Ahmadinejad Banned From Ground Zero

[Nbadan]

the Wing-nut pundits are trying to tie 9/11 with the Iranians now....


Iran president asks to lay wreath at ground zero, request denied
By PAT MILTON | Associated Press Writer
7:04 PM EDT, September 19, 2007


NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad asked permission to lay a wreath at the World Trade Center site when he comes to New York City next week, but the request was denied, a police official said Wednesday.

The Iranian president, who is arriving Sunday to address the United Nations' General Assembly, had asked the police department, the U.S. Secret Service and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey earlier this month for permission to visit the site of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, police spokesman Paul Browne said.

The police and Secret Service provide security to visiting heads of state.

The request to enter the fenced-in site was rejected because of ongoing construction there, Browne said. "Requests for the Iranian president to visit the immediate area would also be opposed by the NYPD on security grounds," Browne said.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said earlier Wednesday that the city was considering Ahmadinejad's request, but Browne said about two hours later that Kelly had misspoke.

Kelly's comments prompted outcry from politicians and families of Sept. 11 victims.

The Port Authority, which owns the trade center site and is the only agency that could grant Ahmadinejad permission to go inside, said it never received such a request, contradicting the police statement.

"We have not been asked to accommodate the president of Iran," Port Authority spokesman Steve Coleman said Wednesday.

It wasn't clear whether Ahmadinejad wanted to descend to the base of the trade center site, where the fallen twin towers stood, or lay a wreath on a public sidewalk outside the site. Telephone calls to the Iranian Mission to the United Nations were not immediately returned.

Kelly earlier said he did not know why Ahmadinejad expressed interest in the site. "I am not sure we have the rationale behind it," he said.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Wednesday that an Ahmadinejad visit to ground zero "is a matter for the city of New York, but it seems more than odd that the president of a country that is a state sponsor of terror would visit ground zero."

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Zalmay Khalilzad, told reporters Wednesday that the United States would not support Iran's attempt to use the site for a "photo op."

"Iran can demonstrate its seriousness about concern with regard to terrorism by taking concrete actions," such as dropping support for Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and suspending their uranium enrichment program, Khalilzad said.

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations since Washington cut its ties with Tehran after Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979. The Bush administration has accused Iran of arming Shiite Muslim militants in Iraq and seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

In a television appearance earlier this week, Ahmadinejad said his country wanted peace and friendship with the United States, despite mounting tensions between the two countries.

Newsday (http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--ahmadinejad-groun0919sep19,0,238155.story?coll=ny-nycpolitics-headlines)

Anyone remember that Iran condemned the 911 attacks?


Tehran, Sept 11, IRNA -- Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Tuesday condemned the kamikaze "terrorist" attacks in the United States and expressed his deep sorrow and sympathy with the American nation.

"On behalf of the Iranian government and the nation, I condemn the
hijacking attempts and terrorist attacks on public centers in American
cities which have killed a large number of innocent people," President
Khatami said in reaction to the worst attack on American soil since
Pearl Harbor. Three hijacked planes slammed into the Pentagon and New
York's landmark World Trade Center on Tuesday, demolishing the two
110-story towers that symbolize U.S. financial might.

"My deep sympathy goes out to the American nation, particularly
those who have suffered from the attacks and also the families of the
victims," he said, noting, "terrorism is doomed and the international
community should stem it and take effective measures in a bid to
eradicate it."

Khatami added that the Islamic Republic is treading a road to
uproot terrorism and to this end, he noted, it will spare no efforts.

Web (http://web.archive.org/web/20010915153141/http://www.irna.com/en/tnews/010912234912.etn00.shtml)

Anything to placate the rabid wing-nut media though....

:rolleyes

[clambake]

^ "Everythings better with Bluebonnet on it"

[Yonivore]

Regardless of where that idiot stands on 9/11, the fucker is sending munitions to Iraq that is killing American soldiers. I can't believe he's even being allowed in the country. There's also evidence he gave safe haven to leading al Qaeda members fleeing Afghanistan.

Another reason to send the U.N. packing.

By the way, is no one else disturbed that a bunch of Iranian scientists, along with Syrian military officials, were killed in a chemical weapons accident in Syria?

I swear, sometimes you idiot can't see from one issue to the next.

[George Gervin's Afro]

Regardless of where that idiot stands on 9/11, the fucker is sending munitions to Iraq that is killing American soldiers. I can't believe he's even being allowed in the country. There's also evidence he gave safe haven to leading al Qaeda members fleeing Afghanistan.

Another reason to send the U.N. packing.

By the way, is no one else disturbed that a bunch of Iranian scientists, along with Syrian military officials, were killed in a chemical weapons accident in Syria?

I swear, sometimes you idiot can't see from one issue to the next.


should i still be disturbed about hsu's political contributions?

[ChumpDumper]

Good thing we made securing the border crossings a priority when we decided to occupy Iraq. :tu

[clambake]

By the way, is no one else disturbed that a bunch of Iranian scientists, along with Syrian military officials, were killed in a chemical weapons accident in Syria?

have you gone soft? you want us to feel bad about this?

i wanted you to change your positions, but geez, you've gone flaming liberal.

[Oh, Gee!!]

why not gift wrap the country of Iraq?

[ChumpDumper]

why not gift wrap the country of Iraq?Nah, we should drag out the occupation a few more years first.

[Oh, Gee!!]

Nah, we should drag out the occupation a few more years first.

hey, the prez was a C minus student. cut him a break.

[ChumpDumper]

Regardless of where that idiot stands on 9/11, the fucker is sending munitions to Iraq that is killing American soldiers. I can't believe he's even being allowed in the country. There's also evidence he gave safe haven to leading al Qaeda members fleeing Afghanistan.

Another reason to send the U.N. packing.

By the way, is no one else disturbed that a bunch of Iranian scientists, along with Syrian military officials, were killed in a chemical weapons accident in Syria?

I swear, sometimes you idiot can't see from one issue to the next.Can't you idiots connect all the unsubstantiated rumors like we did before we invaded and occupied Iraq?

Where is Doug Feith when we need him?

[Yonivore]

should i still be disturbed about hsu's political contributions?
His and that new Clinton bundler...Danielczyk, sure; you should. But, I'm gathering you're not. And what does that have to do with Iran?

I think Ms. Clinton's gonna have some 'splainin' to do.

[Nbadan]

Two of the coalitions members, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, are arming the Sunni in Anbar province, the most dangerous in Iraq for coalition members, but I guess it's only OK when the U.S. dumps thousands of weapons into the country and loses track of them....

[ChumpDumper]

True enough. Is this a proxy war between the US and Iran or are we stuck in the middle of a proxy war between the greater Sunni and Shia worlds?

[Nbadan]

His and that new Clinton bundler...Danielczyk, sure; you should. But, I'm gathering you're not. And what does that have to do with Iran?

I think Ms. Clinton's gonna have some 'splainin' to do.

Yeah, trouble is, she's at slimy as Bill Clinton at avoiding real issues that could hurt her, and hardly ever gets called out by the M$M for clear discrepancies in policy....like her stand on Iraq...

