I am sure others will think of this...

“Rivera said that he’s not all that concerned about academic opposition to the bill. “Legislators just don’t pay too much attention to what academics think,” he said. “I always welcome their opposition.”

The legislator added that as soon as opposition from academics mounted, his legislation instantly became more popular with average people in Florida.”

I am reminded of the quip about Richard Hofstadter’s book, Anti-Intellectualism in American Life — the amazing part of the book is not that he was able to write it, but that he was able to keep it to one volume.

Frank Montabon, Iowa State University, at 10:20 am EDT on May 25, 2006

call this what it is

Forget all the objections to this move by politicians based on national security and the like (which do have some merit, but sound a bit strained). Let’s call this proposed legislation what it is: an effort by right wing politicians to intimidate and hamper intellectuals, ostensibly liberal intellectuals. (I mean, who else would want to study Cuba or Iran? : ) ) It is part of the larger right wing power grab in this country. The right wing does not want people to question it. It is dictatorial — remember, it’s usually dictators who ban their people from foreign travel and study.

Yes folks, “it can happen here.” The US is not immune from succumbing to fascistic tendencies. These FL politicians are drawing upon the ignorance, nationalism, religious fundamentalism, and overall resentment and anger of what is unfortunately a large group of people, perhaps a majority in FL, to deal a death blow to liberals/intellectuals. Why? Because they can — they now have the power. For the past several years, liberals have been equated with “the enemy,” and “treason.” Think back to the speeches at the Republican National Convention, where speakers discussed how liberals were endangering America. Spend a few hours listening to Sean Hannity and other right wing commentators. I have heard Hannity say that liberal intellectuals were anti-God. Not so long ago, being “anti God” could get you burned at the stake by your fellow man.

This is all getting dangerous. The next logical step after this legislation passes is legislation against paying salaries to professors who study anything that is “un-American.” Soon liberals will simply be treated as The Enemy. Watch out.

Brian, at 10:35 am EDT on May 25, 2006

anti-intellectualism in florida

rivera’s comments sum up nicely the thinking about academics in florida. the mainstream population there (white, latino, whatever) is very suspicious of anyone who thinks for a living. yes, you can do good work and have a life if you keep to a little bubble, but what good is that? and it doesn’t help when elected government officals stigmatize you and welcome opposition from academics in order to score cheap political points. dumb rhetoric or not, it gets play in the media and only erodes public trust in teachers. it’s irresponsible.

happy to be an ex-floridian, at 12:20 pm EDT on May 25, 2006

Larry, I would like to share your view, but I think it lacks an understanding of the wider context. There is an attack on intellectuals and academics in this country, an attack that has escalated in recent years. Have a look at the post-Sept 11 report by the group Lynn Cheney has been involved with, The American Council of Trustees and Alumni, entitled, “Defending Civilization: How Our Universities Are Failing America and What Can be Done About It” (http://www.goacta.org/publications/Reports/defciv.pdf)Look at the quotes they find so outrageous — many of the quotes are normal discourse and indeed necessary discourse after 9/11. You might also question why it is that the proposed legislation that is the subject of the Chronicle article is apparently so popular with the public ...

Brian, at 12:50 pm EDT on May 25, 2006

Larry, Actually, I didn’t say Lynn was involved with the report .... She was, however, involved with the group at some point. It is a group hooked in with powerful people, and it reflects their general views and aims. Don’t believe every disclaimer by a politician that you read!That all said, it’s a bad sign, and can lead to very dangerous times, when politicians pander to people’s baser instincts and resentments and hatreds and insecurities and use professors as pinatas.

Brian, at 10:20 pm EDT on May 25, 2006

The Pen Is Mightier...

We all agree that Mr. Rivera’s thoughts and actions only harm education and academic freedom. Unfortunately he is running unchallenged in District 112. Let’s change that. Vote for me as a write in candidate:

Duncan Cameron

Zero qualifications and an open mind. Beating today’s politicians by 50%!!

Duncan Cameron, at 7:05 am EDT on October 28, 2006