Much is being made of Columbia University’s decision to let Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad address its student body in the name of free speech and critical dialogue.
Proponents of the decision insist that the event provided an opportunity to publicly confront the Iranian regime’s repression of basic freedoms, denial of the Holocaust and refusal to accept Israel’s right to exist in a public forum for all the world to see. According to this naive thinking, the exchange at Columbia should have served to expose the fallacy of Ahmadinejad’s positions, thereby undercutting his support base and encouraging opposition to his policies at home.
However, it is a near certainty that the portions of Monday’s event in which Ahmadinejad was scorned for his views or was booed and heckled by the audience will never air in Iran. Instead, Iranian state-controlled television will broadcast those parts of the event in which their president was loudly applauded by the liberals in the audience. Those scenes and the very fact that Ahmadinejad was invited to speak at one of America’s most prominent universities are going to provide him with a tremendous amount of prestige and legitimacy in Iran and the Middle East, and will instead undercut his detractors.
Supporters of having the Tyrant of Tehran at Columbia also say that American university students must be exposed to the different ideologies and concepts that are out there, and should not hinder free speech and the exchange of ideas, regardless of how offensive they may be to our own sensitivities.
Tellingly, Columbia regularly denies the right of political conservatives to ascend the same platform.
As an example of the depth of Columbia’s hypocrisy, consider that at Monday’s event Ahmadinejad insisted there are no homosexuals in Iran, which is another way of saying he and his nation’s religious overlords will not allow homosexuality in Iran. This position was known beforehand, yet Ahmadinejad was invited to speak anyway, while recruiters with the US military’s ROTC training program are barred from the campus because of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding homosexuality.
The worst part about letting Ahmadinejad speak at Columbia University, however, was that it lent a certain degree of legitimacy to not only the man, but also to his venomous views. Even if no one at Columbia agreed with Ahmadinejad regarding his revisionist view of the Nazi Holocaust and his desire to see Israel destroyed (not to mention his regime’s repressive practices at home) allowing him to engage the student body and the American people at large in dialogue essentially announced that we consider these topics to be open for discussion.
It has been rightly noted that Columbia is not alone among major American universities in behaving thus. The combination of naivety and hypocrisy that plagues Columbia University is increasingly prevalent throughout America academia, and is like a Trojan Horse opening the doors to our most dedicated enemies.
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45 comments so far ↓
1 Rob // Sep 25, 2007 at 5:50 pm
No doubt the U.S. taxpayer funded Ahmadinejad’s security detail while he was here.
2 FRANK // Sep 25, 2007 at 8:34 pm
In the time of Esther, there was another Persian tyrant called Hamman. We all know what happened to him! God is not sleeping and I certainly would not want to be in Ahmadinejad’s shoes when he falls into the hands of our righteous GOD!!!
3 Ryan // Sep 25, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Rob: What’s worse is that Ahmadinejad is speaking in prestigious US forums and having his bill footed by the US taxpayer DESPITE the fact that it is widely known he played a personal role in the 1979 hijacking of the US embassy in Tehran. He personally participated in the year-long detention and torture of US diplomats, and now he is an honored guest in our country. Unreal…
4 Joe // Sep 26, 2007 at 12:41 am
Tellingly, Columbia regularly denies the right of political conservatives to ascend the same platform.
Uhm, Ahmadinejad is a political conservative. He’s not allied with U.S. conservatives (or U.S. liberals for that matter). But on any political scale, he’s very far from being a secular liberal.
5 Rob // Sep 26, 2007 at 12:50 am
Responding to Joe’s comment: There is a difference between a conservative and a facsist. Ahmadinejad is a fascist, not a conservative.
6 Al // Sep 26, 2007 at 1:11 am
Rob,
Good observation re: conservative vs. fascist.
7 Marsha Carol Watson // Sep 26, 2007 at 1:44 am
I do not know what our leaders in America have been “smoking”—-but I fear it must have a “peculiar” odor!!!!!
“Mr. Iran,” should not have even been allowed to enter American airspace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is just one more example of how far down the mountain we have fallen…….It appears that America is literally being held together….although fragmented…by the Christians and godly Jews in America.
