Good morning: Does this represent freedom of speech in the U.S. today?

Question

Columbia University extended its invitation to Iran's Ahmadinejad to come and speak ... meanwhile, the University decided to cancel the speech of Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the Minuteman Project. Apparently he would cause too much controversy.

In response to the cancellation, Gilchrist on Tuesday that his speech “would have been a great revelation for the student body and it would have redeemed the Columbia University student body's reputation of being comprised of a Paleolithic - a caveman - mentality."
Last year critics questioned Columbia’s commitment to free speech after Gilchrist was physically and verbally attacked by student protesters.
http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Columbia_Gilchrist_speech/2007/09/19/33958.html

I would love to read your thoughts with regards to this topic. Does this represent your idea of what freedom of speech is all about? Invite Ahmadinejad, but cancel Gilchrist?

Answer 1

The fact is that we are in a war-time situation with Iran. Their president Ahmadinejad declared war against us via a jihad.

First, Columbia should be discredited and the president and top administration officials who made the offer should be arrested for treason.

Second, Ahmadinejad should be arrested by the military the second he steps foot on US soil. He should then be tried in a military court and executed.

It is an absolute insult what Columbia is doing and it totally disgusts me to no end. I would have typed this all in caps to show my passion about this, but I think the military and the survivors of 9-11 will display that for me many times over.

Answer 2

As I see it, the gathering at Columbia University has been slated for "World Leaders" and as such, I don't think that Gilchrist qualifies.

However, I am glad that the city of New York told Ahmadinejad to "bag it". He is not going to have access to Ground Zero - or at least more access than the public gets.

Columbia University is making it's own bed - they alone will have to sleep in it.

Answer 3

Well it is not a matter for Columbia to decide. They receive federal funding and if they are engaging in political manipulation of the campus their funding could and should be cut off. Colleges are not indoctrination centers and if they wish to be so then they better make sure they are not doing it on tax payer dollars or there just may be a public outcry about the political position the college is taking. Hint, Hint.

Answer 4

No, because there is not hate from them. Funny your page is not found. Prove any Conservative talk show radio host applauds murder. You can't because you are lying. Your page was about the murders, wasn't it, and had nothing to do with Conservative talk show hosts being hateful. It is Liberals that I have seen accuse Conservatives, without proof, before the police could even start an investigation of motive as being the shooters. That is hateful, ignorant, and wrong. Here is my proof! Two "questions" (yeah right) asked by Liberal YA users that prove they accuse without evidence. Have a look, then look in your mirror, and tell yourself the truth.

Answer 5

Its never been free speech. Universities put up whoever they want.
Minuteman project is ignorant anyway. Americans need to address the root of the problem. Its jobs and the welfare state. Take those factors away and the problem of illegals disappears. It also makes the borders safer because now patrols dont have to haul and process hundreds of people they can focus on watch for actual problems. Rather than trying to stop cheap labor for the wealthy.

Its like the war on drugs years of fighting this problem but as long as theres a will theres a way.

Answer 6

I think a golden opportunity was missed here by Colombia! why didnt they sponser a debate between Mr. Gilchrist and Mr. Ahmadinejad! fair is fair! Great Question!

Answer 7

Sadly, I'm not at all surprised. Conservative speakers are often prevented from actually *speaking* at universities all over this country - but *we're* the fascists. Yeah, right.

We have allowed the liberals to take over our educational institutions, and this type of thing is a direct result.

It's a sad day when ImADamnedNutJob (stole that from Sway - thanks, Sway!) gets the red carpet rolled out for him, but a man who is trying to save this country is treated like crap.

Answer 8

The University can do what it wants however inviting Iran's Ahmadinejad to speak is a slap in the face of all the families of those who died on 9/11 and all the soldiers who have ever fought in a war. His country is one of the worst for sponsering terrorism. The Minuteman project is designed to protect this country from foreign invasion, by the way that is what is happening with all of the illegal aliens. They are ILLEGAL, they have no rights other than basic human rights because they are breaking our laws, They are ILLEGAL. ILLEGAL means not LEGAL. They are VIOLATING our laws and our rights. I, as a tax payer, am paying for them to receive aid, hospitalization and housing in some cases. Many of the illegals coming over are hard workers but they don't pay taxes and they are ILLEGAL. Breaking the law even though you aren't harming someone directly, by the way illegal aliens are sucking down our tax dollars in aid programs, still means you are breaking the law.

Answer 9

Columbia is a private institution so they have the right to invite who they wish to speak.

However saying that Gilchrist would cause too much controvery and basically saying the Iranian president won't stir up a little bit of emotion is pretty stupid.

For a school of higher learning, they are failing. If they were smart they wouldn't have either Ahmadinejad or Gilchrist.

Edit: Well Michael H below probably a reason why Columbia won't let Gilchrist speak.

Answer 10

For institutions like Columbia that instill left-wing ideology, this comes as no surprise. Free speech to them is pick-and-choose, and silence and tear down anything contrary to their agenda. What is troubling is the seemingly idol-worship of an individual such as Ahmadinejad, a leader of a known terrorist-harboring nation.