12/9/11 SHOW: OBAMA’S COLD WAR WITH CHINA; NEWT’S RESURRECTION; LETTERS ON THE FINE MESS
On this week’s show the Ivory Tower panelists discuss whether President Obama’s aggressive posture toward China marks the beginning of a new Cold War, or just a continuation of an old one. The panelists then examine the curious candidacy of Newt Gingrich, and whether the Republicans are really serious about challenging President Obama in 2012. Four letter-writers add their views on the Bernie Fine mess at SU, the incandescent lightbulb, and AmericaElects. Join in the conversation online by posting a comment on what you’ve heard.
Posted in : Ivory Tower
I have two comments about “F”‘s given by Professors Rubin and Byrnes. I am in strong agreement with Prof. Rubin regarding the Pledge of Allegiance and it’s use at UConn. These kind of ritual acts don’t prove patriotism. Going to work everyday, paying taxes, obeying our laws, and answering the call to serve when needed are, in my humble opinion, at least some of the things that make one a patriot. Opting out of these patriotic rituals doesn’t appear to be a choice as proven by what happened to the Yankee fan during the playing of “God Bless America” and candidate Obama with the lapel flag pin controversy.
Prof. Byrnes had as his “F”, on the show prior to Thanksgiving, the hiring of Chelsea Clinton by NBC. I gathered that he felt she might have been hired for reasons other than her expertise in journalism. I bring this up because in September she was also brought onto the Board of Directors at IAC/Interactive Corporation. Constantine von Hoffman writes about this on the CBS News web site (dated 9/27/2011) and also questions the reasons for her selection as well as her qualifications. Prof. Byrnes summed it up quite well when he said students were probably wasting their time getting degrees in journalism and instead should have their fathers run for president.