Michael Perelman writes:

>> I don't think this is very productive.  One minor point.  The "crybabies" 
>> are not
>> complaining about criticism, but rather pressure to stop them from speaking,
>> publishing.

We disagree factually, so let's leave it at that.  I cited the specific example 
of the controversy over the Mearsheimer and Walt book tour.  I think I am right 
on that example.

>>
>> David, if I launch a successful protest to prevent Olmert from speaking in 
>> the US,
>> would you approve?  If I prevent publications from speaking favorably about 
>> Israel,
>> would you approve?

I think the problem here is you are being very loose in your language.  
"Prevent" him from speaking?  What does that mean in context?  Pass a law?  
Disrupt his speeches?  No, I would not approve.  I think you would be childish 
and dictatorial.

On the other hand, would I complain if Olmert asked to address your econ class 
and you said no?  No, I would not complain.  I could really care less.

There are a lot of hypotheticals in a gray area we could think of.  It really 
depends on the context.  However, you keep on mixing up whether I believe 
somebody should have the right to make a decision (employer has the right to 
fire somebody because they are pro-Zionist), and whether I personally believe 
somebody should make a decision (a person should be fired because they are 
pro-Zionist).  Just because I believe in the right does not mean I believe in 
the should.

David Shemano

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