My Question to the Iranian President

Mr. President, welcome to the United States of America and to Columbia University. The protests you see outside, the complaints, the whining and indignation you've seen in the 100% Republican-owned, pro-Bush US media outlets, the anger you correctly perceive in this auditorium right now - it's all been caused by the university administration's brave and courageous invitation for you to speak in this forum here today - although they have the RIGHT to disagree - those who oppose your speech today - their reasons and their excuses - they are all symptoms and examples of fear and cowardice and their compaints and cries of pathetic impotent craven fear are a troubling sign of profound weakness by those who ALREADY KNOW that they can't beat someone like you in a debate. Well, I belong to THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AMERICAN POLITICAL DIVIDE, I am NOT a Republican - I am a liberal, so I'm NOT afraid of you NOR am I afraid to tackle your arguments, because, unlike the Republicans, I know that we liberals are intellectually up to the task of debating any theocratic demagogue and any anti-reality right-wing politician into the dirt, regardless of his country of origin or the flavor of his particular brand of silly religious fundamentalism. My question to you - with all due respectis, Mr. President, is this: Why don't we see such protests and such obvious signs of a lively and thriving democracy within YOUR country? Where are all of those smart, young, compassionate and well-informed students that proudly took to the streets and waved American flags and held all-night candlelight vigils in the wake of the deaths in September of 2001? Why are YOU so afraid to let YOUR progressives and liberals speak? Why are YOU so much like George W. Bush and his mindless cowardly yes-men in the American Republican Party?

( OuCh! ...now that's gonna leave a mark! )