October 29, 2008

U. of Kentucky Apologizes After Obama Effigy Is Found on Its Campus

The University of Kentucky police are investigating after an effigy of the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, was found in a tree on the campus this morning. The university’s president, Lee T. Todd Jr., deplored the incident in written statement, saying he was “personally offended and deeply embarrassed by this disgusting episode.” He also apologized on the university’s behalf to Senator Obama.

The effigy was taken down around 8:30 a.m., and many students were unaware of the incident until later in the day, the Lexington Herald Leader reported on its political blog. One student told the newspaper he hoped the episode was just a Halloween prank, and others expressed fears that it would reinforce negative stereotypes about Kentucky. A campus forum was scheduled for tonight in response to the incident, with student, community, and university leaders planning to speak.

This is the second time an effigy of Senator Obama has roiled a university campus in recent weeks. A cutout image of the candidate and a message possibly disparaging a scholarship program were found at George Fox University, in Oregon, in September. Four students were disciplined in that incident. —Charles Huckabee

Comments

1. Yet, you see the same thing done with Gov. Palin. Why doesn’t someone apologize for that? It’s disgusting. Why doesn’t the National Organization for Women (or any major group)issue a statement about how wrong and insulting it is to have mannequins dressed to look like Gov. Palin with a noose around it’s neck? Simple: Because she is a conservative. It’s OK to be a sexist idiot but you dare do the same with Obama and the academics begin howling.

   But, this happened on university property and is wrong. I just wonder if there would be public apologies if it were an effigy of Gov. Palin?

   I really doubt it. However, there is no difference. It’s wrong in either case.

   — JR    Oct 30, 03:36 AM    #

2. Obama should formally denounce the two fools that placed an effigy of Palin on their house in LA.

   Yet, this “genius” Obama has not said a word. It is a complete insult to all the gains women have made over the past 100 years.

   Yet, because she is a Republican it’s “just a prank.”

   — Donna    Oct 30, 03:52 AM    #

3. Wow, JR and Donna — I must have missed the part of this article where McCain said how deplorable this was. Keith Obermann on MSNBC, probably the most liberal guy on TV, did call out the man who did that and featured him as one of his “worst people in the world.” I haven’t heard FOX being any too upset about the Obama effigies. As for Obama, why would he want to give any extra airplay to the goons that did that in the first place?

   Come on, Republicans. Can’t you see that BOTH are EQUALLY disturbing? One could only hope….

   — Kathy    Oct 30, 07:21 AM    #

4. I agree that efforts to denounce the implicit or symbolic threat to any candidate need to be made. Do we know what the Obama campaign’s official statement is on the Palin noose issue? More importantly, to respond to this particular Obama effigy incident: one needs only remember the history of lynching African Americans in this country to get the ways that this has a different valence than Palin’s symbolic hanging. There’s something scary there about silencing her (with the ultimate silence) but it’s not relying upon a tool that has been used historically to systematically terrorize women as is the case of hanging and burning blacks.

   — Concerned    Oct 30, 07:21 AM    #

5. I would think more is made of the Obama effigies because there is a sordid history in this country of hanging blacks from tree limbs — a/k/a lynching.

   — Georgia teacher    Oct 30, 07:23 AM    #

6. Not to excuse the bozos with the Palin effigy in any way, but it is worth noting they were not anonymous creepsters acting out a lynching in the dark. One act is idiotic; the other is craven, sinister, threatening, historically resonant AND idiotic.

   — BertW    Oct 30, 08:48 AM    #

7. JR and Donna

   The reason it made news in the Chronicle is because it WAS on university property. Yes it would be nice if all such incidents were denounced by others but this is the CHRONICLE and the focus is on Educational institutions.

   Instead of trying to turn this into what it is not, how about sticking to the story. Did I miss the reference to Palin or McCain in the article? Or am I to read between the lines all the time?

   Should Obama denouce hatred and act of hatred, YES but then we all should. I am not sure he should PERSONALLY denounce specific acts. He has already denounced ALL acts of hatred and discrimination.

   — Bill    Oct 30, 09:02 AM    #

8. By acknowledging the effigy, Obama would be giving the ignorant pranksters credit. In the same way that he ignores ridiculous remarks about his name, he ignores the racist acts that don’t deserve recognition. This is what we call strength.

   — JF    Oct 30, 09:02 AM    #

9. JR, there has been considerable public condemnation about the Palin effigy in West Hollywood, including public officials indicating it should be investigated as a hate crime. (Just Google “Palin effigy.”)

