Daniel is right: free speech should be protected. Campuses are becoming increasingly inhospitable to free speech. Opposing viewpoints (anything that doesn’t follow a hard-Left line) are stigmatized and demonized (not refuted). Speakers generally present only one point of view. But treason and sedition? Not protected speech. And it is quite likely that Daniel would say that AFDI, an entirely peaceful group that advocates nothing but the enforcement of existing laws, should be banned from campuses. But not the Islamic State.
“Tennessee lawmaker: ISIS should be allowed to recruit at colleges,” by Joel Ebert, The Tennessean, March 17, 2016 (thanks to Ken):
Speaking on behalf of a bill centered around free speech, a Knoxville-based lawmaker on Wednesday said a terrorist organization should be allowed to recruit on college campuses in Tennessee.
While presenting a billed dubbed the “Tennessee Student Free Speech Protection Act,” Rep. Martin Daniel, R-Knoxville, fielded a question from Rep. John DeBerry Jr., D-Memphis, about whether he believed ISIS should be able to stand in the middle of university campuses and “recruit for ISIS.”
“Yes,” Daniel replied. “So long as it doesn’t disrupt the proceedings on that campus. Yes sir. They can recruit people for any other organization or any other cause. I think it’s just part of being exposed to differing viewpoints.”
The remarks came after a debate about the bill, which Daniel said “would direct schools to observe freedom of speech on campus.”
While introducing the legislation, Daniel said students’ free speech on Tennessee college campuses has been diminished in recent years because of unfair policies….

Peter Charles says
Well, how about the KGB, KKK, Israeli intelligence service, N. Korean Intelligence and so on? OK for them too?
mortimer says
Hold it a moment. While I like the idea of encouraging freedom of expression, why don’t we GET CREATIVE?
Why not simply make joining a debating society A GOOD THING to do while at college? Why not make participating in debate a PREREQUISITE for many courses?
That will teach students to respect other points of view as well as learning that there may be weakness in their OWN POINTS OF VIEW. This will teach the important virtue of HUMILITY in debating.
That HUMILITY is what is particularly lacking on campuses at the moment. That lack of HUMILITY is a distinguishing feature of every sort of FASCISM.
NationOfStupidIsHere says
I’d rather those who violate the civil rights of other people by attempting to deny them their constitutional right to free speech have their stupid little asses thrown in jail.
Oliver says
The Israeli intelligence service is not hostile to American freedoms. North Korean intelligence? (Is there any person there that has some?).
I agree with Mortimer- re: debate. When I was in high school, many decades ago, a requirement in a Social Studies/history class was a debate. Pick an issue (2 person teams)-pick a side. Then, teacher MADE YOU TAKE THE OPPOSITE.
In college, I had a professor who did the same. Learned to respect other viewpoints.
Kepha says
Speaking as a former Foreign Service Officer, there is no such thing as a friendly foreign intelligence service.
But I agree with you and Mortimer about debate. Unfortunately, students today have such limited perspectives and little understanding about how to research a topic. In high school, I teach some things that I learned early in middle school or late in grade school.
Ivan Bogdanov says
Are you the Chicom plant I hear people talking about?
Oliver says
Kepcha–by friendly–I refer- Israel is not AN ENEMY-(like, say Iran-whose ass Obama is kissing–while they refer to the US as THE GREAT SATAN and have crowds screaming DEATH TO THE US., or North Korea.
An intelligence service first loyalty should be to his/her country. (Unless that country is running amok- like North Korea; Iran; etc).
Oliver
Bamaguje says
But Trump shouldn’t be allowed to speak uncomfortable truths that undermine the Left’s pro-Islam & pro-illegals narrative. Hence his Chicago rally was shut down.
TPalya says
They aren’t American citizens, anal cavity!
Nice of you to lump MOSSAD in with all the despots. HATER!
Julie K says
Wow, just wow. I am speechless.
Myxlplik says
Yeah, me too actually, because it sounds a lot like sedition to me.
People should be free to espouse viewpoints, but actually recruiting Jihad against western civilization should earn you a trial amongst your peers for treason.
mortimer says
Myxlplik wrote: “People should be free to espouse viewpoints”…
…yes, but we’re talking about the freedom of MORE THAN ONE SIDE to express their opinion.
