The purpose of this letter is to simply point out the incredible hypocrisy of the left.

The arguments for Steven Salaita's reinstatement are "freedom of speech" and "academic freedom." In his own words, "universities are meant to be cauldrons of critical thinking. They are meant to foster creative inquiry and, when at their best, challenge political, economic or social orthodoxy." And, "respect these ideals (free speech and academic freedom) and do not succumb to financial pressure or political expediency by silencing controversial or unpopular views."

It's interesting then when we look at keynote addresses at university convocations by conservative people. Condoleezza Rice pulled out from her address due to student body and faculty resistance because of her role as the U.S. secretary of state under George W. Bush during the Iraq war. The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, bowed out of speaking at Smith College after students there protested.

Robert Birgeneau, who was chancellor at the University of California Berkeley when police used batons to break up an Occupy protest, declined to attend the graduation ceremony at Haverford College, where he was set to receive an honorary degree. Students and faculty had objected to the visit.

You see, liberals don't believe in freedom of speech. They only believe in freedom of liberal speech.

Your arguments for Steven Salaita fall under deaf ears.

THOMAS R. SCAGGS

Champaign

Read the original here:

Freedom of speech used selectively