Posted by JohnS on May 13, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I never figured a Southern Baptist conservative school like Furman would be so closed minded. He is our president like him or not.

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I defend the people's right to voice their opinion....BUT when it comes to enviro ISSUES!!! CARMELA!! start in your own back YARD!!! Laurens Co landfill is getting ready to expand by 140 acres! Don't you read your OWN newspaper UP there!!! GEEZ!!
CARMELA!! you want to complain about greenhouse gases....start with the PEE DEE COAL FIRED PLANT that is trying to permitted!! Why dont you protest down at DHEC and Gov Sanford's office instead of the president!!
The War ...ok...BUT ENVIRONMENT? Start looking in the mirror!!!

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CARMELA!!!!!! Here is today's lesson 4 YOU!!! Go to www. startech.net and STUDY!!! Then go to Google and type in Joseph Longo; and then when you are finished reading about him, type in "TORNADO IN A CAN".
We here on the front lines..HIGHLY suggest you then get to know who is your MAYOR, City Coucil members, and STATE leaders ARE!!!! Start wearing ARM BANDS for them and go to a LANDFILL and have a LOOK around!!! MAYBE A FIELD TRIP FOR YOUR CLASS!!!!

Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Screw them, I hope they fail in all they do!
He is our President, though you may have differences, you respect and support him. How many solders from the south would spit in your face for making such a BS statement?
Let's see, our youth will let the President of Iran, who has participated in killing our citizens and solders on an invitation speak at a university and don't want the President of their own country to give a speech. I hear Mexico has some vacant land,,,,go there!

Posted by grits1973 on May 13, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunately, this article fails to mention that students are rising up in protest against the protestors. There are many current students at Furman who feel as I do -- it's an amazing honor to have the President speak at your graduation. It's not about politics or differing political views. It's about the office of the President and the fact that no other sitting President has ever visited Furman. What an incredible event for this year's graduates! I only wish I had been so lucky back in 1995 when I graduated from Furman. And, at the time, that would have been President Clinton, a man I didn't vote for and didn't like, but one who held an office I hold in highest regard. Shame on those protesting, especially the faculty. This is not an occasion for partisan debate!

Posted by Larz13 on May 13, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Carmela probably hasn't bathed in a week b/c soap is harmful to the environment.

Posted by ColdBeer on May 13, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Although I think former President Clinton was a terrible President, I would never have disrespected the man while he was President. I voiced my opinions that differed from his, but never in a disrespectful way. The Office of the President of the United States of America should always be respected. These kids should be ashamed of themselves. Their parents did not teach them well.

Of course, Bill is no longer President and he's certainly not acting like an ex-President, so all gloves are off :)

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I haven't agreed with everything Bush has done. I think it was stupid as anything to wait forever to go into Iraq, trying to conivince the UN and the Democrats that it was a good idea first. If we had gone in 6 months earlier, I think we would've been long gone by now. That being said, people forget that in the days after 9/11, Bush warned this would be a long, complicated war. No false promises were made. Remember, we are NOT at war with Iraq, we are at war with terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and who knows where else? Freedom of speech, yes, but do it respectfully.

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Grayrider - Are you kidding me? You think going into Iraq was a good thing? Why? They did not have anything to do with 9/11! Anyone who thinks they did is a fool!
Is this still America? Those students have the right to their opinions, just like anyone else! They will not win this fight, but they still have the right to protest.
Even better…when Bush shows they should stand-up and walk out or not attend at all. Yes, he is the president and he is an idiot. No one deserves respect just because he was able to steal 2 elections.
I know, I know, the neo-cons that post everyday will start to circle and attack. Go ahead! Bush was a C student and an F as president! Some may say the F stands for fantastic, I think you know what the F stand for with me!

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt - The liberal media has about as much journalistic integrity as the National Enquirer. They all want to conveniently forget that in 1999, ABC News ran about a 5 or 10 minute report detailing their evidence of a new alliance between Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein and their agreement to go after "common enemies". Also, all the major networks reported years ago that Iraq was an Al Queda safehaven for years. But you're right. This is America. Believe what you want. If you want to believe that Saddam had no idea Al Queda was in Iraq, that they snuck in and hid there without him knowing it, that's you're decision.

