A Terrorist Wants Protection From Terrorists

This is almost surreal:

Millersville University has asked the regional counter-terrorism task force to provide security when William Ayers, a former militant anti-war activist, speaks at the university next month.

Area law enforcement officers are disturbed.

Speaking on their behalf, Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said law enforcement must provide security if the university requests it, "regardless of how we feel about an unrepentant terrorist."

However, he called MU's decision to invite Ayers "a remarkably irresponsible choice" and urged the university to consider alternatives, such as remote video, "which would provide a forum without the public safety risks or costs."

State Rep. John Bear, who was informed of the security plan by a local police officer, also teed off on the university. He said he shared the plan with the Lancaster County House Republicans and they also were "appalled."

"The fact that they even asked the anti-terrorism task force to be involved shows you they think this is going to be controversial, maybe even dangerous," he said. "Why would they even hold the event in the first place?"

The counter-terrorism task force was created in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The university has explained that Ayers' appearance here on March 19 is part of an initiative by the School of Education to revitalize its urban education program for future teachers. Ayers is a recognized authority in the field of urban education.

A professor of education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Ayers helped found the Weather Underground while in his 20s. The group protested the Vietnam War by bombing several public buildings in the 1970s.

Ayers, who has acknowledged participating in the bombing of the Capitol in 1971 and of the Pentagon in 1972, faced criminal charges, which were dropped.

Protests have been staged at other colleges where Ayers has spoken, especially since the media reported his association with President Barack Obama. Several colleges have canceled appearances, citing security concerns and costs.

Bear and Stedman criticized MU for thinking about using a public agency and public funds to protect Ayers.

"I just think that it's absolutely wrong for the university to use public funds," said Bear. "The guy's a known terrorist. Using anti-terrorism funds to protect a known terrorist is irresponsible."

Stedman said, "Especially in these economic times, I believe it is unthinkable that any taxpayer money should be spent on a situation entirely created by choice, and I believe the university should pay for all costs."

There's something delicious about the thought that William Ayers could be concerned about being the victim of a terrorist.