That means DEBATING SOCIETIES are the way to go, rather than the uncouth, boorish and uncivilized, Alinskyite shouting matches that obtain on most campuses today.
It is up to university presidents, boards of directors and senior deans to channel the political opinions of students into debating societies where the validity of each side may be tested.
Myxlplik says
Excellent and eminently pertinent clarification Mortimer, thanks!
Gerald Mucci says
That’s one dude with his head up his behind. What sort of folks do you think voted for and still defend him and his ignorant and seditious words? Are we near a tipping point where such assinnine remarks are favored by the clueless, self-destructive powers that be?
Carolyne says
The main campus of the University of TN is in Knoxville. I assume that know-nothing students put this idiot in office.
I believe that publically advocating or recruiting for ISIS is illegal: Supreme Court of the United States No. 19, 268. US 652 Gitlow vs New York. as it would advocate the overthrow of the US Government by force.
Keys says
So, given the case you cited, could a debater who advocated for the violent overthrow of the US government be jailed? Is that Mortimer’s point?
It is one thing to debate as an exercise in learning, and quite another to debate as a representative of an organization advocating government overthrow.
gungadin says
Carolyn: I’m an American Veteran, pushing 80 and a grandfather of six. I can remember a time when the Stars Spangled Banner was played before the start of a movie in local movie houses — and everyone stood. Now, I see professional ball players fidgeting, scratching their butts and chewing and spitting tobacco when our Anthem is played. Sen. McCarthy who chaired the House Un American Activities Committee said there’s Commies in our State Department and everybody laughed at him. Now we’ve got a Socialist, far left Muslim supporter in the White House who won election not once but TWICE. Every day it seems I see more and more outrageous news. My grandson lamented sometime back that he was bullied in school. I told him the same thing happened to me but I knocked the kid on his butt and I was never bullied again. My daughter interjected at the time “Wrong answer grandpa”…..We’ve become a nation of spineless wussies that makes allowances for everyone else at the expense of our own peril. I pity my grandkids and everyone else’s unless this country turns around and quickly.
Tom says
Would this traitor approve of the German and Japanese armies recruiting at USA campuses during WW II?
mortimer says
Makes it easier for the FBI and CIA to find the enemy agents.
Lee says
Maybe it would make it easier, but do you really think Loretta Lynch would prosecute anyone except Christains holding a service or NRA members holding a membership drive/ firearms safety training session?
miriamrove says
If that is the case let’s have Iranian agents recruit there as well. M
mortimer says
Those Iranian agents are already in the country and checking out the water reservoirs.
Lee says
While I see the obligation to maintain the right of freedom of speech, if Islamic voices gain footing, they will soon attempt to deny anyone else the same prerogative. They will attempt to shut down free discourse of ideas. Look at Europe today. Look at any agency where the main fear is being “islamophobic.” Every other voice is soon quashed. Every other voice, if it’s contrary to Islam, is denounced and banned. Anyone with an opinion differing from the Islamic norm woulld soon be in fear of his/her life. And what will the campo do? Nothing. They will do nothing because at that point the jihad will be a fait accompli, and the administration will be cowed into acquiesce. I can’t see how incitement to sedition is legal anyway.
Red Bee says
But of course they have the right to reveal they are enemy combatants. You can then arrest them or shoot them. I don’t see the problem.
Click my name for my websites.
Red Bee says
Seems the link is not ok. Here it is: http://members.ziggo.nl/iiat/discussion/
Dave says
He went to the logical end point of PC, full retard. (Tropic Thunder).
pdxnag says
Cool, Muslim genocidal slaughter and enslavement of non-Muslims is protected religious activity. Cheers.
Mockingjay says
In my opinion NO kind of freedom should be given to the enemies of freedom.
Richard Paulsen says
How about organizations being allowed to recruit Christians in islamic states? Needed.
Champ says
Martin Daniel is a seditious TRAITOR!! …not only to America, but to free speech, as well; and Robert Spencer is right, Martin is advocating for “treason and sedition”, and he’s using the banner of free speech to promote such evil. For shame!
