On Tuesday, Oct. 14., Robert Spencer got 30 minutes into his speech before a group of protestors from Muslim Student Association (MSA) showed up and interrupted the presentation. The irony, of course, is that this kind of harassment is precisely what Spencer was condemning. These protestors weren't interested in engaging in a discussion, or they would have shown up on time to hear Spencer's points. They were interested in straw-man arguments and ad hominem attacks. They repeatedly, and falsely, asserted that Spencer claimed all Muslims were violent. Rather than finding flaws with his actual argument, they attacked his credentials.

When Spencer praised freedom of speech they responded by chanting "freedom of hate." Others compared Spencer's talk to "the kind of hate mongering that led to the Holocaust," displaying a blatant disregard for historical accuracy and a sincere lack of respect for those who perished in the Holocaust. If we truly wish to prevent another Holocaust, we should be working to stop the Islamic radicals hoping to repeat it. Mr. Spencer identified the word "Islam" as meaning "submission." The MSA responded by chanting "Submission is surrender and surrender is peace." But, as Patrick Henry asked, "Is peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?" The answer of all who truly oppose the jihadists should be "no." Unfortunately, the MSA appeared to be shouting "yes."

Samuel Settle

freshman-political science