   Yes, many people are more sensitive to mocking of the candidate they support than the one they oppose, but there is no national all-controlling conspiracy here, on either the right or the left.

   Frankly, the tone of the campaign on both sides sickens me. No wonder people have so little respect for government — those elected have already been thoroughly trashed and demonized by their opponents and, as a result, are depised by almost half the voters before they even take office. We risk serious damage to our society if we let this continue.

   — drj50    Oct 30, 09:10 AM    #

10. It is ironic that the President of the University of Kentucky apologized but no one said anything about Sarah Palin’s effigy. This is a double standard and sexist. There is an increase in discrimination against Whites and non-blacks in the United States. Obama and his left wing supporters can cheat, terrorize, and win elections fradulently.

    — kvc    Oct 30, 09:12 AM    #

11. drj50’s (#9)last paragraph is correct, however it is far more than just the campaigns. The whole of social discourse has become far more crude and offensive in the past several years. And I must say that it seems to me to have been especially coarse from the left as illustrated so unfailingly in blogs like the Daily Kos, and via student protests on campus if ever a conservative speaker is invited to appear.

    — academics on parade    Oct 30, 09:26 AM    #

12. I don’t think it’s sexist or a double standard. As mentioned, this is an issue that happened on campus at U Kentucky, so U Kentucky apologized. I know there was recently a Gov. Palin effigy, but it’s not U Kentucky’s responsibility to apologize for that.

    Furthermore, I do not expect the Chronicle to cover a story not in any way effecting a college campus / envrionment. Other outlets are covering these stories equally, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27439385/

    This is an issue that runs deeper than political views and associations.

    — cs    Oct 30, 09:27 AM    #

13. Re. kvc’s comment: There is no double standard and it is not sexist to condemn the cowards who, under cloak of darkness, hung the effigy of Sen. Obama from a very large tree on our campus. I am a female, some might say feminist, and I see absolutely no anti-female bias in President Todd’s condemnation of this ignorant act. Open your eyes and look beyond your Republican bias to recognize how heinous this type of behavior truly is and it’s adverse impact on our society.

    — BK    Oct 30, 09:36 AM    #

14. re: Bill and ‘Concerned’

    Well said.

    — Lyn    Oct 30, 09:51 AM    #

15. Just to bring this debate up-to-date, the effigy of Governor Palin has been removed from the home in West Hollywood.

    Further, as drj50 points out, the presidential campaign has been way too long and has become way too nasty. No wonder emotions on both sides are at such a fever pitch. Both candidates promised a much different campaign then they delivered and the hanging effigies speak to the result of their failures to live up to their promise.

    — Bob Harris    Oct 30, 10:04 AM    #

16. Neither one of these effigy stories (Palin or Obama) deserved ANY coverage! The only interest served is to provide fodder for ax-grinders. I expect nothing but propaganda from today’s corrupt television/newspaper media, but, surely, CHE can find something of greater importance to report!

    — Harvey    Oct 30, 10:10 AM    #

17. Regarding Posting #10: I fail to see double standard or sexism. Also, what is “ironic” about it?

    — Max    Oct 30, 10:21 AM    #

18. KVC,

    The President of Kentucky should not apologixe for the Sara Palin incident. One has nothing to do with the other. Second, a noose has a historical racist symbol in the U.S. An increase in discrimination against whites? By whom? Any of the CEO’s that stole from Americans a minority? Wall Street looks white to me. That is where you will find the Bush/MCCain supporters can cheat, terrorize, and win elections fradulently.

    — Pretty Advantaged    Oct 30, 10:51 AM    #

19. Why have we become so obsessed with meaningless apologies from figureheads who usually have no stake in the offense? Certainly, the effigy was offensive, and the President should certainly have condemned it, as he did. But, unless he hung the effigy or permitted it to be hung, isn’t his “apology” just about as relevant as mine would be? I’ve never understood the growing trend to demand apologies from parties not responsible. Am I missing something?

    — GW    Oct 30, 10:52 AM    #

20. as i understand it, the Palin effigy was part of a display that also included McCain, so it’s an anti-Republican ticket thing, not anti-woman.

    — BZ    Oct 30, 11:20 AM    #

21. I’m an academic temporarily living in California. The Sarah Palin effigy has gotten big play locally in LA. It was part of a Halloween display including an effigy of McCain also, as was said by a previous poster. As Olberman said, this was reprehensible but it doesn’t have the overtones of the incident at Ky. My congrats to the university for dealing with it well.