Like to buy this *traitor* a one-way ticket to some islamic hellhole. Sayonara traitor! …enjoy your new life in HELL.
Angemon says
Would ISIS be allowed to recruit in that fashion outside the campus? Meaning, is there any sort of law prohibiting recruitment for recognized terrorist groups or entities who openly declared war on America and called for the killing of Americans?
Atheist kaffur says
This is stealth jihad little by little step by step. No religion is beyond critical evaluation of its claims. Since Islam doesn’t provide any evidence other than a book with a big unverifiable claim.
You can talk about jihad, you can argue religion, you can disclaim the extraordinary religious claims, you can expose and allow for reflexion. However, you can not recruit for the propose of killing kafir or heretics. Some these university types have taken the red pill instead of the blue pill. They are living in a complete relativistic mind set. Any thing goes. There are man made laws for a reason, they evolve. Recruiting for the purpose of killing and murdering kafir in North America or abroad must remain illegal. Sorry to disappoint this university bone head. It goes beyond conspiracy. Down with theocratic fascism. It’s that simple.
Mark Swan says
When That Red Pill Wears-Off…He’s Got Some MAJOR Back Peddling To Do.
Mark Swan says
When That Red Pill Wears-Off…He’s Got Some Major Back Pedddling To Do.
Wellington says
Since the Islamic State has declared war on the United States, then allowing recruitment for it on an American college campus is no different than it would have been to allow recruitment for Nazi Germany’s armed forces on an American college campus post December 11th, 1941, four days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the day Hitler declared war on the United States. Yes, in theory Nazi Germany was an established and internationally recognized country and the Islamic State is looked upon as a bogus state by many, but this distinction means virtually nothing unless one lives in the artificial world of thinking only de jure but never de facto.
Memo to Martin Daniel: The Constitution is not a suicide pact. Learn this. Quick like.
Oliver says
I am SHOCKED that IN TENNESSEE- A BASICALLY CONSERVATIVE STATE (or was, when I lived there 1979-80 or so) AND A REPUBLICAN would DEFEND THE RIGHT FOR ISIS to be on campus, AND BE CHALLENGED BY A DEMOCRAT.
COMPLETE ROLE ( OR PERHAPS, PARTY) REVERSAL OF THE NATIONAL VIEWS OF THE PARTIES.
Lee says
My mother lives in middle TN now, has for last 15 years or so. Believe me, it is occupied territory. its infested with liberals. Infested. Nashville is a cesspool of far left idiocy. And there is ample recruiting grounds for more government handouts. Where my mother lives over 50% of the population is on government assistance. Consider it as a permanent Reconstruction.
Oliver says
Middle Tenn. is where I lived also-midway southeast of Nashville, equal distance ( more or less) of Chattanooga. It was an area of (it seemed) a church for every 12 people; arch conservative.
And, where I lived-most of the people were of families that lived in the vicinity for generations. And there were no racial problems; and (I taught as a substitute a few times at the high school) the students were super polite and gracious. Years 1979-80 or around then. (I think Lamar Alexander was governor).
Xero_G says
Daniel says, “I think it’s just part of being exposed to differing viewpoints.”
Fair enough. If my viewpoint is such that I believe it’s OK to rape, torture and execute political hacks whom I disagree with, I’m sure it would be OK to promote this on campus…after all it’s freedom of speech, no?
Carolyne says
Actually, No.it isn’t. The Supreme Court has ruled that one cannot advocate the violent overthrow of the Government. If this TN Senator is a lawyer, he’d better go back to school.
Dennis vs United States No 336, Supreme Court of the United States, 241 US 494, Argued December 9. 1950 Decided June 4, 1951
Keys says
Carolyn – thank you for citing those cases.
Could a case be made, given the Supreme Court cases you cited, for Islam itself to be banned, because ultimately it calls for the overthrow, even by violence if needed, of all governments except sharia government. That in itself is sedation, isn’t it?
Does religious freedom extend to a religion that teaches, and historically acts upon, the annihilation of all “man-made” governments and imposition of only Sharia law?
