The decision by Duke University to host the 2004 conference of the Palestinian Solidarity Movement (PSM), has sparked extensive discussion on the issue of free speech. “You should not think the truth is so weak that it needs the power of suppression,” said Duke President Richard H. Brodhead, explaining the decision to host the PSM conference because of the university’s commitment to free speech and academic freedom.
Speaking of truth, here are some truths on the PSM, and its conference:
As a solidarity movement, it is not our place to dictate the strategies or tactics adopted by the Palestinian people in their struggle for liberation.
Two motions regarding this fifth principle were put to vote – one to alter it, and one to remove it. The motions were defeated, and delegates erupted in cheers when the vote results were announced.
Update: Here is more on the PSM and its terror conference. And while you are at it, this and this are also worthwhile reads.
Update: Duke President Richard H. Brodhead was glowing after the conference. This is what he had to say:
“”We’ve had a peaceful conclusion to a lively weekend. The Palestine Solidarity Movement conference, the programs at the Freeman Center, the Concert Against Terror and other events provided our students and others an opportunity to learn about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and related issues. We will have more programs on these issues in the future, and expect this important discussion to continue.“From the very beginning of this controversy, Duke made clear it was not in favor of one side or the other. Rather, it embraced its role as a university in providing a setting where people can voice their opinions freely. That’s what’s happened over the past few days, and I thank everyone — our security teams, our student affairs staff and many others — who worked so hard to help us live up to our best traditions as a university. I’m especially proud of our students who, even though they have different political views, all showed great leadership in pulling off successful events amid considerable challenges.”
Remember that the conference was a forum for finding ways to destroy the state of Israel, and not to find ways to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Despite this fact, Brodhead expressed the fact that Duke does not take sides. There is no room for even-handedness where one party wants the other party destroyed.
By the way, if you are still in any doubt about the true aims of this conference, I have provided the following picture of conference attendees and supporters marching through campus after the conference ended.
Those are Neturei Karta members in the middle, and they completely oppose the existence of the Jewish state of Israel.
