[SuperJon]

I'd even go to convo if they showed up, and I'm completely serious. I'd love for someone to come in here and try to convince me to vote for em. I'm just as tired as the next guy of republican, republican, republican but there hasn't been a democrat that I could at least agree with on a couple things show up yet. I'd love for them to come in and tell me something I didn't know.

[ALUmnus]

What Liberty truly needs is a democrat that has the guts and isn't afraid of a few boos and comes in here and calls Liberty's bluff and takes them up on the offer they're required to make. That would truly shake Liberty up and send tremors throughout campus!

Doesn't this just say it all. We've all just been aching and begging to hear something from an enlightened marxist. Liberal logic, just heard once by one speaker, will open our eyes and we will all fall to the ground with the shakes and repent of our follies. I think I saw a church like this on tv once.

[kel varson]

This is for a differnet topic but many dems in the south are now running pro life campaigns. Seems they are catching on.

[Fumblerooskies]

You got 4500 newly registered voters in Battleground Virginia...
...it would make perfect sense for Obama to come to LU and speak before the election. He's missing a publicity gold mine (not that he needs it)

[JDUB]

obama was considering coming here in the spring, but he has no balls. kraut, he was invited and turned the offer down. he came to the burg and could have spoken at the vines or the bill to a much larger crowd than ec glass, but he isn't interested in that. he is only interested in trying to convince ignorant people that don't understand economics or politics to vote for him. sounds to me like your beef is with him, not LU. there is a democrat headquarters downtown, why don't you go complain down there or ask for an email for your ole boy barak. i'm sure he'd love to listen to your question and then completely stammer around it and change the subject

[Hold My Own]

I was talking to someone yesterday and we both were talking about how we thought Doc would lose his IRS exemption this campaign lol

[RagingTireFire]

Still not convinced that 'kraut' is an actual person.

[belcherboy]

Kraut,

So what is your solution here? Is Liberty not allowed to bring in political candidates, or talk about politics unless a Democrat actually takes accepts an offer to speak at Liberty?

Jerry invited them (Kennedy actually came), JJ has continued that trend. The only choice Liberty has, as you stated in your complaint, is to not let Republican candidates, or members of their campaign come to the University and speak, because we know that the Democrats aren't going to accept an invitation from Liberty.

[ToTheLeft]

Still not convinced that 'kraut' is an actual person.

I can provide you with a facebook link to the actual person if you desire it.

[krautmasterflex]

Kraut,

So what is your solution here? Is Liberty not allowed to bring in political candidates, or talk about politics unless a Democrat actually takes accepts an offer to speak at Liberty?

Jerry invited them (Kennedy actually came), JJ has continued that trend. The only choice Liberty has, as you stated in your complaint, is to not let Republican candidates, or members of their campaign come to the University and speak, because we know that the Democrats aren't going to accept an invitation from Liberty.

I'll give you what I feel the best options for a solution are although I'm not sure how realistic they are. First let me say, that I personally enjoy listening to politicians speak, I enjoy politics and thats the way the game is played, its when other factors come to play that things get to be a little close to crossing the line.

Therefore, I obviously i wouldn't want Liberty to halt bringing in politicians to speak here, the problem I have is when things start to get blatantly one sided, whether intended or not . As Jon mentioned earlier its a steady stream of Republican, Republican, Republican. As far as Jerry Jr. not saying directly who to vote for, by bringing in a steady stream of one party, even if the offer is made to and refused by the other side it gives a definite appearance of being one sided. Whether intended to look that way or not, it definitely does look that way. As my poll is proving people know which way Jerry Jr. wants students to vote, it isn't even a question.

I see 2 possible solutions that I believe would leave everyone feeling good about this problem.

Solution 1. Perhaps we work out a system, a sort of TITLE 9 type deal of political convocation speakers to keep everything even and not make it look like the university leans one way or the other. Where we can bring in a speaker from party 1, give the choice to the other guy in party 2 and if he refuses then we do not bring in another speaker from party 1 until we have a speaker from party 2. This system could reset every election season. That would promote a more concentrated and genuine effort to bring people in from both sides. As well as this would limit one single party from almost having a monopoly on convocation. Just a thought.

Solution 2. This is my favored solution and it raises the question of why should political candidates be allowed to talk at a convocation where attendance for on-campus students is mandatory? Perhaps we simply eliminate candidates from speaking at convocation at all. It would take the stress off the administration of having to run the fine line of not losing Tax Exempt Status and it would not create so much political tension between students. Instead let candidates hold rallies in the vines center or wherever at a specific time other than convocation. Then you could have as many politicians from one campaign, one side come in as you like and no one would be offended. Big name politicians, Clinton, Bush, Obama, McCain can draw a crowd that is as big as convocation with out attendance being mandatory. Also anyone who wanted to go hear someone would be in a totally relaxed atmosphere because they would be choosing to attend, not being forced to attend.

