Submitted by Lance Browning Pitman, Sep 24, 2007 14:38
The media spins and spins. It's not so much a question of "if" certain things where said by one person or another. We rarely know the complete context of statements we read in our news. The question that comes into my mind is why are these particular things being allowed into the media.The press has done a great job or creating a direct comparison of the Iranian president to Adolf Hitler. How convenient as we draw up plans for air strikes. Won't it be so much easier for the public to digest an attack on "The next Hitler" than on a guy who wants his country to have nuclear energy and thus prosperity. There is no way to know for sure what are lies and what are not. We must believe in the good of humanity. We must trust that ultimately Ahmadinejad seeks prosperity for his people. If there is any way we can help raise the standard of living for any human being, it would be in our best interest to aid in the process.
We need to allow him to speak at Columbia. It would be beneficial to hear from him directly rather than through filtered media.
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Other reader comments on this article
Comment
By
Date
About Ahmadinejad, I suppose most of you have been attacking on the Irani President, just because he has own view... [MORE]
Farooq
Sep 25, 2008 06:15
Zionist control of our educational institutions, the media, our banking system, our monetary currency and our government is not about... [MORE]
Dear Mr. Bollinger:
I commend your courageous act of exposing the human rights violation of the Islamic Regime in Iran (IRI).... [MORE]
MJ
Nov 5, 2007 23:45
NOT A FREE SPEECH ISSUE? I am outraged with America.... I am outraged that most of America is ok with... [MORE]
AMBER
Sep 26, 2007 10:51
The community invites Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to give a view other than what mainstream media lies to the US constantly about... [MORE]
June
Sep 25, 2007 15:47
For those of you that claim to support Free Speech, where were you when the Minutemen were prevented form speaking... [MORE]
Danny
Sep 25, 2007 14:43
Mr.Bollinger's opening remarks shows his ill-manners and reminds me of 'Ugly American' feelings around the world. Couldn't he let the... [MORE]
ProudIranian
Sep 25, 2007 12:34
So now the City Council and other leaders and from city and state agencies are threatening a university for providing... [MORE]
RL
Sep 25, 2007 11:08
Yes, I was among those opposed to Bollinger's invitation to the despot of Iran. The event changed my mind. Yesterday's... [MORE]
Robert
Sep 25, 2007 10:44
Hats off to Lee Bollinger, president of Columbia university! Like many others, I was very annoyed that his school was... [MORE]
BOB WEISE
Sep 25, 2007 10:05
Why do we believe that our constitution does not protect people who are not Americans? Do we really think that... [MORE]
Branden
Sep 25, 2007 04:34
If I recalled correctly, he is elected in his country 2005 by popular vote. How much do we really know... [MORE]
A Forgetful Citizen
Sep 25, 2007 03:27
Does anyone at Columbia remember last year Mr. Ahmadinejad purged the universities in Iran of all liberal and progressive professors?... [MORE]
Chris
Sep 25, 2007 02:07
As usual, those who bleat the loudest about freedom are the most willing to jettison it when politically expedient.
Punishing Columbia... [MORE]
dadanarchist
Sep 25, 2007 01:13
Thank you for pointing out that allowing him his freedom of speech worked out in the favor of those who... [MORE]
Branden
Sep 25, 2007 05:38
My point is that he is the elected president of Iran. its the right of amaricans to disagree him but... [MORE]
Mehmood
Sep 25, 2007 00:39
Mr. Mehmood,
What's not democratic is for The Iranian President, whose name I refuse to respect or speak to impound &... [MORE]
Mike Turlej
Sep 25, 2007 11:19
How sad that these politicians equate having a "platform" with being "legitimate". The whole idea is to decide if someone... [MORE]
Carl
Sep 25, 2007 00:01
It makes me feel so secure about my freedoms when people like David Weprin, James Gennaro, and Rabbi Zev Friedman... [MORE]
Dave
Sep 24, 2007 21:10
How quickly we forget!