PRCS says
For those who posted here before reading the actual the actual Tennessean article, here it is (followed by his repudiation of ISIS, his full throated defense of free speech, and the reason for the bill):
“Speaking on behalf of a bill centered around free speech, a Knoxville-based lawmaker on Wednesday said a terrorist organization should be allowed to recruit on college campuses in Tennessee.
While presenting a billed dubbed the “Tennessee Student Free Speech Protection Act,” Rep. Martin Daniel, R-Knoxville, fielded a question from Rep. John DeBerry Jr., D-Memphis, about whether he believed ISIS should be able to stand in the middle of university campuses and “recruit for ISIS.”
“Yes,” Daniel replied. “So long as it doesn’t disrupt the proceedings on that campus. Yes sir. They can recruit people for any other organization or any other cause. I think it’s just part of being exposed to differing viewpoints.”
The remarks came after a debate about the bill, which Daniel said “would direct schools to observe freedom of speech on campus.”
While introducing the legislation, Daniel said students’ free speech on Tennessee college campuses has been diminished in recent years because of unfair policies.
He pointed to a requirement at Middle Tennessee State University, which he said forces students interested in handing out literature on the school’s property to fill out an application five days in advance. He added that Tennessee State University had a policy that prohibits disruption in any form on its campus.
DeBerry and Daniel engaged in a brief discussion about the merits of the bill, which the Democrat challenged.
DeBerry argued that the world has changed from the days of the 1960s, which he said was an era of protest and time of change, while asking Daniel if he considered the fact that the world has changed since then.
“There are young people who are not ready yet — they’re half-baked, half-cooked — who are recruited to work against their own parents, their own nation, and I would be concerned as a parent and as a citizen,” DeBerry said. “Free speech is one thing; being stupid is another.”
“Our schools are tending towards shielding students away from objectionable speech,” Daniel said.
Immediately after Daniel argued that ISIS should be allowed to recruit on college campuses, House Education Administration and Planning Subcommittee Chairman Mark White, R-Germantown, recommended the bill be taken off notice. Before that, Daniel said he hoped the committee would send the bill to summer study.
————————
A Knoxville-based Republican lawmaker on Thursday defended his comments that free speech rights on college campuses should offer wide protections, even to groups such as ISIS.
Speaking on the House floor, Rep. Martin Daniel said he supports people’s constitutional rights to free speech, even if he disagrees with the message.
“I just wanted to confirm and clarify that I will always respect the right of persons and organizations to speak,” he said. “That, however, is different from agreeing with the content of that speech. I will never apologize for defending the First Amendment. I will always cloak myself in it and defend others’ right to speak.”
Daniel’s defense comes one day after he fielded a question about whether he believed people should be able to stand in the middle of university campuses and “recruit for ISIS.” The comments drew a sharp response and made national news.
“So long as it doesn’t disrupt the proceedings on that campus. Yes sir,” Daniel told the House Education Administration and Planning Subcommittee on Wednesday. “They can recruit people for any organization or any other cause. I think it’s just part of being exposed to differing viewpoints.”
On Thursday, Daniel elaborated.
“The remedy for disagreeable speech is not to silence that speech — it is more speech,” he said.
Some members of the House applauded Daniel after he offered the explanation.
House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh, D-Ripley, called the comments ridiculous.
“I don’t think a response right now is necessary,” he told reporters.
In an email to The Tennessean, Daniel said he was simply trying to offer a legal opinion that “any organization has the simple right to recruit membership in any public space, including public higher education campuses.” Daniel is an attorney.
“If that speech should cross the line so that it becomes an imminent threat to someone, including our country, that would not be protected speech,” he wrote. Daniel cited Brandenburg vs. Ohio, a 1969 Supreme Court decision that made inflammatory speech, which could incite “imminent lawless action,” illegal.
While discussing the issue from inside his legislative office, Daniel said he did not want his remarks to lead people to believe he supports the terrorist group.
“To imply that I support ISIS is ridiculous,” he said. “I condemn them 100 percent.”
Daniel said his comments in the committee were an attempt to underline a point that the First Amendment protects the free speech rights of organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Panthers
“It doesn’t matter what they say, so long as it doesn’t incite violence,” he said.
Daniel also issued a statement Thursday in which he continued to defend his comments while also reiterating his disdain for ISIS, also known as the Islamic State.
