David Horowitz, author and founder of the Center for the Study of Popular Culture, spoke at Hamilton College on April 27, sparking debate among students, faculty and community members. Horowitz discussed the "War on Terror" in the College Chapel.
Horowitz began with a slight digression from his speech's topic as he discussed the importance of academic freedom at all colleges and universities in the United States, including Hamilton College. According to Horowitz, no student can get a good education if professors "are only telling you half the story." Horowitz advocated for more political diversity among university faculty and staff, claiming a "liberal totalitarian regime" is administering America's leading colleges and universities. Horowitz urged what he called "professional integrity" on college campuses; since professors are hired professionals, under no circumstances should a professor's personal political beliefs come into the classroom.
The Handbook for Academic Freedom was made readily available at Horowitz's lecture. The book, which Horowitz authored, outlines the goals, expectations and ideas surrounding the Students for Academic Freedom organization. The text's mission statement says: "Students for Academic Freedom is a national coalition of independent campus groups dedicated to restoring academic freedom and educational values to America's institutions of higher learning" (Horowitz 1).
Horowitz provided several anecdotes as evidence of what he called "rampant liberalism" prevalent at colleges and universities, and outlined some possible solutions to make higher education more inviting for conservative students.
Horowitz then discussed his views on the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq. The war in Iraq, Horowitz argued, "is against Islamic fundamentalism." Horowitz justified the invasion of Iraq and keeping the fighting in the Middle East (with the exception of 9-11) by saying it is "better to fight over there than here." As the Iraq War was short and sweet, ("only six weeks," Horowitz noted,) there was nothing "not to like about the war… as wars go." The war in Iraq, Horowitz argued, was exactly the type of war liberal Americans "have demanded."
Horowitz' numerous books include The Politics of Bad Faith, The Art of Political War and Radical Son, his autobiography. His online newsmagazine is www.Frontpage.com.
-- by Emily Lemanczyk '05