I think either of these solutions would totally transform the political landscape here, easing tensions for everyone concerned.

[LUconn]

Your "title IX" idea has the same flaw the fairness doctrine has and the same problem with most american's thinking ruining the electoral process. There aren't 2 political parties and nobody is 100% left or right. Would we have a Republican, and then a democrat, and then a libertarian, and then a constitutionalist, and then a green party rep, and then a communist, and then a socialist, and then a Wig, and then etc. X100 until we could have a republican again? There are 1000 shades of gray within the political spectrum. Not 2.

[PastorZack]

Having Obama speak at LU is like having Al Sharpton speak at a Klan rally or David Duke speaking at Rev. Wright's church

[RagingTireFire]

Having Obama speak at LU is like having Al Sharpton speak at a Klan rally or David Duke speaking at Rev. Wright's church

If you can't see the obvious problem with that statement, I don't know what to tell you.

[krautmasterflex]

Having Obama speak at LU is like having Al Sharpton speak at a Klan rally or David Duke speaking at Rev. Wright's church

This is the idiotic, nut case, fringe element, we sometimes have to deal with popping up at LU... Unbelievable... I rest my case.

[ToTheLeft]

I am an idiot....

FTFY

[Hold My Own]

Having Obama speak at LU is like having Al Sharpton speak at a Klan rally or David Duke speaking at Rev. Wright's church

This is the idiotic, nut case, fringe element, we sometimes have to deal with popping up at LU... Unbelievable... I rest my case.

I am the biggest believer that nobody should be called an idiot on a message board when you dont agree with their comments on defense, schedules and other sports related opinions...but you my friend make me rethink that

Our past speaks for itself, we welcome all of those with differing opinions with open arms. Always have, always will, We've had people that even some Dems would cringe to think about inviting b/c you never know what they may say. You're also the type person that thinks that Doc was closed minded to opposite sides meanwhile he mentored those going through tough public affairs but the moment he hung up the phone with them they'd fight and argue on CNN...it's ok, it really doesnt matter what you think on a message board...it matters what opinions those on the opposite side who actually knew him think...well and really God

[RagingTireFire]

Having Obama speak at LU is like having Al Sharpton speak at a Klan rally or David Duke speaking at Rev. Wright's church

This is the idiotic, nut case, fringe element, we sometimes have to deal with popping up at LU... Unbelievable... I rest my case.

You rest your case?

First of all, you haven't made a case to rest.

Secondly, nothing you have argued previously pertains in the slightest way to what PZ said.

Thirdly, you can't argue that there is a significant and pervasive problem and then "rest my case" based on something entirely different popping up -- as you put it -- "sometimes". That's like saying that an entire building has a rat problem and then "resting your case" when someone throws a dead porcupine at you.

Despite several efforts to the contrary, I am still not convinced that this person exists. He sounds like somebody's imaginary parasitic twin.

[4everfsu]

Maybe the person is not a student at LU

[belcherboy]

Kraut,

So what is your solution here? Is Liberty not allowed to bring in political candidates, or talk about politics unless a Democrat actually takes accepts an offer to speak at Liberty?

Jerry invited them (Kennedy actually came), JJ has continued that trend. The only choice Liberty has, as you stated in your complaint, is to not let Republican candidates, or members of their campaign come to the University and speak, because we know that the Democrats aren't going to accept an invitation from Liberty.

I'll give you what I feel the best options for a solution are although I'm not sure how realistic they are. First let me say, that I personally enjoy listening to politicians speak, I enjoy politics and thats the way the game is played, its when other factors come to play that things get to be a little close to crossing the line.

Therefore, I obviously i wouldn't want Liberty to halt bringing in politicians to speak here, the problem I have is when things start to get blatantly one sided, whether intended or not . As Jon mentioned earlier its a steady stream of Republican, Republican, Republican. As far as Jerry Jr. not saying directly who to vote for, by bringing in a steady stream of one party, even if the offer is made to and refused by the other side it gives a definite appearance of being one sided. Whether intended to look that way or not, it definitely does look that way. As my poll is proving people know which way Jerry Jr. wants students to vote, it isn't even a question.

I see 2 possible solutions that I believe would leave everyone feeling good about this problem.

Solution 1. Perhaps we work out a system, a sort of TITLE 9 type deal of political convocation speakers to keep everything even and not make it look like the university leans one way or the other. Where we can bring in a speaker from party 1, give the choice to the other guy in party 2 and if he refuses then we do not bring in another speaker from party 1 until we have a speaker from party 2. This system could reset every election season. That would promote a more concentrated and genuine effort to bring people in from both sides. As well as this would limit one single party from almost having a monopoly on convocation. Just a thought.

