Membership in AAUP - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Feb 2, 2006

Membership in AAUP

Date: Feb 3, 2006

Eric Luce wrote:

is still a good idea!

I believe you, but is there a way to do this without exposing myself to troubles that so far have been avoidable?

Date: Feb 4, 2006

Is fear still pervasive--even after it looks like SFT's wings have been clipped?

Date: Feb 4, 2006

It's really not that hard to create a climate of fear and distrust....but eliminating it once created is a monumental task.

Date: Feb 4, 2006

Under the Radar wrote:

. . .is there a way to do this without exposing myself to troubles that so far have been avoidable?

Why would you want to be off of the radar? Aren’t we expected to be exemplary and worthy of emulation? Don’t we expect that of ourselves? Are you not already a campus leader? How can you not be? Consider the Seven Habits of Effective Chapter Leaders if you are wondering What role can an AAUP chapter play on our campus? and how you might make a difference.

If acting and affiliating locally still seems like one thing too many and a distraction from the scholarly pursuits and personal lives that we try to keep in balance, why not Join AAUP national? This is a good way to find one’s way in academe and show belonging with the larger community of scholars.

Don’t be too afraid and don’t bet on really being under the radar.

Date: Feb 5, 2006

Under the Radar wrote:

". . . is there a way to do this without exposing myself to troubles that so far have been avoidable?"

Radar, that's a decision everyone must make individually. The words of Rev. Martin Neimolle, however, provided a sufficient reason for me to affiliate and support AAUP. I do not reside in your oppressive environment, but if I did I would run - not walk - in search of an AAUP application form.

"First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me."

- Rev. Martin Neimoller

Date: Feb 5, 2006

Neimoller's words were quoted by Frank Glamser at the big no-confidence rally held the Wednesday after Dr. Thames attempted to fire him and Gary Stringer.

The sound recording of that evening used to be available online. Is it still?

Jameela

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Jameela Lares wrote:

Neimoller's words were quoted by Frank Glamser at the big no-confidence rally held the Wednesday after Dr. Thames attempted to fire him and Gary Stringer.

Jameela

I hate to put my stupidity on display, but I feel compelled to ask what relevance do Niemoller's words have for our situation here at USM? A large part of the audience Glasmer addressed consisted of fellow faculty, and it is my impression that the faculty were among the first victims of the current regime. Who then are the "Jews" in our scenario? The Communists?

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Mr. Wizard wrote:

Jameela Lares wrote: Neimoller's words were quoted by Frank Glamser at the big no-confidence rally held the Wednesday after Dr. Thames attempted to fire him and Gary Stringer.

Jameela I hate to put my stupidity on display, but I feel compelled to ask what relevance do Niemoller's words have for our situation here at USM? A large part of the audience Glasmer addressed consisted of fellow faculty, and it is my impression that the faculty were among the first victims of the current regime. Who then are the "Jews" in our scenario? The Communists?

My guess, Mr. Wizard, is the rally was being held while the vote of no confidence was being taken. At that point only the Faculty Senate had voted No Confidence and the faculty voice (vote) had yet to be determined. So the general faculty were the "jews", "Communists" etc. when those words were spoken at the rally.

It wasn't until the Hattiesburg vote was combined with the vote from the coast and then published did the public hear "the faculty voice"..

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Again and again, this quote is resurrected in an attempt to support the anti-Thames cause.

Again and again, use of this quote is a slap in the face to those who lost their lives. Comparing USM to the holocaust is simply reprehensible.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

No one is comparing or has ever compared the USM faculty to those who lost their lives in the holocaust or in any other struggle. This statement is simply is being used as an analogy, illustrating that those who don't speak out for right will, sooner or later, have no one left to speak for them. It was never intended by anyone as a direct comparison, and I think you know that.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones wrote:

Again and again, this quote is resurrected in an attempt to support the anti-Thames cause. Again and again, use of this quote is a slap in the face to those who lost their lives. Comparing USM to the holocaust is simply reprehensible.

No Headphones. It isn't to "support" the anti-Thames cause. It was used as an ANALOGY to expalin what was happening at that time. Remember the public was not well informed and was being told lies supplied by a large P.R. machine. I think the ANALOGY was accurate of what SFT was trying to do at the time.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Here's what I know. To use that quote in any context related to something as trivial as campus politics-no matter how important they may seem right now-diminishes the importance of the events that the quote speaks of. The USM struggle while important to all of us, has cost zero lives. There are times when analogies are proper and there are times when some reverence is needed. And if you don't realize that, then you're the one who has a problem.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

One more thought. Why can't the AAUP/faculty leadership ever just use plain talk? Use of analogies, metaphors and other figures of speech have their place. To me the use of analogies is tired. Say what you mean in the simplest terms. Be direct. Leave the flowery language at home. Plain talk is construed as truthful talk more often than not. Flowery language often signals that there's something to hide.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

The faculty have said it plainly. The guy is a disaster. He is ruining your university. HELP!

