[Vision2020] CAXTON PRESS STEPS FORWARD WITH MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVE FOR UI PRESS

[Melynda Huskey]

>"This is a win-win
>situation for both the UI and Caxton Press," Morris said. "Scott's offer
>provides a way to preserve the intellectual property of the UI Press and 
>our
>relationship with authors and customers, and at the same time, allows the
>university to realize savings in operations and prevent further deficits."

Ah, a win-win.

Win #1)  A private business profits from the destruction of an university 
office--and we can all wonder just how long ago *this* deal was made, and 
what kind of back-room dealing made it possible, just like IKON, just like 
the art program, just like Boise Place.

Win #2)  Linda Morris is relieved of the painful duty of writing to alumni 
to explain that UI lacks the cash to fulfill the basic functions of a 
university, but there's $84,864 per year to pay a nearly illiterate Vice 
Provost if she'll do the dirty work of harming employees, the institution, 
and the town in which she lives.

Win #3)  The UI can "realize savings" by firing working-class employees, 
throwing their families in poverty and disarray, leaving them without health 
benefits, and further harming the local economy.  Those savings can them be 
plowed into a Golf Management Program in a town with perhaps four months in 
which to play golf each year, gold-plated lockers for the football team's 
locker room (don't believe me?  Call the Athletic Department!), and best of 
all, bigger salaries for the University Counsel, who will be trying to 
defend the institution against all the lawsuits queuing up for them.

Could it get any better than this?  I'm afraid to ask.  Clearly there are 
new depths every day to which the University of Idaho can sink.  In 1904, a 
University of Idaho grad was in the very first group of Rhodes Scholars to 
study at Oxford.  One hundred years later, we are flinging dirt on the 
coffin of an institution which was once among the best land grant schools in 
the nation.

What a disgrace.

Melynda Huskey

_________________________________________________________________
FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! 
http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/