CONTACT US   SUBSCRIBE   PREMIUM   ADVERTISING

68F Hi 81F
Lo 64F

Recent Blog Posts

Reader comment on:
Legislatures May Act on Columbia

Submitted by Wstdade, Sep 24, 2007 17:22

Readers, it's scary to see the direction where our country is heading. I have never seen so many people being arrested for practicing our "freedom of speech" right. Now, the media is supposed to be unbiased. They should be airing issues that affect our country in an unbiased way. No matter how much the say they are not bias, well guess what, it doesn't seem that way. Let's think of people who are running the media, can we say lobbyist. I'll give you a few things to talk and think about. Think the current President! He does not include anyone to his press conferences or speeches that are not Republican or pro-Bush. Think of all those people who get arrested during his speeches. Now, think of Dan Rather who got fired after soo many years of dedication in his area of expertise. This guy LOVED his job, and because he chose an article that went against our president's credential he is then forced to step down. Now think of that guy last week who got tasered in a Kerry speech. Now, the government wants to control who has the right to practice "FREE SPEECH", they say the person must have substance. Now, they no longer want to provide capital to the University which ultimately damages our students and their education. I praise the university for allowing an enemy give a speech in our home; it shows value of a country. Allowing villains to say whatever they want in our country without us being a threat to their security. That is almost unimaginable in any part of history... Darn our Government for taking the values that our forefathers have passed down through time. I mean aren't we at war because of democracy but they want to censor it here at home. That is hypocritical!!!!! This is not democracy, this is capitalism!!!


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

Zionist control of our educational institutions, the media, our banking system, our monetary currency and our government is not about... [MORE]

Jerry 

Sep 27, 2007 03:47

thank you mr bollinger for your comments.

[MORE]

ron mahfouz 

Sep 26, 2007 18:13

  

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...

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... [MORE]

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]

Beck 

Sep 24, 2007 13:38

                                                

I concur-You said it very well! [MORE]

karin 

Sep 24, 2007 15:08

                                                

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]

ZB 

Sep 24, 2007 11:37

                                                                  

You Sir, are a patriot!

[MORE]

Tim 

Sep 24, 2007 17:07

                                                                    

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

                                                        &#