TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Thursday night at the Terre Haute Convention Center, Senator Greg Goode held a free speech event, discussing politics with National Review Editor-In-Chief Rich Lowry.
This comes just two months after the cancellation of Lowry’s appearance at Indiana State.
He says he believes the decision by the university was a mistake.
“I think Indiana State made a terrible decision. This is the kind of decision that college campuses across America make, you are a little bit controversial, doesn’t matter what the truth is or why you are controversial. They just say don’t come.”
Senator Greg Goode invited Lowry to speak at his event after hearing the news of the cancellation.
Goode is an Indiana State Senator who was elected on the merits of free speech and debate.
“In the midst of that disappointment, I saw an opportunity and reached our to Mr. Lowry. I was immediately touched by the sense of humility and grace that he demonstrated, as well as his interest to come to Terre Haute. To be able to participate in a very civil discourse among our fellow citizens, even among those who might disagree with him.
The two discussed the current state of politics, focusing on the recent presidential election.
Goode says the purpose of events like this are to bring people together.
“To also show the world that in Indiana, and in paticular West Central Indiana, that we can come together as a people. Even despite the very hot rhetoric that is occuring across the country and in some cases, college campuses. That we can come together, through civil discourse, about the future of our country.”
Goode says that prior to the event, he reached out to THPD for safety measures, but there were no problems tonight.
