Re: RE: The Right has a Licen
Reverend Blair said:
Just more of the radical right's attempt to quash any sort of dissent whatsoever. It's sad to see that the people who are in charge of the US have no regard for their constitution whatsoever.
The “radical” right is a small minority. They have as much right to voice their opinion as does Mr. Churchill.
I think you have stretched the bounds of logic when you say “the people who are in charge of the US have no regard for their constitution whatsoever.” Who are these people? How have they shown disregard for the U.S. Constitution? The author of the article claims “politicians” are howling for his job, but doesn’t point out who the “politicians” are. As far as I can tell, only Governor Bill Owens of Colorado has spoke out for Ward Churchill’s job.
Ward Churchill called the people who died in the world trade center, “little Eichmanns.’” Eichmann organized the identification and transportation to concentration camps of millions of people. He was largely responsible for the extermination of millions. How does that compare to the people in the trade center?
Why should Churchill apologize for anything? Is it a crime to say that chickens can come home to roost and that the way to protect American lives from terrorism is to respect international law? I don't think he should have resigned as department chair. Let them drag him out by main force.
Churchill has not apologized for anything. In fact he has been defiant in the face of this controversy. When confronted by a local reporter, Churchill restated his views without remorse and after tiring of the hound dog reporter (who was persistent and would have pissed me off were I in Churchill’s shoes) he flatly stated, “get out of my face.” Further, he called a press conference this same day, (one day last week, I forget when exactly) then failed to show.
Ward Churchill was not forced to resign his department chair even though Alexander Cockburn would try to make you believe it so. Churchill stated his dislike for being chair of the University’s Ethics Committee and this whole controversy is simply a convenient excuse allowing him to dispose of a position he did not want. He resigned his position immediately and expressed his pleasure and relief.
fired up by the mad dogs on the Wall Street Journal editorial page and by Lord O'Reilly of the Loofah
More bullshit. I watched O’Reilly both nights. He specifically pointed out Mr. Churchill’s First Amendment rights and expressed his opinion that Mr. Churchill should not be fired or punished.
And, yes, this is the same University of Colorado whose officials decided last year to take no firm disciplinary action after Katie Hnida and two other women charged they had been raped or assaulted by members of the UC football team, also that Coach Gary Barnett's staff had staged porno movie showings for potential team recruits, also promising them easy sex if they signed on. Once again, two sets of books. For rapists and procurers a wink and a nod;for political commentary, a full press persecution and threats of termination.
What a hoot! Can a University take disciplinary action without evidence? Mr. Cockburn conveniently leaves out the information that each case was highly publicized and the District Attorney investigated (under extreme public scrutiny) and interviewed both accuser and accused. There was not sufficient evidence for any rape charges, nor were there sufficient evidence that Gary Barnett’s staff “staged porno movies.” Gary Barnett was suspended for “insensitive remarks” and was investigated by an independent panel. He was reinstated after 4 months.
If Mr. Cockburn would like to discuss double standards, let us compare. Mr. Barnett was suspended 4 months for insensitive remarks. His insensitivity? He stated Katie Hnida was not a good football player. Insensitive in light of her charges of rape maybe, but Barnett was clear his comments were not related to the rape charge. Now, on the other hand we have another University of Colorado employee who charges and continues to maintain that the dead from 9-11 where Nazis and murderers. However, there is no suspension while the university appoints another independent investigation committee. Double standard indeed.
One more comment. I am offended by Mr. Churchill’s comments. Where I come from, he has spoken “fightin’ words.” I strongly disagree with his views and would jack his fucking jaw in a second should I have a chance encounter. On the other hand, I do not approve of any firing or punishment. His comments were of a political nature and those are clearly protected by the U. S. Constitution. The First Amendment is bigger than Ward Churchill.
