ds,

There's a certain "karma" associated with "library" people.  Sort of a golden rule kind of mentality towards customers.  Oh sorry, I meant patrons.  You really know things are bad when library people are pissed enough to start firing off letters to the newspaper. 

quote:

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Originally posted by: disgusted student
"It was not my intention to turn this thread away from Mary Beth Applin's letter. It was one of the best letters that I have read to date because it was so sincere and obviously written by a humble person of great intelligence."

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quote:

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Originally posted by: Troll Zapper
"STOP! DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS TROLL. LET HIM TALK HIS HEAD OFF. WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR RESPOND. "

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I agree Troll Zapper.  This troll said the exact same thing before.  In a following discussion on this board, it turned out the troll was mad at a prof.  The reason was because his/her opinions were not respected.  However it turned out the reason was because the troll couldn't provide any evidence or logic for the opinions.  This troll got an education in critical thinking and didn't like it.  Apparently this troll didn't learn from the experience.

quote:

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Originally posted by: Jameela Lares
" In that case, I hope that another student--anonymously, of course--will explain. In the meantime, I'm quite concerned that students would perceive themselves to be threatened for engaging in the exchange of ideas.  That's what universities are for.  Jameela  "

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Jameela and LVN,

I am not sure I can explain this, and I completely agree that students should never feel threatened for a thoughtful exchange of ideas.

Having said that, speaking truth to power is not always easy. I know when I first agreed to serve on the PUC, I took a couple of pretty harsh beatings on this board. I even had some concerns about administrative retribution which I broached directly with SFT in his office. Bobby Middlebrooks was also there. I brought it up directly to him because I wanted my concerns on record with one of the several I was most concerned might take such action against me for expressing my thoughts.

Some  of us throw caution to the winds when a matter of principle is involved. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it bites you in the fanny. I suppose, at least in my case, there comes a point when the situation is so intolerable that you'd rather face the possible retribution than continue to live with the situation. Not all students feel strong enough or empowered enough, perhaps, to take a vocal and open stance. I respect those students who can. I respect those who don't think they can. We have many faculty and other supporters from "our side" in similar circumstances.

I do hope more students will stand up for what they know in their hearts is right. There aren't many Rachel Quinlivans in this world, but there are a few. I found that, with the little bit that I was able to do, it meant I didn't have to sit idly by while someone else took a beating for my education. It wasn't much, but it was what I thought was right. I still think so.

Anyway, I'm rambling now. This wasn't by way so much of an explanation as an expression of concern and respect for those who are "out" in the battle and those who are not yet able to be "out."

Thanks,

DJ

quote:

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Originally posted by: David Johnson
" Jameela and LVN, I am not sure I can explain this, and I completely agree that students should never feel threatened for a thoughtful exchange of ideas. Having said that, speaking truth to power is not always easy. I know when I first agreed to serve on the PUC, I took a couple of pretty harsh beatings on this board. I even had some concerns about administrative retribution which I broached directly with SFT in his office. Bobby Middlebrooks was also there. I brought it up directly to him because I wanted my concerns on record with one of the several I was most concerned might take such action against me for expressing my thoughts. Some  of us throw caution to the winds when a matter of principle is involved. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it bites you in the fanny. I suppose, at least in my case, there comes a point when the situation is so intolerable that you'd rather face the possible retribution than continue to live with the situation. Not all students feel strong enough or empowered enough, perhaps, to take a vocal and open stance. I respect those students who can. I respect those who don't think they can. We have many faculty and other supporters from "our side" in similar circumstances. I do hope more students will stand up for what they know in their hearts is right. There aren't many Rachel Quinlivans in this world, but there are a few. I found that, with the little bit that I was able to do, it meant I didn't have to sit idly by while someone else took a beating for my education. It wasn't much, but it was what I thought was right. I still think so. Anyway, I'm rambling now. This wasn't by way so much of an explanation as an expression of concern and respect for those who are "out" in the battle and those who are not yet able to be "out." Thanks, DJ"

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Good Evening David,

You were great on the PUC.  Not many students would have had the presence and influence you had.  I never told you this, but I always thought SFT was a little intimidated by you on the PUC.  After all you were not one of his employees.  I always hoped you would have gotten angry enough to stand or hit your fist on the table just to see SFT's reaction.  Those were techniques he had used on others.  

Voter,

Rereading this, I do see a misplaced pronoun (English profs is this called a misplaced appositive?). The "him" refers to SFT not to Bobby. I am running on 1.5 hours of sleep and 7 hours on a plane today, so I'm probably not writing as cogently as I hope I normally write. Apologies for the confusion!

DJ