“We refuse to choose between Islamic fundamentalism and American imperialism.”

[prolesunited]

This was written on a poster of one of the protesters outside of Columbia University today.

In light of the discussions here today, what do you think of these words?

[porphyrian]

1. I'm not sure those are the only choices, but they are two.

I'm starting to believe we should be, or live, the choice we want rather than wait for someone else to offer it.

[prolesunited]

6. Be the change you want to see in the world

My husband and I live our own lives according to our own principles, but there our many things that a government could (or should) do that is beyond our grasp in such areas as health care, education and housing.

But we are working to minimize our ecological footprint and live more simply, which I think if everyone did would help this imperialistic system implode on itself sooner rather than later. It's just not sustainable.

[porphyrian]

7. Unfortunately our government is corrupt and largely unresponsive.

That's why I think we should focus on what we can control - ourselves. Then, by setting example, we can prove there are other options.

[MikeNearMcChord]

2. I say HEAR HEAR!!! That is the best response

I see and I agree.

[dweller]

3. way over the heads of the average murkins

that seem to be too focused on something (anything) to place the blame on other than self.



dp

[tekisui]

4. Refuse. It's a false choice we've been served up.

[BlooInBloo]

5. There ya go. There's just GOTTA be a third way.

[liberalmuse]

8. I think it's a trite, black and white slogan that has no meaning.

We have a lot more choices, and no one is forcing anyone to choose between those two ideologies. The fact that the Iranian leader was allowed to give a speech at a major University at the same time Mr. Bush and Fox News are trying to rattle the sabers for pre-emptive strike in Iran proves that we still live in a relatively free country. The fact that people tried to scream him down and anyone down who doesn't immediately say he is evil proves we have a bunch of jackboot wannabes in this country. Personally, I think it is a good idea to listen to what OTHER world leaders have to say. Especially someone as demonized by Mr. Bush and our press as Mr. Ahmadinejad is, whether it be rightly or wrongly so. It gives people a chance to decide for themselves what kind of man he is, and it is educational in helping to understand different cultures, and their agendas. I'll make my own judgement, preferably apart from U.S. media propaganda, and the people whose knowledge of this guy consists of exactly two sentences.