So, the gist of this story is…? Where is the rest of it? How many people attended the lecture? What were his sticking points? What was the general reaction of the audience? Positive? Negative? All you told me about were the protesters. I believe that is exactly the point of your story - to discredit and whitewash any and all scrutiny of our government. Well, I’ve learned to look beyond this type of “reporting” and support everything the 911 Truth Movement is doing - including educating the dumbed-down public, which got that way because of just this type of reporting.

"Tonight there is a big embarrassment for this university, and that is the College Republicans demonstrating outside against free speech," Sabais said.

I do wonder if this guy would say the same about any group that would demonstrate against a speech by Nazis or the KKK.

“Shortly after Barrett took the podium, UWO Police were forced to take action when dissenting students stood up and turned their backs to Barrett mid-lecture. The officers received applause as they escorted students out of the room.”

wtf

Some good comments over at althouse:

http://althouse.blogspot.com/2006/10/spot-free-speech-issue.html#comments

knoxgirl said… …especially on the heels of the Minutemen thing at Columbia where the students shouted them down and stormed the stage. Standing up and turning your back is routine stuff—and a fairly respectful way to protest, in comparison. Hardly an offense that merits them being hauled out.

PatCA said… The police confront respectful protestors like these Republicans and avoid mobs like the Columbia gang for the same reason the left attacks the US and studiously avoids criticism of Islam: one group will hurt you back, the other won’t.

Just to be clear, I, Jasmine James, said “I think it’s the people who participate in DISSENT in America that should be respected.” Not decent, and there’s a difference. Barrett came to Oshkosh in the light of academic freedom, a right reserved especially for professors. That is what the discussion was ultimately about, not an attempt to shake the foundation of American values. Indeed, he and his DISSENT are the epitome of a true American. Just as a side note, although the event was ticketed, perhaps in an attempt to gear it towards a specific audience, a lot of seats were empty because the Republican protesters bought seats and either never came or were removed for their rude and disruptive behavior. Indeed, we applauded when they were removed, as would any audience who wishes to offer the due respect to any speaker. This was an educational opportunity and I’m pleased to have witnessed it, especially as the media tries to eat away at academic freedom.

“were removed for their rude and disruptive behavior”

I’m waiting to see what happens if the autorities would even dare to remove left wingnut protestors who routinely shout down any speaker they disagree with. What would happen if Cheney tried to speak at UW? A quiet, respectfull audience? Or a near riot by lefties?

Yes you should teach facts, but whose facts? Should he teach that Bush was brave and invaded Iraq because it planned 9/11? Or should he teach that Bush planned 9/11? Or even better, should he point out that there are a number of different explanations or variations to the truth, and instead encourage critical thinking skills in his students?

The press and the state legislature have claimed #2, but in reality it’s closer to the third.

Erin, the facts are overwhelming!