-Iran took 50 Americans hostage for 444 days in 1979
-Iran provided financial and military support to the... [MORE]
Leonidas
Sep 24, 2007 20:34
Listen, take a look at America's track record in supporting despots, Sadam Hussein included. I think it is quite disingenuous... [MORE]
MikeC
Sep 24, 2007 20:01
There is nothing so laughable as a politician trying to occupy moral high ground, and nothing so dangerous as a... [MORE]
Charles
Sep 24, 2007 19:55
All this furor over free speech. How quaint. Coatsworth gets excoriated for saying that it would have been proper to... [MORE]
Andy House
Sep 24, 2007 19:16
Justice, Freedom, Democracy, Rights, Free Speech are not malleable, they are not rules to be bent or broken, they are... [MORE]
Ian Watson
Sep 24, 2007 19:16
I've seen M. Ahmadinejad type people before. History tells us that some of our ancesters were very generous to the... [MORE]
Carlos
Sep 24, 2007 18:55
Whether or not we agree with what the President of Iran has to say, what disturbs me more than his... [MORE]
Stan Anderson
Sep 24, 2007 18:48
The president of the school should see a firm response to his invitation. To have extended it is outrageous, for... [MORE]
Jackson
Sep 24, 2007 18:48
The very idea that Americans fear what others have to say is enough to make me sick to my stomach.... [MORE]
Joe
Sep 24, 2007 18:13
Those of you who are upset about Irans president visit should not read or listen to his comments. Who are... [MORE]
nick
Sep 24, 2007 18:09
Readers, it's scary to see the direction where our country is heading. I have never seen so many people being... [MORE]
Wstdade
Sep 24, 2007 17:22
Someone should have quoted Mr. Twain to him,,,"tis better to remain silent and thought a fool,than to open your mouth... [MORE]
john
Sep 24, 2007 17:14
Even countries that are our "friends" hold massive protests and demonstrations when our president comes to visit.
A balanced education should... [MORE]
Tonie
Sep 24, 2007 17:06
A University president gets paid to improve the name of the institution, increase donations and grants and funding, and increase... [MORE]
Gerry Lokhande
Sep 24, 2007 17:02
Bollinger is clearly compromized by the Israeli Lobby. His behavior failed basic ethical and academic standards. [MORE]
Ziad Khoury
Dec 11, 2007 04:53
How come no one attacks the media for playing Osama Bin Laden's tapes and providing him with a forum? Sure,... [MORE]
Craig
Sep 24, 2007 16:59
Bollinger should be fired and Ahmajenicide should be arrested and summarily executed. I hope those who support this publicity stunt... [MORE]
James M. Baker
Sep 24, 2007 16:44
I am a fervent democrat and an alum of Columbia, and I will never, ever vote for any of these... [MORE]
my2000
Sep 24, 2007 16:24
Thanks alot, president Bollinger, for reducing the worth of my Columbia degree by being such a dolt and sacrificing the... [MORE]
Steve Robeson
Sep 24, 2007 16:25
Effect, more like... I don't think something can impact a noun. [MORE]
Sean
Sep 24, 2007 16:12
Yes, we have freedom of speech here as guaranteed by our first amendment. With that freedom comes responsiblity not to... [MORE]
Robert
Sep 24, 2007 15:55
We as a nation will ultimately lose the war on terror as long as these intellectual elitists continue to hold... [MORE]
Heather
Sep 24, 2007 16:56
Why are you people so hell bent on your impression this man is out to destroy the world? Do you... [MORE]
MT
Sep 25, 2007 00:44
Why all the hate and anger towards someone who had nothing to do with the war in Iraq or the... [MORE]
Rowdy
Sep 24, 2007 15:48
Great sentence structure! "How?" A fully developed sentence? Why? Only stupid people make stupid comments like this one. A famous... [MORE]
Bill
Sep 24, 2007 17:06
I agree with you 100% While I was reading up on this, I was shocked by the behavior distributed from... [MORE]
cheyenne nicholson
Sep 24, 2007 19:04
It's actions like this taken by Mr. Bollinger that allow the US to have some form of credibility when preaching... [MORE]
Dan
Sep 24, 2007 15:43
Dan, freedom of speech and civil liberties are enjoyed in many countries of the world. America may have once been... [MORE]
David mcCaig
Sep 25, 2007 01:49
Since the government is not restricting the right of US citizens to speak their mind about Iran, Ahmadinejad, etc. then... [MORE]
JeanE
Sep 24, 2007 15:24
Such disgrace should not come to columbia university. I pity the students and teachers who suffer at the hands of... [MORE]
TEP
Sep 24, 2007 15:13
hey TEP--the administrator should get a job at FOX ??? gimme a break [MORE]
hugh
Sep 24, 2007 17:09
Time after time the sheep of this Great nation have rejected truth rather buying in to deception, evasion, or out-and-out... [MORE]
mack
Oct 3, 2007 21:30
Chess was invented in Iran/Persia. The Iranian president appears to be an excellent player. We are his pawns. He is... [MORE]
karin
Sep 24, 2007 15:07
It's a sad occasion to see all this hate and anger come from the very people who "claim" to have... [MORE]
AJM
Sep 24, 2007 22:16
These legislators are no better than the mullahs and ayatolahs in Iran with the threats, and censorship of Columbia.
