Columbia students applaud Ahmadinejad but they attacked the Minutemen?

Question

Did you see how the students applauded the Iranian president? There were a few "boos" here and there but most of the students seemed star struck to be in the same room with their fellow Bush-hater.

Last year when the minutemen were on stage, the students stormed the stage at Columbia University's Roone auditorium, knocking over chairs and tables and attacking Jim Gilchrist, the founder of the Minutemen. Here's a video as a reminder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfnn7wTgoE8

I do not like Bush either but I would never applaud for Ahmadinejad. I want Columbia to invite the Minutemen again. They did not even get a chance to speak last time. The Minutemen are the true heroes who deserve our applause.

There were protesters there (I would know, I was one of them)...but we were all outside. Many students were turned away even if they had an invitation in their hand. Some how all of the ultra liberals were able to get in before anyone else.

We were able to watch a live stream on someone's laptop. That's how I know most of the students in the auditorium applauded for this rat. The Columbia president did a good job challenging Ahmadinejad's answers.

Answer 1

Once upon a time, I fancied myself a liberal. I was a university student, and felt my views were progressive. Then I grew up, became somewhere between moderate and conservative.
However, even back then, I would been protesting Ahmadinejad and I would have heard out Jim Gilchrist if only to expand knowledge.
Minutemen carry no guns, they offer water to illegal aliens, they report them to BP as they should. Peacefully.
Ahmadinejad is a radical with a history of threatening violence.
A no-brainer choice to the mature and patriotic.
Those kids who applauded Ahmadinejad will grow up someday. The fault lies with the administration of Columbia who invited evil onto their campus and I deplore that choice. Those students who protested his appearance, I applaud.

Answer 2

"No Jeering or personal attacks,or throwing things at him,or the myriad of things that happen anytime a "Conservative" speaker is invited to a college these days." Any evidence of this accusation you make? I didn't think so. The students and facility listened and for the most part disagreed with Ahmadinejad. But I guess you want to believe otherwise. Quit being such a stool and grow up and learn to think for yourself, something those at Columbia are in the process of learning.

Answer 3

I would only applaude the president of Iran if i agreed and could back it up with facts. I don't understand anyone that would protest free speech in america or people who want to defend our borders from an obvious invasion of our country! We're stuck in a propaganda war and our media doesn't help us find the truth. So we have to go out and find it.

Answer 4

You must have watched a different newscast as all I saw were students that were not fooled by this petty little man.
Many actually demostrated against him.
And although I would like the borders closed, I can only imagine what kind of kooks the Minutemen members are.

Anybody else think Ahmadinejad would look great in a disco era leisure suit??? His current attire isn't that far away...

Answer 5

The only booing was when their University President questioned some of his crazy ideas. Guys like the Iranian President are heroes to Ivy Leaguers.

Answer 6

Just goes to show you what kind of country we are living in right now. A school like that should be shut down. How does it make sense that minutemen, people who protect the border from possible terrorist, not to mention illegals, can't speak but a man who is on the side of those same terrorists can?!! It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm with you 100% all the way on it. The minutemen should be allowed to voice their opinions if some Hitler wanna be can!!

Answer 7

I didn't see it, but I predicted it. Shows the kinds of people we have at Columbia.

unablogger, oh, I agree. I'm all for free speech. However, Gilchrist had a right to be heard as well.
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Romare, love your link:

"Ahmadinejad also rejected criticism of human rights in his country, notably persecution of homosexuals: "In Iran we do don't have homosexuals like in your country," he said, sparking loud laughter from the audience. "In Iran we do not have this phenomenon. I do not know who has told you we have it."

Answer 8

I cannot understand why people do not want to hear him speak. I think it is great that he was given that opportunity because the U.S. media distorts the truth...always. Although, I am sure the media will distort or take things out of context this time as well, at least those who were present have heard what he truly said.

People are ignorant. And this pure ignorance leads to the protests organized primarily by Jews. And that is completely unfair.

People take things as they are portrayed in the media. Most people do not take the time to educate themselves. It is difficult to find sources that are not bias, but I think it is the job of all people who plan to pass judgment to educate themselves prior to making ignorant remarks.

Perhaps, that's why Europeans do not like Americans, whom they call stupid. And there is a good reason behind that accusation, because Americans know nothing of world affairs. We know bits and pieces of distorted information that the media feeds us.

So before you judge the Iranian president, understand that some of his remarks are a result of frustration due to injustice. What kind of injustice? Well, it's your job to find out. I do not think he is going about it the right away, but in the same token, this is what has gotten media attention, although it is portrayed in a negative light.

Answer 9

This whole thing reminds me of what democracy is supposed to be.
Imagine! World leaders coming to America, taking their case directly to the American people, without the filter of government, and willing to answer questions from the students, tomorrows leaders, today.
Who could be against that?

Answer 10

Most of who Columbia graduates, ends up on the left coast anyways & you know the way those folk are dont you ?? Igits.
Wondor if they would applaud if Iran came to these very shores & started killing?