Hitchens is dead

Christopher Hitchens was erudite, stimulating and outspoken—no matter how powerful his target. Hitchens’ words and actions on behalf of Salman Rushdie earned him a place of honor among the champions of individual freedom. The threat to Rushdie placed every person who spoke out on his behalf in danger. Hitchens opposition to a religion determined to silence anyone who does not follow its dictates stands as an example to all who value freedom of religion and speech.