“I fundamentally disagree with ISIS’ philosophy, and I unequivocally condemn their abhorrent, cruel, inhuman acts of terror and violence,” he wrote.
“Frankly, simple recruitment efforts by any organization, standing alone, might be protected by the First Amendment,” he continued. “However, offering material support, including one’s service, to a terrorist organization is forbidden by the United States Patriot Act of 2001. Joining ISIS (offering one’s service to a terrorist organization) is illegal, on college campuses or anywhere else in the United States.”
Daniel acknowledged that while some may not find his comments satisfactory, he is confident that the vast majority of people “with any sense of human decency” will agree with his position.
“I am sure that each of us holds many opinions that someone, somewhere, would find wrong or offensive,” he said. “My point is that if we weaken the First Amendment by making its protection selective, based on what is currently viewed as evil or inappropriate, we are weakening its ability to protect us all.”
Daniel’s bill, known as the “Tennessee Student Free Speech Protection Act,” would prevent Tennessee colleges from having policies that would suppress debate based on ideas considered “offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong.”
The remarks about ISIS came after a debate on the bill.
Introducing the legislation, Daniel said students’ free speech on Tennessee college campuses has been diminished in recent years because of unfair policies.
He pointed to a requirement at Middle Tennessee State University, which he said forces students interested in handing out literature on the school’s property to fill out an application five days in advance. He said that Tennessee State University had a policy that prohibits disruption in any form on its campus.
Immediately after Daniel responded to the question about ISIS, House Education Administration and Planning Subcommittee Chairman Mark White, R-Germantown, recommended the bill be taken off notice. Before that, Daniel said he hoped the committee would send the bill to summer study.
Daniel said the overall point of his bill has gotten lost because of the distraction over the ISIS remarks.
“I am seeing liberal college administrators impose their views of what is right and proper speech on conservative students who feel uncomfortable in disagreement. I am trying to remedy that problem,” he said. “All students should have the right to express their opinions, and that is what this bill is about.”
Oliver says
“Frankly, simple recruitment efforts by any organization, standing alone, might be protected by the First Amendment,” he continued. “However, offering material support, including one’s service, to a terrorist organization is forbidden by the United States Patriot Act of 2001. Joining ISIS (offering one’s service to a terrorist organization) is illegal, on college campuses or anywhere else in the United States.”
The above is taken from the above. HOW THE HELL CAN ONE RECRUIT BUT NOT BE BE OFFERING MATERIAL SUPPORT , INCLUDING ONE’S SERVICE?????
To recruit-(even if a paid recruiter-not a volunteer)-one is offering a service- and to sign up people-I see that as material support.
THEN AGAIN, I WORK FOR A LIVING, AND AM NOT AN ATTORNEY AND A LEECH, I MEAN MEMBER OF A STATE LEGISLATURE.
Jay Boo says
I would like to send to them ten busloads of Jehovah’s Witnesses to flood that campus and his office with their pamphlets until Rep. Martin Daniel, cries out for mercy.
No Fear says
LOL. (I was raised a JW, now atheist)
Carolyne says
Isn’t that cruel and unusual punishment?
Oliver says
A friend told me (I HAVE NEVER HAD A J.W. COME TO MY HOME, REGARDLESS OF WHERE I HAVE LIVED- AND I HAVE LIVED IN 4 DIFFERENT STATES-and different municipalities in each)–but, my friend told em that if a man comes to answer the door bare assed- they leave -quickly-and red line the property.
And Carolyne, I don’t see that as cruel and unusual punishment. Could always say, “I am not interested, thank you”. I say that to all callers (in person or by phone-except collection agencies-usually calling the wrong person– to them I am rude)
TONYA PARNELL says
HOW ABOUT REPLACING ALL THESE TEACHERS WITH SOME COMMON SENSE
Panmelia says
@ PRCS: Thanks for the full account, but I don’t care what retraction remarks Daniel might have hastily thought of later when the sh*t hit the fan.
He should know better than to advocate the right of free speech to those who not only grossly deny that right to others, but also want to rape, murder, torture and annihilate those who refuse to submit to their false and evil god created by their false and evil prophet moMAD.