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WMD’s? Found any? This war is about oil and nothing else. Over 4,000 Americans dead, hundreds of thousands Iraqis dead, millions displaced, and no end in sight for the all mighty dollar! I am not conveniently forgetting anything; I opt to believe the truth and not propaganda.
The American Military Industrial Complex has always believed that war is a money maker; they just got it really wrong this time. And Bush is the talking head for their crap!

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, when I said I didn't agree with everything Bush has done, you just brought up (in a round about way) my number 1 complaint. To say the war is over oil is ridiculous. WE HAVE FAR MORE OIL THAN IRAQ!! Bush promised to drill in Alaska and has failed miserably. Poor leadership. We should ban the importation of middle east oil completely.

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The WMD's issue depends on your definition. We found Sarin Gas, we found the canisters used for chemical and biological warfare, we found a warehouse full of chemical suits and related weaponry, we have evidence of Iraq enriching uranium. However, I will concede that we did not find anything "locked, loaded and ready to fire". It was all circumstantial evidence of WMD's, granted, nothing that you would call "courtroom evidence", but you make the call.

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just say no to OPEC! But please do not destroy a beautiful place just to run our cars.
Bush has always been a follower and never a leader.

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

In 2000, I said I liked Bush's ideas, but I'm worried because he just seems like too nice of a guy for Washington. He might get run over.

He did.

Posted by wpc3iop on May 13, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The office of President, as well as the man, should be respected even though you may not agree with all of his policies. What a shame that something like this is happening in our state...the people at Furman should know better!

Posted by CHRISJIII on May 13, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just because this idiot is president does not mean that anyone has to show him respect if they feel that it's unwarranted. The students & professors have every right to have their feelings known. He's an idiot and a liar who is responsible for thousands of American deaths as well as tens of thousands of Iraqi deaths. No wmd were found there and Al Queda was not in Iraq until we got there and deposed Saddam. No matter how many times you GOP'ers keep saying otherwise the truth is the war was an oil grab that failed terribly.

Posted by ironhorse on May 13, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, send my regards to Dorothy and the Tin Man next time you see them.

Posted by hadenough on May 13, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on, the kids at Furman are exercising their rights that thousands of Americans have died to preserve, regardless of the popularity of their methods. We have forgotten that the President works for us and is accountable to us.

Posted by willbillbedamned on May 13, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'd be a lot more impressed with the protesters at Furman if they'd done or said something before now. The Furman area hasn't been a hotbed of political protest. It just seems more like it's convenient now, since the President happens to be dropping in. The college kids today have had no dog in this fight because of the absence of a draft. I did my four,'69-73, but I had no problem with the protesters of the time. I also think Bush sucks.

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ironhorse - bite me! Over the rainbows in where the neocons live if they think the White House will be there this time next year. We are done with the fools and greed mongering idiots!

Posted by bigwhip on May 13, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Furman University needs to have any federal benefits they may be receiving eliminated as the city of Berkeley, CA was threatened with for their stance against the military recruiting offices. A group of amoeba at best.

Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Next time you all go to work, I want you to walk in your CEO's office and tell him he's an idiot! I think unemployment pays $234 a week!

Posted by ironhorse on May 13, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, KMA (!)

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

God Bless America!!

Posted by Gordon on May 13, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm all for people voicing their opinions, but I'm also for showing respect to the Oval Office. I just hope that when President Bush arrives he's not heckled in any way. I would be ashamed to be a South Carolinian if that happens. I also think that many of the students and faculty are being narrow minded in their thinking. How many deaths were averted by The United States taking the war on terror to them rather than conducting war on our soil? How many lives of our US citizens were saved by the so-called torture that never permanently harmed anyone. I think that we as a nation have become very spoiled and take our liberties for granted without understanding how we keep those freedoms and liberties. Is President Bush prefect? Is ANY President we've ever had perfect? Of course not. But as Presidents go, I think President Bush is one of the better in history for what our societies now face on a global scale. Where was Clinton when terrorists bombed our NY Trade Center twice during his administration or when our embassies around the globe were attacked and bombed or when one of naval vessels were bombed killing some of our soldiers? All talk and no action. Now we have a President of action and some don't like it because they feel that it'll just bring more terrorism to our soil. In fact, I would argue that inaction is a sign of weakness to the terror groups and we would be seeing many more attacks. Go ahead and voice your opinions, but be prepared for rebuttal and keep your minds open.

