September 24th, 2004

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Politics
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How’s That Freedom of Speech Working Out For You?

Via Dooce, we learn that a number of Utahians (Utites? Utahers?) are up in arms about Michael Moore’s impending visit:

The college has received a steady stream of complaints from across the nation, from a grandfather vowing he won’t come to his grandson’s graduation to an employer swearing to never again hire a UVSC graduate. Many parents and alumni have expressed disgust that the college is using student fees to pay Moore $40,000 to speak at the college and one e-mail administrators received said that if they didn’t cancel the speech a UVSC diploma “might as well be printed on twin-ply, perforated tissue paper and dispensed on rolls in bathroom stalls.”

I’m constantly amazed at the political and cultural polarization in the States. The rage and loathing on both sides of the fence is well-nigh Northern Irish in its depth and clarity. Well, that’s a bit incendiary, but it’s getting nasty down there.

Comments: 7 Responses so far

Arjun Singh
September 24th, 2004
4:13 pm

After reading the article you linked to, Darren, we also learn that Utah Valley State College is inviting conservative speakers to “offset” Michael Moore. Not clear to me if thay had always intended to do that or if the backlash prompted them to do so.

I guess context and timing is important here. With the US election campaign in full swing and with the election date hardly a month away, UVSC had to know they were walking into a firestorm on this one.

Thing is, though, if Moore and his conservative co-guests actually engaged in a respectful exchange of ideas, this event might actually be very useful. But, I agree, politics has become so nasty, not only in the US, bit here in Canada as well.

I fear USVC is going to confuse voters further rather than clarify any real issues. Much better, but much less sexy, to put some of their professors up on the podium to set out the important policy differences between democratic and republicans.

In this vein, have you seen Jason Kottke’s post looking for “essential resources for people who need to register to vote” in the US.

http://www.kottke.org/04/09/need-us-voter-info

Brilliant!

[Reply]

'nee
September 24th, 2004
5:57 pm

On a related note:

During a heated debate about the new Iraq, one congressman said “Why don’t we just give them our constitution? After all, it’s worked well for hundreds of years!” A second congressman said “Good idea. Besides, this country isn’t using it anymore.”
- Playboy’s Party Jokes

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El Baronne
September 24th, 2004
7:11 pm

Some Americans are just dumb as a box of hair. Most, actually. It’s so pathetic how things have gotten here. That’s life in the “market economy” cum society I guess.

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Heron
September 26th, 2004
1:12 am

It’s actually Utahn (pronounced “yoo-tawn”) and to give a bit of local perspective on the issue, UVSC is a tiny college situated within a few miles of the violently conservative BYU. It’s hardly surprising that there are calls for blood, given the attitudes of the population there. Utah is such a conservative state that Clinton came in third in 1996 (behind Ross Perot) and even our Democrats are Republicans.

If they had situated the lecture in the far more populated and progressive capital city of Salt Lake City, it is highly doubtful that there would be such an uproar. So, the story there is simply that Michael Moore’s handlers know exactly how to wring the maximum amount of controversy from any given situation.

What they don’t tell you in that article is that the lecure completely sold out in about two days. So even in this deeply conservative area Michael Moore can bring em in. I am bit miffed, personally, that they chose such a small venue, making it impossible to get seats. We are thinking of going anyway, just to see the protests.

Your Utah correspondent, Heron

[Reply]

Chris
September 26th, 2004
10:58 am

You’re from Utah? How’s Ken Jennings doing?

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Heron
September 26th, 2004
8:53 pm

I wouldn’t know, as I don’t watch TV. :D

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Andrea
September 26th, 2004
9:28 pm

UVSC is probably looking to draw attention to itself. They recently won provisional acceptance as a member of the NCAA, so their profile is on the rise. (In the US, being an NCAA can help you draw both academic and non-academic students and faculty.) They also offer an open door policy for college applicants, meaning anyone can attend. This can be very appealing to students in other states, who would like to attend an NCAA school (or any school), but, for whatever reason, did not do well in high school. Given these factors, UVSC is wise to put itself in the middle of a controversy.

[Reply]

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