What do you think of Columbia University allowing Ahmadinejad to give a speech (yes its still on)?

Question

Here's something you don't see in the news posts about it, the details of the event according to http://www.columbia.edu .
Monday, September 24, 2007, 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Roone Arledge Auditorium, Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Co-sponsored by the School of International and Public Affairs

A keynote address followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

Moderator
John H. Coatsworth, Acting Dean, School of International and Public Affairs
Due to security restrictions, only those on the registration list will be able to gain admission to this event.
There will be a live webcast of the World Leaders Forum program with the President of Iran. The link for the simultaneous broadcast will be posted on the World Leaders Forum Web site on Monday, September 24. The webcast will begin at 1:00 p.m., approximately one half hour before the program.

Answer 1

they only believe in liberal free speech..its abhorrent

Answer 2

Allowing Ahmadinejad to speak at the Columbia University is a clear proof of American liberalism and freedom of speech. Those opposing it are clearly against the basic principles of American dream.

Hearing other side of the view is the basic right of every American citizen, no matter how weird it might be.

Further, we must know what Ahmedinejad really thinks, not only what the press tells us about him.

The speech with the subsequent question and answer session will harbor a basis for better understanding in this complicated world of misunderstanding and misinformation

So, let it happen.

Answer 3

Just because there's freedom of speech in the USA doesn't mean that a once-prestigious university has to give a Holocaust-denying tyrant a forum. Let Mahmoud give his rant on the corner of Broadway and 116th Street, and without Secret Service or NYPD protection.

During the 1930's, the German-American Bund (the unofficial arm of the Nazis in the USA) held many rallies, including a couple at Madison Square Garden. However, Columbia didn't give them a forum, as they're giving Ahmedinejad.

This is the same university which kicked out ROTC way back in 1969. I guess they'd rather provide a forum to our enemies than to those who would protect us. Therefore, I nominate Columbia, and its wimpy president, Lee Bollinger, for the Josef Goebbels Award, given to the person who best facilitates the ideals and aspirations of the Third Reich.

Answer 4

ok listen up all you fear-mongering neoconservatives, you serape wearing hippies, and you towl headed muslum purists:

This dialouge has to happen for there to be any hope of peaceful solution DESPITE the obvious hatred from ALL sides of the issues and their equally rediculous public standpoints. Unless you actually want to start WWIII between the jew loving west and the jew hating middle east STOP TALKING AND REGURGITATING what you hear on the news, and START LISTENING to real people with real opinions. you dont have to like it, in fact if you truely listen and still dont like it, then youre much better off than you were before hand cause youre equiped to debate the issue intelligently. You cant defuse a situation which you dont understand. Your subjective viewpoints mean nothing without knowing their oppositions. Take a step back from your hate, cause if you dont, YOU WILL BE THE ONE to destroy the world. PERIOD.

I love you all. No exceptions.

Answer 5

Because they're interested to hear differing opinions, support the concept of free speech, have a desire to understand our adversaries, etc.

Based on the wording of your question, I take it you are against him speaking in the US. But consider the possible outcomes. 1) He makes an overture towards peace with the US - win/win. 2) He goes off on a rant, and makes a fool of himself.- we win/he loses. 3) He says nothing of substance, and puts everyone to sleep - no result (but probably the most likely outcome).

It never hurts to talk with your adversaries -- Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Answer 6

I thought free speech was for American citizens. Thats the problem with people these days, they think anyone in our country should be extended all of the perks of our constitution, whether they are citizens or not.

Answer 7

yeah he is crazy, sick and wicked... BUT we should listen to him. Furthermore about holocaust, it's not like america and European countries are innocent in this. They also played their part.....cough cough... denied jews immigration during WW2 uh-huh... and what about the genocide of the Native Americans.... no one likes to talk about that.... and what about the millions of Palestinians that are suffering on the PRETEXT of holocaust... so hitler ***** jew and the jews decide to take it on Palestinians.... sure go ahead. What about the thousands of Japanese that we killed during WW2... point being EVERYONE IS DIRTY TO SOME EXTEND and we need to admit that, the sooner the better.

Answer 8

Free speech is a core value of all democracy

Answer 9

Let the Iranian president speak....he's not learning anything
while he's yakking....then send his butt on to the UN to get
his visit over and then boot his butt back to where he came from.....(no rational person want to hear what he has to say anyway)!

Answer 10

1st amendment right. freedom of speech.