Bill Ayers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Canceled

By Michelle Malkin  •  October 17, 2008 07:53 PM

Continuing coverage of the developing controversy over the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s decision to reward Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers with a prestigious speaking gig during the school’s 100th anniversary…

Jim in Omaha emails:

Michelle,

Great post on the Bill Ayers situation in Nebraska. Without your post yesterday, this would have gone unnoticed. As you can see from the following Omaha World Herald story, this situation has erupted into a major political issue, with the governor calling on the university to cancel the invitation. The World Herald story also points out that this issue may cost the university a substantial amount of financial support (see the highlighted portions of the story below). Finally, this situation has become an issue in a current race for University of Nebraska regent. ([I]ncidentally, the regent candidate who sent the press release, Tim Clare, is a rock solid conservative who could use some support).

Keep up the good work.

Here’s the lowdown on the governor’s call to cancel Ayers’ invitation and Democrat Sen. Ben Nelson’s statement of disappointment over the speaking gig:

Just 11 days after next month’s election, the University of Illinois-Chicago professor, William Ayers, is scheduled to speak at a student research conference held by the UNL College of Education and Human Science.

Gov. Dave Heineman released a statement saying that UNL leaders should not allow Ayers, a 1960s radical-turned-professor at the University of Illinois, to talk during a campus event on Nov. 15.

“Chairman of the Board of Regents Chuck Hassebrook and President of the University J.B. Milliken should immediately rescind the invitation extended to Bill Ayers to speak at the University,” the governor said. “This is an embarrassment to the University of Nebraska and the State of Nebraska. Bill Ayers is a well known radical who should never have been invited to the University of Nebraska.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska, today said in a statement that he is disappointed that UNL invited William Ayers to speak on campus Nov. 15.

“His past involvement in a violent protest group and incendiary comments are not consistent with the agenda of unity that we need in America today,” Nelson said. “I encourage the university to reconsider this decision.”

And just in from the Omaha World-Herald, Ayers has been canceled.

University officials said in a news release Friday evening that “the university’s threat assessment group monitored e-mails and other information UNL received regarding Ayers’ scheduled Nov. 15 visit and identified safety concerns which resulted in the university canceling the event.”

“Safety concerns.”

Whose safety?

Waiting for someone to scream “RAAAAACIST” or something.

***

ArmyWifeToddlerMom breathes a sigh of relief: “Now I can SAY GO BIG RED, without feeling like a complete communist!”

***

Previous:

Bill Ayers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Revolt brewing

Ayers to keynote University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 100th anniversary celebration

UNL prof Gerard Harbison

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Comments


  1. #101
    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:52 am, Rob said:

    Be careful, this jerk blows people up for fun….

  2. #102
    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:58 am, Rob said:

    Obama the “hope of the entire world” that the U.S. will change for the better.

    Louis Farrakhan

    Farrakhan Says ‘New Beginning’ For Nation of Islam

  3. #103
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am, DogBreath said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:52 am, Rob said:
    Be careful, this jerk blows people up for fun….

    and profit.

  4. #104
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:15 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    That there are the Bill Ayres of the world, that the Bill Ayres of the world get teaching jobs and invitations is an indictment of our society. That the blogs and people can cause the University to pull the invitation is a ray of hope.

    Well done.

    Now we need to think about cutting bloated University budgets and be rid of these do nothing positions and weak administrators.

  5. #105
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:29 am, sandyb said:

    Old Scout said:
    Don’t forget this feeling that “justice has prevailed”

    Think about making this practice of free speech a daily part of your life – we don’t need a president to defend us if we can join together to do something as simple as making our feelings known. We can vote every day like this, and win!

    Scout, I fear we have a busy, high-stress four years ahead of us. If Dems control the House, Senate and WH, I fear all we’ll be doing is running the Capitol Hill Phone Blockade to keep the commies from “legislating.” It’s a tall order, but what’s the alternative?

  6. #106
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:32 am, FamilyMan said:

    ArizonaNeanderthal said: Now we need to think about cutting bloated University budgets and be rid of these do nothing positions and weak administrators.

    As long as the government keeps adding money to the student loan system, the colleges and universities will increase their budgets proportionately.

  7. #107
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:34 am, FamilyMan said:

    Cut off the mothers milk (money) from government and the system will return to the basic necessities.

  8. #108
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:35 am, happyscrapper said:

    Every university in this country is on notice…we are no longer fooled by these tactics. We are watching you. If anyone on this thread has children of high-school age, choose their college wisely. It is a matter of their future, both academically and socially. Their friendships are forged very strongly during college, and their attitudes and political idealogy too. From kindergarten on, they are being indoctrinated. If you can possibly afford it, send them to privates schools right from the start. Our public indoctrination centers would crumble and die if more people stood up to this.