We all would do WELL to look on a U. S. one dollar bill…..anyone looked lately and noticed the Eagle with the Shekinah Glory over it?
That is the Glory of the Most High God—Jehovah is His name.
turn the dollar upside down and we have the mennorah….
These were placed there by America’s Founding Fathers, who realized that America would never have survived had it not been for the Jewish People. Many (including Hyam Solomon ) who gave his own personal wealth—and called on other Jews in America and across the seas, to help America so that it would not fall to the British.
WE ARE A NATION TODAY BECAUSE OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE, AND THEIR LOVE FOR US! Not to mention their MERCY—-”Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall obtain Mercy.”
How have we repaid them? By allowing their Arch Enemy to come to America!!!!!!
How can we ever do anything against the Jewish People and their Beloved Israel!
It is a “slap in the face” to our Jewish friends and financiers to allow “Mr. Iran” to enter America.
God help us to get our heads “screwed on correctly” before it is too late!!!!!
8 Brian // Sep 26, 2007 at 5:02 am
I find it interesting that people here call Ahmadinejad a fascist, then turn around and claim he has no right to express his views (however wrong they may be). I suppose you think Holocaust denial should be a crime too?
9 peter // Sep 26, 2007 at 8:18 am
Brian,
You said, “I suppose you think Holocaust denial should be a crime too?”
Hmm, well he doesn’t just deny it. This is a fact not a choice of what you want to believe. This would be like someone trying to state a belief that there really was no Sun in the sky. Its not just fascism, we need to add a gallon of stupidity. Expressions or views that Ahmandinejad have are very racist and threatening to not just Israel, but the world. I believe he is for real and he is crazy enough to try something. The fact that he aids the terrorist killing our soldiers should allow no room for him in respect or regard to speak.
10 FRANK // Sep 26, 2007 at 11:50 am
When I wrote my comment concerning Hamman and Ahmadinejad, I was thinking of the verse in Hebrews “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” You say my comment is awaiting moderation, but I was only telling the truth, I wouldn’t want to be in anyones shoes who is going against the God of Israel!!!
11 Steven // Sep 26, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Brian, this man has plenty of places where he can express himself. Why provide him with a forum at an American university? Just like the article states:
“The worst part about letting Ahmadinejad speak at Columbia University, however, was that it lent a certain degree of legitimacy to not only the man, but also to his venomous views.”
12 Ben // Sep 26, 2007 at 9:32 pm
I am appalled that we allowed this man to speak at Columbia or even allowed him on US soil. What are those people at Columbia thinking? As I read this article, I am just too overwhelmed for words.
However, as I see it, most people here agree Ahmadinejad is a man who is a murderer, a-la-Arafat and company, a liar, a historical revisionist, and an idiot. But we should not underestimate him for his calculated and cunning views as he espouses them to Americans. Most Americans are galled that the federal govt, who is SUPPOSED to protect us, allowing him to enter American soil and speak.
Iran is a nasty place to be or see. But don’t forget, there are Iranians who think that Ahmadinejad is kooky, as is their govt. He has suppressed all anti-govt. protests and does not want to lose his power base at home (which he is) but gain a “world” power base.
Iran is a danger to Israel and Israel has EVERY RIGHT to defend herself in any way, shape or form, INDEPENDENT of what the US may think (because our State Dept is very, very anti-Israel themselves!) or any other world govt. Iran will try to garner some kind of unified alliance from the Arab world and make an attempt to attack, even if it is a limited attack, Israel. All the while, he is making the rounds in America and other nations making it seem he is a “good” guy and wants “peace” with Israel.
DON’T BE FOOLED! Iran is dangerous and they are simply buying some time while they get the votes they need in the UN and get nations friendly to Iran to back them up when the times comes. My gosh, even Sarkozy of France is not fooled by this guy. Why in the world are we fooling ourselves?
13 Charles // Sep 26, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Actually Ahmadinejad’s comments were best suited for the walls of Portalets . Most likely that is where he got most of them from . His comments are just as odorous . That comedian is trying to be serious .
14 Stef // Sep 27, 2007 at 12:40 am
Before leaving Iran he had a parade with missiles and arms pointed at the USA!!! Americans are being held hostage by Iran and this terrorist is being welcomed?!
