Why in the world did Univ of FL invite Spencer to come speak? nt

[raccoon]

[obamanut2012]

1. They didn't n/t

[hlthe2b]

2. they didn't; they tried to deny him and ultimately succumbed to the immense cost of defending

the institute against threatened bankrupting lawsuits.

[Lochloosa]

3. Private parties can rent space at UF

Free speech and all that.

[forgotmylogin]

4. And they could only say no for so long. (n/t)

[Lochloosa]

13. They never should have said no. That just added to the fire.

Low key the speech to begin with.

[Historic NY]

5. They should have made his appearence based on him providing security.....

600k is ridiculous its dumped on the taxpayers. Spencer should be made to feel uncomfortable, I'd pull the security back.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/uf-president-security-cost-spencer-speech-unfair-50567701

[WillowTree]

8. Which raises the question.......

"Why should that amount of security be necessary just so a citizen can speak in a public forum?"

[Historic NY]

11. Apparently they thought he was high risk...

600k send in Barney Fife...Otis & Gomer.

[mcar]

14. They are only charging him $10k for his share of security

Ridiculous. He should be charged multiples more.

[Historic NY]

15. Pictures out of 18 people sitting in the hall.

[raccoon]

6. Thanks for the responses. That clears it up. nt

[OldHippieChick]

7. It is a taxpayer-

supported institution, so they must comply w/ a free speech request. It is unfortunate that we taxpayers have to foot the bill for all the security, but the price of freedom is high.

[The_Casual_Observer]

10. Why do they have to pay for that security? If I wanted to hold a rock show

at that place I know damn well that I would have to foot the bill. It's nothing but capitulation to shrug your shoulders and write it off as the price of freedom.

[OldHippieChick]

12. Capitulation to what? You are being quite unfair to make

such an accusation. It was not my decision to hire security. It was not my decision to allow speakers to speak and not pay for their own security. Now, we must pay to ensure the safety of all. Don't understand why you feel it necessary to insult me.

[maxsolomon]

9. The entire appearance is a free-speech trap.

Intended to provoke a (perhaps) violent reaction from the Left, and therefore perpetuate a false equivalence between Fascists and anti-Fascists.