  9. #109
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:36 am, rocketman said:

    Good job Michelle!–Another scumbag bites the dust. I like JOANNMANDOLIN (#52) comments–and some other creative ideas for Mr. Ayers–and his wife too. However, an American flag on Ayer’s grave is not appropriate–this is an honor reserved for those who served their country well–military men, presidents, government officials.

    The U.S.S.R. HAMMER AND SICKLE FLAG SHOULD BE OVER HIS GRAVE when he dies–he serves communist / Marxist ideals–not American ideals.

    John Bibb

  10. #110
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am, sandyb said:

    Dear Governor Heineman,

    Thank you for stopping lunacy and especially TREASON dead in its tracks with rescinding the Ayers invitation at UN. Terrorists, whether foreign or domestic, don’t deserve any kind of recognition other than the penal system.

    Critics might say that his actions were decades ago, but the photo of him trampling the American flag (the coward looks like he’s in an alley out of public view) is quite recent.

    Thank you for letting decency and common sense prevail on at least one college campus.

    Sincerely,

    (SandyB)
    XXXXXXX, Virginia

  11. #111
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:43 am, DBNinKY said:

    I hope all the newspapers endorsing Obama’s candidacy (LAT, Chicago Tribune and, tomorrow, the NYT) will be equally as eager to accept their share of blame for the catastrophic consequences of a BHO administration, should, to the detriment of our economic and military security, such an unconscionable thing as an Obama presidency come to fruition.

  12. #112
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:44 am, Member-VRWC said:

    On October 17th, 2008 at 8:34 pm, Rob Roy said:
    The libs on campus will spin this as conservatives preventing free speech.

    When they do, point out that no one is preventing Ayers from standing on a street corner and spewing his BS. He can grab a soap box just like all the other nutters out there and can exercise free speech in a lot of places.

    The right to free speech does not include that he be afforded the right to speak at a university.

  13. #113
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:45 am, PKAmmoTroop said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:11 am, DogBreath said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 9:52 am, Rob said:
    Be careful, this jerk blows people up for fun….

    and profit.

    I used to do it for medical benifits.

  14. #114
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:49 am, PKAmmoTroop said:
  15. #115
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am, sandyb said:

    FamilyMan said:
    Let me give you a first hand observation of these sixties radicals. People like Ayers and others on the extreme left had or have a major problem with parental bonding. The metaphor of the socialist suckling on the giant sows teat of government is probably an accurate image of their needs for mommy and daddy. Does Obama have a parental bonding problem?

    I knew that his father abandoned him (a la Bill Clinton), but was surprised to hear his mother did too — now there’s a messed-up psyche! Eschewing white grandparents for approval of Frank Marshall Davis was the best he could do? Davis was actually drummed out of the local (Hawaii) branch of the NAACP in the ’50s because he was too radical for them!

  16. #116
    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:56 am, sbw999 said:

    When libs deny that they hate their country I think of debacles like this. That a piece of sh*t terrorist like Ayers would even get to be around people as a teacher or a speaker, is a testament to the 60′s flower children’s “love” for their country. I wouldnt p*ss on Ayers if I just drank a keg and he was on fire. Too bad McCain didnt hammer Obama about his mingling with scum like Ayers at the debate. Its clear that Obama is the manchurian candidate. Perhaps he will name Ayers his secretary of state.

  17. #117
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:02 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:32 am, FamilyMan said:

    ArizonaNeanderthal said: Now we need to think about cutting bloated University budgets and be rid of these do nothing positions and weak administrators.

    As long as the government keeps adding money to the student loan system, the colleges and universities will increase their budgets proportionately.

    Yes, our fight will be long.

  18. #118
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:05 am, FamilyMan said:

    PKAmmoTroop You will notice the liberal trolls on this blog and in your personal contacts have a defining characteristic. There is a problem with long term relationships. The divorce rate of the left is 3 times as high as that with conservatives. Homosexual rates are 10 times higher. Liberals come from broken marriages much more frequently.
    YUP! I think Obama has a mental health problem.

  19. #119
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am, Wade said:

    What does UN have against free speech? /Scar

  20. #120
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am, happyscrapper said:

    Off topic, but I’m wondering if this rumor is true…Obama has already planned a huge victory celebration at some park and put a ton of money into it. I know his wife (can’t bring myself to say her name because she doesn’t deserve the same name and our fearless Malkin!), is already measuring for drapes at the WH. There was also a report that some bookie in Ireland alreadypaid out millions early to the ones who picked Obama. He said he had no problem declaring Obama the winner early…the election is over. There are so many reasons to want to win this election, and those are a few of them. Oh, and the fact that we want to keep our democracy and capitalism.