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmm..
"..some of the students who signed the statement are organizing a public reading of the names of U.S. troops killed in Iraq."

I wonder if they will read the NAMES of the people who died on Sept 11th including the fire fighters!!

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Narrow minded cool aide drinkers! Do they put something in your water at work as well! To think that anyone believes 9/11 has anything to do with the Iraq War is walking around with their heads stuck up their butts!
Bush is not my boss or my CEO, and I will say whatever I want, because I am an American! My grandfather defended my rights during 3 wars, as well as my husband during the first Gulf War! The president of the United States is a person plain and simple, just like us, albeit dumber than most! He is not a god, or a prophet, just a man! You all acts like he walks on water….he is an inept, blubbering idiot who has cost us costless lives!
He’s war on terror is just as good as all the “War on Whatever”. The war on drugs has worked wonders, right! War on cancer, found a cure yet? War on illegal immigration, steamed the tide? Fight them there, so they don’t follow us home…..pig crap! Saudi Arabia is the country that supplied the terrorist of 9/11….Bush is visiting them this week. If we have a policy of no talks with “the axis of evil” countries, then what is he doing talking with the enemy? The Saudis are the terrorists, but we need their oil, so we will suck it up and turn the other cheek to fulfill that monkey on our backs….OIL!
Go take another big gulp from the cool aide and take your flag lapel pin and call yourself Americans, but the only true patriots are the ones that question everything about the government. Of the people, for the people and by the people. Heck, I’m Bush’s CEO!

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ironhorse - all puckered up! Better to kiss an horses rump than the Saudis!

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, speaking of Kool Aid, drilling in one tiny remote part of Alaska will do absolutely nothing to harm the environment. Between Alaska, the Coast of Florida and California, and this newest find in the upper Midwest, we have no need of oil from anyone.

Freedom of speech for everyone!

However, we are in agreement about Saudi Arabia. Bush should not be trusting them. It's the same as the WMD's. The evidence is circumstantial, but come on.....

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt...

Have you ever been to a beach in Saudi Arabia?
Have you ever walked around a MALL in any of those countries.
Have you ever had dinner in a restaurant there?
How many wives does your husband have?
Do you love to drive? Try driving a car there!
Do you walk behind your husband?
Do you enjoy commenting in this forum?
This is about much more than OIL!! Sorry..but my wife walks beside ME!
AND...I WILL defend your right to say what you will! YEP!

Posted by summerville_guy on May 13, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JohnS,

Furman used to be a Baptist school, but they dropped the Baptist affiliation around 10 or 15 years ago. The only Baptist colleges left in SC are Anderson, North Greenville, and Charleston Southern.

Posted by Early on May 13, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

newt, My great grandfather served, my grandfather, my father, myself and my brothers. I served because I am a patriot and I will post this again, I bet 99% of the soldiers would spit in the faces of those who would protest our President. I believe in the right of freedom of speech but, I also respect the President which represents my country whether or not I agree with him.
Patriotism is deep routed, it goes along with honor and valor. Guess we just don't see eye to eye on this, oh well!

Posted by TP on May 13, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the coolest thing to happen in this state in a long time. F*ck George Bush and all his rich, arrogant, greedy political allies.

Memo to working class, religious Bush-supporter guy out there: W doesn't give a flying f.u.c.k. about you or your values or your religious beliefs or your financial well-being. How long are you people going to continue taking it in the backside from this administration, smiling all the while as if you somehow relate to this guy? As if you have anything in common with this guy at all.

Students at a southern baptist college essentially tell this president to get f'ed? Ah, that is truly a beautiful thing.

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MATTER OF FACT.. NEWT!

I like your SPUNK!! If Bush gets you this steamed..would you do something for me!!
(EARLY & COLDBEER..your gonna like this!)

