re Brigitte Bardot. She is an old-hand at anti-Muslim (and anti-gay)statements and acts, most of which have nothing to do with her animal-protection activities (which themselves are not so clear... she once stole her neighbor's donkey because she thought the donkey would be happier with her, at least as far as I recall).

The "no free speech in France" rap is also pretty tired. There is freedom of speech in France, but the law places limits on it, just as it does in the US. In a context where racism has led to some of the worst horrors in human history, inciting racial hatred is considered as dangerous as yelling fire in a crowded theater. Bardot was fined a small amount; she's not doing hard time in prison, and with this verdict, society has spoken as to the acceptability of her (many) declarations of hatred.

I would also ask why the first amendment of the US constitution does not ban "hate crimes"? If I kill someone while yelling "die you damn Fredonian!" why should that speech make the murder worse? Isn't that criminalizing speech?

And what to say about the "Patriot" act? Where is freedom of thought in a country where the government can secretly find out what books you're reading? And where is the freedom of speech of the librarians who aren't allowed to tell anyone that the government has come asking such questions?

There are lots of debatable aspects of French justice... but people in glass studios should not throw microphones.

Sent by Marc Naimark | 3:58 AM ET | 06-07-2008