THE U.S. MUST DEFEND FREE SPEECH -- LOUDLY.

This article comments on the order issued by the Ayatollah Khomeini for the murder of The Satanic Verses author Salman Rushdie and its publishers, with the claim that the book is considered to be insults to Islam. For U.S. citizens accustomed to two centuries of free expression as a constitutional right, the Ayatollah Khomeini has provided a harsh reminder that liberties are always under attack and must constantly be defended. Khomeini's public incitement to violence by religious fanatics could put thousands of booksellers' and publishers' employees in jeopardy all over the world. What Khomeini offers is a glimpse of anarchy. To stop this threat, and to forestall others that will follow if Khomeini's threat is not squelched, governments and private citizens alike must mobilize political and economic counterpressures as well as moral protests.