Saturday, May 23, 2009

"Liberty" University

I thought that I would take a break from blogging for at least a week or so.  Yet I came across this news item on the CNN Political Ticker Blog 

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/23/liberty-university-bans-college-dems/

Liberty University has decided not to recognize its chapter of College Democrats.  Therefore, the College Democrats are not allowed to do any work on campus.  The university has not refused recognition to the chapter of the College Republicans.  Liberty University stated that the Democratic party "stood against moral principles".   Students involved in the Democratic Party were not Christian enough to be a representative of the school. In this decision Liberty University has proven itself to be 'an agent of intolerance'; a label was given to Jerry Falwell, the founder of Liberty University by Senator John McCain. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbNImNX8Xuw

Frankly, the fact that Jerry Falwell is an agent of intolerance is not news, even before the 2000 Presidential campaign when Senator John McCain took a stand against the religious right.  This thwarting of dissent and diversity of opinion is unacceptable.  It doesn't matter if Liberty University is a private institution or not. It is giving in to the lowest form of partisanship... to say that another party.... another opinion... is the party of lesser people... more despicable people.  This is not true.  Abortion rights are about privacy.  Gay rights are civil rights.  The privacy of the citizenry and the civil rights of fellow brother and sisters certainly is not sinful...it is morally right. Obama says that we can agree without being disagreeable... however the agents of intolerance are going to continue to poison the atmosphere of politics and hinder progress. I do agree with Senator McCain that there are agents of intolerance on both the left or the right.  Never mind the ideology, however, Liberty University is an intolerant institution. Some might read this and think that I might be just as intolerant as Liberty University.  This is not the case. No matter how much I might disagree with the Republican party, I have never advocated for the College Republicans not to be recognized by the administration of St. Olaf or any other institution.  Also I know that I might be wrong.  We need opposition in a democracy.  Why is Liberty University afraid of opposition? Do the people at Liberty not truly believe in the conservatism or fundamental Christianity they espouse? The answer is not fear or lack of conviction... it is merely intolerance. 



Friday, May 22, 2009

Krakow Part Two The People, the Jewish Section-Kazimierz, more of the streets

Preparations for a concert on the Market Square

Piwo Gratis-Free Beer!!!
A Vintage Beer Delivery truck
Campaigning for the European Parliament- Volunteers for Polish Member Boguslaw Sonik

Israeli Soldiers at the Temple at Kazimierz
Inside the Temple at Kazimierz

The Jewish Temple at Kazimierz

Krakow Part One Wawel Castle, the Market Square, and the Streets

The Market Square of Krakow-The Largest Square in Europe



The Vistula River

Wawel Castle