Solution 2. This is my favored solution and it raises the question of why should political candidates be allowed to talk at a convocation where attendance for on-campus students is mandatory? Perhaps we simply eliminate candidates from speaking at convocation at all. It would take the stress off the administration of having to run the fine line of not losing Tax Exempt Status and it would not create so much political tension between students. Instead let candidates hold rallies in the vines center or wherever at a specific time other than convocation. Then you could have as many politicians from one campaign, one side come in as you like and no one would be offended. Big name politicians, Clinton, Bush, Obama, McCain can draw a crowd that is as big as convocation with out attendance being mandatory. Also anyone who wanted to go hear someone would be in a totally relaxed atmosphere because they would be choosing to attend, not being forced to attend.

I think either of these solutions would totally transform the political landscape here, easing tensions for everyone concerned.

My problem with your first solution is that it gives the Democrats the ability to tell Liberty how much political content they will have in convocations. While I was at Liberty (mid 90's), I heard Dan Quayle, JC Watts, Oliver North, I think I heard Newt, among several other prominent Republicans/GOP supporters, sometimes 2-3 in the same year if it were an election year. Now if your first solution was adhered to, only one political speaker, per year would be allowed to come to convocation....no matter how nationally prominent they were, unless a Democrat came to speak. I can pretty much guarantee that the Democrats would love this solution.

The second solution is tricky as well. From what I understand, the candidates like the morning speaking engagements at Liberty because 1) they don't have to set up/pay a fee to speak, 2) it leaves their evenings open to speak to adults that are working, 3) they are more inclined to accept because it is easier on them and their staff. Also campaign stops are not planned very much in advance (late in the election they go to the battleground states). If the candidate were to stop at Liberty outside of convo time, classes would have to be shifted, evening practices could be affected, any other campus events would be affected, etc. for students to attend. Convocation is the most appropriate time that wouldn't affect the activities on campus.

So basically if they didn't make convocation mandatory for that day, you would be happy? Great solution, make the suggestion to the appropriate person. Much easier than the detailed solutions you give above.

[Baldspot]

What Liberty truly needs is a democrat that has the guts and isn't afraid of a few boos and comes in here and calls Liberty's bluff and takes them up on the offer they're required to make. That would truly shake Liberty up and send tremors throughout campus!

Obama had the guts to seek out the Christian vote by attending Rick Warren's summit and it was largely considered a mistake as he was ill-prepared for simple questions involving abortion and others. He was so bad liberal blogs were declaing McCain must have seen the questions ahead of time. McCain stole the show and Obama has stayed clear of Evangelical Christians ever since.


http://www.christianpost.com/article/20 ... enough.htm

[Purple Haize]

Here is the number 1 biggest flaw in the argument. When Barry came to Lynchburg, he did NOT come to a large arena to which he was invited. Instead , he went to a smaller venue where his campaign staffers caused all sorts of ruckus with parking, public works, busses, etc. He was here, he had the chance to speak at LU and he turned it down.

[Kolzilla41]

This is exactly why I look at Obama supporters and shake my head.

[skittles, loves it <3]

Dear, Mr. Obama

We would like to invite you to our beautiful campus to talk about your campaign. We have gotten over 20 requests to hear you speak at our Convocation Center, and hope that on your way to Roanoke you would stop by. Our address is 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg VA. 24501. Please let our Campus Past--uh--Gnome Johnnie Moore know if you will be able to make the trip.

With Thanks
Jerry Fellwall III

Baaaaahahahahaha

[JDUB]

I don't understand how you can be upset with the school for not having people in when they are invited to come here? what more can they do? and the 2 solutions listed are no bueno for reasons already stated.

ron paul came when over half the people didn't agree with him, and I thought that went pretty well. there is no reason for obama to not come here except that he can't handle questions about Christian values because he doesn't understand Christianity because at his church they are more worried about being racist and hating white people than they are worshiping God and reading the Bible.

I bet he could answer questions about the muslim faith though... I'm not saying he's muslim, but I bet he knows more about muslims then he does Christians

[Hold My Own]

I don't understand how you can be upset with the school for not having people in when they are invited to come here? what more can they do? and the 2 solutions listed are no bueno for reasons already stated.

ron paul came when over half the people didn't agree with him, and I thought that went pretty well. there is no reason for obama to not come here except that he can't handle questions about Christian values because he doesn't understand Christianity because at his church they are more worried about being racist and hating white people than they are worshiping God and reading the Bible.

I bet he could answer questions about the muslim faith though... I'm not saying he's muslim, but I bet he knows more about muslims then he does Christians

Well I hear being raised in a muslim school you tend to learn a lot about that type faith!