Once again the nation has been treated to the spectacle of mob action, this time involving the disgraceful riot (no other word fits the scene) upon the Shah of Iran’s arrival ceremonies at the White House. [Nov. 15, 1977 outdoor reception with President Jimmy Carter and the First Lady]

One may argue all he wants about the Shah’s record on human rights in his own country, but those arguments melt into irrelevance under the assault of a crazed, club-swinging mob attacking police, counter-demonstrators or anyone else unfortunate enough to be in its path.

Had they limited their demonstration to parading and sign-waving in front of the White House the demonstrators would have made their point. As it was, the only point they made was that a large number of Iranian nationals studying in American universities have learned nothing about the civilized conduct they pretend to represent.