Open Letter- Chair of Boston University Faculty Council

Submitted by David Karnes (United States), Oct 11, 2002 at 09:58

Chair - Boston University Faculty Council skocpol@bu.edu

Dear Mr. Skocpol,

I recently read an article, attached below, of an October 4th dialog between Howard Zinn and Daniel Pipes that I found very disturbing. It was a discussion that aired on the Friday Forum of Lateline: Late night news & current affairs, Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Tony Jones was presenter. After reading it and a sample of Howard Zinn's papers published on your own university's website, I'm deeply concerned about what's going on at Boston University. This man is appearing on television programs rallying overseas support against his own country. Is Boston University so reckless to staff a professor with so many vile and vocal opinions of the United States? If so, then it should serve as a wake up call to all Americans to stay clear of your institution. America's youth should not be corrupted by his venom.

Harsh words: yes they are and appropriately so. At a time when the people of the United States should be united and when our President is trying to rally support among our allies, your professor is speaking out against this country as if he were professor emeritus at al-Qaeda University. Most reasonable Americans realize that we're fighting a war against a very real and imminent threat. Howard Zinn is undermining that cause and risking countless American lives to a fate perhaps even worse than the thousands killed on 9-11-01. If Howard Zinn were not so blinded by his socialist/liberal anti-America agenda, he would know that these Islamic fanatics are planning our demise not for political or economic reasons, but rather because they see the United States as a Judeo-Christian country. In their eyes, Jews and Christians are infidels that must be destroyed. To them, it is honorable to murder in any horrid fashion, even innocent woman and children as long as they are by their definition infidels (non-believers). Even after the tragic attacks of September 11th, certain zealots like Howard Zinn still don't get it.

Some Friday Forum quotes of your professor: "I believe the US, right now, is the most dangerous nation in the world. We have the greatest number of weapons of mass destruction. ...And the United States Government is using the wealth of this country to expand its military power, to expand its control of oil over the Middle East. I do not believe in the intentions of the United States. I do not believe in the motives of the Bush Government. I think behind it is the perennial question of American imperial expansion in the world. I think that is what is behind all of this preparation for war."

I strongly suggest that Boston University fire this man and issue a general apology through the national media. Howard Zinn has crossed way over-the-line and should not be legitimized with credentials from Boston University.

Sincerely,

David Karnes

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