    — cal temp resident    Oct 30, 11:59 AM    #

22. Pretty Advantaged (#18),

    “Any of the CEO’s that stole from Americans a minority?”

    Ever heard of Franklin Raines?

    — FB    Oct 30, 12:02 PM    #

23. This says it all: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL20TdHjX2s

    — Dee Dee    Oct 30, 12:21 PM    #

24. They send the FBI to the University of Kentucky to look for a possible threat. They send the local “gum shoe” to California and ‘ask’ for it to be removed. Both are a threat and should be punished according to the crime and not based on Party, race or sex.

    — Joe the Screwed    Oct 30, 01:55 PM    #

25. Kathy-
    You miss the point, and that is a shame. The Palin Effigy is still hanging there-days later-within minutes the Obama Effigy is down-and there will be hell to pay. Both are hate crimes and both are awful. And, simply because Keith the Socialist, of NBC scolds the two insane artists from LA, that does not excuse Obama or others on a national level to not decry the incident. Keep in mind, on that same property, there are Obama signs. Just like its ok to make fun of Catholics, and not Muslims-a double standard exists in this world, and mostly, its sits with the media elite and academic liberals. Heck, they can justify anything, because they are just so darn smart!

    — Peter    Oct 30, 03:59 PM    #

26. Joe the Screwed,

    I think we’re ALL screwed. We’ve gotten to the point where ideas that were considered to be on the far left fringe only one generation ago are considered by academics and journalists to be “mainstream” today. Today I heard a man my age tell how when he was a boy in Cuba in the late ’50’s he heard the same exact rhetoric from Fidel Castro as he is hearing now from the Democrats. I’m very afraid that if Obama does win, the so called “fairness doctrine” will be re-established, and all healthy debate on any issue will be squelched. We are looking at some big, big problems on the horizon if that occurs.

    God save us!

    — We're ALL screwed...    Oct 30, 04:12 PM    #

27. all, any hanging effigy is offensive and needs to be investigated. BTW, the folks in LA were visited by federal authorities and the effigy was taken down.

    — ar    Oct 30, 04:13 PM    #

28. #22
    Isn’t Franklin Raines the same person that will probably be in Obama’s cabinet? God help us with a ‘crook’ like that in charge.

    — Joe the Screwed    Oct 30, 04:23 PM    #

29. #26 “…all healthy debate on any issue will be squelched”

    Maybe you’re living in a vacuum, but that’s exactly what the George W/Republican/McCain so-called Patriot Act was designed to do.

    #28 – There has been nothing from Obama about having Raines in any administration post. Even if you support Sen McCain, you don’t need to use the same, tired old tactics of lies & fear-mongering instead of dealing with the important issues facing the country.

    — Gary    Oct 30, 04:38 PM    #

30. When I read posts such as #10, I begin to suspect that undergrads have found the Chronicle’s blog. I cannot imagine any educated faculty or administrator writing statements so ridiculous.

    — Master of Prose    Oct 30, 04:40 PM    #

31. Master of Prose,

    I disagree, some of the silliest, unsupported, fanatical comments on the Chronicle have come from individuals who are professors, administrators, and others in higher education. Age and credentials do not necessarily translate into intelligent discussion.

    — Marjorie    Oct 30, 05:05 PM    #

32. Don’t use the lynching issue as an EXCUSE to hang Gov. Palin in effigy! I abslolutely deplore what happened at UK…Mr. Todd, your faculty are watching and your not that popular so go ahead and have your “meeting” but I know, because we know you, that if it was an image of Gov. Palin (oh, and you’ll never be a Governor) you never would have apologized and never would have had a so-called “meeting” about it.