The heads of the University know full well how they are helping aid our enemy by allowing him to speak. Sadly many of the students are just simply ignorant and think they are being big hearted. He’d loved to cut their hearts out. Claiming to be wise they are nothing but fools…they are allowing the enemy to use our so called freedoms against us. The worst is that the government allows it.
Israel is not the only country he wants to wipe out. While he’s at it, Ahmedinejad plans to get rid of the US too; a direct quote from Ahmedinejad: “… They [ask]: ‘Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism?’ But you had best know that this slogan and this goal are attainable, and surely can be achieved. “
He had a poster made for the controversial Islamic Students’ Association conference in Tehran, “A World Without Zionism,” during which Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for Israel to be “wiped off the map” and stated the Holocaust was a “myth.” It showed an hour glass with a globe of America that lies broken and destroyed…and Israel falling after us…this is their one and only goal.
His intentions are to not only destroy Israel but the US as well and they are idiotic enough to embrace they guy!
To see the poster copy this link to your address bar and you will see for yourself.
http://worldnews.about.com/od/middleeastinpictures/ig/Middle-East-in-Pictures/The-World-Without-Zionism.htm
15 Mike S. // Sep 27, 2007 at 1:21 am
What do you think about the claims this website makes?
http://www.biblebelievers.org.au/holohoax.htm
16 Sylvester // Sep 27, 2007 at 1:28 am
Correction; Ahmadinejad never stated the Holocaust is a hoax, he clearly stated “if, given that the Holocaust is a present reality of our time, a history that occurred, why is there not sufficient research that can approach the topic from different perspectives?”
17 Victor Passenheim // Sep 27, 2007 at 5:51 am
To Joe, Brian, and the other “liberals”,
The only reason you say the things you do, is not because you’re bighearted and want to respect everybody’s human rights and freedom of speech, it’s because you’re hard-hearted and merciless and don’t understand the real meaning of having compassion for your fellow man.
Criminals like Ahmadinejad, people who commit crimes against humanity, DON’T HAVE SUCH RIGHTS as freedom of speech, etc. They “have the right to remain silent…, any thing they say can (and I would add should) be used against them” You don’t invite them over for tea and cookies so that they can keep rubbing in your face and lying to you about the crimes they have committed, continue to commit, and are planning to commit against anyone who stands in their way.
You certainly don’t address them with such terms as “His excellency” (gag!). How disgusting!
The reason you can spout that crap out of your mouth, is because it DOESN’T COST YOU A THING! You do it at the expense of the innocents whose blood has been shed at the hands of this lousy excuse for a human being.
Do not think your hands “washed” with regards to this matter.
18 Victor Passenheim // Sep 27, 2007 at 5:53 am
Thanks for the link, Stef!
19 Rob // Sep 27, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Well said Victor
20 Steven // Sep 28, 2007 at 12:52 am
@Mike: That site stated that no bodies were autopsied. We never got the bodies because they were burnt, if you got to Germany in Berlin where some of my family used to live there is a grave stone, in it there is no body - but a random assortment of ash that could have come from anyone.
Its beyond my capability to express how disgusting it is that you or anyone claim that the Holocaust was a myth. For facts, visit the Holocaust History website and go to Yad Vashem.
@Sylvester: Again, you are being selective with your quoting. In Colombia he stated that “the Holocaust needed to be researched”, as if there were not mountains of paperwork and research on the Holocaust anyway. This is a clever yet vicious method of expressing his bile for the benefit of western audiences.
21 Al // Sep 28, 2007 at 5:46 am
I have heard personal testimonies from both Holocaust survivors and their children. I have actually seen the numbers branded on the arms from the Nazi concentration camps. These are people who were not rich nor influential nor powerful in the scheme of things. They had no agenda apart from telling the world that a great atrocity had occured. Make no mistake about it. The Holocaust most definitely happened. Sad to say the church was asleep, just like it is now.
This does not mean that there are not gentile believers like myself and others here who back and defend the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Unfortunately, we are a minority within those who claim to know Yeshua as Lord and Savior. Incredibly and ironically, they have chosen to ignore the very people through whom God
would send the Messiah to save both Jewish and Gentile sinners.