[Nbadan]

True enough. Is this a proxy war between the US and Iran or are we stuck in the middle of a proxy war between the greater Sunni and Shia worlds?

As I've posted before it a proxy war between...

The U.S., Israel, the British, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, India and the UAE against Iran, Syria, Russia, China and North Korea, among a few smaller players (like what's left of the coalition of the willing)....

[Wild Cobra]

Any thoughts about what would happen if Ahmad-genocide went there anyway, to where the tourist can go, and someone took him out?

Would that start a war between us and Iran?

[Nbadan]

no, much like a Queen in a Parliamentarian system, Ahmad is nothing but a figure-head in Iran...the real welders of power are the Ayatollahs...so when Ahmad says something though, he's really just placating the Iranian rulers....

[Wild Cobra]

no, much like a Queen in a Parliamentarian system, Ahmad is nothing but a figure-head in Iran...the real welders of power are the Ayatollahs...so when Ahmad says something though, he's really just placating the Iranian rulers....
Still, they would take some action wouldn't they? Wouldn't they take it personally?

Sure, they can get any monkey and give him a nice suit, and teach him the right words.

[Nbadan]

They would make him a martyr and they would condemn us...but politically it would probably disenfranchise younger Iranians who may tend to be more pro-western, more secular....

[Wild Cobra]

They would make him a martyr and they would condemn us...but politically it would probably disenfranchise younger Iranians who may tend to be more pro-western, more secular....
I think you are right. I am one who believe we stay away from acting against Iran for that reason. People in Iran my age and older remember what it was like before Ayatollah Khamenei came into power, and likely told their children. If I recall, they really liked the Shah. Under the monarchy before the Islamic Revolution, Iran was a pretty good place to live.

[clambake]

If I recall, they really liked the Shah. Under the monarchy before the Islamic Revolution, Iran was a pretty good place to live.
yeah, you better at least pretend that you liked him. he made his problems disappear.

[xrayzebra]

yeah, you better at least pretend that you liked him. he made his problems disappear.

The group in power now don't?
:lol

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Is it true that the actual reason he's coming here is because Columbia University WANTS him to speak at their campus?!?!?!?!????????????!!!!!!!!!

[xrayzebra]

^^Don't think so. Him and his buddy Hugo are going to speak
at the UN, to a standing ovation I am sure, after all they are
world leaders. Most powerful and generous, and besides they
will bash the United States and especially George Bush. Which
will make any number of people on this forum happy.

[FromWayDowntown]

Is it true that the actual reason he's coming here is because Columbia University WANTS him to speak at their campus?!?!?!?!????????????!!!!!!!!!

I don't know that the speech at Columbia is the reason for his visit, but it's something he'll do while in NYC.

I don't get what's wrong with giving people an opportunity to hear what this guy has to say. People who are inclined to side with Ahamdinejad will side with him whether he speaks at CU or not; those who are inclined to see him as the enemy are likely to be emboldened in that stance by the things he might say in a speech at CU. But Columbia is renowned for inviting controversial speakers of all stripes to come onto campus and say what they will. I don't see that it ever hurts to hear what the enemy might have to say.

[xrayzebra]

I don't know that the speech at Columbia is the reason for his visit, but it's something he'll do while in NYC.

I don't get what's wrong with giving people an opportunity to hear what this guy has to say. People who are inclined to side with Ahamdinejad will side with him whether he speaks at CU or not; those who are inclined to see him as the enemy are likely to be emboldened in that stance by the things he might say in a speech at CU. But Columbia is renowned for inviting controversial speakers of all stripes to come onto campus and say what they will. I don't see that it ever hurts to hear what the enemy might have to say.

Yes, yes. He is so profound. Like you know, the
holocaust didn't happen and lets kill all Jews. And
death to America and the infidels. Let us hear what
he has to say. Pick-up a newspaper in the mornings,
it has at least two or three articles on what he has to
say.

[The Waco Kid]

Bush should invite him to the Whitehouse for dinner. Serve pork chops.

[FromWayDowntown]

Yes, yes. He is so profound. Like you know, the
holocaust didn't happen and lets kill all Jews. And
death to America and the infidels. Let us hear what
he has to say. Pick-up a newspaper in the mornings,
it has at least two or three articles on what he has to
say.

So, don't attend his speech if he'll offer you nothing!

My God -- when did we reach the point that the only means to register dissent became an effort to silence an opposing viewpoint? It's no wonder people run like crazy to talk radio and the media when it comes to politics -- nobody is willing to listen to the other side and think for themselves!

Ultimately, what difference does it make to you if he speaks on a university campus that doesn't see any of your money? By your reasoning, I should be all up in arms anytime some neo-con that I disagree with speaks on a private university's campus.

It's the university's prerogative to invite him to speak, for whatever reason it wishes. Frankly, it's an odd selection, given Ahmadinejad's strong anti-Zionist views and the fact that a significant percentage of Columbia's student body (and administration) is Jewish.

[samikeyp]

Bush should invite him to the Whitehouse for dinner. Serve pork chops.

served by Hooter girls.

[Wild Cobra]

yeah, you better at least pretend that you liked him. he made his problems disappear.
That is a sad truth in a way. At least he knew how to defeat Islamo-Fascists. Maybe not so sad?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

^^Don't think so. Him and his buddy Hugo are going to speak
at the UN, to a standing ovation I am sure, after all they are
world leaders. Most powerful and generous, and besides they
will bash the United States and especially George Bush. Which
will make any number of people on this forum happy.Ahmadinejad to Speak on Campus

By Melissa Repko (http://www.columbiaspectator.com/?q=node/25753), Joy Resmovits (http://www.columbiaspectator.com/?q=node/4454), Laura Schreiber (http://www.columbiaspectator.com/?q=node/4581) and Tom Faure (http://www.columbiaspectator.com/?q=node/3319)
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 20, 2007
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has accepted an offer to speak next week at Columbia’s World Leaders Forum, the University announced Wednesday.

The appearance of Ahmadinejad—widely criticized for espousing anti-Semitic views and condemned for apparent human rights abuses—will mark the head of state’s first-ever public engagement at a U.S. university and seems certain to fuel heated protest on and beyond Columbia’s campus.

University President Lee Bollinger announced the decision to invite the leader in a statement Wednesday evening (http://www.columbiaspectator.com/?q=node/26791).

“It should never be thought that merely to listen to ideas we deplore in any way implies our endorsement of those ideas, or the weakness of our resolve to resist those ideas, or our naiveté about the very real dangers inherent in such ideas,” Bollinger said. “It is a critical premise of freedom of speech that we do not honor the dishonorable when we open the public forum to their voices. To hold otherwise would make vigorous debate impossible.”

According to John Coatsworth, interim dean of the School of International and Public Affairs, Ahmadinejad expressed interest in speaking at Columbia in the past month to history Professor Richard Bulliet, communicating through Iran’s United Nations ambassador. When Ahmadinejad agreed to the conditions of speaking at the World Leaders Forum, such as answering spectators’ questions, the engagement was confirmed.

