Nonie Darwish at Berkeley

The "Right" has to get better at holding events. They have to have a game plan to deal with disputers. They have to have physical security for their speakers. They have to be get their supporters to turn out. They have to make sure the sound system works.

The problem is that the Right has not gotten much practice. But I'm sure they will improve.

Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week" is a nationwide series of lectures and presentations organized by conservative writer David Horowitz and his various organizations. On the evening of October 22, dozens of famous speakers gave lectures at universities around the country, mostly on the subject of Islamic extremism. The presenter at U.C. Berkeley that evening was Nonie Darwish, an Arab-American author and feminist who has become a Muslim apostate and vociferous critic of radical Islam.

Her appearance at Cal was sponsored by the Berkeley College Republicans, and strongly opposed by several left-wing groups and Muslim organizations, including World Can't Wait, the Muslim Students Association, and Students for Justice in Palestine. Her speech was even condemned by the ASUC, the official student governing body at Berkeley.

The stage seemed to be set for a tumultuous ideological confrontation, but as things turned out, attendance at the Darwish lecture was surprisingly light, considering the amount of pre-publicity the event had generated. There were conflicts and disruptions, but perhaps fewer than many people had feared.

HERE is an excellent video of the event by "Incorrect University."