Only fools enable those who want to subjugate or kill them to carry out their mission and Daniel is 100% fool.
How can you defend free speech by saying that IS fanatics, traitors, killers and psychotic fantasists are entitled to spew their filth in public and attract the type of easily-led, feeble-minded inadequates such scum are hoping to recruit?
This is logic turned inside out and upside down – and some people applauded his ‘reasoning’?? Shame on them!
underbed cat says
Recruitment at college campuses should be available to “islamic state” according to the Tennessee state rep., look around do you see a MSA…..on campus? What do you think they are doing? I would think they are all ready there, influence? Step away from their influence and pick up the Q book or rReliance of the Traveler and read….you may get a bit alarmed.
An American Soldier's mother. says
WOW! Our own military recruiters are sometimes banned from recruiting at colleges. How could we possibly allow ISIS recruitment???? Yes it is a first amendment right to recruit but ISIS??? So instead of importing ISIS we would now have them at our front door???? What next bases for ISIS to train in States???? Have lawmakers lost their mind on this politically correct issue?
ensitue says
This man is preaching sedition and violating his oath of office, he should be removed and censured at the very least
BC says
Yet you people like to mock the EU and UK? No wonder politics is such a mess in USA if idiots like this get elected to public office. In any case surely somebody recruiting for IS is aiding and abetting a declared enemy of the USA and would be arrested just like all the others who support terrorism.
Gail says
This man needs to be removed from office. He does not belong in this nation. He wants to recruit those who would fight against our people in the military. That is not sane. No wonder our nation is in the mess it is in. Freedom in this nation is taken for granted. I am 72 years old and God the Father God the Son God the Hoky Spirit has always looked after this nation. But since our leaders have chosen to ignore the Trinity our nation has drifted further and further into third world status. When government assistance runs out, welfare and social security, it may be too late to plead for God’s help in cleaning up this mess.
UNCLE VLADDI says
Sedition (hatred of all Western nations and their governments, because imperialism colonialism and slavery) is the only thing modern colleges and universities indoctrinate naive innocent children with anyway. They should all be shut down and the globalist cabal which funds them arrested and punished for conspiracy to commit treason.
PRCS says
Panmelia,
Thanks for taking the time to read the two articles. Most folks don’t.
IMO, giving Muslim “extremists” a public space to tell the truth about Islam is an essential part of the antidote to the campaign being waged by politicians, so-called journalists, offended college staff and students, and others which keeps so many of our fellow citizens misinformed about Islam’s true teachings.
Representative Daniel makes clear that while he does not support ISIS (or any other violent organization, I assume), he fully supports the First Amendment right to any and all free speech which does not violate the law; citing restrictions imposed by liberals upon conservative students’ free speech rights as a reason for the bill.
The goal, as I understand it, is to prevent selective suppression of that right.
In truth, there likely won’t be many Islamic State “recruiters” on campus, given the consequences of doing so.
The issue reminds me of the Nazi/Skokie situation:
When the Nazis came to Skokie:
http://www.jta.org/2013/06/20/news-opinion/the-telegraph/nazis-marching-through-skokie
“President Carter also issued a statement: “I must respect the decision of the Supreme Court allowing this group (the Nazis) to express their views, even when those views are despicable and ugly as they are in this case. But if such views must be expressed, I am pleased they will not go unanswered. That is why I want to voice my complete solidarity with those citizens of Skokie and Chicago who will gather Sunday in a peaceful demonstration of their abhorrence of Nazism.”
My two cents.
Wellington says
Did you bother, PRCS, to read my March 17th, 7:45 P.M post?
PRCS says
Yes, thank you.
Although I love you, I disagree.
Wellington says
OK then. I guess you would have been all right with Nazi Germany recruitment on American college campuses between December 1941 and May 1945.
PRCS says
My friend, you know I would not have been all right with that, as we actually were in a declared war with the German state then and, correct me if I’m wrong, I believe it would have been illegal to do that.
If recruiting for organizations like the Islamic State violates U.S. law, I don’t support that, of course.
But, I do not support the selective suppression of speech which does not violate such law.
