Protests mar presidential address
I was appalled and embarrassed by the protest put on by SMU students during President Bush’s speech.
After guards silenced the ugly spectacle, the protesters loudly complained about their free speech being violated. Perhaps they ought to be thankful that their disrespectful, shameful act was cut short, further preventing them from being the center of a weak demonstration.
I strongly believe that, as Americans, we have the right to protest; after all, the Bill of Rights declares in Article 1 that “Congress shall make no law … abridging … the right of the people to assemble peacefully.”
But the scene in Moody Coliseum was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Outside protesters were allowed to be as loud and demonstrative as they wished. Those who protested inside must admit that, had they been disturbing the peace and order of a Democratic or Green Party rally, the same actions would have been taken there; that is, they would have been escorted out in a courteous manner.
On a smaller and more relative note, when someone jumps up and starts yelling in a movie theater, he is asked to leave. No one disputes this decision, even if the person has paid money to see the film. Once inside the theater, certain behavior is expected.
I can understand (but not agree with) why the protesters were angry in thinking that their right to free speech had been violated. But did they stop to think that they were intruding upon the free speech at the Republican rally?
I am still surprised that, after a moving introduction that included songs celebrating our nation and freedom and a tribute toward Captain Scott O’Grady, the protesters still tried to mar the President’s patriotism-evoking speech by chanting about the United States’ confrontation with Iraq.
I find this disgusting. When people ironically use the very freedom given to them by fallen U.S. soldiers to disrupt a patriotic rally, I cannot help but pity their selfishness and insolence. I understand that political rallies are ideal platforms for protesters to voice their opinions (and for college students to blatantly vie for the camera’s attention), but the protesters really only hurt themselves in this case.
Despite their cries of pessimism, the spirit of hard-working, grateful Americans was not dampened by the ruckus. Instead, our strength was revealed when almost the entire coliseum of God-and-country loving patriots drowned out the bad seeds by chanting “U-S-A” in a deafening response.
Yes, I am let down by the selfishness of a handful of my fellow students, but I am even more impressed by the unification of the people whom I consider the heart and soul of this incredible country.
