The disappointing reactions of so many university presidents in the face of intimidation tactics has been well documented recently in the wake of student protests, including here.
Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch wisely adds this observation, including that the job of standing up to modern-day McCarthyism is up to the rest of us now:
Instead of leadership from our universities, we see the rank timidity of college presidents eager to appease the new McCarthyites in Congress by calling riot cops on protesters, suspending and expelling student activists, or refusing to confer diplomas — anything to cling to their high-paying jobs.
The only folks left who can stand up for democracy are the ones with the most to lose: the everyday people. Whatever you think you would have done to fight 1930s totalitarianism or Jim Crow segregation is what you should do to save democracy right now. And on Nov. 5, even in The Year of the Coward, we can be heroes, just for one day.
Whether it is only for one day or more than one day, let's be heroes on Election Day this year.
Please read the disclaimer. ©2024 Dennis J. Wall. All rights reserved.
Comments