Keep up... [MORE]
PDC
Sep 24, 2007 14:48
It would be interesting to have a reliable accounting firm to review all financial records of those involved in the... [MORE]
Ted Doke
Sep 24, 2007 14:46
Agreed. Transparency is the only way to understand the intentions behind these kind of decisions. [MORE]
Lance Browning Pitman
Sep 24, 2007 14:54
... would be to know who´s behind those who are against Columbia, those who are threatening and boycotting, those who... [MORE]
Stu
Sep 24, 2007 16:31
It used to be not so long ago we, the taxpaying public citzens, would see a criminal with stripes and... [MORE]
Mom of college age child
Sep 24, 2007 20:57
I would be more interested to know who is supporting who's election campaigns and
if they aren't the same people who... [MORE]
Freeman
Sep 26, 2007 08:06
A living Dichotomy : he starts off, in his first, most vital moments in front of an intelligent audience, with... [MORE]
Lise D'Aristide
Sep 24, 2007 14:42
The media spins and spins. It's not so much a question of "if" certain things where said by one person...
Lance Browning Pitman
Sep 24, 2007 14:38
That makes complete sense . . . when you only hear what you want to hear and not the totality... [MORE]
LL in La.
Sep 24, 2007 15:04
Mr. Pittman think that by listening to what the Iranian President says that he is going to unfiltered information? Not... [MORE]
John Schuh
Sep 24, 2007 19:41
now this statement is from someone with good logic! [MORE]
Jeff
Sep 24, 2007 22:26
Freedom of speech is not free. It comes with the price of sacrifice. [MORE]
Marc M
Sep 24, 2007 14:17
i think my position on this is entirely dependent on Mr. Bollinger's questions. I would argue that this is what... [MORE]
chris
Sep 24, 2007 14:05
as they describe themselves at this university, the academia, and act as if their the elite. perhaps we are smarter... [MORE]
lea testyn
Sep 24, 2007 14:03
Only the Government is banned from limiting speech...private entities can limit any speech they choose! Columbia is a private institution!... [MORE]
Jarhead
Sep 24, 2007 13:58
for everyone using the free speech card. I thought that free speech was guaranteed to all americans in one manner... [MORE]
christian
Sep 24, 2007 13:53
What a bunch of small-minded haters in the state legislature and that idiot Hunter in Congress. Why are they so... [MORE]
Avvorio
Sep 24, 2007 13:52
If I thought he would really lay things on the line, I'd listen to what he has to say if... [MORE]
Lori
Sep 24, 2007 13:40
how would u know that you wouldnt believe anything he says. u have been brainwashed by the US media. Why... [MORE]
Cheyenne Nicholson
Sep 24, 2007 19:07
You didn't hear him, but you know what is his views, what he will tell
and you don't believe him. Wow,... [MORE]
NotAmerican
Sep 25, 2007 07:01
Those who say that we are fools in America are right. Were Hitler killed in the 1930s as he should... [MORE]
Victor Galindo
Sep 24, 2007 13:38
How many people died in south America? In Asia? In eastern and central Europe??? The non American count is horrendous,... [MORE]
Ian Watson
Sep 24, 2007 15:40
From your diatribe I'm assuming you are from the United Kingdom or Western Europe. You should thank your lucky stars... [MORE]
L Guertin
Sep 24, 2007 17:46
We have to allow someone who is obviously against us and our standards into our country because of the UN?... [MORE]
Just take a look at this hypocrisy... Adolf Hitler was financed into power by a cabal of European and American... [MORE]
Ian Watson
Sep 24, 2007 13:34
It's sad to see America dying,(inside an out). Since the 1980's, 911, education lacking population, the destuction of the middle... [MORE]
James Salvatore
Sep 24, 2007 13:35
Few years ago Columbia had an arabist professer that I understand made life difficult for Jewish students.Columbia with this act... [MORE]
ric
Sep 24, 2007 13:15
Let him speak. America should not, and I believe does not, fear words spoken by some fanatical leader of sheep.... [MORE]
shinea
Sep 24, 2007 13:11
Allowing Ahmadinejad an American forum in which to spew his hatemongering talk is just wrong, wrong, wrong. Columbia University should... [MORE]
LM
Sep 24, 2007 13:02
Columbia - free speech is not the issue since actions speak louder than words. Nothing Monkey Boy says at Columbia... [MORE]
Dave
Sep 24, 2007 13:00
As I read this article I was alarmed at the fear that people like Sheldon Silver and Councilman Weprin have... [MORE]
