Boycotting boycotts

On Sunday, I watched an interview with a lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union about how he defends the rights of groups he disagrees with, such as the Ku Klux Klan. He has no regrets about defending these groups’ rights to free speech because he staunchly believes in everyone’s right to constitutional liberties, whether or not he agrees with them. \nI found myself admiring the fact that our society breeds such lofty ideals in people by promoting equal freedoms for all. \nThis feeling was amplified when I read articles discussing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s speech at Columbia University. \nHe is the leader of a theocratic regime which has been accused of sponsoring terrorism and breeding sectarian violence in Iraq. His remarks regarding the Holocaust and Israel have enraged millions and the suspicions about the Iranian nuclear program are more than likely the western world’s next big threat. \nDespite the fact that “tense” is an understatement when it comes to describing relations between the United States and Iran, he was allowed to speak freely at Columbia University on Monday.\nFor the first time in my life I would have to agree with President Bush when he said Ahmadinejad’s speech at Columbia “speaks volumes about ... the greatness of America.” \nThere are precious few places in the world where the leader of a regime deemed hostile could peacefully walk into a university and talk freely, suffering nothing greater than protests and the booing of the audience. \nI am disappointed, however, in the rhetoric used by those who opposed the Iranian leader’s visit to Columbia. No, there is nothing wrong with opposing it, but it seems that an increasing number of people attempt to persuade the public with ideas that undermine our intelligence and go against the American spirit of knowledge and freedom of speech. \nTake Billy Kristol’s stance in The Weekly Standard. He called for all Columbia students to boycott the speech, saying “after all, this is not primarily about Ahmadinejad. Dealing with his regime is mostly a task for our government.” \nRead: The government is a separate entity from the lowly masses. You little babies need not worry about unpleasant realities because Daddy President and Mommy Congress are on it. All you have to do is, um, support the troops and shake your fist at bin Laden. \nKristol continues, “Columbia students have a chance to shame their elders, redeem the good name of their institution, and make many Americans proud.” \nResorting to cliches about honor, shame, pride and elders seems awfully out of place and outdated in today’s America. \nIt’s a roundabout way to make people feel as if they are morally degenerate for choosing to exercise their right to learn about other views or believe certain rights should be extended to everyone. \nThis is America, so Mr. Kristol and his contemporaries have the freedom to argue; it’s a shame they choose to waste it by arguing so poorly.