Even countries that are our "friends" hold massive protests and demonstrations when our president comes to visit.
A balanced education should have both sides of a topic. It is when we silence those thoughts that some or many disagree with that we lose the true meaning of what it is to be a free and educated society.
Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.
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]
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]
Oliver Tighe
Sep 24, 2007 10:08
Not a free speech issue? The more you and others try to silence him, the more you sound LIKE him.... [MORE]
BubbleBoy
Sep 24, 2007 10:33
As I read these comments I am reminded that there are two things that will go a long way to... [MORE]
Dan
Sep 24, 2007 10:45
As an American living in the ME I am totally ashamed that Iran and it's people are being unfairly demonized... [MORE]