Ahmadinejad drives the GOP over the edge
There’s just something painful about watching desperate people lash out wildly. Two weeks ago, Republican supporters of Bush’s Iraq policy decided that the single most important issue in the country was a newspaper ad from MoveOn.org.
By all appearances, Republicans would love to keep MoveOn’s ad on the front-burner indefinitely, but the fickle political world can only tolerate so much obsession with trivia. So, the they’ve decided that Columbia University is the new Public Enemy #1 because it offered a forum to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
[Yesterday,] Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) said in a statement that if Columbia University President Lee Bollinger “follows through with this hosting of the leader of Iran, I will move in Congress to cut off every single type of Federal Funding to Columbia University.” […]
Appearing on Fox News’ Your World with Neil Cavuto after the speech, Hunter said that he plans to follow through on his threat and will now “initiate legislation, and try to get as many people as can see it my way, to cut off funds to Columbia University.”
As Kevin Drum asked, “Don’t Republicans have anything better to do?” Apparently not.
Frist?
frist?
Indeed wouldn't the country be better off if the Republican party could get a life?
“Don’t Republicans have anything better to do?"
Yeah, why are they distracting their base while their policies destroy the United States of America and turn a great Democracy into a Feudalistic white christian theocracy?
Oh...I think I just answered my own question...
I wonder when "Mein Kampf" will be updated and republished as a "Patriotic Vision for a New America" by one of these Rebubliclowns.
Let's burn books... suppress speech... round up groups we don't like... start wars with countries we don't like
And now the White House Insists Iran Has a Secret Homosexual Program
I watched Dan Abrams last night and he wa a joke. He was incredulous that "my alma mater" would invite this propagandist, madman to speak to them. I wasn't aware that Bush saw speaking at Columbia University; I thought it was Ahmadinejahd.
I posted the full Columbia speech here if anyone is interested.
Providing endless cash for illegal bloody occupation of foreign country displacing millions and killing untold numbers - OK
Continuing to regularly fund a university after they invite the President of Iran to speak as their guest - Bad.
Makes sense if you're a reich wing nut with the special "shrub co. lobotomy" special.
no... they don't.
They (Republicans) will push any theme, any talking point, any attack, any smear... without remorse or apology. Veterans, active duty Generals who finally spoke out, it doesn't matter. Even the 9/11 widows were not out of bounds.
And our media? AWOL.
Our soldiers caskets? Our media is AWOL.
That our soldiers will continue until they die? Our media is AWOL.
A Republican pushes a talking point... and the media is right there...
For our soldiers... the media is non-existent.
No... what is TRULY pathetic is watching the Dems capitulate to this minority of racist homophobes who're intent on widening the gap between rich and poor, despite being in the majority, because they are afraid of being called unpatriotic, black, gay, poor people.
Because I bet if the Repubs did introduce a measure punishing Columbia, I bet Dems vote for it.
Sad. So sad.
We all know this is nuts...but...Hunter could end up as the GOP nominee in 08.The 29%rs will eat this crap up.
A 'look at me, I'm an attention whore' picture would be appropriate about now, ah here it is. http://scottwax.com/rice/ratedr/attention%20whore3.jpg
On a more serious note, I couldn't ever support in any way any Democrat who would vote for such a proposition, which would be punishing a university for actually doing its job. The move-on condemnation didn't bother me either way ironically, since it really didn't actually do anything. This on the other hand is pure anti-education punishment, any one who votes for this is really saying they are against an educated populace, which is the cornerstone of any functional democracy.
Well, I would suggest the Dems add a poison pill to Hunter's proposal -- maybe cut off funding for some crackpot faith-based initiative -- but they'd probably screw it up.
WWIII.
We're going to fight it in our lifetimes.
I think Mr. Hunter forgot this part of the constitution:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Oh, wait, for Republicans that only applies to them. Democrats or anyone else who disagrees with the hate filled manifesto of the GOP party is not allowed to say a word.
SonOfLiberty @ 14:
Seems more like the Spanish Civil War.
SonOfLiberty @ 14:
We'll fight it here in the US.
Against Blackwater.
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3039345&C=america
And you guys wonder why the rest of the world laughs at you
I don't think Columbia gets much funding from the federal government anyway.
It's a private school.
And it is not just Democrats. Here is my message to Chritine O'Quinn, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination for NY Mayor in 2009:
Exactly what was your point of criticizing Columbia University for hosting a debate with Iranian president Ahmadinejad other than scoring cheap political points?
You told journalists today:
"We're here today to send a message that there is never a reason to give a hatemonger an open stage."
Are you that naive? Private organizations give open forums to war criminals and hatemongers all the time. Henry Kissinger. Ann Coulter. Charles Krauthammer. Paul Wolfowitz. Condoleezza Rice. New York sees them come and go to universities, social clubs, publishing houses and think tanks all the time.
But you had to pile on Ahmadinejad because it was a popular thing to do to impress the Jewish vote. Whatever.
Most people in New York see it for what it is - a privilege for the privileged kids at Columbia to see a controversial world leader and judge him by his own words. And as you now know, he made zero sense today. He blew his chance to explain himself logically.
I would understand your rage (and perhaps join you) if this were being held at a CCNY campus. But that wouldn't happen.
You are the best the Democrats have in New York City? What a shame.
