How blessed we are to be Americans. Our founding fathers had unprecedented astuteness in the way they framed our Constitution. I still believe the 'pie in the sky' philosophy that tells us that these men were men of deep religious conviction and moral integrity. The rights that they took such painstaking effort to protect were intended for the good and the honorable to grow and flourish in American society.
Today, people take those precious ideals, rights, and privileges and they disgrace them and dishonor them. Abhorrent things are done in the name of 'free speech'. Thank GOD for that free speech. It is a priceless gift that must be protected, for someday-if it is not-then surely we Christians could be at the receiving end of persecution for our speech. But the moral fiber that caused men and women to want to speak things that were worthy of that first amendment has so eroded that we are daily bombarded with messages we wish we didn't have to hear. There is freedom of speech, but not much freedom of hearing I'm afraid!
Enter the case of Iranian "president" Ahmadenijad, being asked to speak at a prestigious American university. This man denies that the Holocaust (which took over 6 million lives) ever took place, he has sworn the destruction of Israel (God's chosen people), and he is a sponsor of terror, even to the point of providing the weaponry with which our brave Military is assaulted in Iraq. The university is justifying this request in the name of free speech. My question is this: do the rights of American citizens given to us by our Constitution extend to visiting terrorists? Are we obligated to share those rights of "free speech" with this man? Elie Wiesel says no.
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.— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel
One final note: while perhaps I've made my feelings clear about how shameful this invitation was, I still welcome and encourage any debate or discussion on the topic. Maybe I'm wrong, and free speech does extend to this guy! If so, convince me!!
9 comments:
Tara, You have been tagged in a game of blog tag, go to my blog for more details. =)
Love, Heather =)
I'm right there with you, Tara!! Preach it girl...may the whole world listen!
He is a silly little man, who unfortunately has some power. (it's debatable how much.) While not agreeing with the university's decision, it will be interesting to see what happens when he is confronted by real questions...ie American free speech...wonder how he'll like it?!!
The other pertinet (sp?) issue here is the UN...more crazy that they have him speak...much less that goofy Chavez!!
Kimberly, one thing I've heard from journalists is that trying to have a Q&A with him is a joke. He filibusters on answering every question. If he takes 30 min to answer one question, I don't think anyone is gonna get much out of him. Ah, yes, the UN...that is a pertinent issue ....and probably way over my head. That organization scares me a little. Sidenote: wasn't Ahmadenijad one of the Iranians who held our guys hostage back in the 80's? He was a young man then, but I think he was one of them.
We'll have to see what happends in NYC..I heard that too about the hostage situation but unsure
BTW...I liked learning the new facts...I did it..but don't think I will inflict on any others:) Love ya!
Thanks for this post, Tara...I hadn't really followed this story too closely (I've been working for "world peace" in our kitchen--redecorating). Was appalled to read the ways Wiesel is being attacked (literally, he was physically attacked back in February by an anti-Zionist). I'm encouraged upon reading this to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Sorry, Tara, for tagging you. I didn't really know what I was getting into either, but wanted to keep it going, since I had been tagged. =) Thanks for doing it. I saw on Kimberly's blog that she was reluctant to do it. I was going to tag her, but knew she'd feel that way. =D
I loved the neat wedding pictures of your sisters wedding. How pretty!
Love, Heather =)
Interesting thoughts. I have a dreadful habit of losing track of the news at times. My world can get pretty small, so it's good to be reminded occasionally of what's going on.
Speaking of "free speech", how about that wacko kid who was so annoying at a John Kerry speech that the police tazed him? I've got to say, even some of the liberal media were cheering for the cops this weekend. That was a bit of an interesting turn of events. :)
On another note, please disregard the pitiful email. I was tired at the time. I perfomed the duties of a "taggee" on my blog; however, I'm not sure that I'm going to perpetuate the tagging. Hope that's OK.
I'll have to get my husband in on this one. He's much better in political arena than me, but I say "you go girl".
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