Columbia University prof wishes for "a million Mogadishus".

[Dan Murphy]

Not sure if this was posted as of yet (I could not see it here), an action of several days ago. You really have to wonder what goes through people's heads. Thankfully, the administration is trying to make it right. I realize protest is part of the American right and the American way, but gee.........

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/29/e...00&en=b2571f49df0e2981&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

.....the remarks of an anthropology professor who said at a campus antiwar teach-in Wednesday night that he hoped to see "a million Mogadishus" — referring to the city in Somalia where American soldiers were ambushed in a lethal firefight in 1993.

The professor, Nicholas De Genova, also called for the defeat of United States forces in Iraq, and said the only true heroes are those who help defeat the American military. He said Americans who call themselves patriots are imperialist white supremacists........

 

[TigH]

Maybe we can pass the plate and come up with enough money to buy him a one way ticket to any place outside the USA!!!

 

[Geoff_M]

I think this idiot needs to talk to a few Iraqi exiles first before he opens his pie hole again.

 

[bsnyder]

Here's a link to a very informative editorial on this subject, by the former radical leftist, David Horowitz. Scary stuff!

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=6962

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

What a disgusting sleazy pig. I dread the day my kids go off to college and I'm paying for these sick *******s to "educate" them.

 

[Buckalew]

Right again, Mare! I have thought about that also!

Hmm...I think I could splurge for the ticket myself, TigH!

 

[jamsmom]

SInce he is not tenured, I surely hope that means he will be gone next semester. Yes, we have a right to free-speech, but you also have to consider any work related problems it maight bring.

 

[nativetxn]

He's untenured, huh? Interesting.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Deplorable.

I read about it here, along with a story about an Ohio college that wouldn't let students hang American flags from a building because the flags might hurt the feelings of anti-war folks

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Unfortunately there is a very fine line to walk in a university setting. On the one hand, we are individuals with our own beliefs, etc. On the other we are charged with what at times is a mandate that directly contradicts itself. Challenging students to look at things from a variety of angles, setting aside preconceived ideas, etc. while at the same time making sure all points of view are held in respect.

Notice that I did not say we had to agree with everything. As this war started we received several memos reminding us of our duty to uphold the right of free speech while ensuring that no comments that could be considered denegrating were put forth!

Meanwhile, in our faculty area we have a large flag flying and academic freedom means we can without repercussions. The professor at the beginning of this thread was out of line in my opinion. Mainly because his very "opinion" did not promote an environment of tolerance to explore ideas. He could just as easily have expressed his ideas in a much less controversial manner. As is the Ohio University not allowing flags to be displayed.

Deb

 

[Geoff_M]

The same guy also uncorked this gem at another event last year:

During a pro-Palestinian sit-in in the April of last year, he stated at an open microphone, "The heritage of the victims of the Holocaust belongs to the Palestinian people. The state of Israel has no legitimate claim to the heritage of the Holocaust. The heritage of the oppressed belongs to the oppressed--not the oppressor."

http://www.columbiaspectator.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/03/31/3e8820b855697

But I agree, it's a fine line between expressing academic freedom, and being a wack job unfit for further university employment.

 

[CRB#33]

Absolutely shameful.

I hope he loses his job.

I hope he loses his tenure.

I hope he is never allowed around our young people again.

He should probably find another country to live in.

It is one thing to challenge your students to look at all things from all perspectives. As a responsible instructor, your opinion should not enter into the equation.

It's totally another to use your position to blast your country. I repeat----He should be fired.

 

[bsnyder]

It's totally another to use your position to blast your country.

Actually, I'd defend his right to blast his country all he wants. I wouldn't like it or agree with him, but he's entitled to say that he thinks America is a horrible, vile country.

But it's when it comes to expressing wanting to see harm come to our soldiers that I think he crosses the line. Yes, it's a fine line, but it seems everyone here is in agreement that he's crossed it. I haven't heard anyone in the print or broadcast media defend those statements either.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Disgusting.. maybe this professor should be shown the door, in fact, why doesn't he go teach in the Middle East.. oh I know why.. he will not have freedom of speech to spout his venom... He would be shot for speaking against the government there........

I have put three daughters through college....thankfully small Catholic ones and luckily have not run into that kind of liberal thinking.. I have run into other issues that the Catholic church feels strongly about but we have taught our daughters to think for themselves...and to use not only their brain but their hearts as well..

I hope they fire his ***..........

 

[bsnyder]

Originally posted by Mackey Mouse
I hope they fire his ***..........

Marsha, you tell it like it is, honey! I love it!

 

[Patrick IL.]

Interesting enough I spoke to my son last night who is away in his last year at a State School. I inquired about the "tone" on campus. He said 4 boys from his frat who were also in ROTC we activated and called up. Many of the Professiors were talking up the "anti war" protesting and such during classes. There was one demonstration on the campus to date..a couple of hundred students. They were met by a large group of Viet Nam and Korean War Vets, several disabled from thier service. The Vets along with many others "discussed" with the student protestors the reason they have these wonderful rights of Peaceful protest, free speech and the sacrifices that many have made to secure them. That pretty much ended the protest.

 

[CRB#33]

Originally posted by bsnyder
Actually, I'd defend his right to blast his country all he wants. I wouldn't like it or agree with him, but he's entitled to say that he thinks America is a horrible, vile country.

I have to respectfully disagree.

As a teacher, it is totally irresponsible and I don't think teachers are entitled to say whatever they want. At least they shouldn't be.

As a teacher, I have been told that I need to be careful about the image I portray outside of my job. You never know when a student will see you and the impression you will give. It will be a long lasting one, good or bad. This goes for elementary students as well as college age, IMO. If he wants to say whatever he wishes about anything, then he should not be a teacher. It's totally irresponsible.

 

[CRB#33]

Originally posted by Patrick IL.
Many of the Professiors were talking up the "anti war" protesting and such during classes. There was one demonstration on the campus to date..a couple of hundred students.

I just don't get this????

Like I said before, it's one thing to stress to students to think about all aspects, but interjecting your opinion is irresponsible.

And as a teacher, I find it unthinkable.

That is not teaching a student to think for him/herself. It's teaching him/her to think like you.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

First let me say - this guy has crossed the line, and I would have a problem with any professor that is pushing their personal agenda. That being said...

There is a HUGE difference between teaching in the K-12 system (a place you would not find me on a daily basis by the way) and facilitating the learning process at the college/university level. As students progress through the K-12 system they should be learning base line facts, and beginning the process of evaluating the information they receive for truth, accuracy, validity, etc. However, by the time the student reaches college/univeristy - especially when they into upper level courses they should be pretty good at critical thinking.

I believe it IS ok on occasion, under the proper circumstances - in particular stating that this is their interpretation or opinion and when students ask - for a professor to include their opinion in the conversation. It must be CRYSTAL clear as well that simply regurgitating that opinion is NOT the way to pass the class. It is also part of the role of the professor to challenge student - even at times playing devil's advocate to get them thinking past the status quo.

In conclusion, I do have a problem with any educator pushing an agenda. His right to express his opinion on his time should not be curtailed. And is part of what students should use in assessing what he presents in the classroom quite frankly. We ask adults to do this all the time - can we say politics and political candidates/representatives?

Anyway, not intending to start a debate here - wrong board! Just wanted to clarify a bit what I said earlier.

Deb

 

[DawnCt]

I heard Congressman DH Hayworth read a letter on the Sean Hannity Radio Show that he was drafting, hoping to have other members of Congress sign it, to Colombia University asking for this man's termination. I would support that. He has the right to say what he wants but he also needs to consider the offensive nature of what he said and bear the consequences.