Sooo...
We invite a foreign dignitary, the elected head of another sovereign nation to this country to speak.
Then we ridicule him, call him names and generally insult him as best we can.
In fact, we call him a petty and cruel dictator, now that's true irony coming from the US who's elected President calls himself the "decider".
A nation of uncivilized barbarians with nukes, how charming.
I'm speaking of the US of course.
I wonder how the GOPers will react when they learn that the president of Columbia essentially raked Ahmadinejad over the coals for his public statements and policy:
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2007/09/24/lee_bollinger/index.html
"Before Ahmadinejad's address to students Monday, Columbia University president Lee Bollinger gave an introduction, which is likely to go down in history as one of the most bold and critical set-ups in modern memory. Point-blank, he asked the Iranian president how he could deny the Holocaust, why his country silences and arrests political critics, how he could excuse Iran's proxy war in Iraq against U.S. soldiers, how Iran can excuse funding terrorism and its support for wiping Israel "off the map." It went on and on."
So Hunter wants to cut off funds for that?
I found the school President's remarks to be quite offensive. I know most Americans do not embrace Ahmadinejad's views. Neither do I.But when you invite someone into your huse, you have an obligation to demonstrate some sense of decorum. I know he has been under a lot of pressure from right wing loonies. But that does not give him reason to act just like them. Ahmadinejad while quite offensive because of some of his views was respectful toward his audience and his hosts. He deserved the same. This behavior by the President of Columbis University does not reflect well on America.
Columbia University exercised its right to free speech and free association.
It must be punished. LOL
Thunderbird @ 19:
it must get some kind of Govt funding.If not....then Hunter is going to look pretty stupid
As for Ahmadinejad not making much sense, I would think not in those circumstances.
He came there to speak at the invite of the University, and was attacked in the most vile way.
I doubt he gets that anywhere else except Israel, and there he expects it I am sure.
I really don't think any world leader wold do well at a speaking engagement that was set up purely as a trap to attack and ridicule.
I am not saying he is a great man or that he is correct, what I am saying is that we were shameful and base as a people.
If Ahmadinejad is the boogie man that the radical right-wing cries that he is, why was he allowed to enter the country by the same radical right-wing? If Columbia should have funds cut for allowing Ahmadinejad to speak, then the administrative branch of the government should have its funds cut for allowing him in the country in the first place.
Just more proof that the Republican party is made up mostly of immature, insecure, money-grabbing man/children who also tend to be perverts.
Letting the Iranian dickhead speak is about showing that America is a land of free speech - no matter how stupid the speech. Christ, even Bush of all people, went on record saying that.
2008 can't come soon enough. Get this asshole political party out of power already!
SonOfLiberty @ 14:
I spent 13 years in the Navy...and I will not defend this country or risk my life and limbs any longer if we manage to wrongfully start perfectly avoidable shit. I'll go to Canada or Switzerland.
mudshark @ 25:
I can't be certain but i think Hunter already looks stupid.
I landed on Hannity & Colmes last night while flipping around and wondered the same thing - the topic of their "conversation" was something along the lines of - "do conservative speakers get equal time on college campuses?" - totally lame.
I had to give points to Colmes though - he told some fat neo-con that Ahmadinejad was an ultra-conservative neo-con too. The dude's head almost exploded before Hannity stepped in.
The republicans had a MoveOn dot org-asm over the Petraeus ad.
Hunter is just looking for right wing attention. The buzz phrase is that Columbia doesn't offer ROTC so obviously they shouldn't partake in free speech. No, it makes no sense to me either but that's the gist of their piss and moan.
Bud @ 31:
Education is the enemy of the GOP. Under close scrutiny their more "interesting" arguments don't hold up.
Duncan Hunter is an idiot. Not that this is news...
Bud Says:
I had to give points to Colmes though - he told some fat neo-con that Ahmadinejad was an ultra-conservative neo-con too. The dude’s head almost exploded before Hannity stepped in.
And it's true too. Ahmadinejad has done things in Iran that Bush and the rest of the seditious, radical right wishes it could do to America.
Well, I suppose they do receive some government funds, but the link below doesn't distinguish between state and federal.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/opir/facts.html?budget
dan @ 27:
It would probably violate some treaty not let him in to speak at the U.N.
Well, one thing's for sure. If there's a bill condemning Columbia for letting an unpopular person speak, my Democratic Senator is sure to sign on. She did for MoveOn.org and FISA.
pissed off patricia @ 32:
I think that is proof they get no Federal dollars. I think some time ago they passed a law saying if a college or University did not offer ROTC they would lose funding.
It's really sad that Republicans -- and, WAY too many Democrats -- have so little faith in Free Speech. Seemingly, they have no confidence that their ideologies can hold up to assault from, well, anybody. They must shelter their pathetic little minds, lest the mean ol' Iranian boogeyman scare them. Ah, if only Ahmadinejad had popped up behind Lieberdork...
"Booga-booga!"
[ heart attack! ]
Heh heh.
OK, so I'm mean-spirited. Meh.
Boy, oh boy, will I be glad when Ahmadinejad gets back to Tehran, I am so sick of the right ranting and raving. That includes the President of Columbia University who introduced the President of Iran by condemning him. What was the point of inviting him to speak?
