Happens all the time so it's okay
Reader comment on item: My Disrupted Talk at the University of California-Irvine
in response to reader comment: What's wrong with protesting? Or is it just what's being protested?

Submitted by Sofa Sogood (United States), Feb 8, 2007 at 06:36

You mean you don't know the difference between protesting and disrupting? A protest is outside, with placards, and not interfering with the people entering. Not inside marching and chanting.

Just because there was no physical violence? It's a very sad day because it seems the UCI Chancellor, Mr.Gomez, agrees with you.

Yeah, you say, so what -- it happens all the time. Is that how you evaluate what's acceptable and what's not? Because it "happens all the time?" Good luck.

First of all, it doesn't. Can you imagine if 100 people went to every "Talk," no matter the topic, took up seats that could have gone to those actually interested in the program, then got up, shouted out the name of the speaker, and chanted whatever they felt like?

Why not? As long as the program was eventually able to continue (although no one considered what the evaluation would be if it were not). Mr.Gomez and you say it's perfectly okay. Lovely idea of free speech. I think I'll start a new group. SDT -- Students for Disrupting Talks. Happens all the time, so it's a-okay. And whether it's a contemptable way to behave or not, it's legal!

Another thought -- notice that the Pro-Israel group "sang" in response to the aggression. I wonder what the Pro-Palestinians response would have been had the tables been turned? Would they have burst into song? Or is it more likely there would have been total ugliness and even perhaps, violence? Just a question.

Did you happen to listen to what was being said outside? Did you notice that their supposed "free speech" purpose had nothing to do with having their opinions heard -- but rather to "demoralize?" Cool, huh.

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