Morons In California State Assembly Haven't Heard Of U.S Constitution
Specifically, the part about the right to free speech.
They've passed a resolution that calls for universities to crack down on criticism of Israel. Jonathan Turley writes:
Passed by a voice vote, the resolution includes language that equates criticism of Israeli policies and actions as "anti-Semitism." While the resolutions original purpose is laudatory and does include clear expression of anti-Semitism, its drafters decided to include criticism of Israel and its human rights record in a measure that at a minimum chills free speech by professor and students alike. Drafted by Republican Linda Halderman, there was no hearing or debate allowed on the resolution. Just a voice vote.It should be kept in mind that this is a non-binding resolution and, as such, has little coercive impact on universities. However, as public institutions, these schools are likely to take such a resolution as a guideline for the future to avoid the animus and possible retaliatory measures from the legislature. It describes anti-Semitism that should "not be tolerated in the classroom or on campus, and that no public resources be allowed to be used for anti-Semitic or intolerant agitation."
...Such anti-Semitism includes speech accusing Israel of "crimes against humanity"; "language or behavior [that] demonizes and delegitimizes Israel"; claims that Israel engages in forms of "ethnic cleansing"; statements portraying Israel as a "racist" or "apartheid" state; statements "applying double standards by requiring of Israel a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation;" "actions of student groups that encourage support for terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah"; and "Student and faculty-sponsored boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns against Israel." These are some of the cited examples that are then the basis for the resolution to encourage universities to take further steps to protect Jewish students from such speech.
This makes criticism of Israel the same as a hatred for the Jewish people and human rights activists (and various United Nations figures) bigots.
I'm an atheist now, but I grew up Jewish and I fully support your right to make bigoted remarks about me, Jews, Israel and anything else you want to make bigoted remarks about. I am, of course, still free to debate your remarks -- which is how a free society and our society is supposed to work, thanks to our brilliant, beautiful Constitution.
The notion of thought crimes -- especially "hate crimes" -- is especially disturbing, and I wish we'd do away with it. It crosses a dangerous line.
It is essential that we use our free speech and that we fight violations of it, because every time there's a chill on free speech, it makes it easier and easier for free speech violations in the future.
This is one reason I find it so important to support theFIRE.org, which defends civil liberties on campus -- in turn, showing students that they can and must stand up for our rights, and instructing them on what those rights are and how they should play out in our lives and public institutions.
I agree that the referendum is constitutionally invalid.
The problem is the anti-Semitic megaphone is much louder, and better funded. What needs to really happen is have courses on Judaism and the Islamic study courses need to be real and study the back half of the Qur'an.
Jim P. at September 7, 2012 6:42 AM
Amy Alkon
https://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2012/09/morons-in-calif.html#comment-3323116">comment from Jim P.Absolutely, Jim P. For those uninformed about Islam (whose "informedness" comes from mainstream media and a desire to believe Islam is just another religion), the later part of the Quran -- the violent part that calls for Muslims to convert or kill the non-Muslims -- abrogates the earlier part. Also, the Quran is to be taken literally and unquestioningly as the word of god, and Muslims are to follow its commands. (The Bible is allegory and a historical document -- we're not supposed to go out and slaughter all the Midianites, etc.)
Amy Alkon
at September 7, 2012 6:48 AM
Exactly right, Amy. The First Ammendment doesn't say anything about our rights to not hear or see things that might offend us, it's up to us to change the channel, walk away or debate the issue like adults, whatever the situation calls for.
I fully suport someone else's right to say stupid shit, because I have the right to come right back and tell them that what they just said is stupid and why. Or I can just not give a flip and walk away. It's my choice.
Unfortunately, too many people have been raised to believe that they can stomp their feet and cry and make what they disagree with go away. Because, Hate. It's so sad to watch a grown man throw a temper tantrum I wouldn't have tolerated from my 3 year old child. We need to bring back those old School House Rock videos and re-educate this entire generation on the inner workings of the Constitution and Government in general.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Kat at September 7, 2012 6:55 AM
What really needs to happen is we need to publicize who funds these religious/political ideological courses which have no place in a serious university. Show how much money they get in resources and grants from the state and who supports them - then pressure them to be cut off.
After that - it's "live and let live".
Knowledge is about wanting to learn despite how you feel about the outcome. I don't think religious/poltical ideological studies funded by the outside interests who have no desire in what America stands for, or the universities who get this money are interested in Knowledge - they care about dissemenation of propoganda.
Privatize the university systems and watch courses like this drop from the offered course list. Serious students won't tolerate this BS - and serious students are there for a purpose.
If you want a religious studies course - go study theology in some seminary school designed for that.
Ridiculous.
California is probably the biggest offender of the Consitution.
Feebie at September 7, 2012 6:56 AM
Feebie, they will not drop from the course list. Our ally, Saudi Arabia, funds much of this Islamic propaganda. There is, as Amy has oft noted, no shortage of people willing to delude themselves and others about this political philosophy masquerading as a religion.
Its adherents have the right to belong. They have the right to say what they wish about whom they wish. I will respond in kind. When it comes to violence, we have laws against that, and I expect to see them enforced to the maximum.
I am tired of nonsense like the Army pussy-footing around the Ft Hood shooter. Court Martial him, convict him, and execute him. His religion is irrelevant. The charge is murder, not Islam.
MarkD at September 7, 2012 9:23 AM
But Amy a just last week a gay Midianite criticized my shoes...if that is not reason enough to slaughter them I don't know what is
Ppen at September 8, 2012 3:30 AM
I don't want to be a "protected group" - the whole notion of "hate speech" and "protected groups" is the problem.
If there were a culture of truly open discussion, instead of PC thought suppression in the name of "fairness" - we wouldn't have this problem in the first place.
Ben David at September 8, 2012 10:58 AM
This doesn't surprise me, America has always equated criticism of the government of that one particular country with Nazism.
I do support the right of -private- universities to put whatever restrictions they want on peoples' speech, lifestyles, etc... don't like it, don't go there.
But I do NOT support the government getting involved in it.
NicoleK at September 9, 2012 3:37 AM
Quick thought, but are there really any truly private universities anymore. Dont all of them get at the very least tax breaks on their property?
lujlp at September 9, 2012 10:37 AM
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