Honestly, whoever your perceived enemy might be (say Iran), wouldn't it makes more sense to stop wasting so much precious time stamping our feet and wailing like spoiled children and pursue the more prudent path, making a genuine effort to understand that "enemy"?
Do we have to start every conversation with Iran by scolding them? How is this helpful? Is this really the best we can do, because it belies our fear to the "enemy" and only makes him that much more powerful.
We have become so spoiled and soft, we think that all we need do is call somebody names in a loud voice and that will solve everything, because our will has remained untested for so long. We don't even have the good sense to appreciate that. After the bloody debacle that is Iraq, can we not consider less destructive means of dealing with what we consider to be a threat, one that would use up less resources, blood and yield more constructive results? Yeah, I know, there used to be this thing called diplomacy.
What's funny is that the modern GOP has more in common with Ahmadejihad than with 80% of America, and hold many of his views and values to their hearts.
GOP HATE FEST DU JOUR: Ahmadinejad. Last week's HateFest Du-Jour was Move.On.
Since GOPerverts hate themselves for their inherent hypocrisy, it's clear that they need a target for their hatred every day. They see all of their own being apprehended for criminal activities and the ones who have not yet been nabbed lying through their teeth and pushing a "hate agenda" every day of the week. How can anyone with a sense of morality witness this and support these behaviors?
Duncan Hunter's campaign is O-V-E-R even before making a jackass of himself over Iraq's PM visit. He doesn't understand the constitution OR the Bill of Rights. And he doesn't understand that he doesn't legislate and control our Universities. Clearly, Duncan Hunter is a neo-nazi who believes in communism and control of everyone/everything around him. His already-abysmal numbers in the polls should take him to the bottom of the heap after this.
Who knows - for someone with a modicum of mediocre intelligence, perhaps he's realized that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of gaining any traction because people think he's a dolt - that he might throw himself under the bus with these comments because then he can project another reason onto his horrendous flop of a candidacy than simply "being Duncan Hunter". Being Duncan Hunter, the quintessential hypocrite, can't be fun, let's face it.
No wonder Countergeist supports him. That's pretty telling right there. The "hit woman" herself coupling with Nazi Dunce/Duncan.
smchris @ 38:
These types of representatives who are precisely the "enemy within" and are anti-democracy. They need to be removed from office immediately. Get someone viable to run against her since she's a traitor to the people.
So do we suppose that Hunter's threat had any impact on the Columbia University president's decision to behave in a rude (and Republican, I might add) manner as possible when introducing his GUEST????? Still, this won't satisfy the Repugs because what they really want (as mentioned here) is an issue to deflect and distract the "'merikan" people again from the CRAP that Bush and Company are pulling...how much traction will the story of the FALSE information used to pressure Congress into passing the recent bill on "spying on Americans" get do you think?
dan @ 35:
Well sure he is - Ahmadinejad is a crackpot just as much as Bush.
I think the point most neo-cons are missing is that Columbia gave him a forum to spout his views - which in my book is a *good* thing because we get more proof of how dangerous someone like him can be. Should his views be challenged? You bet. Should Columbia come under fire for giving him a forum? Hell no. We learn more about dangerous thoughts and views when they're allowed to be expressed - and they're expressed we can openly see where people are coming from (note I said thoughts and expression, not actions). Columbia should get some sort of commendation for hosting the speech, IMO (although I agree with an earlier poster who said the introduction was crude)
What really gets me is that no one ever questions giving crackpot Bush an open forum every time he wants it. Now THERE's a problem...
This is insane! The man is the elected leader of a country we claim funds terrorism in Iraq. That being the case, he shouldn't have been allowed in the country in the first place. But he was, and we (all of our citizens) look like complete idiots for excoriating him at every turn. There must be something wrong with me because I always find the humanity in other people and it makes me cringe to know that we go out of our way to humiliate someone (no matter what their country of origin) based on specious claims and mistranslations.
Considering our belief in assasinating the leaders of other countries, I do think he is a madman for even showing up, though. We are not to be trusted and I wonder what the real reason is for allowing him to come here.
So many schools are falling for this right wing crazy nonsense and stifling any dissent. This is not just colleges and universities either. High schools allow pro-war, pro-Bush views to be expressed freely by teachers, but anti-war, anti-Bush views are shut down. I have an example.
My children go to school in a very small, rural community in Colorado. Their Civics and History teacher is a very nice woman. She is also a very radical Republican. And in my opinion she is very uninformed about politics for a Civics teacher. She has said in class that anyone who opposes the War in Iraq should just go live in Russia where there isn't any freedom. My kid (eighth grade) told her that she has it backwards. Anyone who doesn't believe in dissent shuld go live in Russia where freedom of speech is denied. When my daughter expressed opposition to the war, this teacher said "Do you think Justin Vasquez dis for nothing? How do you face his family?" My daughter who was friends with Justin and is still a good friend to his sister said. "Well, I'll ask his sister how she feels about it next time I see her at an anti-war rally. Besides I do not have to justify opposition to the war to Jennifer or anyone else except my own conscience".
This teacher denies that civil rights are being eliminated. She denies that the Military Commissions Act condones torture and that it eliminates Habeaus corpus. Nothing the Bush Administration does shold be criticized. But she does allow my children to argue back. I even printed a list of ways the Constitution has been degraded by this administration (from Source Watch) and sent it to her. I don't know if she read it though.