“Opportunities to hear, challenge, and learn from controversial speakers of different views are central to the education and training of students for citizenship in a shrinking and still dangerous world,” Coatsworth said in a statement.

The event, set to take place at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Roone Arledge Auditorium, will consist of a speech by Ahmadinejad as well as a question-and-answer session moderated by Coatsworth. A University spokesman said online registration for the 600-person event was capped within 90 minutes of opening Wednesday night.

The event will involve tight protection measures, including metal detectors, extensive security personnel, and a ban against any bags, purses, or signs. It will be the only event of the World Leaders’ Forum occurring in Lerner Hall.

The invitation recalled a similar proffer one year ago, when Lisa Anderson, then dean of SIPA, invited Ahmadinejad to speak on campus during the 2006 World Leaders Forum.

After learning of Anderson’s invitation, Bollinger chose not to lend it full University sponsorship. The next day, citing security and free speech concerns, Anderson rescinded the invitation—but not before tipping off a firestorm of criticism.

The similarity of the two invitations—and the deafening public response—were enough to confuse one major news service. Thursday afternoon, Bloomberg News reported that Columbia's offer to Ahmadinejad had been rescinded (http://www.columbiaspectator.com/webfeatures/ahmadinejad.bloomberg.jpg), mistaking a Sept. 2006 statement by Bollinger as having come from this year. The service later issued a correction (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aJfevvrdT288).

The timing of Wednesday’s announcement coincided with the release of Iranian-American scholar Kian Tajbakhsh, one of four American citizens imprisoned in Iran more than eight months ago. According to Coatsworth, Bollinger had urged Iranian leaders to release Tajbakhsh, who earned a Ph.D at Columbia in 1993, over the summer, though it was not immediately clear whether the announcement of Ahmadinejad’s appearance was related.

“I don’t know whether the timing of this release is connected to President Ahmadinejad’s decision to speak at Columbia University,” Coatsworth said. “I can say that the timing is fortuitous and the coincidence of the two events is happy news."

Ahmadinejad’s appearance will likely spark intense protest from numerous religious, ethnic, and political groups, due to his stated desire to “wipe Israel off the map,” his denial of the Holocaust, his frequent anti-American comments, and Iran’s Uranium-enrichment program, which Iran maintains is for civilian energy use.

At least five student groups said last night that they planned to protest the event. Several student leaders received invitations Wednesday to speak with Bollinger about the event.

In a statement signed by the heads of at least thirteen campus groups, student leaders acknowledged the importance of hearing a diverse range of views but expressed concern that University officials kept them in the dark until yesterday’s announcement.

“In a university setting, no view is too disreputable to be excluded—the goal of a university is to hear and present a wide array of opinions so that they may be challenged and debated in the spirit of free speech and the pursuit of knowledge,” the statement read.

The news of the Iranian president’s arrival on campus came in a busy news week both for Ahmadinejad and Columbia. Less than two days ago, controversial Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist said that he had been invited to return to Columbia, 11 months after his speech in Roone Arledge Auditorium was halted by protestors storming the stage. That offer was put in limbo following the withdrawal of sponsorship by the Columbia Political Union.

Early yesterday, Ahmadinejad caused a stir when authorities confirmed that he requested an opportunity to visit Ground Zero one month ago. The New York Police Department, Secret Service, and Port Authority officials denied the request, saying that it was not possible because of construction. The NYPD also denied it based on security reasons.

And yesterday, Iranian officials issued statements saying they had drawn up plans to bomb Israel in the “unlikely event” of an attack on Iran. While Israel’s foreign minister expressed alarm at the news, the U.S dismissed them as “not constructive,” according to BBC News.

http://www.columbiaspectator.com/?q=node/26790

[ChumpDumper]

That is a sad truth in a way. At least he knew how to defeat Islamo-Fascists. Maybe not so sad?The Shah didn't know how to do shit. he was completely incompetent and corrupt and was defeated by the Islamic fundamentalists. We fucked up by putting him back in power instead of letting Iranian nationalism run it's course in the 50s.

[Wild Cobra]

Ahmadinejad to Speak on Campus

Any takers for bets on if this becomes a Bush Bashing session or not?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Any takers for bets on if this becomes a Bush Bashing session or not?two words

where boutons?

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Columbia University: Ahmadinejad Yes, ROTC No

William Kristol Thu Sep 20, 11:22 AM ET

Washington (The Daily Standard) - TWO DAYS AGO, Columbia University announced that next Monday, September 24, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will speak and participate in a question and answer session with university faculty and students at Columbia. According to the university statement, "This opportunity for faculty and students to engage the President of Iran came about after Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee at the Iranian Mission to the United Nations initiated contact with Columbia through a member of the faculty, Richard Bulliet, who is a specialist on Iran."
ADVERTISEMENT

So at the request of the Iranian government, Columbia University will host the president of a terrorist regime which is right now responsible for the deaths of American soldiers on the field of battle. Indeed, this distinguished guest, who is so honoring Columbia by his presence, will be introduced by no one less than the president of Columbia, Lee Bollinger.

But not to worry: "President Bollinger will introduce the event by challenging President Ahmadinejad on a number of his controversial statements and his government's policies." Indeed, Bollinger manfully proclaimed in the university statement: "I also wanted to be sure the Iranians understood that I would myself introduce the event with a series of sharp challenges to the President on issues including:

* the Iranian President's denial of the Holocaust;

* his public call for the destruction of the state of Israel;

* his reported support for international terrorism that targets innocent civilians and American troops;

* Iran's pursuit of nuclear ambitions in opposition to international sanction;

* his government's widely documented suppression of civil society and particularly of women's rights; and

* his government's imprisoning of journalists and scholars, including one of Columbia's own alumni, Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh."

One can imagine President Ahmadinejad nervously preparing for President Bollinger's "sharp challenges," and wondering whether those challenges will detract from the propaganda victory Bollinger's invitation has given him. He's undoubtedly concluded it won't be a big problem.

It should go without saying that the appropriate thing to do, when the Iranian ambassador called Columbia, would have been to say: No thanks. Or just, No. But that would be to expect too much of one of today's Ivy League university presidents.

In fact, the introduction with "sharp challenges" by Bollinger makes the situation even more of a disgrace. Now there will be the appearance of real dialogue, of Ahmadinejad answering challenges, which further legitimizes the notion that Holocaust denial, say, is a subject of legitimate and reasonable debate. But if Bollinger had chosen to deny Ahmadinejad's request, or not to dignify Ahmadinejad's appearance by his presence--then Bollinger would have been denied the opportunity to lecture us, in Columbia's press release, to this effect: "It is a critical premise of freedom of speech that we do not honor the dishonorable when we open the public forum to their voices. To hold otherwise would make vigorous debate impossible. That such a forum could not take place on a university campus in Iran today sharpens the point of what we do here....This is America at its best."