If you don’t care about the Jewish people, then don’t bother calling yourself a Christian or Messianic. The Christ or Messiah we claim to follow was, is and will always be a Jew. Something for everyone to think about the next time you consider ignoring or turning your back on Israel and the Jewish people.
As far as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is concerned, we need to pray that the God of Israel deal directly with this man. May it be done in such a way that people will see that YHVH is the one true God and not Allah.
That way the people he is misleading will repent and turn to the One True God.
It is only a matter of time before we see the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 and 39 come to pass. Persia (Iran)is one of the nations God will judge for attacking Israel.
22 Ben // Sep 28, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Victor, thank you… I couldn’t have said it any better.
As for whether the holocoust is real or a hoax… come on, folks… it was real and we shouldn’t even be discussing this. The evidence is so overwhelming that our “friends” here are deluded and are just wanting to saying something to get attention! Next thing they will say is that Santa Clause is real and they have proof!
And to Al… thank you, my friend being so kind and eloquently putting in words what I was going to say.
23 Jeremy H // Sep 28, 2007 at 10:34 pm
I’m reminded of all the times the US was threatened by bin Laden; He was never taken seriously. Then, the tragic morning of 9/11 validated all the statements he had made before then.
For now, Ahmadinejad is getting the best of the American people. It’s going to be a sad day when all his threats are made a reality, and all we have to blame is ourselves.
24 Rob // Sep 28, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Great point Jeremy. I’m reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in I Thessalonians 5:3: For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then SUDDEN DESTRUCTION comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE.
25 Charles // Sep 30, 2007 at 7:13 pm
This visit by that Crazy Idiot has little to do with what he said . That sawed off Hitler wanna be is real brave over there where he can run his mouth with impunity . He called the Holocaust a lie and it did not happen . He also called for the destruction of Israel . Anyone that argues that he did not is his friend and a Muslim . We should have detained him as an enemy combatant and tried him for the violation of our Embassy in Tehran .
26 Marsha Carol Watson // Oct 1, 2007 at 2:49 am
My mother was a young adult when the Holocaust took place. She remembers it and we have talked about it….
IT REALLY HAPPENED. It is up to each of us to STAND, and as far as humanly possible, we MUST MAKE absolutely sure it will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.
27 Steven // Oct 3, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Related:
http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2007/09/anti-ahmadinejad-article-that-proves.html
28 Nathan // Oct 4, 2007 at 5:53 am
Marsha — that is why Israel has nuclear weapons, trust that it will never happen again. That is why smart Ben Gurion began Israels “secret” nuclear program, for some insurance.
I love Israel and the Jewish people, I cannot stand to hear the monkey president of Iran speak his woes and hatred of the United States and Israel. He is a faslehood and spreads the word of the anti-christ Moham-a-mad man and his clerical clowns dance around with chemical and nuclear weapons ready for use. And the school is a joke for letting him come there and it should be banned from teaching in the United States of America. I would even give their liberal licking president a nice jail term for conspiring with known terrorist forces and aiding the enemy in war time. See ya!
I only wish he would not have left our country alive.
29 amna // Oct 4, 2007 at 10:10 pm
is ahmedinejad a threat to israel and us?why are they afraid of iran
30 Al // Oct 5, 2007 at 3:55 am
Amna,
Ahmadinejad has repeatedly threatened to wipe Israel off the map.
He denies that the Nazi Holocaust actually happened. He has gone on record as imagining a world without Israel and America. He supports Hezbollah in Lebanon who just fought a protracted war with Israel. Giving his intelligence the benefit of the doubt, I find it hard to believe he does not know he is speaking lies.
This same man claims he only wants nuclear technology for “peaceful purposes” like generating electricity for Iran. Given his capacity for lying, why should Israel, America or anyone else for that matter feel safe around him or believe anything he has to say? The fact that Russia, China, North Korea (just to name a few) support him 100% would explain his cocky behavior.
31 Nathan // Oct 6, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Why should Israel and the United States wait around to have a nuclear attack launched against them via Iran or Hizbullah? I find this point to be overlooked. Instead of debating if the threat exists or not, the real debate in the world should focus on how big the threat is and what the world is willing to do to eliminate this threat. I believe that action first should be taken by Israel and the United States. If my government had any signs of intelligence they would launch a targeted nuclear strike against Iran’s most important installations, mainly nuclear and airfields. Russia and China can choke on it.
