DAVE ROSS

Ross: If Israel can ban Congress members, why can’t universities?

Aug 16, 2019, 7:29 AM | Updated: Aug 21, 2019, 5:32 am

Israel...

Democrat US Representatives Ilhan Abdullahi Omar (L) and Rashida Tlaib (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

(BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

I’m sure you’ve heard America described as a nation of snowflakes, full of hyper-sensitive college students who can’t bear to hear opinions they don’t agree with.

So much, to the point that certain Conservative speakers have been banned from campuses like Berkeley.

That prompted President Trump last March to sign an executive order that would yank federal grants from universities that don’t allow “free inquiry” on their campuses. I don’t know if it’s been enforced yet.

How about this for a Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy?

But now there’s a bigger matter to consider: An ally of America officially banning a visit from two members of Congress for being too controversial. Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar had planned to visit Israel, tour Palestinian areas, and meet with relatives.

But Israel’s government invoked a new law to ban them — on the grounds that they support the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement against Israel.

So, no trip for Omar, and Tlaib can visit her mother, but that’s it.

Fortunately, Israel isn’t a university, so it doesn’t fall under the President’s order allowing him to cut off federal grants — but he probably wouldn’t have done that anyway because as it turns out — he actually urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to stop the trip.

So, Berkeley, The next time you feel the need to ban a controversial visitor, ignore the critics; you’re just following the presidentially-approved conduct of one of our closest allies.

Listen to Dave Ross weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

Dave's Commentary

Dave Ross on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM
  • listen to dave rossTune in to KIRO Newsradio weekdays at 5am for Dave Ross on Seattle's Morning News.

Dave Ross

car culture...

Dave Ross

Ross: Are we killing car culture? Or is car culture killing the US?

I don’t think the question is whether we're going to "kill" our car culture. The real question is can we stop our car culture from killing the U.S.?

4 days ago

drivers data insurance...

Dave Ross

Ross: As cars release driving data to insurance, is your driving my business?

Every move you make, every swerve you take, every lane change you fake – someone’s watching you. Do drivers have a right to keep driving data private?

11 days ago

rent control...

Dave Ross

Ross: Rent control was never the answer in Wash.

The rent control bill died in the Washington State Legislature this week, even though Democrats control both houses.

1 month ago

end of democracy...

Dave Ross

Ross: Conservative activist earns applause for pledging an ‘end of Democracy’

The theme from Jack Posobiec's speech is that Jan. 6 was a righteous attack not on democracy, but on those who threaten democracy.

1 month ago

Image: Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, is seen on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2023. (Photo: Alex Brand...

Dave Ross

Ross: Voters can help cull bad politicians from the herd early

Let's remember that just about every occupant of a higher office once occupied a lower office, and was put there by us, Dave Ross says.

1 month ago

Super Bowl celebration...

Dave Ross

Ross: The NFL does it again

The NFL once again put on a show that was able to keep me tuned in for four hours even though I had no stake in either team.

2 months ago

Ross: If Israel can ban Congress members, why can’t universities?