Letters to the editor: Oct. 28

Responsibility should play role in academic freedom

This letter is in response to Sarah Melecki's October 9 editorial titled, "Perlman fails on Ayers decision." You are misguided in your viewpoint and furthermore, overlook the central argument that the Governor, Regents, State Auditor, fair-minded Nebraskans and others have about the Ayers decision.

First, you mention "academic freedom" five times in your editorial and defend it vigorously by relating it to the First Amendment. Yet the words "academic freedom" appear nowhere in the First Amendment and likewise, anywhere else in the U.S. Constitution. Academic freedom is found in no valid legal doctrine with power and vitality. Rather it is empty rhetoric that you stand behind to make your misguided point; much in the same way others use "separation of church and state" to make points on religion. I believe that when you say you want "academic freedom" you really mean No Fault Freedom. No Fault Freedom is the type that gives you all the choice and no responsibility. It values self-esteem over self-respect, and self-indulgence over self-control. I have no doubt that No Fault Freedom is the preferred type of Billy Ayers.

Let's focus on that word, responsibility, for a moment. The great men who framed this wonderful country and collaborated to draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution understood that freedom is not self-sufficient. With freedom comes a greater responsibility. They are two sides of the same coin. Yet, responsibility is all but lost in the discussion of freedom today.

A quick check of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Professional Ethics Statement says, "Faculty recognize that along with their academic freedom is associated a greater responsibility to the academic community." This implies that a greater level of responsibility must support a particular level of academic freedom. I think Perlman came to this realization when he decided to rescind the invitation to Ayers; it just took a few phone calls for him to get the clue.

Additionally, you state to the reader in reference to the Ayers visit in Omaha, "Don't worry, no public money is being used, so those of you who don't understand First Amendment rights have no cause to throw a tantrum about your tax dollars." Most Nebraskans, I believe, have a solid grasp of our First Amendment rights and in this case, we chose the full exercise thereof. It is you who apparently needs greater understanding of the First Amendment. However, I condemn those who used threats of violence to influence Perlman.

Lastly, enjoy your trip to Omaha in pursuit of your "academic freedom" that you so desperately crave. If you get the chance, please ask Billy what role he thinks responsibility should play in not only academic freedom, but all other types of freedom as well. Please report back to me, I'd love to hear his response.

P.S. Nebraskans — including myself — will throw a tantrum about our misused tax dollars if we damn well please; the First Amendment for sure protects that.

Jake Fisher

UNL Graduate Student

'The Cove' delivers important message

I just saw the movie "The Cove" at the Mary Riepma Ross. I urge everyone to watch it. Besides being exciting and suspenseful, it describes the plight of dolphins, showing how 23,000 a year are slaughtered at a Japanese fishing village. People need to see this film. If you do, you'll be as outraged as I am at this senseless slaughter of such magnificent creatures.

Terry Ahlstedt

History Graduate Student