Rally behind “blacklisted” Bennet By Patrick Rheaume Wesleyan’s President, Douglas Bennet, has been cited by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni as being unpatriotic in his reaction to the events of September the 11th. Certainly an interesting development, given the nature of the group which charged Mr. Bennett. Connecticut’s own Tory Democrat Joseph Lieberman revealed quite a bit of his true nature through the publication of such a list. But is the list dangerous? Hardly. President Bennet should, in fact, be quite ecstatic on his inclusion on such a list. For this is no indictment such as the Communist witchhunt blacklists of Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House of Un-American Activities Committee. Mr. Bennett will not be denied employment or suffer any great consequences as a result of his inclusion. But ecstatic – why? Because Mr. Bennett’s presence on the list allows us to, as Franklin Roosevelt once said, “judge him by the enemies he has.” Lynne Cheney and Joe Lieberman are quite the enemies to have. Social Conservatives both, very square, and fundamentally out of touch with young Americans. Perhaps both a bit like Richard Nixon. Perhaps a lot like him. Therein lies a tale: Daniel Schorr is one of the most respected journalists in the country. Wise beyond his many years, Mr. Schorr in fact spoke here at the beginning of the year. Mr. Nixon didn’t care for journalists like Mr. Schorr. Too many questions, too much probing. In the early seventies, Mr. Schorr stood up to give a speech, holding a list very much like the one so recently published. He read off each name clearly, and carefully, before coming to his own, which he pronounced with great joy. The list which Mr. Schorr read was the enemies list of President Nixon. Any respectable journalist or thinker of the day would take great pride in being hated by Mr. Nixon. As Mr. Schorr did. And as President Bennet should. This list gives Mr. Bennet an opportunity to distance himself from the square poseurs like Mr. Lieberman who represent a stiff era which has thankfully passed. The Wesleyan community ought to rally around our President against the deceitful conservatism on which is painted the thin mask of patriotism. Rheaume is a member and President of the class of 2005.

editorial letters why nobody calls Students for a Free Palestine, reconsider offensive tactics Rally behind “blacklisted” Bennet  Wes not up-to-date with multicultural curriculum Open letter from Bob Kao  What are the United States’ goals in Afghanistan? Tap Resources to gain wider perspectives on terrorism All in Good Humor America Recycles Day, a success The horrors beyond the veal They may take our beer, but they cannot take our freedom Bartlett and Popkin are members of the class of 2003. Northern Alliance violation of rights not to be ignored Submissions wanted for Spectral Connections Use collective power to help Wesleyan join WRC

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