Professor Berthold's actions and opinions are an outrage. Not only should we have him fired, but his tongue also should be removed so that his dangerous opinions cannot infect any more ears in our population.
The embarrassment continues. Mr. Berthold is certainly entitled to his opinion, but it is inappropriate to use the canopy of tenure and academic freedom to provide immunity from being held accountable. He has used this shield successfully for the last 29 years and only apologized for his actions when it became apparent that someone might actually hold him responsible for his actions.
When searching for reasons why today's mayoral election is important, one need look no farther than a nearby television screen.
I am a junior at UNM, and have over the last three years taken four classes from Professor Richard Berthold. During that time, I learned that he was a very bright, strong-willed and opinionated man.
The span of human history has been defined by ideas, conflict and society's resolution of these two. To believe that this resolution will always be a peaceful one is to ignore human nature, as well as, thousands of years of history.
In light of the attention that has been paid recently to Professor Richard Berthold, it seemed prudent to bring up White House press secretary Ari Fleischer's instructions last week.
During the past few days, this country has seen some of the most unimaginable atrocities in recent history.
Berthold, you disgust me. I am embarrassed and saddened. Because of you, those of us who work at UNM are grouped in the same category as yourself.
A friend said something that struck me a couple of days ago. "Just imagine, if a free and democratic-loving country such as ours can react in such an incredibly hostile way and with such passionate violence, imagine how people feel in those countries who have been reduced to rubble over years of wars and social turmoil."
Your editorial "Hypocrisy reigns as free speech is ignored" was apparently based on some totally false version of the Faculty Senate meeting on Sept. 25.
As a former student of Dr. Berthold and a UNM alumnus, I would like to share my personal perspective on the man so many suddenly seem so willing to hate.
Richard Berthold should be fired. Not just for his serious misconduct on Sept. 11, but for every instance when he has insulted and offended students. If this had been his first offense, I might allow him to get away with just a tearful apology. However, Dr. Berthold has had a long history of moral misconduct at the University.
It is interesting and refreshing to see the Daily Lobo making an honest effort in presenting both sides of the Inquisition of Professor Berthold and of the up and coming war on terrorism.
Richard Berthold should have changed his last name to "Cranium" years ago.
With all the opinions being expressed by faculty and students concerning Professor Berthold's lecture material, I feel something should be said from the point of view of someone who attended the lectures.
Rest assured, the government will do anything to protect democracy. It will even sacrifice democracy itself.
Mr. Knutson stated in his letter to the Daily Lobo that he would be forwarding the now well-known comments of Professor Berthold to the U.S. attorney "for investigation and possible prosecution under anti-sedition laws." While the professor's comments may have been badly timed and insensitive, it is impossible to try him for sedition.
I am amused at the letters and comments printed in the Daily Lobo from women speaking out against the injustices of racism, sexism, campus rapes and the alleged sexist comments of a certain faculty member.
Regarding the controversy surrounding UNM history professor Richard Berthold, I believe several points need to be addressed.
I noted your editorializing about the disregard of freedom of speech by those individuals calling for the resignation or dismissal of Professor Berthold. You are correct in your position that the Constitution guarantees Mr. Berthold the right to speak his mind. However, the Constitution also guarantees everyone else the same right.
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