police Human Rights Commission and accused of thinking odious thoughts while exercising freedom of the press, he goes on the offensive from the outset.  This is riveting stuff.  Bravo, Ezra!

The first video clip shows his opening statement.

YouTube Preview Image

Asked what his intentions were in publishing the allegedly offensive material (Danish Mohammed Cartoons), he rightly responds that intentions are irrelevant when exercising constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

YouTube Preview Image

Finally, what is the real root of religious hatred and violence in Alberta?

YouTube Preview Image

Using state-empowered human rights tribunals to punish expression of unpopular opinion is repugnant to a free people.  Stop the HRCs!

See Ezra's blog for more details and background.

h/t : Free Mark Steyn

Previous related post: Western Standard sued over Mohammed cartoons