The point is this: This teacher is allowed to express these views and to try to convince these kids she is right because she is expressing the view accepted by the school administration (I think). However, in this community at least, if she was instead expressing an anti-war view, she would be shit-canned the first time she opened her mouth. Everyone says the schools are too liberal. That is not true.
dan @ 43:
What's even funnier is that the GOP not only doesn't realize it, but would vehemently deny it if you said it to them.
mudshark @ 11:
They do and will.
This reminds me of when Ghouliani cut all city funding to the Brooklyn Museum for displaying the Chris Ofili's "The Holy Virgin Mary" painting. Five stories of Van Goghs & Chagalls, but one single painting was enough to start a holy war.
mudshark @ 11:
Hunter will NEVER be the GOP nominee. Too bad, nearly any Dem running would beat him.
Isome @ 48:
I personally think the Iran War planners were hoping his visit would incite war fever.
Fahrenheit 451
apishapa @ 49:
That's messed up - good for your kids for standing up for themselves.
By all appearances, Republicans would love to keep MoveOn’s ad on the front-burner indefinitely, but the fickle political world can only tolerate so much obsession with trivia. So, the they’ve decided that Columbia University is the new Public Enemy #1 because it offered a forum to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
smchris @ 38:
You hit it, that's next. You're absolutely right, that will be next on their agenda. Jeez. We'll really be getting a lot done for the troops, there.
DEMS, STAND UP! Speak out against this nonsense and EXPLAIN to the people that repubes are wasting precious time with this kind of trash when the Senate and House should be working to save this nation, restore our standing in the world, and bring our troops home!
**crickets chirping**
how about closing down CBS/ViaCom also?
they gave Ahmadinejad a chance to speak directly to American people as well.
I'm not sure how the block quote on my post @ 57 got reversed.
According to MSNBC:
"On Sept. 1, the bullet-riddled bodies of four Iraqi men were found on a Baghdad street. Two days later, a single dead man, with one bullet in his head, was found on a different street. According to the U.S. military in Iraq, the solitary man was a victim of sectarian violence. The first four were not."
However, we must condemn MoveOn just as we must throw tomatos at a visiting President. We do not like what they say or how they say it.
Carmikl @ 57:
apishapa @ 49:
You should be real proud of your daughter. I'm sure you are.
Marq @ 40:
well said liberdouch is turning in his grave, oh wait
I think if the repubes had their way there would be NO gov't funding of education at any level!
The thing about Wolf Blitzer saying "flaming" liberals is a dead thread, but I'll put in my 2 cents here. This is carefully scripted. Rush, when he's impersonating his political enemies, will use a sissy voice. Or a crybaby voice. They use modifiers like "hysterical" or "nagging". The whole idea is that liberals are like gays or like women. You may think it's impromptu, but they've probably paid psychologists millions to come up with this ploy.
A little perspective:
Ahmadinejad doubts the holocaust ever happened.
Bush is doubts evelution and global warming.
Ahmadinejad says he wants to destroy the state of Israel.
Bush is destroying the state of Iraq.
Ahmadinejad denies he's working on nuclear weapons.
Bush has nuclear weapons, and the US is the only country that ever used them.
Ahmadinejad is sponsoring Hezbollah, a terrorist organization.
The US sponsored Osama Bin Laden, Pinochet, the Contras, and is arming obscure militias in Iraq.
Ahmadinejad is accused of sending figthers into Iraq to kill US soldiers.
What would Bush do if China would invade Mexico?
Ahmadinejad says homosexuality doesn't exist in Iran.
Bush wishes homosexuality wouldn't exist in the US.
It takes one to know one?
Hey Duncan! Sheeple want to see ahma-dinner-jacket because you just can't walk down the street and watch any old trainwreck in progress.
Why do you think your constituants like NASCAR or Faux Noise.....same principle.
BTW Harry Reid is a wimp!
Gee, Dubya...Take A Bold Stance, Why Dontcha?
The funny thing is this school prez attacked and insulted The Prez of Iran....probably trying to gain favor with this neocon admin...ooopppssss....backfired...for now anyway.
I watched a bunch of the pre and post commentary on cable news for Ahmadinejad's National Press Club and Columbia University speeches.
What struck me is how so many of the insults being hurled at Ahmadinejad also apply perfectly to George W. Bush. However I've never seen this level of outrage towards Bush? Not even a recognition that there should be from most. Just go along, keep starting more fake conflicts.
I also thought the Columbia University president's opening remarks were rude and uncalled for -- in what was supposed to be the welcoming comments for Ahmadinejad. It is what I expected however as I'm sure that Mr. Columbia President felt the need to backtrack somehow given the outrage.
I noticed nobody ever granted Ahmadinejad a handshake even -- not before, not after.
Duncan Hunter would have all of us here on C&L prosecuted if he could for us merely engaging in this dialogue.
To Mike the Canuck @ 15:
I don't question why the world laughs at us. I openly admit I'm ashamed to be an American.
Columbia is an Ivy League school. Pretty liberal, I'm sure, but with a fair share of high-profile conservative alums and profs. Let them fight it out with Duncan the Dunce.
No more bullshit votes, Dems.
