The lack of common courtesy
Reader comment on item: [Campus Watch and] Saving Mideast Studies

Submitted by James Hacker (United States), Sep 19, 2003 at 17:49

I will assume that most of the teachers, professors and program chairs involved with Middle Eastern studies are committed and avowed Leftists. I don't think that's a reach. I'd also hazard a guess that few of them have anything good to say about America, or our policies. I'm sure these assumptions come as a shock to no one.

Here's my point: leftists, in general, are disturbingly intolerant of dissenting viewpoints and constructive criticism. The fact that Campus Watch leaders need bodyguards, police, and the like, illustrates the venom, intolerance, even hatred, that so many Leftists bring to any debate.

The fact that the teacher of the Palestinian poetics course pointedly suggested that conservatives should find another course, is an excellent example. The teacher wanted to avoid any debate or dissent. He should welcome it. Debate, free speech, exchange of ideas and viewpoints are what has made this nation so great. It's the dialectic that drives us forward.

Many on the Left, not all, but far too many, just lack the simple common courtesy to debate openly and allow other points of view to be expressed and considered. Their myopia, touchiness, and inflexibility is startling, especially considering we are referring to persons in the academy - where free speech, openness, exchange of ideas should be paramount. And it should be pursued in a courteous and decent manner.

But kudos to Campus Watch - hopefully you'll make some inroads to improve this deeply troubling situation.

Continued success,
SFC James Hacker

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