Former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft will speak to local business leaders this Wednesday night at Missouri State University, but won't allow cameras in to cover the event, according to organizers.
Ashcroft is set to speak to Ozarks business leaders about homeland security issues at 7 p.m. at Juanita K. Hammons Hall. The event is free, and open to the public. It is open to print media, but not television or radio.
According to Dr. Olen Greer, a professor in the School of Accountancy who is helping host the event, Ashcroft specifically requested that no videocameras or recording equipment be allowed into his speech.
"Pencil press is fine," Dr. Greer said. "The public is invited to ask questions, but press may not," he said.
"John said it would be ok for the pencil press to report the event, but not participate in it--they may not ask any questions," according to a note written by Emily Broeman, Ashcroft's manager for speaking engagements.
Dr. Greer said he was hoping broadcast media would cover the event. "I'd like you to cover it, what we were hoping for is an opportunity to publicize this conference we are having. But these are the rules agreed to in our contract with Mr. Ashcroft," Greer explained.
Ashcroft's speech kicks off the Heartland Institute of Management Accountants' Regional Council's Seventh Annual Education Conference. (Get all that?) It runs Sept 13-14th. Ashcroft will also headline a $50 per plate dinner before the speech at the University Plaza Hotel.
Ashcroft, who usually charges around $25,000 per speaking engagement, is doing this one for only about $7,500 plus expenses.
Greer said the former Attorney General made it clear he wants to keep the event "low-key."
"He wants the focus to be on the attendees, instead of a media circus," said Greer.
(And the stand-off grudge match between conservatives and the media continues . . .)
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