Letter to the editor published in Honolulu Advertiser on March 2, 2005, regarding speech by University of Colorado Professor Ward Churchill on UH Manoa campus.

Ward Churchill

The “controversy” over Ward Churchill is an entertaining but dangerous diversion. Defending the First Amendment, academic freedom, and democracy is most important, but Churchill’s message also has importance. Obviously most individuals discussing Churchill have never read his essay titled “Some People Push Back,” although it is readily available on the internet. It is extremely troubling because of the probing questions he asks about terrorism. Whether or not anyone agrees with any of Churchill’s answers, at least he has the intellect, integrity, and courage to ask such questions. Two points he makes are that every life should be valued, and that you reap what you sow. These are pivotal in Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other religions.

Meanwhile, most of the media divert attention by concentrating on the messenger and the audience, instead of the message. If they do consider the latter, then they pursue only one or two points that are vulnerable when removed from their context to use for sound bites and spin. In that respect, these media fail to pursue truth and promote democracy. Fortunately, so far the university remains a place for open minds, information, discussion, criticism, and yes, even dissent.

Leslie E. Sponsel
UH Manoa Professor