The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
“Keep him away!” “Let him speak!”
Controversy has been surrounding Ben Carson since it was announced that he’s coming to VSU.
Carson is a Fox News personality who has been invited by VSU’s Harely Langdale, Jr.College of Business Administration to speak today.
Carson, like any American citizen, has the right to be heard by whoever is willing to listen.
Carson is known for his right-wing ideologies, which do not sit well with many people.
The argument that Carson is out of his element because he is a doctor and not a politician or an economist, is irrelevant. It is not said in the First Amendment that people who have doctorates in specific fields can speak; it says all citizens can speak.
It has also been said by some, that Dr. Carson’s views are divisive and that VSU should host speakers that have a goal of bringing this country together.
In fact, it would be VSU that is being divisive if it would not allow Carson to speak.
Furthermore, just because an opinion may be seen as “divisive” does not mean that it cannot be heard.
In John Stewart Mill’s “On Liberty,” Mill argues that all opinions should be heard for three reasons. If they are true, they are reinforced; if they are false, they are corrected; and if they are partially true and partially false, a debate is started to bring the truth to light.
All opinions need to be heard so the truth can always be found.
Dr. William J. McKinney, president of VSU, has been very adamant of allowing Carson to be on campus.
In a letter addressed to the students, faculty and staff of VSU on Sept. 2, Dr. McKinney said, “Our public colleges and universities exist to serve the public good through the free and open exchange of ideas.”
VSU has no intention of canceling the event with Carson, and rightfully so.
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A summary of Dr. Carson’s message: When people blame others and do not take responsibility for the consequences of their actions they will not progress forward, but will instead be held in bondage to poverty and government dependence. Choosing to take on the role of a helpless victim of one’s circumstances is a barrier to living successful, productive, and meaningful lives. Taking action to achieve success is a choice. In reality, life is all about choices. ~~ Dr. Carson was not born with a silver spoon, but rather in poverty. His mother had a 3rd grade education, yet he made wise choices and took action to become a prominent neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins. His other outstanding achievements could fill this page. If you choose to take a little time to learn about him, you will know why many people across the nation are working very hard to draft him for President of the United States in the 2016 election. We believe he will be a successful President and make this country strong and secure. http://www.RunBenRun.org
Without knowing what he will say, some VSU people know everything as to what he represents and what he says, They have earwax removal kits and cold showers that will awaken the brain to open thought. Dr. Carson is one perspective and for VSU darken the curtains on that perspective is a shallow attempt to nullify the freedom to think. By the way a University is all about thinking. Those who oppose this are in fear of thinking about opposing views. I beleive this schools values of learning are being upheld, as they have invited the nation’s leading intellect on campus for sharing his ideas. Criticize him after he leaves the campus, but do it inteligently in spite of yourself.
My concern is not to stifle his freedom of speech. However I question the motives behind his being here. The fact that he is charging COULD be explained for the sake of crowd control. The ‘motives’, however, of him being here are to be questioned. It doesn’t make legal sense for a government sanction such as VSU to fund a political candidate. Sure it can be said that isn’t being done, or that it could be overlooked due to the benefit to the student body (as indicative of the School of Business’ request for him to be here); BUT I would almost guarantee that the price tag per table, seat and even for the “HD screening” will prevent most students from being there. Not only that, but sale of the tickets began over summer break. This additionally doesn’t support the intent of benefiting the students.
How can VSU and Ben Carson justify a speech (where a ton of money is being shelled out to Dr. Carson) with no underlying intent to promote political agenda.
And don’t get me started on his insensitive talks from the past violating “safe space” policies of VSU.