Actually, this is a liberal university president at his stupidest. As Powerline's Scott Johnson put it, "Columbia's prattle about free speech may be a tale told by an idiot, but it signifies something. And President Bollinger is a fool who is not excused from the dishonor he brings to his institution and his fellow citizens by the fact that he doesn't know what he is doing."

Meanwhile: As Columbia welcomes Ahmadinejad to campus, Columbia students who want to serve their country cannot enroll in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Columbia. Columbia students who want to enroll in ROTC must travel to other universities to fulfill their obligations. ROTC has been banned from the Columbia campus since 1969. In 2003, a majority of polled Columbia students supported reinstating ROTC on campus. But in 2005, when the Columbia faculty senate debated the issue, President Bollinger joined the opponents in defeating the effort to invite ROTC back on campus.

A perfect synecdoche for too much of American higher education: they are friendlier to Ahmadinejad than to the U.S. military.

--William Kristol

http://news.yahoo.com/s/weeklystandard/20070920/cm_weeklystandard/columbiauniversityahmadinejadyesrotcno

[ChumpDumper]

William Kristol:lol

[johnsmith]

:lol


Who's William Kristol?

[PixelPusher]

Who's William Kristol?
Grand Poobah of the NeoCons.

[johnsmith]

Grand Poobah of the NeoCons.


Dude, I just googled him after you wrote that and I'm left wondering, how the fuck had I never heard of this guy?

[PixelPusher]

Dude, I just googled him after you wrote that and I'm left wondering, how the fuck had I never heard of this guy?
He doesn't make the media rounds as much as he used to, he's a regular part of the roundtable on Fox News Sunday.

[The Waco Kid]

All the warmth of a snow pea, but good analysis.

[ChumpDumper]

So when Kristol asks to speak at a college, he shouldn't be put off when they say "No thanks" or simply "No."

[xrayzebra]

So, don't attend his speech if he'll offer you nothing!

My God -- when did we reach the point that the only means to register dissent became an effort to silence an opposing viewpoint? It's no wonder people run like crazy to talk radio and the media when it comes to politics -- nobody is willing to listen to the other side and think for themselves!

Ultimately, what difference does it make to you if he speaks on a university campus that doesn't see any of your money? By your reasoning, I should be all up in arms anytime some neo-con that I disagree with speaks on a private university's campus.

It's the university's prerogative to invite him to speak, for whatever reason it wishes. Frankly, it's an odd selection, given Ahmadinejad's strong anti-Zionist views and the fact that a significant percentage of Columbia's student body (and administration) is Jewish.

Opposing point of view... My God you are an idiot, aren't
you. No idiot is the wrong word. You are just plain
stupid dumb. Or is it you have no common sense.

Opposing point of view. What an understatement.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Basically I wanted this part of the article written by Kristol to be known

"Meanwhile: As Columbia welcomes Ahmadinejad to campus, Columbia students who want to serve their country cannot enroll in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) at Columbia. Columbia students who want to enroll in ROTC must travel to other universities to fulfill their obligations. ROTC has been banned from the Columbia campus since 1969. In 2003, a majority of polled Columbia students supported reinstating ROTC on campus. But in 2005, when the Columbia faculty senate debated the issue, President Bollinger joined the opponents in defeating the effort to invite ROTC back on campus."

Does it matter what side of the political spectrum he's in to grasp that? It's FACT. Ahmedinajad says The Holocaust didn't happen. That's false. Hopefully this goes in either your left or right ear.

[ChumpDumper]

Private universities are free to do whatever they want when it comes to ROTC and speakers.

Why do you hate freedom?

[BradLohaus]

Who's William Kristol?

Also his father, Irving Krisol, is considered to be the founder of neoconservatism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Kristol

He earned his B.A. in History from the City College of New York in 1940, where he was an active Trotskyist. Before graduating, he met Gertrude Himmelfarb at a Trotskyist meeting, and they married on January 18, 1942.[3] He wrote in 1983 that he was “proud” to have been a member of the Fourth International in 1940.

The Fourth International (FI) is a communist international organisation working in opposition to both capitalism and Stalinism. Consisting of followers of Leon Trotsky, it has striven for an eventual victory of the working class to bring about socialism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_International

[FromWayDowntown]

Opposing point of view... My God you are an idiot, aren't
you. No idiot is the wrong word. You are just plain
stupid dumb. Or is it you have no common sense.

Opposing point of view. What an understatement.

I think Ahmadinejad is a bad guy. Ahmadinejad thinks he's not a bad guy. He has an opposing point of view.

In any event, what difference does it make to you if he speaks at Columbia or not? Aren't people fighting for Columbia's right to act foolishly in terms of who it chooses to associate with? Or is that fighting really intended to protect a society in which a popular majority should be able to censor points of views that others might wish to hear?

[TLWisfoine]

That is a sad truth in a way. At least he knew how to defeat Islamo-Fascists. Maybe not so sad?

Reffering to them as just terrorists would do just fine, I promise!!!

[TLWisfoine]

Private universities are free to do whatever they want when it comes to ROTC and speakers.

Why do you hate freedom?

They don't hate freedom. They just want to "protect" us from hearing ideals that may corrupt our simple little minds, similar to what they do in Ira... Oh damn, wait a minute!!!

[Wild Cobra]

They don't hate freedom. They just want to "protect" us from hearing ideals that may corrupt our simple little minds, similar to what they do in Ira... Oh damn, wait a minute!!!
At least that's what they say for public consumption. The Kool-Aid drinking lemmings at least believe it. The rest of us know that they are anti-American, and want to indoctrinate their students with socialism, communism, etc. Anything except values that teaches one to rely on themselves and improve themselves instead of sucking the governments teats, or relying on the govenment in other ways.

[xrayzebra]

I think Ahmadinejad is a bad guy. Ahmadinejad thinks he's not a bad guy. He has an opposing point of view.

In any event, what difference does it make to you if he speaks at Columbia or not? Aren't people fighting for Columbia's right to act foolishly in terms of who it chooses to associate with? Or is that fighting really intended to protect a society in which a popular majority should be able to censor points of views that others might wish to hear?

Okay, the next time a Republican/Conservative is booed,
faced with physical abuse and generally abused and not
allowed to speak by the free thinkers, freedom loving,
free speech types like you, I want to see some comment
from you saying how they were abused and not allowed
to give an opposing view. Like maybe the folks who
are called "border viligantes". I am sure you will be
right up front in defending them, the "border viligantes".

[FromWayDowntown]

Okay, the next time a Republican/Conservative is booed,
faced with physical abuse and generally abused and not
allowed to speak by the free thinkers, freedom loving,
free speech types like you, I want to see some comment
from you saying how they were abused and not allowed
to give an opposing view. Like maybe the folks who
are called "border viligantes". I am sure you will be
right up front in defending them, the "border viligantes".

You really work hard to conflate notions.

If crowds at Columbia want to harass and abuse Ahmadinejad, that's their prerogative. That's a price of free speech.

