I believe she gave up a $35,000 speaking fee as well. She is a tough woman, I imagine she didn't want the controversy to distract from the purpose of the ceremonies.

If your point were working towards winning arguments, I would agree. My point is not about engaging in debate, or advocacy, but rather about hatred. Hatred of people who think and believe differently than you. I don't believe that you just simply "choose" an ideology (unless you are Arianna Huffington). A choice I do make is to vehemently not hate people for being liberal. While I refute what they believe in, I respect their opinon nonetheless, even when my emotions implore me to feel differently. Condaleeza Rice is a great woman of impeccable character and renowned intelligence. A woman who is/should be a role model to many. To protest her merely speaking at a college graduation ceremony is a political act of irrational hatred. There are many liberals that I disagree with who are great men and women. Our president is one of them.

Again, this was not about political debate or an issue, Similar to dealing with racism, I think the only way to honestly combat this type of behavior is to reject the haters. The university lost the opportunity to hear from a great person and a great American mind because of political garbage.

Interesting point on tribalism. My question is not about the "right to protest", but about whether they are "right in protesting". Just because you are allowed to do something doesn't mean you should.

I supported the war and still do. When the stragglers who were against the war protested before we went in, I respected their opinions because I believed that they were acting on ideology. There was no war they would have ever supported (I blogged previously about attending a Joan Baez concert with my wife during the war, my comment to her was "IF Joan Baez isn't going to be against war, then who is?").

I find the whole "crimes against humanity" argument pretty contrived and generated for political gain, a case that has quite a bit of evidential support as well. Nonetheless, I would not exercise my right to protest to prevent someone like Ramsey Clark from speaking somewhere because of his views about the war or anything else.

It is certainly very different. I apologize for "mis-writing" that late last night (typing with each eye pointing in different directions can be a challenge.)

The point wasn't meant to be about anyone's rights, but rather the hatred we are generating in our philosophical differences. She is not even politically far right figure, yet these kids are somehow motivated to take such drastic actions. It's unfortunate.