Geezer Batflabe
Sep 24, 2007 12:50
It look as if we are afriad that the Iranian guy will spread rumors and play some kind of voodoo... [MORE]
John
Sep 24, 2007 12:50
Not to say I support everything or anything that Ahmadinejad says, but I think this is a great oppportunity for... [MORE]
Moo
Sep 24, 2007 12:47
I think everyone looks at Ahmadinejad's forum as some sort of "Indoctrination". Columbia University is going to get his views... [MORE]
dan
Sep 24, 2007 12:47
When Cheney spoke at a BYU commencement ceremony, public protest or dissention was not allowed.Ahmadinejad is sounding quite reasonable these... [MORE]
K. Mansfield
Sep 24, 2007 12:43
I am astounded at the criticism of Columbia for permitting the President of Iran to speak at its campus. Universities... [MORE]
George
Sep 24, 2007 12:42
It's infuriating that we choose to close our eyes and ears to other people's opinions. The problem in this country... [MORE]
Sam Layssi
Sep 24, 2007 12:41
Let him speak, and the persons asking the questions should let him know that they do not agree with his... [MORE]
Dan
Sep 24, 2007 12:38
To read some of these comments it is clear the University has had great influence on many of its students.... [MORE]
James
Sep 24, 2007 12:33
What is this country coming to that we, once one of the strongest nations in the world, where we were... [MORE]
Susie
Sep 24, 2007 12:30
Wow, are we all ready to start burning books? Whats all the fuss about. Are you afraid you might really... [MORE]
Nick
Sep 24, 2007 12:28
This enemy within is publicly laughing at us and saying that not only will you be forced to pay for... [MORE]
ted zas
Sep 24, 2007 12:23
This pillar of humanity needs the Columbia seal on his distinguished resume--- what a University!! [MORE]
Bob
Sep 24, 2007 12:20
We allow Mr. Bush freedom of speech even after He lied and started an illegal war with a country that... [MORE]
Fred John jr
Sep 24, 2007 12:18
This has nothing to do with hate mongering. If what Ahmadinejad has to say is so repugnant, allowing him to... [MORE]
Eda Celis
Sep 24, 2007 12:15
Our rights of free speech are afforded only by our system of Govt, that has been granted by our special... [MORE]
Fernandez
Sep 24, 2007 12:14
Ahmadinejad is not Hitler - at least not yet. Suppose Hitler had wanted to speak at Columbia in 1943, when... [MORE]
Scott Baker
Sep 24, 2007 12:13
Do we as a Nation have the obligation to extend the Right to free speech to all people on earth... [MORE]
Slippery Slope
Sep 24, 2007 12:13
Iran was the US and west best friend until the pro-Israel and anti-Muslim policy ruled the west mindset. Ahmadejad is... [MORE]
Masyus
Sep 24, 2007 12:11
The University believes in free speech. I challenge them on that, when they booed the Minutemen off the stage last... [MORE]
Vicki
Sep 24, 2007 12:07
Im am proud to be an American citizen, however, i think everyone who lives in this country is blind and... [MORE]
Cruz
Sep 24, 2007 12:25
"this regime occupying Jerusalem (een rezhim-e eshghalgar-e qods) must [vanish from] the page of time (bayad az safheh-ye ruzgar mahv... [MORE]
Ian Watson
Sep 24, 2007 13:41
Hey moron,
if you are intending to suggest that their is a media bias in favor ofthe US government by the... [MORE]
John
Sep 24, 2007 17:18
Thank goodness this Iranian dictator will not be afforded the benefit of returning to Iran with video footage of his... [MORE]
Terry Webb
Sep 25, 2007 21:39
His free speech rights are not at issue. Columbia is only a place to speak. He's got lots of others,... [MORE]
Free Speech
Sep 24, 2007 11:55
Its funny how Free Speech is used as the reason to welcome the dictator, Ahmadinejad, with open arms, but the... [MORE]
Diane
Sep 24, 2007 11:52
As a "hard-core conservative" I rabidly defend the right of free speech and often take criticism for for my position... [MORE]
LeftCoastCurmudgeon
Sep 24, 2007 11:49
I understand that he may travel to, and address the United Nations. However, it is also my understanding that we... [MORE]
Bill McDonald
Sep 24, 2007 11:47
If just once the people of america could stop and think outside the box, and give this guy a chance... [MORE]
Jegggo
Sep 24, 2007 12:13
It is with disgust and dismay that I condemn Columbia for its decision. Are they located in Morningside heights or... [MORE]
Paul
Sep 24, 2007 12:29