My point is that Ahmadinejad shouldn't be denied a forum to speak just because of who he is; but I also don't think that Columbia owes him any obligation to protect him from the sorts of dissent that other speakers, conservative and liberals alike, face when they make public statements. I certainly would defend a university's decision to invite "border vigilantes" to speak on campus (I'm assuming you mean the Minutemen, and that you might even have been reminded somehow of a Minuteman speech at Columbia that erupted in protest). But I don't think that an invited speaker is owed insulation from criticism or disruption.

I realize that you don't really operate in the realm of nuance, but that's not exactly a nuanced approach, IMO.

[DarkReign]

Its beyond my understanding why Columbia University wants this man to speak on their forum. Right or wrong, I know I wouldnt.

Should make for good footage, I guess.

[ChumpDumper]

Columbia had Iran's Foreign Minister speak at this forum in 2003, well after the axis of evil spiel. Where were you guys then?

Do you plan on bitching about the president of Turkmenistan when he comes to speak Monday too?

My hope is there will be some pointed questions for the leaders, or maybe someone gets tased.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

wow... the notion of free speech has become a punch line for some. Yeah, this guy is scum. His ideals are completely opposite to what our Western culture considers acceptable. This is true. However, how can people living in a country like the US not want to take the opportunity to prove the man wrong through intelligent discourse rather than at gun point? Why not make a fool of him through debate? Isn't anyone out there that can logically rebut this mans obviously faulty reasoning? I find that hard to believe.

[FromWayDowntown]

wow... the notion of free speech has become a punch line for some. Yeah, this guy is scum. His ideals are completely opposite to what our Western culture considers acceptable. This is true. However, how can people living in a country like the US not want to take the opportunity to prove the man wrong through intelligent discourse rather than at gun point? Why not make a fool of him through debate? Isn't anyone out there that can logically rebut this mans obviously faulty reasoning? I find that hard to believe.

I think you point to a failing in our political discourse in recent times. I don't think there's a general willingness to tolerate an enemy, even a political enemy, having a forum to speak. The better approach, it seems of late, is to shout down anyone who might provide such a forum and, essentially, censor the speech before it can be made. Like I say, I think there is a distinction between inviting someone to speak and having an audience engage in disobedience that drowns out the speaker and refusing to allow someone a forum based solely on what that person might say.

[clambake]

if circumstances in Iraq were reversed, these same people that want him exterminated would gladly welcome him for the purpose of gloating, laughter and ridicule. there is no acceptable middle road. they know who they've been trained to hate.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

Columbia had Iran's Foreign Minister speak at this forum in 2003, well after the axis of evil spiel. Where were you guys then?
.-that was before oil was $80 a barrell

-it was before he made friends with all of our enemies: North Korea, Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran

[DarkReign]

wow... the notion of free speech has become a punch line for some. Yeah, this guy is scum. His ideals are completely opposite to what our Western culture considers acceptable. This is true. However, how can people living in a country like the US not want to take the opportunity to prove the man wrong through intelligent discourse rather than at gun point? Why not make a fool of him through debate? Isn't anyone out there that can logically rebut this mans obviously faulty reasoning? I find that hard to believe.

Compelling argument. You have switched my position on the matter. cheers.

[ChumpDumper]

-that was before oil was $80 a barrellSo now this is about oil?


-it was before he made friends with all of our enemies: North Korea, Russia, China, Cuba, and IranAfter the axis of evil speech. Try again.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

MaNuMaNiA and FWD said it much better than I could have said.

I'm listening to the Columbia president's introduction and it's very stirring in how his attacks at Ahmadinejad are registering.

For anybody willing to give them a chance to speak and you to listen, there's a video link at this page.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20942057/

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Ahmadinejad speaks at Columbia
Columbia president said Ahmadinejad acts like a ‘petty and cruel dictator’
The Associated Press
Updated: 3:51 p.m. CT Sept 24, 2007

NEW YORK - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad questioned the official version of the Sept. 11 attacks and defended the right to cast doubt on the Holocaust in a tense appearance at Columbia University, whose president accused the hard-line leader of behaving like “a petty and cruel dictator.”

Columbia President Lee Bollinger and audience members took Ahmadinejad to task over Iran’s human-rights record and foreign policy, as well as Ahmadinejad’s statements denying the Holocaust and calling for the disappearance of Israel.

Ahmadinejad smiled at first but appeared increasingly agitated, decrying the “insults” and “unfriendly treatment.”

Bollinger said Ahmadinejad’s denial of the Holocaust might fool the illiterate and ignorant.

“When you come to a place like this it makes you simply ridiculous,” Bollinger said. “The truth is that the Holocaust is the most documented event in human history.”

Ahmadinejad rose, also to applause, and after a religious invocation, said Bollinger’s opening was “an insult to information and the knowledge of the audience here.”

“There were insults and claims that were incorrect, regretfully,” Ahmadinejad said, accusing Bollinger of falling under the influence of the hostile U.S. press and politicians. “I should not begin by being affected by this unfriendly treatment.”

Iran aggression questioned
Bollinger was strongly criticized for inviting Ahmadinejad to Columbia, and had promised tough questions in his introduction to Ahmadinejad’s talk. But the strident and personal nature of his attack on the president of Iran was startling.

Bollinger described Ahmadinejad as having a "fanatical mindset" for making statements like wanting Israel to be “wiped off the map.”

"Do you plan on wiping us off the map too?" Bollinger asked, also asking questions about allegations Iran was supplying insurgents in Iraq. "Can you tell them and us why Iran is fighting a proxy war in Iraq?"

Ahmadinejad responded to boos and cheers that Iran is a "peace-loving nation."

"We love all nations. We are friends with the Jewish people," he said.

Ahmadinejad did not address all of Bollinger’s accusations directly, instead launching into a long religious discussion laced with quotes with the Quran before turning to criticism of the Bush administration and past American governments.

Suzanne Maloney, a foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Institution, said Ahmadinejad’s softer tone on Israel in this speech may reflect backlash in his own country.

“There’s been widespread commentary in Iran, even on the far-right, that Ahmadinejad’s position on Israel has hurt the country’s diplomatic relations,” said Maloney. “The fact that he was frankly unwilling to go as far as he has in the past suggests there may have been some consequences for him at home.”

Ahmadinejad affirms Holocaust existence
During a question-and-answer session, Ahmadinejad appeared tense and unsmiling, in contrast to more relaxed interviews and appearances earlier in the day.

In response to one audience member, Ahmadinejad denied he was questioning the existence of the Holocaust: “Granted this happened, what does it have to do with the Palestinian people?”

But then he said he was defending the rights of European scholars, an apparent reference to a small number who have been prosecuted under national laws for denying or minimizing the Holocaust.

“There’s nothing known as absolute,” he said.

He reiterated his desire to visit ground zero to express sympathy with the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, but then appeared to question whether al-Qaida was responsible.

“Why did this happen? What caused it? What conditions led to it?” he said. “Who truly was involved? Who was really involved and put it all together?”