Newt... go to www.startech.net! please.... and read!
1) Do you realize the trash your husband takes out is energy?
2) Do you realize we have 18 landfills in this state that need to be closed down? That are reported!
3) Do you realized this energy can be SOLD or used to power our city and school buses?
4) Do you realize that Florida has buses running on hydrogen NOW!
5) Do you realize your trash should be picked up for free ..reducing your taxes?
6) You think Bush is screwing US...just look at our MAYORS, County Council MEMBERS, and STATE REPS! They are allowing waste management companies to funnel money back into their campaigns to keep landfills open and ruining OUR childrens GROUND WATER! Doesn't this make your BLOOD BOIL??
7) At least we know how many troops have sacrificed over there...do YOU know how many we are sacrificing by contaminating our ground water??
8) How much LEAD, ARSENIC, MERCURY is going to be pumped on your grandchildren's food when it is grown and distributed in the FOOD CHAIN??

JOIN ME NEWT!...I NEED YOUR ATTITUDE!

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TP.. You Too!!

Heck all of YOU!!! If we don't want to get screwed ..we need to start in our own backyard FIRST!!

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

President is a job title, not some divine position bestowed from above! If the president can’t take the criticism from American citizens, who he is suppose to represent, then they shouldn’t be in the position.

At least my posting has got everyone thinking and speaking; which is the most American thing we can do!

I do agree that we need to be energy independent and I do believe we can do that through many avenues, including developing our rich reserves at home, and investing in renewable resources. If the oil companies will invest in safe, environmental sustainable ways to drill and refine our crude…..do we think they are willing to spare profits for the environment? I would say MAYBE, but not likely. If we forced them to, than we could be freer than any nation on this blue-green earth.

Zoomru…..not sure of your point, but I do not walk behind anyone in life. I prefer we hold hands and walk together towards a greater, stronger nation.
We hold the power to a better world, if lefts and rights can join somewhere in the middle we can do anything!

Early, please don't spit on me because I have a different opinion. Smile on me because I take full advantage of my rights to speak out!

Posted by zoomru on May 13, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What needs to happen is to start bombarding City, County, State, and AGENCY honchos with emails, and links to www.startech.net !! These machines run themselves and will be paid for by investors with the issuance of TAX-FREE MUNICIPLE BONDS!! There doesn't have to be a tax increase what so ever!

Posted by bigwhip on May 13, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, you are one of the amoeba. Your bitterness and negative remarks hurt you and no one else.

Posted by hadenough on May 13, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bigwhip

Amoeba? Been watching the Discovery channel or somethig? You seem pretty angry about a bunch of Americans exercising their rights what gives?

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigwip....what have I said that is so bad? That I have an opinion about a lame *ss president and his cronies? Please...take a moment to think for yourself and stop drinking from the communal trough.
Kool aide is good, but not that good.
Thanks greyrider, I forgot how to spell Kool aide when I stopped drinking the “bug juice”. Ever see it’s effect on corrosion on a car battery?

Posted by jsks on May 13, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is Patriotism defined as blind obedience? Is it not possible to respect the office of President while at the same time, questioning its motives. The President is not a monarchy or oligarchy, it is an office. The President is ultimately responsible to the people, not the other way around. If students want to protest the President, it is their right and is the purest form of liberty and the excerise of freedom. Those that think otherwise, should re-read the constitution and the history books.

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YES! Someone sees!

Posted by LowcountryMoose on May 13, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Real Americans respect the Office of the President, yet, always question the one who heads it. Confused Americans respect the W.

Posted by chalstonbred on May 13, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

luvyadubya!

Posted by TP on May 13, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

charleston bred- that might be the gayest thing i've ever read.

Posted by greyrider on May 13, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I always said I think Bill Clinton was the worst President we ever had. I thought he was a disgrace to the office. BUT, when he was President, I always said, America voted for him, we're stuck with him, fight him on Capitol Hill to minimize the damage. This is America, we have freedom of speech. Protest within reason. Carry signs, hand out literature, boo if you want, but let him speak. He has freedom of speech also. Let's celebrate our freedom respectfully.

BTW, I'm not a "neocon", I'm old-school conservative. I'm on the same page as Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, Charles Carroll, John Jay and those other radicals.

Posted by Newt on May 13, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew Bill was dog the first time I voted for him and I knew he was a dog the second time I voted for him. I also know that I was better off financially during his term (please no trickle down theory comments) then I have been under the present administration.
I respect the founding fathers for their bravery and sacrifice! I just wish some people would stop wearing them like flags draped around their shoulders without truly discovering their intent or studying our own history. I’ll take a old-school conservative any day! Check out my post on the prisons, I’m not so bleeding heart myself

Posted by ForPnC on May 13, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I respect the OFFICE of President.

