Iranian President Speaks at Columbia

This Monday Iraninan President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University. He spoke to a large crowd that was mostly opposed to him and instead jeered at his words. Because of International laws and rules, Mr. Ahmadinejad was allowed to visit and speak. It would be censorship to not allow him to speak or to not have media coverage or the debate. As Americans, we must not censor anyone, just as a general rule, for that would lower our own morals. That said, what Mr. Ahmadinejad's statements referring to the Hollocaust as merely a theory and accusing America of secretly supporting terrorism should not be taken seriously. Instead of outright blocking what Mr. Ahmadinejad said, consumers of media need must take what he said with a grain of salt.

Columbia University had a good idea when they invited the Iranian President to the debate. However, the unfair treatment he received from both the moderator and Lee C. Bollinger, the president of Columbia University. Instead of lowering himself to the unfair attacks he received from the hosts, Mr. Ahmadinejad attacked America, freedom, the questions, and just about everything else. This of course allowed him to avoid answering the more difficult questions that he was asked, what he was most likely hoping to do. By treating him badly, the hosts of the debate merely allowed Mr. Ahmadinejad to ridicule Columbia, America, and avoiod pressing questions.