University instructor likens Bush to Hitler

From a story at cnn.com, here's this guy who says 9/11 was actually orchestrated by the U.S. Government. He likens the actions of the government to those of the Nazi's in the early 1930's. According to the story, he thinks they destroyed the WTC and blamed it on their enemies to strengthen their position and serve their own agenda.

While I don't agree with his opinion, I can appreciate his point of view (interesting take on these events, actually) and firmly believe he has the right to express it. The controversy is coming in that he is teaching a class in which he is integrating these opinions. Some have called for his resignation or his dismissal. I say let him stay and let him teach his class.

One of the biggest freedoms we enjoy as Americans is the freedom of speech. It's guaranteed by the first amendment to the constitution and it's the reason I, and many others, are allowed to blog as freely as we do.

I agree with the Provost of his university who, according to the story, has said, "Barrett could present his ideas during one week of the course as long as students were allowed to challenge them." And there's the key, isn't it? As long as they can challenge them. I mean, that's one of the best things about a university environment - healthy debate on controversial topics covering a wide range of viewpoints. My fear is that some students won't realize he's serious about these views and will think he's just playing Devil's Advocate.