[Vision2020] Not on the Palouse, Not Ever website

[Saundra Lund]

Hi Ms. Smoucha,

You wrote:
"I for one am very concerned about a local preacher seeking sanction of
academics who are writing and commenting on issues in their subject areas."

I may have already said this, but I share your concern!

FYI, this is *not* the first time said local "preacher" has tried to throw
his weight around the UI to get his way.  It didn't work the first time, and
I'm optimistic it's not going to work any better this time.

Back in 1990, Wilson used his column (three times, no less, in Feb., March,
and April) in the Lewiston Trib to try to bully the UI into *not* getting
rid of an assistant professor who I'm told also happened to be a member of
the Wilson flock, a factoid not shared with Trib readers:  Wilson never
bothered to reveal that motivation for his defense of the prof was anything
other than pure as the driven snow -- no surprise there.

I won't get into Wilson's allegations as I've not found anything other than
Wilson's biased side of the story, but you may find it interesting to know
that *at least* as far back as 1990, Wilson was accusing the UI of being
responsible for "another outbreak of liberal "tolerance"" (4/21/1990) with
respect to the UI's decision not to renew the professor's contract.

Lest anyone think Wilson is cleaver in his use of his new favorite word
'Intoleristas,' this is simply a tired revival of a dog that wouldn't hunt
the first time around and isn't going to hunt this time around, either.

You also may not be surprised to find that series of posts were *not*
isolated instances of Wilson using his column to defend, call attention to,
and attempt to marshal support for the "causes" of his followers without
revealing a prime motivation for his defense of same.  I've found a couple
of other columns where he did the same thing.  Nothing wrong with sticking
up for your friends, but when using a newspaper column to do it, the right
thing to do seems to me to be honest about the motivation and admit you're
doing your buddies the favor.

Finally, it may be worth noting that Wilson's thinly veiled references to
legal action aren't new, either:
"Incidentally, the proceedings were taped, and things were said which would
provide a good lawyer with a field day." (3/3/1990)

"Please note that this letter is not threatening a suit for defamation. I
have better things to do. But it is to let you know that I have been
counseled to consider it . . . The central point is to let you know that if
the facts of this particular controversy were to find their way into the
hands of those who are looking for ways to hammer the University of Idaho,
it would be very difficult for the UI to defend itself. In short, the
University of Idaho has enough trouble going right now without your
diversity office generating more of it for you."  (12/19/2003)

Yeah, yeah, yeah . . . same old tired manipulative tactics:  when you're not
sure throwing your weight around, making false and unsubstantiated
allegations, and attacking genuine scholars will do the trick, hint at
lawsuits.

And, Mr. Hansen, I join Ms. Smoucha in expressing my *sincere gratitude* for
the work you've done putting together & keeping up-to-date the Not on the
Palouse, Not Ever web site!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!


Saundra Lund
Moscow, ID

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do
nothing.
-Edmund Burke 

-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-admin@moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-admin@moscow.com] On
Behalf Of amy smoucha
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 11:12 PM
To: vision2020@moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Not on the Palouse, Not Ever website


Tom & all,

I had some time to spend at the Not On The Palouse, Not Ever website this 
evening (http://www.tomandrodna.com/notonthepalouse/ ).  I am so impressed 
with how much information you've compiled and made available.  I especially 
like the fact that community members can read and see for themselves what 
our concerns are, and can evaluate texts and websites set up by 
organizations and individuals from all sides of our lasting debate.

I wonder, too, if we shouldn't add an "Action Alert" section.  One that 
tells people about any current issues and what they may do to get involved.

For example, it would be helpful to know about Douglas Wilson's letter to 
Gov. Kempthorne.  I for one am very concerned about a local preacher seeking

sanction of academics who are writing and commenting on issues in their 
subject areas.  My tax dollars go to support the U of I, and I certainly 
want professors and staff members to participate in the community, and to 
write and comment on issues within their academic disciplines without fear 
of censorship or reproach--especially from a church-based entity.  I read 
that book about Galileo recently, by Davida  . . . hmmm can't remember.  It 
really made me understand how important it is to make sure that institutions

of learning, research and knowledge are not controlled by religious 
influences.  If we put that information there, we can put a link so people 
know how to email and/or contact Gov. Kempthorne to voice their opinions.

Tom, thank you so much for the serious and thoughtful way you've put the 
website together.  It is a great resource!

Amy Smoucha