32 Al // Oct 7, 2007 at 4:44 am
Nathan,
I agree that once a definite threat to our survival has been ID’d, the threat should be confronted, even if it means using military force. It is important that it be a measured blow. To use nuclear weapons in a pre-emptive strike would be excessive. Israel did not use nukes to take out Iraq’s nuclear plant in the early eighties. They used their air force to surgically destroy it. I suspect the recent air strike against Syria was similar in nature.
Nukes should only be used as a weapon of last resort. I would hate to set such a precedent while other nations watch us use them in this fashion. Consider Paskistan and India. Both are now nuclear powers that are at odds with one another. I would hate to see them adopt such a policy.
Of one thing I am definitely sure. None of Israel’s hostile neighbors can ever be allowed to possess nukes. I know that Syria will ultimately attack Israel and force her to destroy Damascus. See Isaiah 17. It will not be a pretty sight. There will be difficult days ahead for us all. Let’s respond to threats not with anger, but with wisdom.
33 Isaiah53 // Oct 9, 2007 at 5:24 am
I don’t intend this as sarcasm nor anger, let’s just take a wait and see what’s coming next attitude, for I certain that, if like me, you believe that we are seeing the fullfillment of an ages old prophecy, then there is nothing that we can do to change the outcome or make one iota of difference in what will happen next.
This is now a video game and it’s God’s turn at the controller.
Sorry if that sounds trite.
34 Victor Passenheim // Oct 9, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Isaiah 53,
Nothing in the Bible prescribes a “wait and see” attitude. In fact, there’s plenty of Scriptures advising otherwise. We put our trust in the Lord and we act.
Al,
I hope America does attempt a successful surgical strike. I don’t know the situation on what Iran’s defenses or bunkers network is, but I’ve heard in the media that they’re pretty much spread out, so I guess it would take a lot of surgical strikes, which would kind of make it a broad sweeping attack. Sounds like war, however you boil it down.
Nathan,
I’m with you on the rabid dog from Iran. I was sick to see all the coverage in the media. All the time I kept hoping that some brave soul would commit a “surgical strike” on him. I don’t like the idea of giving this madman as many chances as possible to allow his ethnic cleansing dreams to come true. It is to Columbia’s eternal shame that they allowed that abominable creature on their premises.
35 David in Oregon // Oct 9, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Brothers and Sisters: Let us all remember who we are. If we are indeed Ambassadors of Christ we need to think before we type. There are no doubt many who read these posts who are unsaved.
There is no doubt that Ahamdinejad is a fascist and a tyrant. These are political terms that describes his rule, but “crazy Idiot”, “monkey”, and such terms as these are inapproprite. I have a few choice words that describe him also but I will not publish them for the world to read while I have the testamony of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ.)
Let’s all take to heart the warnings of Yacob, the brother of Yeshua regarding Lashan Hara. The evil tongue is sin. May the Father forgive me for my hypocracy because I am sure I am guilty also, but I believe we all should be admonished in this regard.
Blessings to all
36 Victor Passenheim // Oct 9, 2007 at 8:32 pm
David in Oregon,
Matthew 3:7 - Just because we make harsh statements, doesn’t mean they proceed from an evil tongue. He has cursed in public, he should be rebuked in public. On the other hand, we shouldn’t be insulting the monkeys of the world by comparing them with this worthless man.
For what he’s done alone so far, it is without a doubt that he deserves the death penalty. The sooner it can be administered, the better it will be for the rest of the world.
37 David in Oregon // Oct 10, 2007 at 1:21 am
Matthew 3: was spoken by John the Baptist. Yeshua used the same references elsewhere. It was spoken to a certain group which Yeshua and John the Baptist were knowledgable about. We are not Yeshua and we are not John the Baptist. Yeshua is the creator and John the Baptist is the gretest prophet. As Yeshua said, there is none greater than John the Baptist. To use such scriptures out of context to justify verbal abuse of others is totally off the mark, whether or not the person is deserving of it. Vengence is the Lord’s. We are supposed to set a loving example and reflect in our lives the things Yeshua taught us.
