Please take your time and read the transcript from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He's in New York for the United Nations general assembly and spoke today at Columbia University. His visit was shrouded in controversy and many called in an abomination that he was invited to "spew his drivel" in an American institution. I even heard that the State of New York was considering pulling funding for the university.
For me, the read was an interesting one. It took awhile to get into what Mahmoud was saying; he started off with a rambling sermon about science full of quotes from the Qu'ran that I'm sure were a yawner for those in attendance. (note to self...)
Even though it was revealed through his answers that his logic isn't sound, I found myself agreeing with the sentiments of some of his responses. He was taken aback at the rude introduction given him by the acting university president, as it is a great disrespect to insult a guest. Ahmadinejad made reference to Iranian culture, but I have a feeling it might be a more general trait of all Islamic culture. Having spent some time in Morocco, I know firsthand that hospitality there is unmatched throughout the world (that is, the parts that I know). The President of Columbia lost some of his clout with, what I deem, an insulting introduction. Additionally, I agree that science is a tool to be used for the good of mankind, but if used as a tool of manipulation, it is detrimental. Pharmaceutical companies that withhold treatment in the name of bigger profits is an example.
"If humanity achieves the highest level of physical and spiritual knowledge but its scholars and scientists are not pure, then this knowledge cannot serve the interests of humanity." I agree.
He also delved into the Palestinian question. While I do not agree with him that violence and terrorism is an adequate response to violence and terrorism (it seems like a childish "he did it first" sort of response), I do agree that the Palestinians should be able to decide their own future instead of having it dictated to them through forceful or manipulative means, either from internal or foreign sources. However, if they choose to wage war or commit violent acts against others as their chosen path, I cannot support that decision.
Either way, please check out the link. It's important to investigate the world around us and understand how we can be involved in it.
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"Even though it was revealed through his answers that his logic isn't sound, I found myself agreeing with the sentiments of some of his responses. He was taken aback at the rude introduction given him by the acting university president, as it is a great disrespect to insult a guest. Ahmadinejad made reference to Iranian culture, but I have a feeling it might be a more general trait of all Islamic culture. Having spent some time in Morocco, I know firsthand that hospitality there is unmatched throughout the world (that is, the parts that I know). The President of Columbia lost some of his clout with, what I deem, an insulting introduction."
Yes, I agree here. While I don't "agree" with their invitation to him and un-invitations/rudeness to conservative speakers, I was extremely taken aback at how the president of Columbia University disrespected an INVITED guest. I agree with basically nothing the Iranian president said concerning politics, but I do agree on what he said about Muslim culture. If Iran hosted the Columbia President, invited him (as he as done) and televised it, I believe he would be shown great respect.
The whole thing was just a mess...
btw, what did you think of Ahmadinejad's response (or lack of) to the captive Israeli soldier's wife?
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