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Thank You For the Clarification, Prof. De Genova

Apr 03, 2003 1:50 PM
Tags: education, leftwing, politics, war

Nicholas De Genova of Columbia didn't like how his hope that the war with Iraq (or at least US foreign policy) turn into "a million Mogadishus" (that would be 18 million dead American soldiers, if you took his math literally) was taken out of context. He has since clarified his position in a letter to the Columbia University newspaper:

I also affirmed that Iraqi liberation can only be effected by the Iraqi people themselves, both by resisting and defeating the U.S. invasion as well as overthrowing a regime whose brutality was long sustained by none other than the U.S. Such an anti-colonial struggle for self-determination might involve a million Mogadishus now but would ultimately have to become something more like another Vietnam. Vietnam was a stunning defeat for U.S. imperialism; as such, it was also a victory for the cause of human self-determination.

In other words, if the United States suffered another Vietnam, that would be even better.

He's since gone into hiding due to the threats he's received. (via LGF)

Meanwhile, "hundreds" Columbia U. students demonstrated in support of the war. And donors are pressuring the university to fire De Genova. Didn't know about that. Perhaps it wasn't deemed "newsworthy" by the national media.

He's an "assistant professor of Anthropology and Latina/o Studies", so I don't think he's got tenure. University of New Mexico Professor Richard Berthold disciplined after openly stating, "Anyone who bombs the Pentagon has my vote."

(via Long story; short pier.)


Comments: Thank You For the Clarification, Prof. De Genova

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM PURCHASING FRENCH PRODUCTS!
FOR A FRENCH EMBARGO!
BOYCOTT ALL FRENCH PRODUCTS!

Posted by: BOYCOTT ALL FRENCH PRODUCTS! on April 29, 2003 6:02 PM | permalink

Wow, that's quite an intelligent opinion you've got there. I appreciate your sophisticated understanding of diplomacy and trade.

Posted by: Joe Grossberg on April 29, 2003 6:23 PM | permalink

No more comments! Either someone has violated Godwin's Law, I'm tired of the discussion or, most likely, the ten-week window has closed. You can, however, contact me through email.