'We don't have homosexuals'
Asked about executions of homosexuals in Iran, Ahmadinejad said the judiciary system executed violent criminals and high-level drug dealers, comparing them to microbes eliminated through medical treatment. Pressed specifically about punishment of homosexuals, he said: “In Iran we don’t have homosexuals like in your country.”

With the audience laughing derisively, he continued: “In Iran we do not have this phenomenon. I don’t know who’s told you that we have this.”

Bush responds to Columbia visit
President Bush said Ahmadinejad’s appearance at Columbia “speaks volumes about really the greatness of America.”

He told Fox News Channel that if Bollinger considers Ahmadinejad’s visit an educational experience for Columbia students, “I guess it’s OK with me.”

Other American officials were less sympathetic.

On Capitol Hill, conservatives said Columbia should not have invited Ahmadinejad to speak. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said “there is a world of difference between not preventing Ahmadinejad from speaking and handing a megalomaniac a megaphone and a stage to use it.”

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said he thought Columbia’s invitation to Ahmadinejad was a mistake “because he comes literally with blood on his hands.”

Thousands protest event
Thousands of people jammed two blocks of 47th Street across from the United Nations to protest Ahmadinejad’s visit to New York. Organizers claimed a turnout of tens of thousands. Police did not immediately have a crowd estimate.

The speakers, most of them politicians and officials from Jewish organizations, proclaimed their support for Israel and criticized the Iranian leader for his remarks questioning the Holocaust.

“We’re here today to send a message that there is never a reason to give a hatemonger an open stage,” New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said.

Protesters also assembled at Columbia. Dozens stood near the lecture hall where Ahmadinejad was scheduled to speak, linking arms and singing traditional Jewish folk songs about peace and brotherhood, while nearby a two-person band played “You Are My Sunshine.”

Signs in the crowd displayed a range of messages, including one that read “We refuse to choose between Islamic fundamentalism and American imperialism.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20942057/

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

President Lee C. Bollinger's Introductory Remarks at SIPA-World Leaders Forum with President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Sept. 24, 2007

I would like to begin by thanking Dean John Coatsworth and Professor Richard Bulliet for their work in organizing this event and for their commitment to the role of the School of International and Public Affairs and its role in training future leaders in world affairs. If today proves anything it will be that there is an enormous amount of work ahead for all of us. This is just one of many events on Iran that will run throughout this academic year, all to help us better understand this critical and complex nation in today’s geopolitics.

Before speaking directly to the current President of Iran, I have a few critically important points to emphasize.

First, since 2003, the World Leaders Forum has advanced Columbia’s longstanding tradition of serving as a major forum for robust debate, especially on global issues. It should never be thought that merely to listen to ideas we deplore in any way implies our endorsement of those ideas, or the weakness of our resolve to resist those ideas or our naiveté about the very real dangers inherent in such ideas. It is a critical premise of freedom of speech that we do not honor the dishonorable when we open the public forum to their voices. To hold otherwise would make vigorous debate impossible.

Second, to those who believe that this event never should have happened, that it is inappropriate for the University to conduct such an event, I want to say that I understand your perspective and respect it as reasonable. The scope of free speech and academic freedom should itself always be open to further debate. As one of the more famous quotations about free speech goes, it is “an experiment, as all life is an experiment.” I want to say, however, as forcefully as I can, that this is the right thing to do and, indeed, it is required by existing norms of free speech, the American university, and Columbia itself.

Third, to those among us who experience hurt and pain as a result of this day, I say on behalf of all of us we are sorry and wish to do what we can to alleviate it.

Fourth, to be clear on another matter - this event has nothing whatsoever to do with any “rights” of the speaker but only with our rights to listen and speak. We do it for ourselves.

We do it in the great tradition of openness that has defined this nation for many decades now. We need to understand the world we live in, neither neglecting its glories nor shrinking from its threats and dangers. It is consistent with the idea that one should know thine enemies, to have the intellectual and emotional courage to confront the mind of evil and to prepare ourselves to act with the right temperament. In the moment, the arguments for free speech will never seem to match the power of the arguments against, but what we must remember is that this is precisely because free speech asks us to exercise extraordinary self- restraint against the very natural but often counter-productive impulses that lead us to retreat from engagement with ideas we dislike and fear. In this lies the genius of the American idea of free speech.

Lastly, in universities, we have a deep and almost single-minded commitment to pursue the truth. We do not have access to the levers of power. We cannot make war or peace. We can only make minds. And to do this we must have the most full freedom of inquiry.

Let me now turn to Mr. Ahmadinejad.

* THE BRUTAL CRACKDOWN ON SCHOLARS, JOURNALISTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES

Over the last two weeks, your government has released Dr. Haleh Esfandiari and Parnaz Axima; and just two days ago Kian Tajbakhsh, a graduate of Columbia with a PhD in urban planning. While our community is relieved to learn of his release on bail, Dr. Tajbakhsh remains in Teheran, under house arrest, and he still does not know whether he will be charged with a crime or allowed to leave the country. Let me say this for the record, I call on the President today to ensure that Kian Tajbaksh will be free to travel out of Iran as he wishes. Let me also report today that we are extending an offer to Dr. Tajbaksh to join our faculty as a visiting professor in urban planning here at his Alma Mater, in our Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. And we hope he will be able to join us next semester.

The arrest and imprisonment of these Iranian Americans for no good reason is not only unjustified, it runs completely counter to the very values that allow today’s speaker to even appear on this campus.

But at least they are alive.

According to Amnesty International, 210 people have been executed in Iran so far this year – 21 of them on the morning of September 5th alone. This annual total includes at least two children – further proof, as Human Rights Watch puts it, that Iran leads the world in executing minors.

There is more.

Iran hanged up to 30 people this past July and August during a widely reported suppression of efforts to establish a more open, democratic society in Iran. Many of these executions were carried out in public view, a violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party.

These executions and others have coincided with a wider crackdown on student activists and academics accused of trying to foment a so-called “soft revolution”. This has included jailing and forced retirements of scholars. As Dr. Esfandiari said in a broadcast interview since her release, she was held in solitary confinement for 105 days because the government “believes that the United States . . . is planning a Velvet Revolution” in Iran.

In this very room last year we learned something about Velvet Revolutions from Vaclav Havel. And we will likely hear the same from our World Leaders Forum speaker this evening – President Michelle Bachelet Jeria of Chile. Both of their extraordinary stories remind us that there are not enough prisons to prevent an entire society that wants its freedom from achieving it.

We at this university have not been shy to protest and challenge the failures of our own government to live by these values; and we won’t be shy in criticizing yours.

Let’s, then, be clear at the beginning, Mr. President you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator.

And so I ask you:

Why have women, members of the Baha’i faith, homosexuals and so many of our academic colleagues become targets of persecution in your country?

Why in a letter last week to the Secretary General of the UN did Akbar Gangi, Iran’s leading political dissident, and over 300 public intellectuals, writers and Nobel Laureates express such grave concern that your inflamed dispute with the West is distracting the world’s attention from the intolerable conditions your regime has created within Iran? In particular, the use of the Press Law to ban writers for criticizing the ruling system.