So Victor, if you feel that you would use these types of words in an attitude of anger in the presence of the Lord then that is your call. As for me, I will take the high road. I can find a proof text to support about anything I wish. But that is abuse of the Word of God. I would advise against it.
I am in no way supporting Ahamdinejad! As I stated previously he is a tyrant and a fascist. He will answer to the Lord for his sins just as we all will. It is our Christian duty to pray for the mans soul, not wish him death. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Would you want others to wish for your death?
38 Al // Oct 10, 2007 at 4:37 am
Victor and David in Oregon,
As far as war is concerned, it’s not a matter of if but when.
Yeshua told His disciples that people like Ahmadinejad (false messiahs and false prophets) would arise and deceive many.
As believers in Messiah, we need to be discerning and not naive. Ahmadinejad is an evil man, pure and simple. Anyone whose intent is to destroy God’s people cannot be anything but evil. If he refuses to change his ways, he will be destroyed. I don’t take joy in saying this. It is actually sad when a person refuses to repent and brings judgment upon himself. Sadder still is the fact that there may be those who probably don’t agree with his policies in Iran and will suffer because of him. Let’s remember them especially since they are powerless and need someone to plead their case before God’s throne.
I agree we should not insult others to make a point. We should always try to be kind and respectful, esp towards those that are under the blood of Messiah. Yeshua said that when the world views us, it is our love for one another that will set us apart from the rest of our neighbors. So when we share our opinions on this blog, let our words reflect His character and Spirit.
We should always pray for the lost. But when those who are evil arise to power and threaten innocent people, we should not be afraid to pray that God’s justice be carried out. Otherwise, we are guilty of negligence.
We should be a merciful people because we have been shown mercy, but we also need to be wise and discerning. There is a time for war and a time for peace. We need to learn the difference between the two.
39 Victor Passenheim // Oct 11, 2007 at 12:22 am
David in Oregon,
I used no Scripture out of context. Clearly there’s a time and place for calling out evil by it’s name. He behaves like a rabid dog. That’s not an insult, it’s a description, condemning as it may be it is nonetheless true. It does not sugar coat things, simply calls them by what they are. If I am angry in saying them, it’s because I am. Anger, in itself, is not sin, and I would serioulsy question what is going on in the heart of somebody who DIDN’T feel anger at how this man mocks God’s own.
If it was good enough for Jesus, and John the Baptist, you’re saying it’s NOT good enough for us. So if Jesus says it and is not commiting sin, somehow when I say it, it is sin? Is there logic in such postulation? Alternatively, is it not being Christlike to imitate Christ? You’ll probably be offended by my saying that as well.
Judge not lest you be judged.
As far as Ahmadinejad, I would pray that he repents while he still has time. I believe the Lord would rather see us take out the mass murderer as the first perogative.
If I had done the things Ahmadinejad has done, I would think it fitting for others to wish my death, and if I believed in God’s mercy and justice, I would be expecting such an outcome to be imminent.
Based on your comments, I’m curious to know if you believe ANY dispensation of justice is appropriate, or whether you equate the dispensation of justice with vengeance (for indeed, vengeance is the Lord’s), or whether any of those who have served in time of war and didn’t wish the enemy dead, but killed them anyway - were they taking “the high road” or did they totally violate all Christian principles?
I ask these things not because I question the directives of Scripture, but because I believe that in fact the “peace only” crowd does slant Scripture, and I have always found such sentiments disingenuous and not in keeping with the totality and wisdom of Scripture.
40 David in Oregon // Oct 11, 2007 at 2:07 am
Dear brother Victor, if you will allow me to call you brother: I have not meant to be judgmental, I have included myself in my statements, I made my statements to everyone who posts here and I tried to do it in a kind, loving manner. My intention was to try and get us all to move up to a higher plane in our conversation so as to not injure the hearts of those who may be weaker in the faith and to not set a bad example. Somehow, calling someone a monkey or a crazy idiot or any of the personal name calling that has taken place on this forum just seems to be a little childish. I believe we as Christians can communicate with one another without falling to this depth of schoolyard name calling. I have made it clear that I am NOT defending the tyrant! I am simply trying to say that to the world who is viewing these posts, it may sound a bit more Christian to take the high road in our choice of language. I have not sought you out personally. You are the only one who has chosen to confront me with this. I am not a part of the peace only crowd. I am a 100% disabled U.S. Marine, VietNam Vet. I just happen to be one with the love of Jesus in my heart and I think it would be best for all of us to try and bring honor to His Holy Name by being careful with our choice of words. If I have offended you, I repent. Forgive me. If the truth has offended you, that is between you and the Lord. If Ryan thanks I am out of line, let him say so, and I will not post to this forum. I make no apoligies for my attempts to move all of us to a higher, more loving manner of speaking.
