President of the American Leadership Foundation Responds to Khatami Speech

Short encourages U.S. citizens to ‘not give aid and comfort to the enemy.’

Ruckersville, VA (PRWEB) September 14, 2006

On September 7, 2006, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami spoke at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. The following is a response from Robert “Bo” Short, President of the American Leadership Foundation:

“The organizers of this event and the leadership of the University have brought shame upon a great institution. Thomas Jefferson, founder of the University, penned words that have helped guide our moral compass as Americans when he wrote, ‘For the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.’ It saddens me that the leadership of his beloved University has broken faith with Mr. Jefferson.”

“I was also stunned that American citizens were reportedly asked to wait for hours before entering Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Their wait came about because Khatami was given a private tour of this American treasure. I would suggest he be the one required to wait.”

“I understand that many consider Khatami to be a political moderate. However, I deem him an enemy of our country. Instead of rolling out the red carpet I would have rather seen him arrested as he entered the borders of America. I agree that we must dialog with our enemies, but those particular conversations need to take place in a diplomatic setting, not from a stage in which tyrannical representatives are invited to spew their rhetoric unchallenged.”

“I was not surprised that Harvard University invited Khatami to speak. Harvard has long been considered a far-left institution among American colleges and universities. However, when UVA offered this invitation I was stunned. Young patriotic men and women of America are risking their lives defending our freedoms and the very Declaration of Independence that Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in creating. I can only imagine what despair they must feel about Khatami’s political ‘dog and pony show’ as they dig their foxholes and remain vigilant in this war we are waging against the likes of Iran. These young courageous patriots, who wear the uniform of the United States of America deserve better than this from us.”

“I heard someone say that he (Khatami) has a right to speak openly in America. I would strongly disagree. He has no rights in America. I find it offensive that the far-left in this country are so eager to bestow American privileges and rights upon people that are not citizens of the United States, many of whom, have sworn to kill us.”

“I loathe war. Risking the lives of our soldiers is horrible. Unfortunately, it is necessary when we know that there are evil people in this world that want to destroy us. Most Americans will defend this Nation and their families in any way to protect them from such a threat. Whether or not you agree with the actions of entering into a war in Iraq…we are there. By doing so we have uncovered an evil that places the future of this Nation at risk. Radical Islamic fascism is a snake that is winding itself toward our borders. The ‘head of this snake’ is Iran.’ Inviting their leaders here and giving them aid and comfort should be something that every American proclaims to be abhorrent.”

“We must never forget the words of Thomas Jefferson when he wrote, ‘The arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverance, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die free rather than live as slaves…Thomas Jefferson, 1775’ ”

“I encourage each of you to be heard. Stand up and speak. Do not allow actions that are detrimental to the health and very existence of this Republic to take place. You must find a voice from that part of your character that says, ‘that is enough’. As an American citizen you must…It is your ‘Sacred Honor. ”

About Robert “Bo” Short

Bo has spoken around the globe in 21 different countries to more than one million people. Audiences ranging in size from 100 to 60,000 have heard him stress the importance of Leading With Impact. As one of America’s foremost leadership experts, he has impacted thousands with his powerful message. For more information about Bo or his corporate leadership training programs, you may visit http://www.BoShortOnline.com, or call 1 877-608-0689

About The American Leadership Foundation

The American Leadership Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to instilling and renewing the values of leadership in all Americans. The Foundation's mission is to inspire and nurture honorable leadership by promoting vision, courage, perseverance, responsibility, and character. For more information visit http://www.AmericanLeadership.org.

Contact:

Robert “Bo” Short or Thom Scott

American Leadership Foundation

(877) 608-0689

http://www.BoShortOnline.com

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