Comments on: College Controversy Exemplifies the Challenges We Face.

By: Bill Carson

Bill Carson — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:02:33 +0000

I doubt the Bush Administration’s response to North Korea would have been any different, frankly.

By: James Kane

James Kane — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:52:05 +0000

The building, the projector, the electricity, and the staff are paid for in part by the state, are they not?

Also, as an event using a university space, the administration-whose salaries are paid in part by taxes-would need to sign off on the plan.

I stand by my post.

By: Nick

Nick — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:35:54 +0000

You have to be kidding me. There was no use of taxpayer funds in showing this porn! Did you read the original press release or jump on the story later? In the release it clearly states that the production company didn’t charge the university, there was no student activity fee charged to the university, and the price of admission would be $4 dollars per student: more than enough to cover the cost of running the projector and paying the staff. Please make sure you have fact-checked your background knowledge.

By: Bryan Dodson

Bryan Dodson — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:25:28 +0000

James, nice thoughts here. I would have to disagree on the free speech position, though. If it were held tonight, it would be free speech because the statement has become larger than the film in and of itself. While I would agree that the film is not necessarily free speech, the airing of a film discribed by others and, therefore, raising a controversial view point – even in the face of political oppression of the surrounding community – is making an unique statement.
Had the film been aired then funding cut, without any public fanfare or warning of monitary damages if the filmed aired, would not be protected speech. If it were shown today, as an act of defiance, embodies the very essential liberty of the minority over that of the majorative state.

By: Gideon D'Assandro

Gideon D'Assandro — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:37:53 +0000

Good call – I think the ‘I can do whatever I want’ attitude toward liberty makes the entire movement come across as uneducated and really undercuts the message itself through its apparent hypocrisy.