What Would Voltaire Do?

CNN's Ed Hornick's August 17, 2010 piece "Critics say Obama's message becoming 'incoherent'" states:

"Obama has faced a torrent of criticism for what was called mixed messages on the controversial plan. On Friday, Obama said Muslims 'have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country ... That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances.'"

"The following day, Obama told Ed Henry, CNN's senior White House correspondent, that he was "not commenting on the wisdom" of the project, just the broader principle that the government should treat "everyone equal, regardless" of religion."

"The danger here is an incoherent presidency," said David Morey, vice chairman of the Core Strategy Group, who provided communications advice to Obama's 2008 campaign.

This criticism is total blather -- a tempest in a teacup whipped up by the Tea Party-ers.

One can say with complete, coherent logic, that one supports the Muslims’ first amendment right to build the mosque while at the same time opining that they would be ill advised to do so (or withholding opinion as Obama did). Think Voltaire: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

As long as opposition is expressed through suasion and not state coercion, both the freedom of religion and speech provisions of the first amendment will be preserved.