    This has nothing to do with the terrible lynchings that occured in American history. They are a horrible stain upon us but you CANNOT ignore that there is sexism here. Argue to the gates of hell that there is a difference, well…women have long fought for equality, too. So, don’t forget us. Also, I understand that this forum is academic and that this sad event occurred on university property and does not reflect what Mr. Todd expressed as the “sterotype” of Kentuckians. Can’t you come up with something better than that, Mr. Todd? I know because I am at UK that if it was an image of Gov. Palin, it would just have been called a “prank” and “investigated” by the campus police. But, there would not have been an official apology from UK’s president, Lee Todd. You know this, Mr. Todd. Play your politics and act like your doing something so wonderful. Yet, though no one will say it to you in person, let it be said here: We at the University of Kentucky know that if it was an effigy of Gov. Palin you would issue NO apology to her and what does this say? That sexism, and the rights of women have been and are still ignored. Lynchings were a terrible thing. The entire notion of “hanging someone in effigy” is stupid. However, there is a subtle difference that connects directly to current events and not history so much: Liberals are afraid of Palin. The so called “women’s rights groups” are silent. Why? Merely because Palin is a conserative. Yet, she is a female, a successful Governor with a high approval rating in Alaska, far higher than the idiot that is now the Gov. of KY. Oh, but he’s a liberal so that’s OK. Obama’s a socialist and liberal so it’s bad to say anything against him but if it was Gov. Palin’s image hanging on the campus, tell us, Mr. Todd, what would you do?

    Not all the faculty here are stupid. You are just another crony for the liberal agenda but KY’s electoral votes will go for McCain and Gov. Palin.

    If it had been an effigy of Gov. Palin, a person far more experienced than Obama, there would have been no apology and THIS is what proves that there is a sexism and a 19th century view of women that still survives at UK and beyond. Gov. Palin has is a successful female and it scares the men that want to maintain control. It isn’t a question of what the effigy was, it is how people responded. Want to talk history? Well, we can. History also shows that women have been so unfairly treated to this day that it’s sickening.

    And, Mr. Todd, we here know that if it were an image of Palin you’d never apologize. It would just be an “internal” investigation that would waste more money.

    But, despite the fact that KY is SOLID McCain territory….despite the current Governor, liberals at UK just can’t let go of the fact that women are equal and maybe you should INVITE Gov. Palin to UK.

    Hmmmm, let’s see you do that publicly, Mr. Todd! Let’s see your true nature.

    “lynchings”….well, don’t forget the women either. We’ve suffered through a lot of silly garbage and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Democrat or Republican. Women’s Rights.

    There’s more “rights” than just Obama and the affirmative action crowd that think the color of their skin is more important than anything else.

    Women’ rights matter. It’s now being washed over due to everyone wanting to be politically correct.

    No. No more. Just answer one questions, Mr. Todd, or his slaves at UK….prove yourself and invite Gov. Palin to speak at UK. Or, in some way make it known publicly that you actually do believe in women’s rights. Why are so many women such coward and will not stand up for Palin? You don’t have to vote for her. You don’t have to agree with her. Yet, you should say it’s wrong to have her hung in effigy. It’s not a matter of “agree or disagree.” You don’t have to agree with her but she is a strong woman and has done more than Lee Todd ever did or will. Again, where are the supporters of women’s rights? I know….just too worried to speak out due to political correctness and today it’s apparently OK to degrade women but mention black americans and everyone answers out of fear that it might piss someone off. So, remind us, Mr. Todd, when are you going to invite Gov. Palin to speak at the University of Kentucky? Liberal, sexist idiots.

    — Donna    Oct 30, 05:13 PM    #

33. Gary, you are right. He might not be on the cabinet; however, you can be sure that he will be up his rump with his hand out.

    — Joe the Screwed    Oct 30, 05:36 PM    #

34. Sigh. I really like reading other readers’ comments, but sometimes the discourse gets so fragmented, ill-conceived, off-track… and just feels unworthy of a higher education publication. For example, Donna’s post (#32) has some worthy points to explore, but her expression of them discredits her, lessens the impact of her ideas, and in writing looks like a rude and unbalanced person’s rant on a topic not even addressed in the article.

    For the record, it is wrong to mimic physical violence against any of the candidates, of any of the parties or of independent affiliation.

    ANYWAY… Kudos to the pres of UofK for his personal statement, and also for apologizing on behalf of the whole community that he leads. Although UofK is not responsible, it was a classy move. For those who worry that others see Kentucky as backward, I think the response largely deterred that.

    — HIED doc    Oct 30, 05:58 PM    #

35. Marjorie, I now see your point.

    — Master of Prose    Oct 30, 08:34 PM    #

36. Indee, “Margorie,” age and what degrees adorns one’s office do not, in any way, equal intelligent discussion.

    If that were the case, then the Chronicle editors would, long ago, have stood up and publicly made a stance against not only hanging people in effigy but the terrible manner in which the media, and this very publication have portrayed Gov. Palin in such a negative manner.