David
41 Al // Oct 11, 2007 at 4:46 am
David in OR and Victor,
OK, gentlemen.
Let’s all take a deep breath and remember we are supposed to be on the same side???!!! We are on the same side, aren’t we?
You both make valid points. We should emphasize what we all agree upon. If we are arguing over Ahmadinejad this way, what will happen when the antimessiah and false prophet arise and take power? Are we going to argue whether or not to pray for them that they repent when the Scriptures make it clear they will never repent? They will make Ahmadinejad’s threat look like a picnic!!
If we can’t properly handle these smaller issues NOW, what is going to happen when we as believers find ourselves facing the ultimate evil?
42 Victor Passenheim // Oct 11, 2007 at 6:55 am
David in Oregon,
First off, I want to say how honored I am for your sacrifice and that alone speaks a million times more, and better, than anything I can say here.
I was not offended. I still believe it is appropriate for us to voice outrage at that which is outrageous. I can certainly understand where you’re coming from having undoubtedly seeing up close the evil man is capable of committing against man.
I think I speak for a lot of other people on this board that we express our shock, and yes, disgust, at the things the world just seems to gloss over. This tyrant was practically coddled by so many in our country. It speaks so poorly of us. I believe we have become so calloused, that it’s now okay that people like him walk about freely. I know it’s been that way for so long, but it doesn’t make it right.
No worries, Al! We most certainly are on the same side. Simply a little vigorous discourse - nothing to sweat among brothers.
David, I really want to make clear, and I think I speak for everybody on this board - you’re a hero, we love you, and you honor us with your sweet spirit.
43 David in Oregon // Oct 11, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Brother Victor: Bless you dear brother for your kind words. I am a bit uncomfortable with the hero stuff but I appreciate it.
I agree 100% that we should be voicing our outrage. You are correct to have disgust and shock and to voice it. I feel the same way. The man is no doubt demon possessed and like pharoah, he probably has been hardened beyond salvation, however, that call is the Lord’s.
It seems that the America I knew as a young man is gone. This country has fallen so far into evil that it is no longer recognizable as a God honoring country. It is “as it was in the days of Noah.” I fully expect that unless there is a great awakening in this country that we will not last much longer as the USA. That truely saddens me, however I know it is fulfillment of prophecy and I am no longer an American as I was then, but I am now a citizen of a much greater Kingdom and my love and loyalty is to Him who purchased my salvation with His own Holy Blood on the tree.
I thank my Lord for souls like yourself and Ryan and Al and all the wonderful brothers and sisters on this forum. You will be in my prayers. May He be praised!
David
44 Al // Oct 12, 2007 at 4:11 am
David,
Also like Victor, thank you for your service to our country as a U.S. Marine. Semper Fi! We are blessed to have the men and women who serve in our armed forces.
As a fellow American, I agree about the condition of our country.
It is only a matter of time before we lose our very sovereignty to the future one world government of the antimessiah. May God give us the strength to endure what is coming our way.
45 Deborah // Jan 10, 2008 at 4:41 pm
The upshot of Columbia’s invitation and subsequent platform for
Ahmadinejad, at least for me, was a flagrant display of Columbia’s position. What I formerly considered a respectable institution, lost all credibility in my mind. Secondly, I was able to witness the dangerous insanity of Iran’s leader.
It is sad indeed that most students, in America and Iran have such poor mentoring. Fortunately, most of the youth I’ve heard from, disrespect both Columbia’s President for offering him audience and then making a circus of his introduction. Ahmadinejad, likewise countered with an equally immature comedy.
I pray that God will raise up courageous and wise people who are able to honorably defend those who are fed lies and used as pawns.
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