Allowing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at Columbia has no value. True, free speech should be upheld. But we... [MORE]
Bill
Sep 24, 2007 11:39
Punish those who allow him to speak, and you prove that we DO NOT ALLOW FREE SPEECH, any more than... [MORE]
I must be a fool
Sep 24, 2007 13:28
Why would rational human beings, given a choice, choose to attack their neighbors rather than live together in peace? More... [MORE]
Ziad Khoury
Dec 11, 2007 12:59
As an alumnus of Columbia, I have permanently cancelled all plans for future donation to University coffers. They will never... [MORE]
I think our country's definition of free speech is turned a bit upside down. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who advocates killing all... [MORE]
Sue Parker
Sep 24, 2007 19:42
Just because you have the right to say anything you want, doesn't mean I won't kick you in the behind... [MORE]
Codeman
Sep 24, 2007 11:34
Higher education is supposed to expand our thinking and broaden our horizons to improve our view points. By restricting, or... [MORE]
Ron Mann
Sep 24, 2007 11:32
For those of you who believe that Ahmadinejad should have his freedom of speech where were you when it was... [MORE]
Danny Eller
Sep 24, 2007 12:16
When the Military people are welcommed on campus, when the Minutemen hecklers are shouted down by the other students, then... [MORE]
Elliott Althouse
Sep 24, 2007 13:03
Well, our politicians are at it again. They profess free speech but use blackmail to change Columbia's position on letting... [MORE]
martykmunoz
Sep 24, 2007 14:24
I believe we need to censor those who use our freedoms against us for furthering their PROPOGANDA machine! We must... [MORE]
karin
Sep 24, 2007 15:02
Our free speech laws are for the people of the United States, not for people that live else where! We... [MORE]
gmaness
Sep 24, 2007 15:20
Columbia has a right to say yes or no to anyone requesting an opportunity of speaking to the university's students... [MORE]
Mike Hogan
Sep 24, 2007 11:23
Ahmadinejad does not have the same rights protected by the First Amendment as a US citizen. As stated in the... [MORE]
B. Smith
Sep 24, 2007 11:22
The First Amendment only prevents the government from stifling free speech. It does not "entitle" anyone to a public forum... [MORE]
Paul Silhan
Sep 24, 2007 11:36
You are SO correct. It IS our freedom of speech, he has no legal or moral justification to USE it.
Thanks... [MORE]
Jody King
Sep 24, 2007 11:48
Allowing Ahmadinejad to speak on campus may broaden the minds of the stdents. The problem is what it does to... [MORE]
Dick Sohn
Sep 24, 2007 12:50
I always had an impression that the Americans believe in freedom of speech (and action) ONLY FOR THEMSELF. The rest... [MORE]
NotAmerican
Sep 25, 2007 06:25
always remember that people ruled by religion make their own rules. and will say and do what they can and... [MORE]
max bernstein
Nov 26, 2007 08:53
I've been reading about the brouhaha over Almadnejad's speaking at Columbia with great interest. It seems all with any bit... [MORE]
Ed Dunne
Sep 24, 2007 11:21
I understand those who says there's nothing wrong with allowing the President of Iran to speak with Columbia students. There... [MORE]
Don
Sep 24, 2007 11:20
The best way to show disagreement with Columbia University's decision to allow Mr. Ahmadinejad to speak if for no one... [MORE]
Marianna Jayson
Sep 24, 2007 11:17
Mr. Ahmadinejad is not an American, thus he doesn't qualify to receive constitutional protection. This first amendment stuff doesn't apply... [MORE]
Jim Rodgers
Sep 24, 2007 11:16
I don't recall heightened security provided for other speakers the student body at Columbia considered controversial . In fact few... [MORE]
MNC
Sep 24, 2007 11:15
Universities used to be castles for academic freedoms and liberty. Free speech in the first amendment incudes even shocking ideas... [MORE]
Y Abu Malik
Sep 24, 2007 12:26
Since when did my America become so frightened of a man being allowed to speak his opinion? Let him be... [MORE]
RonnieG
Sep 24, 2007 11:10
No one among Iran's citizens have freedom of speech - and are unlikely to have it as long as Ahmadinejad... [MORE]
Mario G
Sep 24, 2007 11:04
Yale University just lost a case wherin they would not allow the military on campus because of Clintons dont ask... [MORE]
joan
Sep 24, 2007 13:17
Last time i checked, i have not heard him speak in person, someone else has translated his words.