Why are you so afraid of Iranian citizens expressing their opinions for change?

In our country, you are interviewed by our press and asked that you to speak here today. And while my colleague at the Law School Michael Dorf spoke to Radio Free Europe [sic, Voice of America] viewers in Iran a short while ago on the tenets of freedom of speech in this country, I propose going further than that. Let me lead a delegation of students and faculty from Columbia to address your university about free speech, with the same freedom we afford you today? Will you do that?

* THE DENIAL OF THE HOLOCAUST

In a December 2005 state television broadcast, you described the Holocaust as a “fabricated” “legend.” One year later, you held a two-day conference of Holocaust deniers.

For the illiterate and ignorant, this is dangerous propaganda. When you come to a place like this, this makes you, quite simply, ridiculous. You are either brazenly provocative or astonishingly uneducated.

You should know that Columbia is a world center of Jewish studies and now, in partnership with the YIVO Institute, of Holocaust studies. Since the 1930s, we’ve provided an intellectual home for countless Holocaust refugees and survivors and their children and grandchildren. The truth is that the Holocaust is the most documented event in human history. Because of this, and for many other reasons, your absurd comments about the “debate” over the Holocaust both defy historical truth and make all of us who continue to fear humanity’s capacity for evil shudder at this closure of memory, which is always virtue’s first line of defense.

Will you cease this outrage?

* THE DESTRUCTION OF ISRAEL

Twelve days ago, you said that the state of Israel “cannot continue its life.” This echoed a number of inflammatory statements you have delivered in the last two years, including in October 2005 when you said that Israel should be “wiped off the map.”

Columbia has over 800 alumni currently living in Israel. As an institution we have deep ties with our colleagues there. I personally have spoken out in the most forceful terms against proposals to boycott Israeli scholars and universities, saying that such boycotts might as well include Columbia. More than 400 college and university presidents in this country have joined in that statement. My question, then, is: Do you plan on wiping us off the map, too?

* FUNDING TERRORISM

According to reports by the Council on Foreign Relations, it’s well documented that Iran is a state sponsor of terror that funds such violent group as the Lebanese Hezbollah, which Iran helped organize in the 1980s, the Palestinian Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

While your predecessor government was instrumental in providing the US with intelligence and base support in its 2001 campaign against the Taliban in Afghanistan, your government is now undermining American troops in Iraq by funding, arming, and providing safe transit to insurgent leaders like Muqtada al-Sadr and his forces.

There are a number of reports that also link your government with Syria’s efforts to destabalize the fledgling Lebanese government through violence and political assassination.

My question is this: Why do you support well-documented terrorist organizations that continue to strike at peace and democracy in the Middle East, destroying lives and civil society in the region?

* PROXY WAR AGAINST U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ

In a briefing before the National Press Club earlier this month, General David Petraeus reported that arms supplies from Iran, including 240mm rockets and explosively formed projectiles, are contributing to “a sophistication of attacks that would by no means be possible without Iranian support.”

A number of Columbia graduates and current students are among the brave members of our military who are serving or have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They, like other Americans with sons, daughters, fathers, husbands and wives serving in combat, rightly see your government as the enemy.

Can you tell them and us why Iran is fighting a proxy war in Iraq by arming Shi’a militia targeting and killing U.S. troops?

* FINALLY, IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM AND INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS

This week the United Nations Security Council is contemplating expanding sanctions for a third time because of your government’s refusal to suspend its uranium-enrichment program. You continue to defy this world body by claiming a right to develop peaceful nuclear power, but this hardly withstands scrutiny when you continue to issue military threats to neighbors. Last week, French President Sarkozy made clear his lost patience with your stall tactics; and even Russia and China have shown concern.

Why does your country continue to refuse to adhere to international standards for nuclear weapons verification in defiance of agreements that you have made with the UN nuclear agency? And why have you chosen to make the people of your country vulnerable to the effects of international economic sanctions and threaten to engulf the world with nuclear annihilation?

Let me close with this comment. Frankly, and in all candor, Mr. President, I doubt that you will have the intellectual courage to answer these questions. But your avoiding them will in itself be meaningful to us. I do expect you to exhibit the fanatical mindset that characterizes so much of what you say and do. Fortunately, I am told by experts on your country, that this only further undermines your position in Iran with all the many good-hearted, intelligent citizens there. A year ago, I am reliably told, your preposterous and belligerent statements in this country (as in your meeting at the Council on Foreign Relations) so embarrassed sensible Iranian citizens that this led to your party’s defeat in the December mayoral elections. May this do that and more.

I am only a professor, who is also a university president, and today I feel all the weight of the modern civilized world yearning to express the revulsion at what you stand for. I only wish I could do better.

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/news/07/09/lcbopeningremarks.html

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I want to take one line out of Bollinger's speech and apply it here.



For the illiterate and ignorant, this is dangerous propaganda.


While I may disagree with a number of you, illiteracy and ignorance are not terms I associate with you. You are this nation as are we. We're better than the likes of Ahmadinejad... so why do some wish to silence dissent as he does?

You have strong opinions as I do -- many times they differ, sometimes they do not -- but I do not see where Columbia University has given President Admadinejad "free reign" to run wild.

Listen to those in the audience (I'm listening to his speech now), they don't agree with this man's views, and if they did, this speech didn't convert them. Let this man -- who whether we like it or not is a powerful man who can greatly affect the United States should he choose -- express his thoughts as he chooses. We have the ability to disagree.

We proclaim to be this country of freedoms, this country of the freedom to believe what we choose and voice those opinions.

Let him have his time, because I'm quite certain you'll use yours in a much better fashion than he.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I don't normally find myself agreeing with President Bush, but thank you, Mr. President for this statement...



President Bush said Ahmadinejad’s appearance at Columbia “speaks volumes about really the greatness of America.”

He told Fox News Channel that if Bollinger considers Ahmadinejad’s visit an educational experience for Columbia students, “I guess it’s OK with me.”

[George Gervin's Afro]

he's going to bomb Columbia University first..

[E20]

I find this incredibly stupid on Ahmadinejad's part. He should have never accepted this invitation, if he did not want to be criticized/ridiculed. Come on, it's no-brainer Ahmad.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

The whole debate went exactly as I thought and hoped it would go. Ahmadinejad's arguments were baseless and most of his retorts contradicted his previous stances on Israel, the Holocaust and Nuclear energy. It seemed as though he was sugar coating his answers compared to previous public appearances. Bollinger did a hell of a job putting Ahmadinejad on the spot I thought.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Unfortunately, I think all this hubbub going on about his visit might have empowered him more.

[FromWayDowntown]

I want to take one line out of Bollinger's speech and apply it here.



While I may disagree with a number of you, illiteracy and ignorance are not terms I associate with you. You are this nation as are we. We're better than the likes of Ahmadinejad... so why do some wish to silence dissent as he does?

You have strong opinions as I do -- many times they differ, sometimes they do not -- but I do not see where Columbia University has given President Admadinejad "free reign" to run wild.

