16 years ago, diploma in hand, I set off from Villanova University to live life as a college graduate. I have always been proud of my experience there and have remained plugged in as an alum. Lately, I have begun to wonder if the place has evolved in a strange direction. This past Autumn, as part of the election lecture series, they had a pro choice priest, Robert Drinan, speak. Then there was the whole Mine Ener issue. The latest thing to have me scratching my head is this article in the campus newspaper entitled "Seminar presents bleak picture of Iraq."
A professor of Islamic Studies and native Iranian told students last Tuesday that America's nation building efforts in Iraq will fail. The seminar was conducted by the Villanova Muslim Student Association, and the keynote speaker for the evening's event was Dr. Farhang Erfani of the University.
Erfani painted a bleak picture of the current state of the war in Iraq and the chances of creating a successful and peaceful democracy. The majority of his lecture was dedicated to the idea of nation building in Iraq.
A self-described political junkie, Erfani spends the first three to four hours of each day catching up on the situation in the Middle East by listening to radio broadcasts from the region over the internet.
From his perch atop the desk Erfani was at once both self-effacing and confident, humble yet full of conviction. When he spoke, the room was silent, as everyone seemed to be captivated by his words and conclusions.
Huh? Did he have on fabulous cologne as well? Has he been there? What should we make of the encouraging stories our returning military tell that are supressed by the MSM?
I am all for diversity of opinion and academic freedom. I also support equal time for dissenting views. But here is my question: does the University even bother to seek out speakers with views that do NOT dissent? Will anyone speak on Iraq there who has a point of view that isn't "bleak?" Don't hold your breath.
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