Congratulations, America! You decided to let a man into your country who doesn’t like you at all. In fact, you only let him in to Manhattan to talk to the students of the Columbia University and to the General Assembly at the UN. Although this is Ahmedinejad’s third visit to the U.S. since he has been in office, this time his visa is valid only in Manhattan. He wanted to pay tribute at Ground Zero, but his request to go there was denied.
I think that decision was wrong. Yes, many people believe that terrorist groups have strong relationships with Iran. If that’s true, images of the Iranian President at the memorial site might cause terrorists to think about the destruction. If that’s not true, then what is the problem with his presence there?
Some of President Ahmedinejad’s speeches remind me of the old rock song, “Wild Thing.” When he claims there are no homosexuals in Iran, I am surprised, indeed. Still, even the wildest speeches are better than the most “regular” wars. When a politician wants to address inquiring minds, he is doing the right thing. Why would anyone stop him from doing that?
Columbia University should be proud of itself. Others should follow its example. President Bush should speak at important universities in Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran – and he shouldn’t be surprised if he receives visas for only a single district in the Arab cities he visits.
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