But I do not, in any way, shape or form, support or respect the BOY in that office right now.

Posted by chalstonbred on May 13, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

then you must not be very well read and especially unfamiliar with the PnC if that's the worst of it

Posted by ForPnC on May 13, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is coming from someone that just posted "luvyadubya?" Someone that can't capitalize or use punctuation? Yes, one can tell that you are a supporter. Poor you.

Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 13, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who can blame the graduates. I would not want Bush at my graduation either...they are most likely aware that his economy will mean a job at the local hambyurger joint. people cant afford to drive so the Car Wash is out.

Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 13, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

God Bless America, and save us within the next 9 months until Bush finally leaves office...if we have a USA when he is done. It might belong to Chna or Saudi Arabia

Posted by charlestonnative1963 on May 13, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Zoomru---what has 911 got to do with anything...Iraq had nothng to do with it...BUT Bush's friends in SAudia Arabia sure did....ever seen the picture of Bush with the Bin Ladin family...who incidently were allowed to fly out of the US on 911

Posted by chalstonbred on May 13, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that's what i get for a charleston county public school education, sorry. i didn't realize everything had to be so "proper" on an online blog :) my apologies

Posted by asdpe on May 13, 2008 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've been following these comments most of the day, and finally decided I had to respond. As a proud Furman graduate (Class of 93), and a NON-fan of W, I'm glad to see those students and faculty exercising their 1st amendment right to freedom of speech. Anybody remember that, you might have learned about it in school? You know, the Constitution? The right to peaceful, orderly expression of dissent........wasn't that what our Founding Fathers wanted us to be able to do, unlike in some of the countries our ancestors came from?

And yes, jsks, I agree completely. Patriotism does NOT mean blind obedience. This is my current favorite quote, and it comes from Edward R. Murrow: "We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it."

Posted by Georgeg on May 13, 2008 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This looks like the typical professor with a liberal agenda.
I am also proud of the great men and women that have given there all in service to there country. These men and women were volunteers. These men and women chose to risk there lives and no one made them.
I believe you show them disrespect by using them to protest. Someone is pretending to care that 4000 soldiers have been killed but I believe it is just someone's way of taking a poke at an opposing political party.
If you really want to make a difference why not teach your students about highway safety. We have over 40,000 people killed every year on our roadways. approximately 200,000 people have died since the war started. Millions of dollars are spent on roads each year but we see no change in design. Most of these 200,000 people didn't realize the danger they were in while on the road.
When I see the differences between the numbers of volunteer soldiers and the numbers of civilians that just wanted to take a vacation I know someone is playing politics and trying to influence as many students as possible.

Please look at what China and India are doing to the environment before you criticize the US.

Posted by Early on May 14, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How many of these graduates will be serving their country in the military?

Posted by number1volsfan1 on May 14, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, you are right! People (like myself and all the brave men and women in the middle east) protect your right to be an idiot!

P.S..It is ridiculously hypocritical to say you "support the troops" and not support their mission or their Commander-In-Chief. Your self-righteous tirades desecrate what your husband has accomplished in Iraq!

Posted by hadenough on May 14, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volsfan

Your concept of absolutes shows your ignornace and by the way what was accomplished in Iraq?

Posted by number1volsfan1 on May 14, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While in Iraq (Jan 2006 - May 2007) I made many Iraqi friends. Everyone of them thanked me for ending the reign of a terroristic dictator and his family. Conditions may not be perfect, but at least the people of Iraq have the freedom of electing their own representatives.

Conditions are steadily improving. these people are now learning they can have a voice and oppose tyrrany without fearing the Government. Isn't that the true definition of freedom?

I challenge you to go to Iraq and convince a mother and her children that the United States should have ignored their cries for help (as the Europeans did).

Posted by 10216340 on May 14, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The article called Furman a "fairly conservative school." Are they kidding? The writer obvioulsy didn't even do a half-hearted effort at homework for this article. Furman is as far away from conservative as a private college can get.

They are so liberal I would never allow my child to attend there. I would be more afraid of what that school's liberal professors would try to stuff down my child's throat than I would be if he attended any other SC college.