  21. #121
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:16 am, FamilyMan said:

    Mental health screening of all children is the goal of legislation introduced into many state legislatures this year. This the Ayers doctrine at work.
    link
    http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=19188

  22. #122
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:19 am, MacEamonn said:

    University officials said in a news release Friday evening that “the university’s threat assessment group monitored e-mails and other information UNL received regarding Ayers’ scheduled Nov. 15 visit and identified safety concerns which resulted in the university canceling the event.”

    I believe the only “saftey concerns” the administation of UNL had was the “safety” of their continued employment and the “safety” of the continued funding of their pet projects by UNL alumni.

  23. #123
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:24 am, committed said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:12 am, happyscrapper said:
    Off topic, but I’m wondering if this rumor is true…Obama has already planned a huge victory celebration at some park and put a ton of money into it. I know his wife (can’t bring myself to say her name because she doesn’t deserve the same name and our fearless Malkin!), is already measuring for drapes at the WH. There was also a report that some bookie in Ireland alreadypaid out millions early to the ones who picked Obama. He said he had no problem declaring Obama the winner early…the election is over. There are so many reasons to want to win this election, and those are a few of them. Oh, and the fact that we want to keep our democracy and capitalism.

    I believe your rumours about the Obama’s victory party plans are true. Almost nothing would please me more on election day to wipe that “I’ve got it in the bag” smile off Obama’s face.

    When I read that newspapers are endorsing Obama for President because he has the “potential” to be a great President and in the next breath, say that Palin was is not ready for VP, I go “HUH?”

    I believe rural America will vote overwhelming for McCain because they get it. Its those large electoral “elite” states that concern me. However, I’m staying optomistic and will continue to fight for the right choice.

  24. #124
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:32 am, Republicanvet said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:43 am, DBNinKY said:

    I hope all the newspapers endorsing Obama’s candidacy (LAT, Chicago Tribune and, tomorrow, the NYT) will be equally as eager to accept their share of blame for the catastrophic consequences of a BHO administration, should, to the detriment of our economic and military security, such an unconscionable thing as an Obama presidency come to fruition.

    Lib rags such as those you cited will never accept any blame for their policies. In fact, they (the NYT) still have an award for telling lies which caused many thousands of Russians to starve years ago.

    In their view, they wacko policies just wouldn’t have been given enough time/tax money to work yet.

  25. #125
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:33 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    I believe your rumors about the Obama’s victory party plans are true. Almost nothing would please me more on election day to wipe that “I’ve got it in the bag” smile off Obama’s face.

    All confidant candidates plan victory parties. BroObama is just a bit over the top with his; it is being catered by the Waldorf Astoria of New York–but I imagine that is for the staff and BIGS. Peasants and the proletariat get Kool-Aid and chips in the park.

    Or if God is with us – Crow.


    ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
    Should be a convenience store
    NOT a Government Agency

    God Bless America except for the blue states.

  26. #126
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am, Republicanvet said:

    On October 18th, 2008 at 10:56 am, sbw999 said:

    Perhaps he will name Ayers his secretary of state edumacation.

    FIFY.

  27. #127
    On October 18th, 2008 at 11:41 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Farrakhan Says ‘New Beginning’ For Nation of Islam

    CHICAGO (AP) ― The Nation of Islam, a secretive movement generally closed to outsiders, has planned a rare open-to-the public event at its Chicago-based headquarters in what the Minister Louis Farrakhan deemed a “new beginning” for the group.

    BroBama’s friends are busy; they think they have this one in the bag. I hope they riot and burn Chicago. South Central and large portions of New York could use some re-decoration by fire. I am sure others have suggestions.


    ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
    Should be a convenience store
    NOT a Government Agency

    God Bless America except for the blue states.

  28. #128
    On October 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm, joannmandolin said:

    rocketman said:
    I like JOANNMANDOLIN (#52) comments–and some other creative ideas for Mr. Ayers–and his wife too. However, an American flag on Ayer’s grave is not appropriate–this is an honor reserved for those who served their country well–military men, presidents, government officials.

    TRUE DAT!!
    Howzabout just long enough for a photo to be posted for those who revere him and his hatred for America.

    I fear that the Hammer/Sickle may be the mainstream status symbol by then.

    ——

    AYERS-PUTTIN DA BOMB IN OBAMA SINCE 1968

  29. #129
    On October 18th, 2008 at 12:11 pm, RabbidSquirrel said:

    On October 17th, 2008 at 9:48 pm, joannmandolin said:

    Wouldn’t it be a great insult to Ayers,to let him know that I’ll be around to put an American flag on his can’t-happen-soon-enough-gravesite?

    I was thinking about a nice little Amercian Flag and memorial too , however Ayers be too smart to let his body stay around. I say, cremate his ashes (they could be mixed with Chales Manson but Manson probably loves this country more)and spread a little on the Pentagon, various military bases and recruiting centers, and over Viet Nam/Iraq/Afganistan.

