Controversial Imam to Speak at University of Central Florida

Controversial Imam to Speak at University of Central Florida Sparks Protests

Published February 25, 2011

| FoxNews.com



Students at the University of Central Florida are protesting the expected appearance of a controversial imam speaking at the university as part of Islam Awareness Month.

Imam Siraj Wahhaj -- who was an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and a character witness for Abdel Rahman, known as the Blind Sheik -- was invited by the Muslim Student Association to dispel misconceptions about the Islamic faith, reports MyFoxOrlando.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/25/controversial-imam-speak-university-central-florida/#ixzz1EzIcRnGT

It's not unusual for student groups to invite speakers from beyond-the-mainstream.

(Ward Churchill - has no merit in my eyes - but he's invited to speak by a few student organizations. I'm sure Westboro gets a few invites every year, too).

I think the way you handle it is to carry signs that basically say "we don't agree."
(which is what counter groups do).

I don't see anything wrong with protesting these people, or disagreeing with their claims.

What I do disagree with - is assuming that these fringe individuals somehow represent a larger group.

What comes to my mind is the little painter with a mustash, who was nothing, and over night, grew to a power that changed the world! Hitler

I'm sure Columbia or Berkley students would be thrilled to listen to this asshole.

Columbia has even allowed Ahmadinejad to speak - not because they agreed with him -- but in fact - because they passionately disagreed with him.

At some point - it makes sense to give lunatics the stage ---- so everyone can see them for what they are.

Just listen to Ahadinejad or Qadaffi speak for even a minute --- they prove my point.

You also give these criminals legitimacy by giving them a forum to spread their insanity. I remember when Ahmadinanutjob said they don't have gay people in Iran... lol

censorship is not accepted in America.

That's simply where we stand.

If we can censor the nut cases - we can censor the thinkers, too.

I didn't say anything about censorship. These people are invited to speak and by doing so, you give them a little more power to spread their message, their propaganda, and their lies.

If Hitler were still alive today, would we be asking for his opinion or would we reject him as a human being? There are still people around the world and in this country who agree with what Hitler did, including Ahmadinajad. To NOT offer them a stage is not censorship, it's being respectful to those who have been hurt or killed by their actions or those who are targets for destruction like the Israelis. Would we also pull Jeffery Dahmer out of prison so he could explain the ins and outs of murder and cannibalism?

bailey bud wrote: Columbia has even allowed Ahmadinejad to speak - not because they agreed with him -- but in fact - because they passionately disagreed with him.

At some point - it makes sense to give lunatics the stage ---- so everyone can see them for what they are.

Just listen to Ahadinejad or Qadaffi speak for even a minute --- they prove my point.

I agree with bailey bud. These people should be invited and allowed to speak. We should listen with civility and hospitality. Words cannot hurt us because we have the ability to divine, interpret, and consider.

Their message will go nowhere and they will diminish themselves. Hitler built his following in the closets and dark corners of the German world. He was invited into office because of the power that he created in these hidden halls.

Young Hitler did well in the monastery school and also took part in the boys' choir. He was said to have had a fine singing voice. Years later Hitler would say the solemn pageantry of the high mass and other Catholic ceremonies was quite intoxicating and left a very deep impression. As a young boy he idolized the priests and for two years seriously considered becoming a priest himself. He especially admired the Abbot in charge, who ruled his black-robbed monks with supreme authority. At home Hitler sometimes played priest and even included long sermons.

http://www2.dsu.nodak.edu/users/dmeier/ ... itler.html

Also I disagree that "Hitler built his following in the closets and dark corners of the German world." His rise to power was very public and protracted, from 1919 to 1933. His vilifying Jews as a means to gain followers reminds me very much of those who seek to vilify all Muslims.