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones wrote:

Here's what I know. To use that quote in any context related to something as trivial as campus politics-no matter how important they may seem right now-diminishes the importance of the events that the quote speaks of. The USM struggle while important to all of us, has cost zero lives. There are times when analogies are proper and there are times when some reverence is needed. And if you don't realize that, then you're the one who has a problem.

I don't agree with you that the statement can only be used when another situation similar to the holocaust occurs. I will use it whenever the analogy is useful to a situation where people are being intimidated from speaking and standing up for the truth. I'm sorry you have a problem with that.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones wrote:

One more thought. Why can't the AAUP/faculty leadership ever just use plain talk? Use of analogies, metaphors and other figures of speech have their place. To me the use of analogies is tired. Say what you mean in the simplest terms. Be direct. Leave the flowery language at home. Plain talk is construed as truthful talk more often than not. Flowery language often signals that there's something to hide.

I agree with your points here Headphones. The statement that concerns you was made at a rally to motivate people to vote "No Confidence". It was a motivational speech and not an AAUP position statement.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Mr. Wizard wrote:

I hate to put my stupidity on display, but I feel compelled to ask what relevance do Niemoller's words have for our situation here at USM? A large part of the audience Glasmer addressed consisted of fellow faculty, and it is my impression that the faculty were among the first victims of the current regime. Who then are the "Jews" in our scenario? The Communists?

Wizard, must you be so concrete? The relevance of Neimoller's words to the situation at USM should need no interpretation.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones wrote:

Comparing USM to the holocaust is simply reprehensible.

I notice you say nothing about the Communists or Trade Unionists who were also mentioned in Neimoller's quote. Do you find reference to Communists or Trade Unionists offensive also?

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Selective Perception wrote:

Headphones wrote:
Comparing USM to the holocaust is simply reprehensible.
I notice you say nothing about the Communists or Trade Unionists who were also mentioned in Neimoller's quote. Do you find reference to Communists or Trade Unionists offensive also?

While I am neither a communist nor a trade unionist, I am Jewish. Do I need to explain myself further?

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones wrote:

While I am neither a communist nor a trade unionist, I am Jewish. Do I need to explain myself further?

Many Old Testament passages are used to illustrate or instruct in matters of contemporary affairs.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones, your point is well taken. Much is said in the heat of strife that may be regretted or at least reconsidered, in repose.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Presybyopia wrote:

Headphones wrote:
While I am neither a communist nor a trade unionist, I am Jewish. Do I need to explain myself further?
Many Old Testament passages are used to illustrate or instruct in matters of contemporary affairs.

There's a rather scary lack of comphrehension here. Has nothing to do with the Old Testament. Has to do with the Holocaust.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

LVN wrote:

Presybyopia wrote:
Headphones wrote:
While I am neither a communist nor a trade unionist, I am Jewish. Do I need to explain myself further?
Many Old Testament passages are used to illustrate or instruct in matters of contemporary affairs.

There's a rather scary lack of comphrehension here. Has nothing to do with the Old Testament. Has to do with the Holocaust.

LVN, Read the Book of Revelations. Read it again. Read it again. Then read it again. Then you may respond on this board.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Excuse me, what the heck?
Perhaps you should google on the context of Pastor Neimoller's poem.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

LVN wrote:

Excuse me, what the heck?
Perhaps you should google on the context of Pastor Neimoller's poem.

LVN, You are the fastest reader in the world.....read it the 4th time. Then contemplate....then interepret.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Walks like a Duck wrote:

Mr. Wizard wrote:
I hate to put my stupidity on display, but I feel compelled to ask what relevance do Niemoller's words have for our situation here at USM? A large part of the audience Glasmer addressed consisted of fellow faculty, and it is my impression that the faculty were among the first victims of the current regime. Who then are the "Jews" in our scenario? The Communists?

Walks like a Duck wrote:

Wizard, must you be so concrete? The relevance of Neimoller's words to the situation at USM should need no interpretation.

Oh. So you don't know either. I feel better now. Thanks.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Headphones wrote:

One more thought. Why can't the AAUP/faculty leadership ever just use plain talk? Use of analogies, metaphors and other figures of speech have their place. To me the use of analogies is tired. Say what you mean in the simplest terms. Be direct. Leave the flowery language at home. Plain talk is construed as truthful talk more often than not. Flowery language often signals that there's something to hide.

Membership in AAUP is a good idea.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

Very clear, CYHMN. Think you could help me out with the Book of Revelation thing? Though somehow I suspect my interpretation even if I read it eight or nine times, will be significantly different than "Peter"'s.

Date: Feb 6, 2006

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