Oren is the diplomatic face of an apartheid state that does not deserve unmolested diplomacy. His job is to serve as part of the team who blanket the US on the public relations offensive, trying to put a cheerful face on monstrous criminal behavior.

The Zionist regime is being marketed for American consumption. It is the only diet on which some would have us dine. If Oren and others like him face resistance it might take some of the wind out of their sails.

It is not going to be easy.

Don’t ever be surprised that they would arrest and prosecute those who interfere with any part of the Zionist program. Look at so many other instances. And if the protester happens to have an Arab face, the wheels of justice will turn even more unfairly.

But years ago Dr. King was put in jail many times, and Gandhi was jailed and his people beaten.

Hang in. Palestine will win.

A reasonable argument can be made that the disciple handed out by the university was a sufficient punishment and there was no need for criminal prosecution.

But bottom line the students were wrong. I see a lot of people are trying to spin this and change the conversation and try to make it appear the students are victims or martyrs for having to spend 56 hours of community service and be on probation. Their actions were not an example of protected free speech.

Standing outside with prepared materials on their criticisms of the speaker to hand out would have been a valid form of activism. Working to bring a pro-Palestinian speaker to campus at later day would be positive activism. Having incisive questions prepared for the question and answer segment of the presentation would have a been a better course of action. After the event, posting a rebuttal on a blog of the speaker’s points and sending a copy to the New University and other local newspapers would have been better course of action.

If this group had engaged in real activism, they could have enhanced the academic experience of our public university instead of undermining it.

They justify this by invoking their own right to free speech and claiming victimization when their attempts to victimize Oren and supporters of Israel failed.

Their hubris is matched only by the obvious contempt they hold for American values and Constitutional rights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbnT1hmdD-w

–Even if it panics the administration.