<p>I disagree with the anti-ROTC policy but I’m with President Bollinger on the inviation to speak. And besides, Ahmadinejad will confront a classroom full of GRADUATE STUDENTS, not 18-year olds. These folks are future professional diplomats and policy experts. One more thing, the ROTC was first banned from the Columbia campus during the student strikes of 1968. So it’s not a new issue.</p>
<p>“Didn’t he say something recently about attacking Israel if they attacked Syria,and now its come out that on Sept. 6 Israel did strike Syria??? I heard a quick blurb about it on the news. Wouldn’t it be a dicey time in particular for him to come here having threatened that?”</p>
<p>I think it is a dicier time since it has been the policy of the United States to wipe the Islamic Republic of Iran off the face of the earth, and has been since 1979. Implementation of that policy has included the use of chemical weapons by a client state (the Rumsfeld Handshake), killing upwards of 500,000 people, and now the building of permanent U.S. military bases on its border. </p>
<p>I think it’s pretty courageous for him to come, and stare a bloodthirsty enemy directly in the face. (I also think he’s a nut, but then that doesn’t seem to disqualify anyone from being democratically elected to public office, does it? ;))</p>
<p>I think he’s a whackjob, but sure…give him his five minutes of fame.</p>
<p>The fact that no one can ask spontaneous questions does compromise the whole speech though.</p>
<p>So when did anyone – either in Iran OR the United States - get to ask Ronald Reagan about the use of chemical weapons against Iran?</p>
<p>Iran doesn’t allow free speech; the US does. I would expect audience members at a college lecture to be allowed to question speakers, as is the usual protocol.</p>
<p>And of course, I know that no one asks GWB a question unless it is scripted in advance.</p>
<p>So I ask you again - with all this “free speech”, and the picture of Rumsfeld in the Rumsfeld Handshake - when did anyone get to ask Ronald Reagan about the use of chemical weapons against Iran?</p>
<p>I was merely referencing college speakers, who almost unanimously are allowed a question and answer period.</p>
<p>I mentioned Bush because presidents, including Reagon, are often touchy about spontaneous questions. Apples and oranges (unfortunately…I think questions should be allowed…unless they are afraid of more tasing).</p>
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<p>Uhh, I never stated that Ahmadinejads visit, or more accurately, what he is likely to say, as not being offensive.</p>
<p>However, we all cant put blinders on and only wish to see/hear things which dont offend us. For those of us that are interested in what Ahmadinejad (if you are not dont go to the speaking engagement or read about it) has to say (him being a current leader of a country that is a player in the Middle East region), I, for one, would like the opportunity to hear him speak/or read about what he had to say (not to mention have people ask him challenging questions).</p>
<p>Afterall, the greatness of America is that we are not a totalitarian state which limits free speech.</p>
<p>Afterwards, we (those who see him speak or read about it) can all can rip what Ahmadinejad had to say to shreds (not to mention protest before and during the speech).</p>
<p>As for Ahmadinejad past yeah, he is an arse-wipe, but we have dealt with many leaders who have had a hand in killing our boys (Mao, Hirohito, Stalin, etc.) </p>
<p>Btw, we are currently supporting and arming the very same Sunnis who have been murdering our boys.</p>