[Phys-L] Re: Warning: Don't ask for Library loans on Political Topics

[John Clement <clement@HAL-PC.ORG>]

The really scary thing is that the professor was planning on offering a
course in terrorism, but is reconsidering because it might put his students
at risk.  Not only can't they figure it out, they are preventing legitimate
research and debate.  Academic freedom is being threatened.  Sadly, the
canceling of a course on terrorism, they are preventing education that might
be useful in combating terrorism.  If students steer clear of courses that
might help them gain insights the number of experts on vital topics will
decrease.  Are they monitoring loans of the Koran?  Thank goodness we
already have our copy of the Ayatollah Khomeini's book.  It is extremely
dull.  Now will I be visited for admitting this?????????

Now, are they monitoring physics or engineering texts that discuss nuclear
energy and weapons?  Or how about texts that discuss cleanup after nuclear
accidents and terrorism?  Look out they will be knocking on your door next.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX

> Agents' visit chills UMass Dartmouth senior
> By AARON NICODEMUS, Standard-Times staff writer
>
>
>   NEW BEDFORD -- A senior at UMass Dartmouth was visited by federal
> agents two months ago, after he requested a copy of Mao Tse-Tung's tome
> on Communism called "The Little Red Book."
>
>   Two history professors at UMass Dartmouth, Brian Glyn Williams and
> Robert Pontbriand, said the student told them he requested the book
> through the UMass Dartmouth library's interlibrary loan program.
>
>   The student, who was completing a research paper on Communism for
> Professor Pontbriand's class on fascism and totalitarianism, filled out
> a form for the request, leaving his name, address, phone number and
>   Social Security number. He was later visited at his parents' home in
>   New Bedford by two agents of the Department of Homeland Security,
> the professors said.
>
> Remainder of article is found at this paper, on line:
>    <http://www.southcoasttoday.com/daily/12-05/12-17-05/a09lo650.htm>
>
>
>
> Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!
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