Listen to those in the audience (I'm listening to his speech now), they don't agree with this man's views, and if they did, this speech didn't convert them. Let this man -- who whether we like it or not is a powerful man who can greatly affect the United States should he choose -- express his thoughts as he chooses. We have the ability to disagree.

We proclaim to be this country of freedoms, this country of the freedom to believe what we choose and voice those opinions.

Let him have his time, because I'm quite certain you'll use yours in a much better fashion than he.

I know I couldn't have said this any better.

[FromWayDowntown]

Blogging Ahmadinejad's talk and his visit to Morningside Heights via Columbia Spectator:

http://columbiaspectator.com/ahmadinejad/index.php

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Breaking: Ahmadinejad is NOT a baller (http://columbiaspectator.com/ahmadinejad/?p=55)

[Nbadan]

Don't you love this country? Ahmadinejad also has the right to shut the fuck up.....first no gays in Iran...yeah, cause you hung them all you evil bastards....then...

From the CBS interview:


PELLEY: Mr. President, you say you love all nations. I have to assume that includes the Nation of Israel.

AHMADINEJAD: Israel is not a nation.

CBS News (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/21/60minutes/main3286690_page5.shtml)

[exstatic]

Mr. A'hmhavin'aJihad is incorrect. There are in fact three types of homosexuals in Iran: those who have been executed, those who will be executed, and those who will flee. He would be correct if he had qualified it as "living openly". That would be the suicidal equivalent of wearing a Khomeni Sucks T-Shirt, complete with likeness, in Tehran's marketplace.

[Nbadan]

The rushbo effect might be working in Ahmad's favor...



http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/09/24/world/24iran.600.jpg
The image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, looking down on a street in Tehran.

By MICHAEL SLACKMAN
Published: September 24, 2007

<...>


Since his inauguration two years ago, Mr. Ahmadinejad has grabbed headlines around the world, and in Iran, for outrageous statements that often have no more likelihood of being put into practice than his plan for women to attend soccer games. He has generated controversy in New York in recent days by asking to visit ground zero — a request that was denied — and his scheduled appearance at Columbia University has drawn protests.

But it is because of his provocative remarks, like denying the Holocaust and calling for Israel to be wiped off the map, that the United States and Europe have never known quite how to handle him. In demonizing Mr. Ahmadinejad, the West has served him well, elevating his status at home and in the region at a time when he is increasingly isolated politically because of his go-it-alone style and ineffective economic policies, according to Iranian politicians, officials and political experts.

Political analysts here say they are surprised at the degree to which the West focuses on their president, saying that it reflects a general misunderstanding of their system.

Unlike in the United States, in Iran the president is not the head of state nor the commander in chief. That status is held by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, whose role combines civil and religious authority. At the moment, this president’s power comes from two sources, they say: the unqualified support of the supreme leader, and the international condemnation he manages to generate when he speaks up.

“The United States pays too much attention to Ahmadinejad,” said an Iranian political scientist who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. “He is not that consequential.”

NY times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/24/world/middleeast/24iran.html?ex=1348286400&en=5fc22b145a4fd93a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)

[exstatic]

...and what's with that fucking windbreaker? Does mommy still dress him in the morning? If there was one world leader who needed a Queer Eye makeover, he's it. Of course he'd probably strangle them all once the episode was in the can....

[PixelPusher]

...and what's with that fucking windbreaker? Does mommy still dress him in the morning? If there was one world leader who needed a Queer Eye makeover, he's it. Of course he'd probably strangle them all once the episode was in the can....
He's probably still stuck in the 80's (part of the Iranian Revolution, and all that).

[MaNuMaNiAc]

http://re3.mm-a1.yimg.com/image/1946466983 -------------------> http://www.efavata.com/CBM/images/sinCity_yellowBast.jpg


Ahmadinejad after a small accident with Iran's nuclear program.

[Walter Craparita]

Should have pulled a King Darius of Sparta and kicked him into a well.

America is soft and a joke.

[PixelPusher]

Should have pulled a King Darius of Sparta and kicked him into a well.

America is soft and a joke.
America must also like to talk out of it's ass about history it can't even bother to get right, even after seeing "300" for the 87th time.

King Darius of PERSIA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_I_of_Persia)

King LEONIDAS of Sparta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonidas_I)

[Oh, Gee!!]

you're an idiot, 300 is the roXorz

[Wild Cobra]

Bollinger did a hell of a job putting Ahmadinejad on the spot I thought.
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. I really thought it would become a mutual Bush-Bashing party. He rally made good 'l Ahmad-genocide (sorry, can't pronounce his name right) look like the puppet he is.

Funny, how in the buildup to one question, Bollinger sounded just like what the Bush administration has been saying all anyone, yet he criticizes them

I guess he in one that thinks "We Americans can criticize our president, but others cannot"... Could that be the case?

[Wild Cobra]

Mr. A'hmhavin'aJihad is incorrect. There are in fact three types of homosexuals in Iran: those who have been executed, those who will be executed, and those who will flee. He would be correct if he had qualified it as "living openly". That would be the suicidal equivalent of wearing a Khomeni Sucks T-Shirt, complete with likeness, in Tehran's marketplace.
Something else funny about it I heard, but is hard to believe...

They allow them to get a sex change operation, then they are no longer a homosexual!

I wonder if that is really true?

[xrayzebra]

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. I really thought it would become a mutual Bush-Bashing party. He rally made good 'l Ahmad-genocide (sorry, can't pronounce his name right) look like the puppet he is.

Funny, how in the buildup to one question, Bollinger sounded just like what the Bush administration has been saying all anyone, yet he criticizes them

I guess he in one that thinks "We Americans can criticize our president, but others cannot"... Could that be the case?

C-Y-A. Money talks, BS walks. And I think some of
the money givers, gave him a little advice. Hence,
the intro he gave.

[FromWayDowntown]

C-Y-A. Money talks, BS walks. And I think some of
the money givers, gave him a little advice. Hence,
the intro he gave.

Columbia has a $6 billion endowment and could survive for many, many years if it never saw another dime of contributions. President Bollinger never said that he intended to capitulate to Ahmadinejad -- in fact, he was quite frank in saying that part of having Ahmadinejad speak at Columbia was the opportunity to present his record against Ahmadinejad and afford others with a rare opportunity to take him to task for that record. President Bollinger did exactly what he said he was going to to do. And he did it in a manner that was far more effective than any op-ed or other media segment -- he faced the enemy directly and attacked him on his record. I still have no idea what danger that ever posed, particularly because it seems to be the embodiment of a commitment to free speech.

[Nbadan]

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[Johnny_Blaze_47]

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[FromWayDowntown]

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Ah! The steps of Low Library -- the scene of so many great demosntrations in the history of Columbia University. I remember that scene in 1992 when the LA riots were in full swing; and in 1991 when Desert Shield became Desert Storm. The fullest measure of a society that believes in free speech is the willingness to tolerate dissent and dissent is rarely heard more vociferously than on the steps of Low Library.

[Nbadan]

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