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Originally posted by MarchHare@Feb 9 2005, 10:09 PM
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I just don't see any proof to his argument and in others I can at least understand why someone would argue it even if I don't agree with it.
If he turns out to be Socrates or Galileo then more power to him and I may admit I was wrong.
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You're missing my point completely. I'm not suggesting that he might be right; rather, I'm saying that expressing opinions that are contrary to conventional wisdom is the very basis upon which all academic thought is built. If Churchill is punished for publishing an unpopular idea, the repercussions throughout the academic community will be huge. Academic freedom exists precisely to prevent this from happening.
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Another example of a fired professor in this three year old article. In this case after being targeted by the US Justice Department but also for other issues.
http://chronicle.com/free/v48/i22/22a01001.htm
A comment from the University:
http://usfnews.usf.edu/page.cfm?link=article&aid=113
Also, just to add to the debate, is there another factor in play, the reverse of what you're thinking?
Is Churchill using his position to impair the academic freedom of his students by insulting or otherwise harrassing them simply because they might believe a contrary view on the matter?
What would happen in Mr. Churchill's class if he went off on this harangue about America as the all-encompassing bad guy responsible for every bad deed in the world and some kid stood up and said, "Now, wait a second . . . ." and really got into it with him, as would be easy to do, then found himself failing the course because he didn't tow the line?
How respectful is Mr. Churchill of the differing opinions of others in an academic environment? Considering his extreme views, is that worthy of an investigation?
There's a lot of hatred in Mr. Churchill's heart. You only need to read the essay to see that. How is that expressed in the classroom and does it suppress dissent?
Just stirring the pot.
Cowperson