    They did it for one reason only: She is a Republican and Conservative while most academics are liberal and democrat.

    Nothing wrong in that. But, still, why will the editors here not say something in defense of women’s rights?

    IF it were Hillary and she had gotten the nomination,then you’d see it. Everyone knows it. But, virtually everything published on this website is an absolute mockery of everything that is “intellectual.” Moreover, no one will stand up for what women fought so long to get and when you finally have someone thrust into the national spotlight, though not perfect, no human is….you have stupid editors (like at the Chronicle) and people in the media that simply bash her in ways that, if done to Obama, would be ridiculed by this publication. So, “Marjorie,” you’re correct.

    Just forget women’s rights…let’s just all call it a “prank” as long as it doesn’t involve skin color.

    What fools.

    As a result, you now have people wonder why UK and Mr. Todd’s dream of making it a “Top 20” university has never nor will never come true.

    It’s not even in the top 100 in many fields.

    You failed, Lee, and that is your legacy.

    — Donna    Oct 30, 08:51 PM    #

37. Donna (#36) “They did it for one reason only: She is a Republican and Conservative while most academics are liberal and democrat.”

    WRONG!

    Palin is mocked and treated like an idiot because she IS an idiot!

    Now, I could launch a diatribe much like the couple you’ve penned – but then that would make me look like as much a blooming fruitcake as you appear to be. You can’t watch the couple of (friendly) interviews she has done without realizing Sarah Palin is a BIMBO.

    What is particularly distressing about Donna’s tirade against Palin critics is that those of her ilk were (are) the most vociferous critics bashing Hillary Clinton. Of course, as it’s been so well demonstrated on a continual basis, we can’t expect anything approaching fairness or balance from the right.

    — Gary    Oct 31, 11:10 AM    #

38. “Gary,” don’t be so silly. I know who you are. You can say what you desire. However, If you’re going to practice your skills at debating, at least read your text first. What you posted is not critical thinking. So, why not spend time studying for your next exam rather than posting here? Better, why not do both? Put into words what you have learned from your text. It you want to argue against what someone else has posted, then think it through….recall, this was discussed in class. It is quite appropriate to disagree if you wish but, rather than using a false name and such, I’d worry about my grade more and actually reading the chapters in your text.

    You are taking a class in critical thinking but post something here that is not at all based on logical reasoning. Let your thoughts be known but use what we’ve went over in class to frame an argument against someone else. I have no control ovver this but I would highly recommend that you don’t try to pass yourself off as a professor.

    I’d recommend you study and if you want to be political, use the methods you supposed to have read in the text.

    — William    Oct 31, 04:14 PM    #

39. William – I’m curious as to whom you THINK I’m impersonating. However, I haven’t had an exam (or reading chapters) for years.

    Although, I’m guessing by your posting that you are an instructor of some sort. If so, then you are failing at your calling. :(

    To say that a post “is not critical thinking” and “is not at all based on logical reasoning” (besides being redundent) is only half of what you should be pointing out. And the SIMPLE half at that! HOW was that posting not based on critical thinking / logical reasoning? Or maybe you’re not a teacher, but simply a critic (those who can’t teach and all).

    As for “passing myself off as a professor” – you’ve just fallen into what you have criticized me for doing. Nowhere have I ever – on any of these pages – even intimated that I was/am a professor.

    I would recommend a you enroll in a good remedial course in logic, William.

    — Gary    Oct 31, 05:09 PM    #

40. I see why more and more people are not even taking the time to respond to blogs. There is no logic when it comes to political passions. Not any longer. Of all places, I always thought the Chronicle would be a place that civility would reign supreme.

    It should be mandatory that if you make a post, you have to reveal your true name. If that was in some way enforceable, then you would have far fewer posts that are as clumsy and simply dumb as the previous two. I rarely post but this time there is such an extraordinary example of pure stupidity that it is difficult not to answer: William and Gary. Talk about the original topic or ignore it. Regarding the original topic, there is good reason to request what the president of the University of Kentucky would have done if an effigy of Sarah Palin was hung on campus property.

    Would he have made an official apology to her? My gut feeling is, no, he would not have. Would he have called a meeting to discuss why such things are wrong, that is, for both sides and that such displays are offensive and it transcends gender, race, or political party.

    No comment from the people at UK, yet. It’s all going to be settled next week folks…just hang on and whomever wins….wins. Let us try to maintain some civility here.