The booing reminds me of the 1984 Olympics.
This is what the road to war looks like.
Those students that booed him, might soon be spending their remaining years fighting in his country. They are officer material after all.
d-man @ 1:
ok
Lemmywinks @ 2:
no
Let us hold off on WWlll until Jan20 '09 and take our chances with the mystery preznit.........please!
Weaseldog @ 73:
That i doubt. Those that booed him probably already have stock portfolios provided by their parents that will increase in value as the next wars rage. Until we take the profit out of war we can expect to go to war. My solution is to nationalize the arms industry. Rich people love wars, they just never fight in them.
Weaseldog @ 73:
They were laughing at his idiotic statement that there aren't any homosexuals in Iran. HE knew it was ridiculous to say. Hopefully his getting laughed at knocked him down a few pegs.
On another note someone should ask the President of Columbia University why, since he invited Ahmadinejad to speak, he felt compelled to intruduce him in such a rude manner. Would anyone DARE to introduce Busholini the same way?
Dennis @ 67:
good to see your comeing into the light dennis~
cutting off funding will merely penalize the students... since when are they for cutting off funding? they didn't cut of the "I'm not part of the Executive branch" Dick Cheney from Executive funding....
Dennis @ 67:
Todays paper says similar things, then quotes Ahmadinejad. The quotes and the summarizations have different meanings.
Ahmadinejad says that the Palestinians shouldn't have to pay for the Holocaust. This is interpreted as meaning that the holocaust didn't happen. The obvious inference is that if you believe that genocide is justified against Palestinians to punish them for the Holocaust.
The vile hatred so many have for Ahmadinejad has people thinking purely with their emotions. They can't even comprehend his words, through the lens of hate. For hate alone, many Americans seem willing to run down the road to war and give their lives to kill Iranians.
This is the path to war. How many here that hate Ahmadinejad, hate him enough to have your legs blown off in Tehran? How many are hoping you'll get drafted and blown to bits in Damascus? How many of you are willing to die for hate?
If you believe that these things are worth dying for, that is your call. But are you? do you want family members to and friends to die for your beliefs? Do you feel strongly enough about this that you'll sacrifice you life for your beliefs?
When we bomb Iran, you can bet the draft is coming back. We'll have no choice.
Universities are supposed to offer diverse opinions so that students and faculty can grow intellectually, otherwise they'd all be like Liberty and Bob Jones, graduating thousands of dittos.
The question that kept coming to my mind was, "WTF are they afraid of? This guy kept self destructing"
They aren't, of course, it's just demoguery to distract the tiny brained from Iraq.
The second question goes a bit deeper. The Reps kept shrieking that Ahmadinejad is a Holocaust denier and therefore unfit to speak publicly, yet these same FR's (the second word is Republican and the first ain't fine) would invite the Turkish Ambassador to dinner, the same Turkish Ambassador who represents a government that denies they committed the 20th century's first genocide. Hitler was 1/2 right - no one remembers - or maybe it's "cares" - what the Turks did to the Armenians.
The answer to that question lies in the Cold War.
We have a radio station here in Dallas called The Edge, but it's kinda blunt.
Last time I checked there was still free speech, right? Or did they get rid of that, too?
Dennis @ 67:
A little perspective:
Ahmadinejad doubts the holocaust ever happened.
Bush is doubts evelution...
boosh actually believes in evelution, that we all evolved from Eve
Those of us who are blond and blue eyed of course.
AND: The United States supplied chemical weapons to Saddam Hussein that he used against Iran.
I remember in an interview about a year ago when asked about the Holocaust, Ahmadinejad hedged on it never happened view, but asked why it was that if Europeans (Germans) were behind the Holocaust, why wasn't Israel established there instead of the Middle-East? Why were they paying for the mistake of another country?
collumbia universitys just anoter example of education going down the shitter, oh wait that train left along time ago, im amazed at how ignorant supposed well educated people can be, thiers a difference in being smart and being intelligent!
So I guess any country who has an ambassador to Iran, or even dares to have a dialog with Ahmadinejad are terrorists too.
Wow, what idiots. If they opened there eyes for a moment they would realize the event only went to help expose what a creepy guy Ahmadinejad really is. You think they would be happy the lime light is back on how scary the Iran's prez is.
Where did these wingnuts attend school? And I don't mean college. I mean 7th grade. Didn't they ever take civics? History? Learn about the American constitution? I thought that's what we were fighting FOR -- freedom.
I heard that the US wouldn't allow the Iran leader to even go to "the sacred Ground Zero" and was astounded. Oh yeah, we are too scared of him to allow freedom to exist.
Hello, people ... America is NOT "the land of the free" -- it is a nation of scared little 2nd graders. "Take away ALL my liberties -- just keep the brown peiople away!!!!!"
What cowards!
MP @ 84:
Speech is free. It is the venue that is expensive.
Free Speech Zone: Free, but usually tucked away under a highway overpass twenty miles from the object of protest.
Congressional Hearing Room Gallery: Free, but you have to wait in line for hours and when you speak you get arrested and face up to six months in jail.
Radio Talk Show: Free, if you can get past the screeners and then you may get hung up on after being insulted.
Newspaper: Well, you have to own one. Too late for that they are now all owned by "chains."
Shopping Mall: Nope, totally illegal.
