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.
Pity poor Richard Berthold. He's on the hot seat. Here in New Mexico, he's the guy who everyone loves to hate, the target of our unbridled anger and fury.
Throughout history, the argument has been made that the appeal to sentiment has been the reigning mode of persuasion when it comes to the populace. While we franchise ourselves as being beasts of rationality, in reality, the majority of our decisions — either in a private or public arena — while shrouded in a thin veil of reason, are products of sentiment.
Regarding Richard Berthold's remarks, I'm absolutely sure that he is still proud of his admiration of the terrorists.
I am writing in response to President Gordon's statement in the Sept. 26 edition of the Daily Lobo, regarding the "principles" the University will use in deciding how to discipline Professor Berthold.
“We hope that these brothers will be the first martyrs in the battle of Islam in this era against the new Jewish and Christian crusader campaign that is led by the Chief Crusader Bush under the banner of the cross,” says the recent fax supposedly sent by Osama bin Laden.
Richard Berthold has crossed over the line from mildly amusing, vaguely annoying to outright seditionist.
I agree that Professor Berthold has a guaranteed First Amendment right to free speech but, I believe that he has forgotten that with our rights come responsibilities. I do not believe that the classroom while performing his obligations to UNM was an appropriate setting for such a statement. I feel that he has forgotten that his employer has the right to require a level of professionalism and conduct and that he agreed to abide by these rules when he accepted his position.
Solutions by The State News
