Quote:
Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy
I found the remarks made by Columbia University President during his introduction of Ahmadinejad to be... inappropriate.
That Ahmadinejad possessed "all of the signs of a petty criminal and cruel dictator."
"A critical part of freedom of speech is that we do not honor the dishonorable when we open up their views for debate."
"I doubt you will have the intellectual courage to answer these questions."
I dont think he should have applauded Ahmadinejad's presence, but it just seemed inappropriate to invite someone to speak about controversial issues, and then chide him during your introductory remarks. Challenging him afterwards in your own speech or taking time to challenge him with a question would have been more appropriate.
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I agree entirely. And to come from the president of the university no less. Those remarks put a bit of a dark spot on the university, in my opinion. Not behaviour that should be practiced in an 'intellectual environment' like that, and also just extremely impolite.