  30. #130
    On October 18th, 2008 at 12:28 pm, joannmandolin said:

    I guess it’s patriotic to let Obama help himself to your available credit card balance.
    This has happened at least four times now in Missouri-

    From KSDK.com:
    Officials with the Obama Campaign in Missouri said they were aware of the suspicious credit card charges. Friday, the Missouri Obama Communications Director released this statement: “The Obama campaign is not responsible for these charges, but we have refunded all of the affected individuals and we are working closely with authorities regarding these questionable charges.”

    So, where’s the investigation, Pelosi??

  31. #131
    On October 18th, 2008 at 12:41 pm, happyscrapper said:

    All confidant candidates plan victory parties. BroObama is just a bit over the top with his; it is being catered by the Waldorf Astoria of New York–but I imagine that is for the staff and BIGS. Peasants and the proletariat get Kool-Aid and chips in the park.

    Personally, soft drinks and chips are more my style anyway. Easy to pull out when unexpected company shows up and things end up in a party…the best kind. I am one of those “middle Americans” that Obama supporters look on with distain and condensention. Lord, if we could just move all of the liberals to one side of the country and build a wall!! They can have the east side, from Michigan to the east coast. The conservatives living there are more than welcome to join us in God’s country where the traditional culture and traditions are alive and well.

  32. #132
    On October 18th, 2008 at 1:31 pm, Flyoverman said:

    What to do with Ayers when he dies? That’s easy.

    Cremate him, pack the ashes inside a 2000 ound JDAM and use it on a priority terrorist target …. or Iran. He should be with people he can identify with. Why not help them meet?

    Works for me.

  33. #133
    On October 18th, 2008 at 1:38 pm, Texhoma said:

    University officials said in a news release Friday evening that “the university’s threat assessment group monitored e-mails and other information UNL received regarding Ayers’ scheduled Nov. 15 visit and identified safety concerns which resulted in the university canceling the event.”

    The only threats they had to assess was the threats of losing millions of dollars in alumni donations and students leaving the University.

  34. #134
    On October 18th, 2008 at 3:02 pm, Papa Louie said:

    It appears a speaking invitation to a 1960s radical-turned-educator could prove costly to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln — either in terms of its academic reputation or donor dollars.

    It seems that it takes the threat of losing donations to get these academics to learn from their errors Ayers.

  35. #135
    On October 18th, 2008 at 6:01 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    Only liberals and leftists can use the excuse that having scum like Ayers on campus creates a safety concern. The anarchists who came to St Paul were soundly thwarted in their efforts and are crying “foul”….. these people are below contempt….

  36. #136
    On October 18th, 2008 at 8:35 pm, MajorKen said:

    Well, I heard a lot of Big Red today at the ISU vs. Nebraska game and for good reason (we are terrible and they are less than than terrible) but one thing I did like is they are very pro-mccain and Iowans are not quite as intelligent politcally. Nebraska is reliably Republican and Thank God for that.

  37. #137
    On October 19th, 2008 at 1:24 pm, Marc said:

    Inviting Ayers to speak at the University of Nebraska was not the worst invitation that the president of the University of Nebraska has made. It may be second but it is not first. That honor belongs to the decision to invite Bill Callahan to be the head football coach. This invitation was extended after several Pop Warner teams declined to hire Mr. Callahan.

  38. #138
    On October 20th, 2008 at 9:31 am, frostrt said:

    YES!!

    I’m guessing “the checkbook has spoken” once again. Get enough alums to threaten to withhold any further donations and you can give any administration pause about their choice in guest speakers.

    “Safety issues”? Really? Specifics, please? Bueller . . . Bueller . . .

  39. #139
    On October 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm, dadinseattle said:

    University officials said in a news release Friday evening that “the university’s threat assessment group monitored e-mails and other information UNL received regarding Ayers’ scheduled Nov. 15 visit and identified safety concerns which resulted in the university canceling the event.”

    How is it they can monitor emails?
    I thought this was against the law without a warrant, and only the evil Bush has ever done this[sarcasm].
    Just thought this odd?

  40. #140
    On October 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pm, Auggie Dog said:

    They better watch out, Bill The Bomber has a bad habit of expressing himself in other than conventional ways. I fear they may have awoken a sleeping giant spineless coward.

    Sarc/off

  41. #141
    On October 20th, 2008 at 5:20 pm, TooMuchTime said:

    This picture of Ayers needs some red on it; like a TARGET!

    Liberal. Socialist. Scumbag.

  42. #142
    On October 21st, 2008 at 2:07 pm, iowavette said:

    I knew Ayers wouldn’t fly in Nebraska. God bless Nebraskans.

  43. #143
    On November 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm, torabora said:

    How does a confessed bomber get a ticket to get on an airplane?

    Would YOU fly with this guy?

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