Thanks guys, the author is a Pakistani who got convicted for writing this book to a fine of about 800 euro’s. Although it’s not a big fine, it says enough about how much value the Dutch freedom of speech is.
So, after the book was banned, were the books taken to a football stadium and burnt in a big pile in the middle of the night with people cheering on the inferno? That's a sure way to be certain nobody will ever read the book.
Of course, these book burnings could inspire some people to rebel at being prevented by their government from reading what they wish and consequently start a new political party complete with uniforms and marching bands in the traditional European manner.
Then, once the revolution takes hold, everyone will forced to read the book and even quote passages from it on demand before they are allowed to purchase food or perhaps board a train.
Or, the Europeans could just leave the book on the bookstore shelf and let it stand up to critique on it's own merit.
But what the hell do I know? I am an American and several percentage points less intelligent than the average European. I know this because a European quoted it to me from a book he had been reading that was approved by his government. Of course, this book he cited could be banned over there by now, so who really knows what the truth is?
Maybe it's that it's always darkest before the dawn. Like in the U.S., we're facing a presidential election with Democratic candidates like Hillary Clinton and Barak Hussein Obama, and the Republican candidate will be the 71 year old John 'Insane' McCain.
Keep the faith, things have to get better.;)