    Nontheless, I know my stating this is worthless. There will always be childish morons on both sides that just want to prove something.

    You’ll have your chance on Tuesday.

    Sasha

    — Sasha    Oct 31, 05:47 PM    #

41. WARNING!!!

    You have just seen what happens when you show dissent for Obama. The Gestapo will come and arrest you. However, you can let an effigy of a woman hang for a week and the Mainstream media thinks it’s funny.

    Welcome to Obama’s Orwellian World – Where 2+2=5, there Obama’s truth squads will arrest you for any dissenting voice. Obama will start new offices – The Miistry of Truth, The Ministry of Love and the Ministry of Peace.

    Check out these videos

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIenDGSAdPA

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOzVgu_M9QU

    — Dena in Virginia    Oct 31, 09:54 PM    #

42. Something pretty disturbing about some of the comments on this site, and others. First of all, some of the comments seem to overlook the fact that two of these incidents occurred on college campuses, supposedly, bastions of learning, tolerance, and understanding. Second, there seems to be a sort of “justification” for these incidents, based on some notion that they are either in retaliation for similar incidents involving Sarah Palin, or because no one said anything about similar a incident involving Sarah Palin…an incident I’d like to point out, that allegedly happened at a private residence, that this is somehow hypocritical, sexist, or proof that the media is in the “tank” for Obama. People seem to forget the growing number of incidents all over the country, where whites have portrayed Obama on T-shirts as a monkey, on signs as a Muslim (with the word “Muslim” misspelled), and even portrayed on “welfare” coupons, complete with watermelons and fried chicken. We still refuse to acknowledge that there is an ugly, uncivil side to the American character, that manifests itself in these types of incidents, whenever race is an issue, and while the perpetrators always feign innocence, or profess their First Amendment rights, they seem to waste these rights on insulting, demeaning, or humiliating other people, whether for the attention it gets them, or some sad, sick need to hurt other people deemed too helpless to fight back. Recently, a white man was convicted of burning a cross on the lawn of a black family…in 2008, not 1968. I suppose he was expressing his First Amendment rights also? I personally acknowledge that Obama’s accomplishments to date represent tremendous progress in race relations in this country. I’d also like to point out, that the increasing number of white males arrested for plotting to kill Obama, represents a growing blowback against this progress. We as a people trying to set an example for the world, must first acknowledge that this type of conduct exists, and make our voices heard that we disapprove of this behavior, whenever, and wherever it occurs, and by whomever does it.

    — Damajah    Nov 2, 09:04 AM    #

43. Very good post Damajah. I am constantly amazed by the overt acts of racism that Obama’s candidacy has been met with. It isn’t that I thought racism and bigotry are things of the past; I just didn’t realize how often they lead people to such extremes even today.

    Sasha: I still can’t figure out why you and other people think that the President of the University of Kentucky should condemn every act of bigotry that happens, no matter where it happens.

    — Georgia teacher    Nov 2, 11:03 AM    #

44. Georgia teacher,

    I’m not at all saying that Lee Todd should apologize for every act of bigotry. What I’m arguing, being at UK, is that IF it would have been an effigy of Palin, then there would be no official apology from Mr. Todd as the campus is inundated with left-wing idealogues that are hell-bent on indoctrinating their students to conform to their beliefs.

    It’s a well known fact that universities, UK included, are bastions of liberalism. But, academics are a bit unlike non-academics. The former, often, show strong indications that they literally hate Republicans and Conservatism. It goes far beyond a matter of mere disagreeing.

    I know, other people at UK know, that IF it would have been an effigy of Gov. Palin, it would have been called a mere “prank.” You know universities are far more liberal than conservative. You know this publication is a left-wing defender of Democrats…or else you live in the Twilight Zone. What should Lee Todd apologize for? He allows professors to openly campaign for Obama in the classroom and this is not the proper approach. He should halt this attempt at indoctrination by leftist professors and tell them: “If you want to campaign, then do it on your own time.” Praising Obama in class, is not proper nor would it if a professor was praising or advocating the other side. Yes, he knows what the leftist professors (especially in the history department….add English and other humanities to that list) are openly telling students to vote for Obama rather than asking them to think for themself and make up their own mind. For this, he owes an apology to many for allowing such blatent favortism in a place that, in theory, supposed to be neutral. There is a difference between political discourse and advocacy.

    But, you don’t see this if you aren’t currently at UK.

    — Sasha    Nov 4, 11:01 AM    #

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