Posted on 09/21/2004 3:23:42 PM PDT by batter
One shares the name of a Republican icon and former American president. The other is a conservative lightning rod and the nation's highest-rated talk show host.
One charges 5,000. The other $100,000 - although their prices are negotiable.
And one - either Michael Reagan or Sean Hannity - will be speaking at Utah Valley State College next month, days after liberal lion Michael Moore. An announcement is expected today..
"Both would get a big draw," Joe Vogel, vice president for UVSC's recently embattled student government, said Monday. They're both well known and they would provide a good alternative to Michael Moore."
Meantime, ticket sales for the firebrand "Fahrenheit 9/11" director continue to sizzle. More than 3,500 were sold as of Monday, not including those set aside for UVSC students, who will get in free at the 8,000-seat McKay Events Center.
"When you put those in, it's even higher," Vogel said. "So we're almost sold out."
Student leaders intend to use any extra money from Moore's $40,000 appearance Oct. 20 to pay Reagan or Hannity.
UVSC President William Sederburg had requested that a conservative counter be brought in, this close to Election Day.
Soon after announcing Moore's visit, the Orem school was inundated with phone calls from students, parents, legislators and donors opposing the invite and his speaking fee - all of it coming from student fees.
Vogel said Moore's camp is aware of the brouhaha.
"They're used to this. It's a circus everywhere he goes."
Moore's visit may not have caused such a stir had his destination been farther north - to, say, the University of Utah or Utah State University.
And one reason emotions erupted at UVSC is because of a private school farther south.
Officials say many residents of conservative Utah County see state-owned UVSC in neighboring Orem as a mini-Brigham Young University.
"People often project some of BYU's attributes on UVSC," school spokesman Derek Hall said.
"We have people come on campus who say, 'Don't you have a dress code?'
UVSC student leaders say they first tried to schedule former President Carter and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., before landing Moore.
In recent years, the U. has hosted visits from Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders. Both sparked debate, but not much division.
"I am not aware of any group that has seriously objected to a particular person speaking on campus," U. spokeswoman Coralie Alder said.
Tiffany Evans, USU's director of student activities, said the Logan school encourages students to bring a diversity of speakers.
One was moviemaker Spike Lee.
Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, said that while he does not oppose Moore's visit to UVSC, he doesn't like the idea of all students paying fees for a speaker that may not interest them.
Stephenson is drafting a bill that would allow students to opt out of funding items they oppose.
He started to work on the measure after some Salt Lake Community College students objected to an art exhibit designed to "elicit sympathy for gays."
Moore's visit may not have caused such a stir had his destination been farther north - to, say, the University of Utah or Utah State University.
The trib would be shocked. There is a very strong conservative contingent at USU. Apparently the authors have never bothered checking out what USU is really like.
Ping!
Ann Coulter or Laura Ingraham... Bill Bennett would also do a good job
I personally heard Sean Haniity today say that he's been in talks to come debate Moore for free and is willing to rearrange his schedule. Moore won't agree and wants his promised money. Hannity is willing to give the money to a children's charirty in the area.
I nominate the one and only......BUCKHEAD!!
Lawmakers should stay out of Moore uproar (editorial)
Is Moore after money? (letter to editor)
Moore is waste of money (letter to editor)
Moore to say (letter to editor)
Paying Moore (letter to editor 9/16)
Maybe the university should pay Moore.. but in EUROS instead of dollars. Then he can spend the money where he feels most comfortable.
Plus, even if UVSC cancels Michael Moore, they still have to pay his speaker's fee. He passes himself as the common man, but the bottom line is lining his pockets and giggling all the way to the bank.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.