Town Square: They don't make them anymore.
Anyone want to add to this list?
Naturlized @ 59:
Yep... exactly. Or better yet, let's start trade embargoes with every country in the world that happens to have an embassy in Iran... I'm sure that would put the US as a beacon of free trade in the global economy.
The funny thing is, Ahmadinejad came off looking like a total buffoon when he was pressed to honestly answer direct questions - much like your average wingnut. His style of injecting strawmen into every answer, denying history and facts, and simply rambling on obtusely, is almost identical to listening to Rush '"the Junkie" Limbaugh.
Pine Nut, NC @ 58:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PYXZEkAC4E
The definition of terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. George Bush used the systematic use of terror to coerced Congress; therefore George Walker Bush is a terrorist.
What more needs to be said?
apishapa @ 49:
You need to get an Iraq Veteran to speak at your school. Go to www.ivaw.org and request a speaker and talk to the school board. It is only fair that they have an open discussion and this would be a perfect balanced way. I wonder if the teacher would back off or accept an invitation for such a speaker. Best of Luck.
A little perspective:
Ahmadinejad doubts the holocaust ever happened.
Bush is doubts evelution and global warming.
Ahmadinejad says he wants to destroy the state of Israel.
Bush is destroying the state of Iraq.
Ahmadinejad denies he’s working on nuclear weapons.
Bush has nuclear weapons, and the US is the only country that ever used them.
Ahmadinejad is sponsoring Hezbollah, a terrorist organization.
The US sponsored Osama Bin Laden, Pinochet, the Contras, and is arming obscure militias in Iraq".
---------------------
I might add:
While Iran has "free elections", it is a dictatorship;
But over here, the last two elections in the U.S. were stolen; We also have the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act and do not have habeus corpus, and we are a democracy?
Israel has Apartheid, and it is a democracy?
Ahmedinejad told Charlie Rose --correctly--that the U.S. has a party dictatorship because the socalled Independent party never ever ever has a chance.
Iran does not have free speech but we taser young people who calmly mention the word "impeachment" at a public gathering?
Iran has never invaded another nation ever in over a thousand years (except in self defence) while the U.S. invades sovereign nations who are not a threat to the U.S. enabling the recruitment of terrorists and a civil war; And we are considered pro-peace but Iran is not?
And another thing: Does ANYONE question the Republicans' claim that the Iran leader is "the most dangerous person in the world?" Oh, really? How many countries has he invaded? Stupid Americans just say, "Yeah! He's right!" without ever THINKING. 99% of them had probably never even heard of him before this American visit.
Is the Iran leader a good guy? No. But is he "the most dangerous person in the world"? Not even close. I would say BUSH is. Followed by the Saudis. Just watch The GOP trip all over themselves to lay out the red carpet if a Saudi leader wanted to visit Ground Zero. Yet, WHERE were most of the 9/11 highjackers from? Oh yeah! Saudi Arabia!
But what can you expect when 40% of Americans STILL think SADDAM was the mastermind of 9/11?
Patthemokey @ 96:
Jane Harmon (D-CA) pointed out that the Busholini Admin falsely hyped a "terrorist threat" last month AT THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL in order to scare Congress into voting for his unlimited spying capability.
WTF is going on in this country when THAT doesn't rise to the level of impeachment? Ms. Pelosi, can you answer that?!!!!!! Mr. Reid?????????
I think Congress should initiate legislation, and try to get as many people as can see it my way, to deport all reich-wingers out of the U.S.
If Columbia was more polite, not agreeing, but more polite, wouldn't that reflect better on us?
Could you imagine if boosh went to a foreign country's university, and the moderator introduced him as a murderous, superstitious dictator?
ysbaddaden @ 102:
Yes, I can imagine that because it would be truth.
ysbaddaden @ 102:
I can dream, can't i?
"If Columbia was more polite, not agreeing, but more polite, wouldn’t that reflect better on us?"
It would, but since when does the U.S. honor and respect the word "diplomacy"? Columbia made a fool of itself, and presented itself as low class and arrogant. The whole point of having free speech in a democracy IS to have controversial opinions at times, even from dictators . But then we don't have habeus corpus so we are not a democracy anyway.
heating costs are going to reach record highs this winter while the repubs complain about a college speech and a newspaper ad
#71, factual inaccuracy. The Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs shakes his hand afterwards, clearly visible on the CSPAN telecast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz-mx9LMj04 (2:53)
"As Kevin Drum asked, “Don’t Republicans have anything better to do?” Apparently not."
This IS what Republicans do. They scare and divert so you won't pay attention to their incompetence, corruption, cronyism, charlatanism, budget busting, warmongering for Halliburton and tax cutting for the rich. They use shit like this, faux outrage over an ad in a newspaper, religion, gay bashing, immigrant bashing, etc, etc... to con and scare their supporters into voting against their own best interests time and time again.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
Speaking of Ahmadinejad's visit - this is probably the best coverage of the speech that I saw anywhere. And believe it or not (i know this site may not like to hear it) it took place on Hardball with Chris Matthews. Watch:
VIDEO
http://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=a44e85c3-476c-4aa1-...
Why are people so afraid of words?
xoites defends Constitution @ 104:
I prefer mine wet.
What does it say when you can't even get any in your dreams?
