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Reader comment on item: Letters to the editor: Jihad and the Professors

Submitted by Carol Thorndyke (United States), Feb 13, 2003 at 20:42

Daniel's replies to his detractors were a welcome response to the personal attacks and selective interpretations of professors seem intent on disseminating their biased views to captive audiences (such as students who are pressured to take their courses, attend lectures by guest speakers, and/or produce papers that reflect the one-sided views of the professor). Unfortunately the media is often only too happy to regurgitate these views as if they were truths that can't be questioned, refuted, or made the subject of debate. And until universities and the media develop the strength and integrity to do exactly that - to question, refute, and debate these views with facts, not only within their own ranks, but with the help of others capable of presenting different, even opposing, views supported by equally (or even more) compelling evidence - the public will continue to be subjected to the same brand of bias that Daniel is attempting to overcome.

It must seem like a hopeless task at times, although his recent "breakthrough" at York University in Toronto [albeit after outfoxing the usual bands of outraged protesters by changing the venue], was a positive sign.

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