Today, I read about a somewhat troubling article about a recent speech by the mayor of Jerusalem. The mayor, Nir Barkat, was speaking at SFSU, when a group of pro-palestine protestors yelled him off the stage and into a corner with the people who came to actually listen to the speech like civilized human beings. Now, I am all for free speech. And perhaps these protestors will use the excuse of "we were speaking against something we disagree with". If they do, their argument is fundamentally incorrect. This is obstructing free speech, and not allowing people who want to actually listen hear. Protest when it doesn't obstruct someone's constitutional right. It frustrates me that these people could be so frustrated that they refuse to not only let themselves listen to him, but also refuse to let other people listen to him, even if they want to. These morons are acting like little children and not allowing people to speak because they disagree with them.
http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/77319/sfsu-president-promises-full-investigation-after-protesters-disrupt-jerusal
I completely agree that the pro-Palestinian protestors were obstructing free speech in this situation. It's disappointing to see that a group of individuals care so strongly about something that has two completely different sides to the story and feel the need to act upon one side by attacking the other. It's clear to us, at least, that the situation at hand is not a one-sided relationship, but that both sides can be in the wrong. I just hope that one day this anti-semitic/anti-zionist (however you want to look at it) violence will stop and people may hopefully realize that a compromise is the only way to peace.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of your opinions about this. I understand that freedom of speech should be taken in to account for this occurrence but to that extent is just disrespectful. One day I do hope that these type of things do stop because peace is needed in the world.
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