People disagree all... [MORE]
LD
Sep 24, 2007 11:00
The Issue is Truth
The most important function that the media can do for us is define what is fact and... [MORE]
Martin Gold
Sep 24, 2007 11:00
Did we ever consider that it is exactly this inability of the populace to listen to ideals different than our... [MORE]
Adam
Sep 24, 2007 10:54
I totally agree with you... When Columbia is willing to listen to diverse opinions your premise is accurate. But Adam... [MORE]
DaveS
Sep 24, 2007 11:54
I wonder if the University will permit the same level of protest and disruption it allowed when Gilchrist of the... [MORE]
joe
Sep 24, 2007 10:53
So we shouldn't be the better nation? We should deny him the ability to speak at this forum and to... [MORE]
Mike
Sep 24, 2007 10:51
Whether they care to hear his speach and responses or not, did Columbia ever consider the immense propaganda value and... [MORE]
Mike
Sep 24, 2007 10:46
Ahmadinejad controls the rights of free speech and expression in Iran and we criticize him. Them our leaders and public... [MORE]
Avery
Sep 24, 2007 10:45
If we had a leader in New York----this would not be allowed. [MORE]
Leon Moore
Sep 24, 2007 12:57
If this was about was about free speech the ROTC and the Minutemen would have a forum at Columbia. They... [MORE]
Dan Dismuke
Sep 24, 2007 10:39
This university doesn't have a responsibility to allow equal access to the ROTC. They are already represented, and we know... [MORE]
K. Mansfield
Sep 24, 2007 13:08
The fact of the matter is, he was elected by his own people, which makes his status legitimate. Even if... [MORE]
EMR 2044
Sep 24, 2007 10:33
Columbia has made a choice. The choice to legitimize a sponsor of killing American Solders. Although I firmly disagree that... [MORE]
Rickie
Sep 24, 2007 11:25
It's better to judge a man in person. I say bring him on! Do you fear what he has to... [MORE]
Not afraid of a little free speech
Sep 24, 2007 10:29
I have a solution to the entire problem. If the 600 invited ticket holders show up and tear their ticket... [MORE]
stonebridge
Sep 24, 2007 10:20
Wow, the Constitution has really gone out the window this time!
I agree with Columbia's stance. I think that giving the... [MORE]
Keith
Sep 24, 2007 10:16
If I understand correctly, they not only have banned ROTC, but have refused to allow anti-illegal immigration speakers from their... [MORE]
Genny
Sep 24, 2007 10:11
Inviting the president of Iran is a free speach issue worth standing up to protests says Columbia. Why then did... [MORE]
Doug
Sep 24, 2007 10:09
I'm waiting to hear Mr. Bollinger invite Dick Cheney, or Margaret Thatcher, or Zarkozy, or Netanyahu, or any other conservative... [MORE]
rtodom
Sep 24, 2007 12:11
If he wants "our" freedom of speech, give it to him. When he starts speaking, I suggest everyone who is... [MORE]
Tim L
Sep 24, 2007 10:10
Has Columbia vetted the simultaneous translator (interpretor)? My experience has been that the interpretor is aided by a script ,... [MORE]
Phillip Lloyd
Sep 24, 2007 10:09
I think much of Ahmadinejads views .The people would agree with ,and the oppostion are afraid of that,so the want... [MORE]
ed marshall
Sep 24, 2007 10:09
Strictly speaking, we are still at war with Iran, and thusly, we should arrest him for crimes against humanity for... [MORE]
Dwayne
Sep 24, 2007 10:03
Whether we like it or not, he is a world leader that was voted into power, and if columbia wants... [MORE]
A Romero
Sep 24, 2007 09:59
I went to Columbia and support the decision, and I would not characterize my defense of the decision with the... [MORE]
Pete
Sep 24, 2007 09:56
This, my friends, is liberalism on parade. The ACLU must be proud. In my opinion, I feel that the dean... [MORE]
John
Sep 24, 2007 09:42
The Iranian terrorist is free to yap all he wants in the US but he is not free to yap... [MORE]
Sara
Sep 24, 2007 09:39
While I have utter disgust for Mr Ahmadinejad, I believe that the university has every right to invite whomever they... [MORE]
Brian Perez
Sep 24, 2007 09:38
Here's my free speech. Stop all $400 million of taxpayer money from going annually to Columbia. Resign Bollinger and immoral... [MORE]
A
Sep 24, 2007 09:37
Columbia is perfectly happy to let a person like Ahmadimejad speak, but it won't let the leader of the Minuteman... [MORE]
J. B.
Sep 24, 2007 09:36
It is a shame that Columbia University has proudly rolled out the red carpet for evil. Withdraw all federal tax-payer... [MORE]
Ann S.
