And in defense of the university, it sounds like they are taking this incident seriously. The students were punished and campus officials reacted swiftly.

I'm not familiar with this school, but I'll bet these actions don't reflect the views of the vast majority of students and employees there. They certainly don't reflect the views of the vast majority of Christians (of which Barack Obama is one.)

Wow.  What to say?  How anyone could defend that act as free speech boggles my mind. To begin with free speech (or expression) is not absolute right.  Speech intened to incite violence, for example, is not tolerated.  Defamation and libel are still torts.  But lets take it out of the constitutional context.  Based on the article (or at least my read of it) this act happened on school grounds, meaning that even if one were to make a First Amendment argument it would likely fail.  The school has the right to restrict the kinds of speech spoken on its private grounds.  Any citizen (or entity) can restrict the speech on their own property.  Its public property or public areas where the right "attaches."  If the school doesn't want to tolerate such displays it within their rights to do so. 

For the record: In my opinion, the school did not go far enough.  I would have argued for expulsion.  These assholes should have to explain what they did on every job application they make out for the rest of their lives.  In every interview they get, they should have to explain why they were expelled.  Just my two cents, though.

Obama will be here in Newport News speaking on Saturday. It's not in a great part of town, but the police presence should be strong, so I just might go give a listen.

Brian:

If you go -- do not wear the Kilt.

Brian:

If you go -- do not wear the Kilt.

You would kill for legs like that.