One of the Radical Left's Unexpected Consequences

There are often unintended consequences with every government policy. For the sake of argument, I'll accept that the creators of every public policy have positive intentions. But much too often the policies of the Radical Left (e.g. the NDP and certain elements of the Liberals in Canada) have a number of unintended negative consequences.

For decades now the politically correct set of the Left have been telling everyone that Christmas is strictly a Christian holiday and allowing it to be celebrated more broadly is hurting non-Christian minorities. Whether it has been scenes of Christ's birthplace on public property, the use of Christmas trees, or wishing someone Merry Christmas, all of these things have become politically incorrect actions.

There is no doubt that such anti-Christmas / anti-Christian campaigns have opened the door wide open for the likes of Anjem Choudary:

The lawyer, who recently praised the Mumbai terror attacks, urged all Muslims to reject traditional Christmas celebrations, claiming that they are forbidden by Allah.

The 41-year-old shocked Christians and even those of his own faith by branding yuletide festivities as "the pathway to hellfire".

Choudary, who is chairman of the Society of Muslim Lawyers, ruled out all celebrations, including having a Christmas tree, decorating the house or eating turkey.

In the sermon posted on an Islamic website, he said: "In the world today many Muslims, especially those residing in western countries, are exposed to the evil celebration Christmas.

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It is true that the politically correct set are not directly responsible for Mr. Choudary's diatribe. But to take no responsibility whatsoever for laying the groundwork for him & his ilk is irresponsible to the extreme.

Recently I documented an example of how allowing the disparaging of an identifiable group can lead to harm much more significant than mere words. From an historical perspective it's easy to see the step-by-step progression of how German Nazis:

1. Dehumanized Jews
2. Imprisoned them
3. Murdered them en masse

At the present time we have countless "progressives" who see nothing wrong with keeping up a constant barrage of verbal attacks and dehumanization of Christians and their traditions. I can only imagine what's going on in the minds of the perpetrators: "It's in fashion, 'everyone' is doing it, it's what the Kool Kids are doing!" So it's very clear that Step #1 is well under way.

"Yes, but we can never get to Step #2!", some will immediately respond. Really? Maybe not quite yet but then how would you explain what happened to Christian Pastor Stephen Boissoin earlier this year? I don't agree with his views but it has become perfectly clear that he was prosecuted by the Alberta HRC solely because he's a Christian. If you doubt that then you're not up to speed with what has recently happened in Quebec.

Coming full circle, I am absolutely in favour of Anjem Choudary being able to say whatever pleases his little heart. But it's then the responsibility of all concerned citizens to speak out against him.