Sep 24, 2007 09:25
... this is how people destroy their own careers and take down their employer with them! [MORE]
Matt
Sep 24, 2007 09:25
Oh grow up people. You remind me of 4th graders running around with their fingers shoved in their ears going... [MORE]
Mike
Sep 24, 2007 09:23
America was once know as the Home of the Brave.. After seeing an invitation by a once proud university named... [MORE]
Lyle
Sep 24, 2007 09:21
I thank Jesus and all that is holy in Heaven that Columbia allowed The Iranian President to come speak. It... [MORE]
Beverins
Sep 24, 2007 09:21
The UN sits on international property, not part of the U.S.. As an avowed enemy of the U.S. , he... [MORE]
Richard McLean
Sep 24, 2007 09:21
Is our country so fragile that the talk of any one man, even a madman, would harm it? The best... [MORE]
andrew b
Sep 24, 2007 09:19
The right to freedom of speech is allowed by our fore fathers.violations:
ROTC not allowed on Columbia Campus: That is correct... [MORE]
tony
Sep 24, 2007 09:15
I read your comment: i.e. Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right... [MORE]
George
Sep 24, 2007 09:16
The city has been bending over backwards to assist Columbia as it takes over swaths of Harlem to expand its... [MORE]
RJ
Sep 24, 2007 09:15
Ahmadinejad is not a citizen of the U.S., therefore is not entitled to our Constitutional rights. Furthermore, I am in... [MORE]
C
Sep 24, 2007 09:13
There is SELECTED speech at Columbia - I might feel differently had the Minuteman been given the same rights to... [MORE]
Jackie Domeneicis
Sep 24, 2007 09:10
Columbia has lost all credibility, in my opinion. Mr. Bolinger can argue all he wants for dialogue, in the words... [MORE]
Cindy
Sep 24, 2007 09:09
Last time I checked Freedom of Speech is guaranteed to US citizens, not Iranian Presidents. [MORE]
Max
Sep 24, 2007 09:07
It's all very nice to talk about how all viewpoints should be heard--but from an institution that bans ROTC, and... [MORE]
Joseph Dobrian
Sep 24, 2007 09:05
It's about time someone introduced these "educators" to the real world. These lifetime students, who have probably never had a... [MORE]
Jeff
Sep 24, 2007 09:04
This is the how "elites" try to show their "toughness." (Heaven knows they'd never support, much less pick up arms... [MORE]
Martin
Sep 24, 2007 09:00
You ban ROTC, then allow this THUG to speak. He should not even be allowed to step on our soil... [MORE]
JIM
Sep 24, 2007 08:57
If he shows up everyone in the audience should stand, turn their back to him, and give him the one... [MORE]
Barry
Sep 24, 2007 08:58
Who cares about the kids educations. Let's hurt them all for one man's choice.
... Yet more of the same brilliance... [MORE]
Q-Ball McKenzie
Sep 24, 2007 08:50
Both Coatsworth and Bollinger are narcissistic fools. Single-handily they have destroyed the reputation of one of the cornerstones of American... [MORE]
John Crawford
Sep 24, 2007 08:46
Columbia U allowed the minute men to be run off campus but will undoubtable better protect the "free speech rights"... [MORE]
Sam Rizzo
Sep 24, 2007 08:46
...if he calls for stronger border protection between the United States and Mexico, otherwise he should be just fine on... [MORE]
dave from tallahassee
Sep 24, 2007 08:46
I presume Columbia thinks of itself as quite prestigious and elite.....so they invite a complete thug who wants to destroy... [MORE]
Mary Richey
Sep 24, 2007 08:44
that so far there has not been anyone who has approved of this character and his forum. Normally there is... [MORE]
B. Bernhart
Sep 24, 2007 08:32
Are we a democracy or not? Don't we want to hear both sides of the story or not? For the... [MORE]
tunes
Sep 24, 2007 08:28
Much as with the Dixie Chicks, nobody is jailing someone for speaking, but that doesn't mean their won't be public... [MORE]
Bob
Sep 24, 2007 08:19
I think his visit is wonderful. It's one of the few remaining signs that the US was founded as a... [MORE]
a pro-Israel, anti-zionist
Sep 24, 2007 08:20
Since Columbia is a private university they may invite whomever they wish. BUT, since the taxpayers are under no particular... [MORE]
Dick Tuck
Sep 24, 2007 08:17
I only support the speech because it's going to be broadcast in Iran, where the Iranian people can hear Americans... [MORE]
renton
Sep 24, 2007 08:16
Columbia University is a sad place. Pitiful elitest looking at down upon their campus of young robots from Ivory towers.... [MORE]
Kelly collins
Sep 24, 2007 08:16
......."Hold your friends close, but hold your enemies closer." [MORE]
D Cofffee
Sep 24, 2007 08:14
It is fantastic that Columbia has the guts to invite Ahmadinejad speak. I am afraid our Fox news soaked airwaves... [MORE]
S DeVo
Sep 24, 2007 08:13
Stick to your guns Fred. He's free to talk and anyone's free to listen. I just don't have to fund... [MORE]
Chuck
Sep 24, 2007 08:11
It's about time people in New York or associated with this university do something tangible to stop this national outrage!