Mystic #98. Hear, hear. I would like to also like to ad:
Iran is a theocracy.
Republicans are pushing America towards Christian theocracy.
Amadejihad is homophobic.
Bush and the GOP uses gay marriage and gay bashing as a wedge to incite it's homophobic base.
Amadejihad is a "cruel and petty dictator".
Bush and Cheney are cruel and petty unelected dictators.
These men are more similar than they are different. Two sides of the same coin.
Boy, oh boy, will I be glad when Ahmadinejad gets back to Tehran, I am so sick of the right ranting and raving. That includes the President of Columbia University who introduced the President of Iran by condemning him. What was the point of inviting him to speak?
Demonizing him guarantees support for the upcoming War with Iran??
jr @ 106:
I still think the hoo-haw over the ad had less to do with the content than with reichwingers trying to position themselves as supporting the troops while leaving them to their doom.
As I recall, the university is already cut off from federal funds because they do not allow military recruiters on campus.
Maybe republicans think a double cutoff is better.
lol
Miss Marple @ 113:
Let's blame the butler.
Cantor de Mambo @ 110:
Most likely the right -wingnuts are afraid of the words used Amhadinejad because
they have never heard most of them...That is, his speech, given in quite an articulant
manner, included utterances in a clear and meaningful manner, whereas they are so
used to hearing bush-lite stumble/mumble over words when he speaks; therefore BIG
words are new to them and it cause them fear...
International poll: Bush takes Saddam's place in the "Axis of Evil." Our allies view Bush as one of the greatest threats to world peace. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/11/03/america/NA_GEN_World_Views_of_...
timmy_d11 @ 29:
And if our historical tradition of responsible pacifism continues, we'll happily take you in. Unfortunately, there's also the risk that our nation continues down the conservative path and loses its way - since the entire planet seems to be spinning in that direction these days.
Doggiebobo @ 117:
Or said more simpliciticly, Amhadinejad's vocabulary and use of words shows some
signs of an intelligent person, whereas when bush-lite speaks, we know it reflects
"stupidity"...
Here's another one. Bush greater threat than Kim Jong and right up there with Osama http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1938434,00.html
Poerba @ 107:
Did he shake hands like this? -> http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/rumsfeld_saddam.gif
Fascist States of America @ 71:
Never be ashamed to be an American. Be ashamed of the utter failure that leads our country and those obtuse losers that voted for "him".
Blocking bills gives them a lot of free hate time.
I was at a forum the other night with with an American who was born and raised in Iran and a speaker from Amnesty International, who had been to Iran thru Global Exchange. What I saw were pictures of Iranians like you and me enjoyng their lives, and free to do so I might add. I saw what we would bomb if those screaming for bombs have their way. Those bombs would hit their targets, but they would also kill many like you and I and I am personally sick unto death of bombs and rhetoric that only brings misery to our beautiful earth, and death to those who have nothing to do with the evil machinations of nations.
So this: So, the they’ve decided that Columbia University is the new Public Enemy #1 because it offered a forum to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
I don't know about you but would it not be better to talk and work out things diplomatically than drop bombs, the mere thought is insanity and the unintended consequences of such actions are truly frightening for all.
The reason that there is such heat and noise over the Iranian President's visit is because the warmongers do not want us to hear what he really has to say. They have created comic book villian for Captain America to attack and having him actually speak here might shatter the illusion. So they create a controversy over his visit (even though he visited last year!) and insult the hell out of him to try to make him fit into that box.
He repeatedly says that Iran does not want to attack Israel (he said it last time, too) but that gets glossed over.
He repeatedly says that the Holocaust is a historical fact (he said it last time, too) but that gets glossed over -- along with any discussion of why his opinion on events 70 years in the past is of any relevance.
He repeatedly says that Iran is not interested in a nuclear weapon, and that gets glossed over.
Look at the boogyman! Be afraid! Be very afraid!
One point I forgot
Do not let those who would demonize these people and their country of Iran it is all, to put it straight, bullshit.
This is really telling. Here is the Washington Post on the Iranian President's visit.
Now what in the he-double toothpicks does the President of Iran's religion have to do with any of the issues that we have with Iran? Why would sending a prominent athiest be at all an appropriate exchange for a Presidential visit? Why can't this columnist even imagine sending Bush to debate at an Iranian University?
The answer is pretty obvious. The warmongers appeal to the whole crusading instinct of the Western world -- Islam is the force of the devil, and must be exorcised. With nuclear weapons, preferably.
dan @ 35:
Wish? Nah...I'm pretty confident they have already.
Is there free speech is America? Or is it only for republicans?
I'm delighted Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University, since it showed the man for what he is--a pathological liar, holocaust revisionist, 9-11 conspiracy baiter, homicidal homophobe and all-around evader regarding human rights.
I'd say it all worked out pretty well.
The World Was Watching Ahmadinejad
is what I have to say.
Tony The Blue State
Joel @ 131:
This puts on a solid footing on the path to war. Soon the draft will be back.
I imagine that the neocons agree with you. They would say it worked out pretty well to.
Are you young enough to be drafted? Are you ready to fight and die in Iran or Syria?
Joel @ 131:
I'd say you pretty much laid out the best argument for freedom of speech my friend.
Weaseldog @ 133:
Neo-cons like this guy?
