Governor denies police protection to Iranian leader

[Jenna]

What do you all think of this? Should a governor deny police protection to people he dislikes?

http://www.boston.com/news/local/mas...sit/?page=full

Romney bars state security for Iranian's Harvard visit
Cites unacceptable use of funds on `a terrorist'
By Farah Stockman and Scott Helman, Globe Staff | September 6, 2006

Governor Mitt Romney declared yesterday he would not allow any state resources to be used to protect a former Iranian president during his visit to the Boston area this weekend, and he sharply criticized Harvard University for inviting Mohammed Khatami to speak on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

``There are people in this state who have suffered from terrorism, and taking even a dollar of their money to support a terrorist is unacceptable," Romney, a potential candidate for the Republican Party's 2008 presidential nomination, said in a telephone interview yesterday.

Romney said that he expected the State Department at a meeting scheduled for today to request a State Police escort and other traffic services, but that he had called yesterday to inform them that no such services would be provided.

Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, which invited Khatami to speak on Sunday, issued a statement yesterday saying it was ``surprised and disappointed" by Romney's stance.

``We can understand and often share his disagreement with the positions of Khatami, the school nonetheless believes that active and open dialogue are a critical part of effective education and policy," the statement read.

But after Romney issued a statement yesterday outlining his position -- in which he called Harvard's invitation ``a disgrace to the memory of all Americans who have lost their lives at the hands of extremists" -- the Boston Police Department said it would step in.

``We were asked by the State Department to assist in protecting a guest of the United States, and the Police Department plans to oblige," spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said.

Khatami's tour of the United States is the most high-profile US visit of an Iranian leader since the 1979 seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran, which led the two countries to cut ties. He has already traveled without incident to Illinois and New York.

As president of Iran from 1997-2005, Khatami was originally seen as a reformer who opened up ties to the West and allowed more freedom of expression in Iran. But he remained in office during a major crackdown on student protest, in which thousands were arrested, including some who are still in prison. He was replaced by hard-liner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has defied international demands to curb Iran's nuclear program and has called for Israel to be ``wiped off" the map.

[cntryboy0531]

I think this goes a bit more than just "Someone he doesn't like".

I could see if it was a U.S. Official, or a Foreign government we support, and supports us... And he was denying state resources.. It would be different...

But someone who harbors terrorists, and facilitates genocide... I personally want to slap the fuckstick around that granted him the Visa to come over in the first place.

[snuffy2202]

What do you all think of this? Should a governor deny police protection to people he dislikes?

Dislikes?!? Don't you think it is a lot more than just someone the Governor dislikes??
My hat is off to the Governor who has the intestinal fortitude to stand up for America and let the Iranians and all the other Muslim Nations know we feel about them and.... God Bless America!

[conalabu]

I think you have simplified your poll too much. This is beyond a like or dislike situation. This is a known terrorist supporter and a person who has links and ties to operations world wide that are aimed towards the downfall of our society. I agree with the governor's stance, however I do not believe this is about dislike. When you are doing bodyguard detail, there can be no hesitation towards whether you will protect your mark or not. I believe that beyond this being a political statement that the former Iranian leader should not be encouraged or supported, I can also understand that not many officers would volunteer for such a duty, especially this close to 9/11. I respect BPD and their decision to protect the former leader, but I also respect the stance of the governor.

[Virginian]

former Iranian president

I think it was his call, and I agree with him. Spending gov money to make sure nothing happens to the guy is low on my list of priorities.

[gozling]

I think this goes a bit more than just "Someone he doesn't like".

I could see if it was a U.S. Official, or a Foreign government we support, and supports us... And he was denying state resources.. It would be different...

But someone who harbors terrorists, and facilitates genocide... I personally want to slap the fuckstick around that granted him the Visa to come over in the first place.

fuckstick is such a funny word....
+1

[katiemh]

I think you have simplified your poll too much. This is beyond a like or dislike situation. This is a known terrorist supporter and a person who has links and ties to operations world wide that are aimed towards the downfall of our society. I agree with the governor's stance, however I do not believe this is about dislike. When you are doing bodyguard detail, there can be no hesitation towards whether you will protect your mark or not. I believe that beyond this being a political statement that the former Iranian leader should not be encouraged or supported, I can also understand that not many officers would volunteer for such a duty, especially this close to 9/11. I respect BPD and their decision to protect the former leader, but I also respect the stance of the governor.

Agreed.

[Piggybank Cop]

What do you all think of this? Should a governor deny police protection to people he dislikes?


Well I kind of dislike terrorists also.

[Virginian]

I love terrorists!

But I'm very specific about which ones. I prefer the ones with several holes in them, or the ones missing vital body parts.

[gozling]

But I'm very specific about which ones. I prefer the ones with several holes in them.

not gonna go there.... lol

[badboys1517]

Even though I think Romney sucks, he is too concerned with running for president than running the state, I support his decision on this one. Boston PD will still be providing an escort for this asshole, though.

September 6, 2006
BOSTON --Boston Police have agreed to provide an escort when former Iranian president Mohammed Khatami visits Massachusetts this weekend, after Gov. Mitt Romney ordered state agencies not to participate.
Mayor Thomas Menino said the decision came after the city was asked by the U.S. State Department to assist in the protection of a visiting foreign dignitary, in part by providing a police escort.
Menino said the city agreed to the request "in the interest of general public safety."
On Tuesday, Romney ordered all state agencies to refuse any assistance if requested, including a State Police escort.
Romney said Mohammed Khatami oversaw the torture and murder of dissidents, as well as Iran's secret nuclear program, while in office from 1997 to 2005.
Khatami's visit Sunday to the Boston area will include a speech at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Romney criticized Harvard for allowing Khatami to speak, saying the school has committed a disgrace to the memory of all Americans who lost their lives at the hands of extremists.
Harvard has said it is surprised and disappointed by Romney's position.

[bayern]

Screw them all. Let Havard pick up the tab. Mass. didn't invite them, that institute of higher learning did. Let them walk for all I care.

Hope they get run over by a yupee in a Humvee.

[Virginian]

Oh my Allah! A picture of Muhammed! I declare Jihad on LEF!

[Virginian]

Disregard my severe mental shortcomings, I'm having technical difficulties.

[Virginian]

not gonna go there.... lol

Bleeding holes! Wait... umm... 5.56mm holes! Caused by bullets!

Damn you perverts lol

[gozling]

Disregard my severe mental shortcomings, I'm having technical difficulties.

you are making me laugh soda out my gnoze today...
dirka dirka

[kingpervis]

If he denies state resources for security, and something happens to Khatami while on U.S. soil, the conequences could be severe. Like it or not, Khatami is a former head of government, and therefore a foreign dignatary.

I am, however, disgusted with Harvard's invitation for this man to come speak here on the anniversary of 9/11. That's like having Admiral Yamamoto come speak at the University of Hawaii on December 7th.

[gozling]

Bleeding holes! Wait... umm... 5.56mm holes! Caused by bullets!

Damn you perverts lol

STOP IT!!!!!!!!! your making my gnoze hurt from da fuzzzz


bleeding holes??? ROFLMAO.. that is just nasty

[TXCharlie]

This is not an official visit.

Therefore, Harvard should either:

* hire bodyguards for him
* pay the cop's overtime if the city or state provides security, or
* tell him to say home.

I would prefer the latter.

[Dudleydoright]

I agree with bayern, let Haaaaaaavard pick up the tab.