I... [MORE]
karen anderson
Sep 24, 2007 08:10
Not at all. This is liberal elitism at it's best. [MORE]
Terry Honeycutt
Sep 24, 2007 08:03
Yes, stop all public funding to Columbia University who is taking a stance against the USA by inviting a national... [MORE]
Brenda Starr
Sep 24, 2007 08:00
Nice that they think they're so big in providing a "open" forum for debate with speech people consider offensive and... [MORE]
Jenny Bea
Sep 24, 2007 07:55
Columbia University may have been infiltrated by a special forces team of ignorance. They appear to be hugely stupid at... [MORE]
El Duane Whatley
Sep 24, 2007 07:34
He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this... [MORE]
Steve
Sep 24, 2007 07:33
This news story below just says it all about the leaders of Iran. Columbia's Dean is acting like a lawyer... [MORE]
Jowand
Sep 24, 2007 07:33
Although we have freedom of speech in this country, we DON'T have give people a forum to be heard. Columbia... [MORE]
Marilyn Chapman
Sep 24, 2007 07:06
To throttle the open speech of the Iranian leader is simply for us to give up our reverence for free... [MORE]
Robert
Sep 24, 2007 06:58
The right to free speech does not guarantee the right to "be heard." We have the right to say what... [MORE]
Tom McGrath
Sep 24, 2007 07:17
If Columbia was so concerned with freedom as you mentioned they wouldnt be banning ROTC.
Give me a break. [MORE]
S
Sep 24, 2007 07:23
I would propose that Columbia send its Dean to Iran so he can be educated on free speech . Perhaps... [MORE]
Darrell
Sep 24, 2007 07:46
I agree with the concept of Free Speech, but I also feel that the tax payer's money, many who have... [MORE]
R.P. Foster
Sep 24, 2007 08:03
such as freedom of speech extended to visiting foreign so-called dignitaries. Too bad so many have forgotten (or worse still,... [MORE]
James Miller
Sep 24, 2007 08:07
This monster gets on TV and says whatever he wants frequently, so his freedom of speech is hardly being compromised.
The... [MORE]
peter drang
Sep 24, 2007 08:11
Freedom of Speech is extended to all Americans.. It is written in the United States Constitution.. This is not the... [MORE]
JB
Sep 24, 2007 08:54
Sir: I am confused by what I see as your definition of free speech. If I understand you correctly,... [MORE]
Steve
Sep 24, 2007 08:59
The Iranian leader is not a citizen of the United States an therefore has no Constitional protections under our Bill... [MORE]
Ric
Sep 24, 2007 09:11
Free speech is when the government sanctions speech, it is not applicable at private institutions.
GET A CLUE. [MORE]
Captain D
Sep 24, 2007 09:15
Free speech is in the US Constitution. The clause prohibits the government from regulating the speech of US CITIZENS. Ahmadinejad... [MORE]
Michael
Sep 24, 2007 09:24
Is AhmaddinJihad a citizen to whom OUR freedoms are extended and protected? This assertion is as absurd as those regarding... [MORE]
porcine delight
Sep 24, 2007 09:39
For everyone who is concerned about free speech, let him give a news conference at the airport. We don't have... [MORE]
Danny H
Sep 24, 2007 09:39
Sure, he doesn't have a right to be heard.
But doesn't Columbia University have a right to free speech? Do they... [MORE]
MN
Sep 24, 2007 09:43
My Iranian friends tell me that much of Iran is conflicted over Ahmadinejad. They are angry over his failure to... [MORE]
Delaplane
Sep 24, 2007 09:44
The president of Iran may have ideas which are contrary to those of many americans yet isnt the idea of... [MORE]