Posted by hadenough on May 14, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Number one fan, you are not the only OIF veteran on this website, having participated in the invasion myself , I personally think American lives are the only ones worth going to war to protect, I dont care if there is now running water, general elections or cable TV in Baghdad these things are not worth one drop of American blood. Sometimes countries need to throw off the yoke of oppression as we did and not rely on the U.S. to do it, if you think your job was to help out the Iraqis you should have joined the peace corps.

Posted by asdpe on May 14, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey there, 10216340. From where do you get this idea about Furman? It appears to me that you've never visited there, don't know their policies, etc. Can you say "dry campus"? And that's just the tip of the iceberg............

And another thing I'm confused about from some of these posts......if you attend a liberal arts college, isn't part of the goal of that program supposed to be to expose students to many different ways of thinking, open their minds to see more sides of an issue, consider other perspectives, etc? If you want to go to Clemson and study engineering or "ornamental horticulture" as one of my HS teachers did, that's fine. But in a well-rounded, liberal arts education, you are not going to live inside a bubble, you are going to be asked to THINK. And when thinking, you make up your own mind about issues ranging from religion to global warming to war to homosexuality and everything in between.

Maybe a professor presents you with ideas and perspectives that you don't agree with......ok, that's your right not to agree. But in the real world, you cannot stay insulated from other perspectives or from people unlike yourself. The way to grow intellectually is to learn from the ideas and thoughts of others, then make your own value judgments. Period.

Posted by jsks on May 14, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Its nice to see there are some level headed thinkers posting on this blog. Why is everything liberal, conservative, patriot, unpatriot? Why do some of you people think policy is so black and white? It's reassuring to know that some folks realize that policy decisions and how we react to things are nuanced and not always, clear cut. C'mon, people, give yourselves some leeway to think outside of what you have been taught your whole lives. Why can't someone support the troops and at the same time question how the war is being waged and whether it was an effective strategy to go into Iraq? I just don't understand?

One more thing that gets under my skin. For the majority of us who don't have loved ones fighting oversee's, you should ask yourself, what you are doing to help America? Are you still driving your gas guzzling SUV with a fat American flag sticker on the bumper? Again, I am not saying those that drive SUV's are unpatriotic, but I am saying that we all are responsible for America's choices and sometimes we ALL need to take a good hard look in the mirror before we go out and spew this nonsense about unpatriotic or the liberal media, etc... It's so 1980's.

Posted by Newt on May 14, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volsfan

I will borrow from asdpe

Patriotism does NOT mean blind obedience. You have no idea what my family has scarified to the multiple wars through our history.

Our administration did not go to Iraq to help them out from under Sadaam, they did it over oil. If it was because of the people suffering why have we not invaded Darfur, Malaysia or any of the countless other countries run by tyrants? WHY, because they have nothing we want!
So, I’m glad you feel proud of your service, you should, but don’t assume you know anything about me or my family or our dedication to our country. We just have no respect for W!

Posted by Newt on May 14, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BTY - my self serving triades are the very reason my husband respects and loves me and he fills the same way!

Big raspberry to you volfan

Posted by Early on May 14, 2008 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Newt, do you hike yor leg to pee?

Posted by Newt on May 14, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If needed! Especially if I am peeing on big Bush!

Posted by Early on May 14, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lol!!!!!, good come back

Posted by Newt on May 14, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can pull them off once in awhile:-)

Posted by ForPnC on May 14, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, that's what I get for working during the day. I missed out on all the great comments! LOL at Newt and Early!

Don't forget folks - this country was founded on dissent.

Posted by 10216340 on May 14, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

asdpe wrote...."Hey there, 10216340. From where do you get this idea about Furman? It appears to me that you've never visited there, don't know their policies, etc. Can you say "dry campus"? And that's just the tip of the iceberg............"

Unfortunately, I am unable to give you information about where I've learned about Furman since it might come back to haunt me some day. However, since it is part of my job to know about institutions of higher education I feel qualified to speak about how liberal it really is. Just because a campus is considered "dry" doesn't mean it is conservative. I do know a great deal about furman and have been on the campus many times.

Accept it or not (doesn't matter to me), furman is liberal to the core.

Posted by asdpe on May 14, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Suit yourself. I didn't know I was asking for double-secret spy info...........and if your opinion is that Furman is liberal, I won't argue any more because I don't necessarily consider liberal to be a bad word. :)