Please let everybody know. It is no surprise that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says "In Iran, we don't have homosexuals like in your country, we don't have that in our country. In Iran, we do not have this phenomenon; I don't know who's told you we have this." Because the Iranian Revolution systematically attempted to eliminate homosexuals in Iran. Many killed and run away from Iran. Even today Kayseri, a town in Turkey, is full of LGBT Iranians awaiting asylum. I visited them only two week ago, they are desperate and telling many calamitous stories. If there is a God this so called revolution and its leaders one day will answer to Him if not to the people of Iran.
Kursad Kahramanoglu
Secretary General of ILGA (1999 to 2006)
Member of KAOSIST, A Turkish LGBT Organisation in Istanbul
Americans like to change the subject from planned American war crimes in Iran, to whether the scapegoat is or isn't cooperating with being scapegoated.
Joel @ 135:
Marq @ 40:
Many leaders in power now days, both Dems and Reps believe that the age of free speech and self determination has passed. They view the masses as dumb and ignorant. "We know what's good for you. Trust us".
Ahmadinejad's opinions and/or policies aside, I don't think that should constitute a need to invade Iran. If that were the case, countries would be invading each other because they disagreed with other's domestic policies. Let's not lose sight of the issue at hand here.
Joel @ 135:
A lot of people will agree that this is a good reason to start a major ground war against Iran and Syria. Neocons will agree with you, if it means killing Muslims. They'll pretend to be your friends so long as it suits them.
This is just like the run up to the war in Iraq, with dissidents gaining a voice as the drums of war beat louder.
Soon thousands of our young people will be drafted to die in Iran. You yourself could your legs blown off in Tehran and live the rest of your life in a wheel chair.
Are you ready to make such sacrifices?
"Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) said in a statement that if Columbia University President Lee Bollinger “follows through with this hosting of the leader of Iran, I will move in Congress to cut off every single type of Federal Funding to Columbia University.”
Oh, Yeah. That'll pass.
What a Maroon.
I agree with Kursad that only the Iranian people should overthrow that brutal clerical regime. So, conflate me with neo cons all you want, but I am a gay liberal American man, one who--unlike you--is able to multi task my concern for human rights. I oppose invasion, I oppose war on Iran. But I will not hush my outrage at Ahmadinejad because you feel Bush and the Pentagon are likely to use gay rights as a reason to invade Iran, which is complete and utter bullshit.
someone should tell Duncan hes in the MINORITY nowadays.
in more ways than one.
maybe ill give the lil pig fuker a call?!
Bunch of idiots.
Johnny2Bad @ 139:
but hes gonna introducing it ya big poo poo head!
(duncan throws himself to the floor and has a tantrum)
Cut off funds to Columbia University? Who does this douchebag Hunter think he is? Another reason why idiot Hunter will NEVER be President. Fuck him!!
Joel @ 140:
Fair enough. As much as I care about my fellow human being, regardless of nationality, gender etc. I believe the human toll of an attack on Iran would be far greater than the current suffering experienced by a minority within Iran.
Many people in Europe and around the world disagree with U.S. policies on capital punishment, for example. Indeed many men and women have been executed only to be found innocent a few years later. But, they don't invade us and dictate domestic policies for us. The Iranian people need to make decisions that are good for them. It's not our place or anyone's place to dictate to others how to run their own country.
Having said that, the neocons will find a way to legitimize an attack. Ever wonder why the U.S. government has done nothing substantial to stop the genocide in Darfur? If only they had more oil, they'd be worth invading.
What do Duncan Hunter and Amadeenutjob have in common?
They both like to silence free speech at "Librul" Universities!
================
Iran's liberal lecturers targeted
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for liberal and secular university lecturers to be removed.
He told a group of students that they should organise campaigns to demand that the liberal teachers be sacked.
Mr Ahmadinejad said it was difficult to alter secular influences that had been in place in Iran for 150 years, but added that such a change had begun.
The move echoes campaigns of the 1980s, when hundreds of liberal university teachers and students were sacked.
"A student must yell against liberal thoughts and the liberal economy," the AFP news agency reported Mr Ahmadinejad as saying.
"A student must ask why a secular teacher gives low marks to a student that does not have the same ideas as him."
Last year, an ayatollah was appointed to run Tehran University, sparking protests by students.
Earlier this year, dozens of liberal professors and teachers were retired.
But the BBC's Frances Harrison in Tehran says many have found new jobs with institutions run by people linked to the president's political opponents.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/5316634.stm
This is just the latest in a long string of choreographed false umbrage put on by the GOP (e.g., the Kerry Joke, the MoveOn ad, etc.). It's the the other half of their one-two punch combination: lead with fearmongering and follow up with hatemongering.
McDuff @ 145:
Not entirely true. I have every moral right, indeed the obligation, to speak out against barbaric treatment of fellow gays and lesbians anywhere on this planet.
apishapa @ 49:
Oh, this really hit home. I live in Portland, Oregon, supposedly one of the most liberal of cities. Yesterday my daughter came home from her first day of Environmental Studies class at college and informed me that her "mentor" (a grad student with a University-created job as a sort of mandatory guide through certain of her classes) and a majority of the students in the group don't "believe" in global warming. It's hard to believe I'm paying for this kind of nonsense.
#134, agreed!
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