Stifling The Opposition

NOT LONG AGO at the University of California, Berkeley, that exalted bastion of free thinking progressivism, an unfortunate, not so free thinking progressive event transpired. Two noted, controversial conservative speakers, Ann Coulter and Milo Yianopoulos, were scheduled to speak, and the mere fact of their impending presentations incited a veritable uproar within the often vociferous student body. If memory serves were cancelled. If they weren't, they were rudely interrupted repeatedly by supposedly open minded progressives. But why? Why rue their appearance at all? Why not instead encourage those with whom one disagrees to openly present their point of view? Exposing error provides the opportunity to discount it. You're right, they're wrong, right? Then why not hear them out, and calmly, respectfully, intellectually dismantle their arguments, and expose their error? Certainly, Ann and Milo are idiots. Quite intelligent actually, but, utterly twisted and corrupt. They offer only nonsensical blather. Ann, for example, once said that the best way to resolve Islamic-Christian disputes would be for all Muslims to convert to Christianity. Fat chance, blondie. Only a mentally ill person could say that, and really believe it. As for Milo, he combines insane ideas with a comedic touch. He's funny and entertaining. What's wrong with that? I seem to recall his making some deplorable racist comments. Again, so what? let them rave on, let them dig their own grave. The alarming trend is that people tend to be fed and to listen only to opinions which conform to their own preexisting prejudices. This is not the way to learn and grow. On conservative talk radio, liberal callers are never put on the air. Limbaugh used to claim that liberal went to the front of the line; he stopped making that claim, because it obviously wasn't true. When did you last read any publication or watch any television program or hear any radio program that presented a variety of viewpoints? its probably been awhile. I used to listen to rush Limbaugh, but I finally lost patience. At least I tried. I might walk across the street to listen to Ann or Milo, but I wouldn't pay any admission, and I might not stay till the bitter end. But at least I wouldn't try to stop them from ranting their rave.