I think providing a public space–on college campuses in particular–for Wahhabists/Salafists to expose our friends and neighbors to true,unvarnished Islam and to refute the ROP line, and even to “recruit” for the Islamic Sate is long overdue.
Assuming that most Muslims in America would oppose such honesty, well then, I’m all in.
Wellington says
This is a matter of war, PRCS. The Islamic State has declared war on America. It has made direct threats to the American President (will behead him), that it will occupy the White House, that it will use military force to kill as many Americans as possible, etc. Also, following your logic, since the Korean War and the Vietnam War were not declared wars by Congress, then it would have been OK for the Kim Il Sung and Ho Chi Minch regimes to recruit for their armed forces on American college campuses? Or is it the case that until American armed forces actually take on IS forces it’s OK for IS to be on college campuses but not thereafter? Remember, this is recruitment for a military that wants to kill as many Americans as possible.
I am a staunch defender of the First Amendment but it is not unlimited. Already anyone who is going to join IS or raises money for IS has broken American law (several have already been arrested for doing this) and yet you think that IS should actually be able to recruit in America. Frankly, I mean no disrespect and I have admired many of your comments here at JW, but this is nuts. It is my position that anyone recruiting for IS anywhere on American soil has broken American law and should be arrested forthwith. As if l already mentioned, this has already occurred.
PRCS says
“This is a matter of war, PRCS.”
It’s not, actually.
“The Islamic State has declared war on America…”
We have no obligation to play along. Until they become a legitimate nation and we declare war on them, actions on their part which harm us are criminal activities.
“…since the Korean War and the Vietnam War were not declared wars by Congress, then it would have been OK for the Kim Il Sung and Ho Chi Minch regimes to recruit for their armed forces on American college campuses?”
That’s a question for lawyers. You know. I’m just a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer.
I do remember this guy:
http://rense.com/general69/sturden.htm
“I am a staunch defender of the First Amendment but it is not unlimited.”
Me, too–so long as said speech (words and actions) does not violate the law. One either supports speech which does not violate the law, or one doesn’t. I must leave interpretation of the actual law to you.
“…yet you think that IS should actually be able to recruit in America.”
Yes, I do–if recruiting others does not violate the law. Of course, there won’t be many dumb enough to do that, and not for long.
I definitely think our friends and neighbors deserve to learn the truth about Islam from true believers rather than the ongoing deceit Uncle Nihad, Zhudi Jasser, Irshad Manji and others regurgitate.
I always hope Hannity will shut up long enough for his audience to hear what Anjem Choudary has to say
Wellington says
All right, PRCS. Forget about the First Amendment. So far, this has been the basis of my argument but now forget about it. Here’s the crux of things: ISIS has been officially declared a terrorist organization by the US government. As such, providing them material support is a felony. So is conspiring with them. So is aiding an organization which seeks to take hostages as ISIS does. And on and on and on like this.
As I already mentioned, many have been arrested for “just” trying to join ISIS (e.g., the Mississippi man and wife last summer). Thus there is no way that recruiting for ISIS anywhere in America is not felonious under present American law. You yourself said that if actual laws were broken, you would think differently than you have. I think it crystal clear, in fact nothing could be clearer, that recruiting for ISIS here in America breaks numerous laws. Hence, arrest any bastard doing so anywhere in America, whether on college campuses or elsewhere. Case closed.
PRCS says
re: paragraph 1: O.K.
———————
” I think it crystal clear, in fact nothing could be clearer, that recruiting for ISIS here in America breaks numerous laws. Hence, arrest any bastard doing so anywhere in America, whether on college campuses or elsewhere. Case closed.”
More than a few lawyers are gainfully employed proving the opaque nature of numerous crystal clear assertions.
That some crafty lawyer or law firm might convince a judge/jury that it’s just fine to recruit others to join the Islamic State (or similar “terrorist” organization)–so long as no one takes the “recruiter” up on it–would not surprise me in the least.
Wellington says
You’re right about some lawyers, PRCS, being capable of making something crystal clear into something opaque. Since I am one myself, I know full well the truth of what you have asserted. Good to have had this exchange with you. Take care.
PRCS says
I feel like an orphaned waif when I don’t see your posts for more than a day or two, and always enjoy our chats.
Bob