RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM

The killing of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh after making a movie critical of Islam's treatment of women highlights the dangers of religious extremism, whether here or abroad.

Dutch newspaper Telegraaf, which published a crime-scene photo of the slain filmmaker, reported that thousands turned out to protest the killing.

One thing I admire about Holland is how many people turned out for that protest, understanding that hate crimes are unacceptable and that a free society requires tolerance — something apparently lost in the U.S.

P.D. of Holland writes:

Reminds us of the murder of Pim Fortuyn, the politician. Someone calculated that the filmmaker was murdered 911 days after Fortuyn was murdered. The filmmaker was killed on November 2nd. 112 is the emergency number in Holland ...

An uneasy omen, to be sure.