It’s fine to disagree, but do not disallow

It was May of 1972. The nation was torn, much as it is today. Years of the Vietnam War … and years of protests in America … had created a divided nation. One side argued in favor of the fight against communism and support of the troops. The other side didn’t understand the reasons for the conflict and saw too many brothers and friends coming home in boxes. This was the climate that led up to graduation day for the Villanova University Class of ’72. It was to be a gala event at the long-gone Convention Hall in Philadelphia. Parents and family were so proud. Graduates were excited to enter a new chapters in their lives.

Then it was announced that the commencement speaker was going to be Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, the youngest man to serve as U.S. Chief of Naval Operations. Zumwalt was one of the major figures in the Vietnam War.

This move was viewed by graduating students as an affront to the anti-war sentiments that pervaded their class. An appeal was made to Villanova President, Reverend Edward J. McCarthy. However, the appeal was dismissed and Admiral Zumwalt’s appearance as commencement speaker was confirmed.

A movement immediately spread through the graduating class to protest the unwanted speaker. Leaflets were distributed on campus. Phone calls were made.

On the morning of commencement, bright orange stickers were distributed, proclaiming, “No More War.” It was a reference to the 1963 papal encyclical by Pope John XXIII, “Pacem in Terris” – or World Peace. A large number of students wore the stickers on the top of their mortar boards. It was quite a sight.

The formal protest took place in the middle of commencement exercises. When Admiral Zumwalt was introduced to speak, an estimated one-half of the graduating class rose from their seats and, in a solemn and orderly procession, moved to the back of the great hall. After the speech, they returned to their seats.

The point was made – and well-covered by the media that day.

The biggest difference between the infamous day, almost 45 years ago, and today was that there was no effort to silence Zumwalt. He was allowed to speak.

And those who listened would hear the words of a man who went on to gain acclaim for doing a great deal to combat racism and sexism in the U.S. Navy. But, that day, it was all about the Vietnam War.

Jump ahead to the events of last week at the University of California in Berkeley.

At the request of a group, the Berkeley College Republicans (yes, there are a few on that far-left campus), conservative author and talk show

host Ann Coulter was asked to be a guest on campus.

Immediately, a torrent of discontent swept through Berkeley. It was unthinkable that the voice of an unpopular opinion would be allowed in this cathedral of leftism. Threats of violence against Coulter were made.

Citing security issues, the university canceled Coulter’s visit last week. When an outcry arose from those who invited her, and national media outlets, the speech was rescheduled for another date at a more secure location. Of course the date, time and location were all orchestrated to remove Coulter from the public eye as much as possible.

The speech never took place.

A lawsuit was instituted by the Young America’s Foundation and Berkeley College Republicans against the University for “discriminating against conservative guest speakers by placing onerous time and location restrictions on their appearance.”

The hypocrisy is undeniable.

Proponents of leftism – mainly colleges and students – who are supposed to be in favor of free speech, are the first to limit it.

We have seen, time and again, speakers who hold unpopular views by the Left, shouted down and prevented from appearing in a public forum.

Please, somebody, provide one instance where a conservative group prevented someone on the Left from giving a public speech. If they do, the charge of hypocrisy will be lifted.

The rational, peaceful and civil exchange of views is the cornerstone of the American political system. Anything that restricts that exchange is the first step on a very dangerous path toward a fascistic and totalitarian society.

Disagree, but do not disallow.