University Chairs Should Reflect Honor
RECEIVED Fri., Sept. 19, 2008
Dear Editor,
I wanted to thank you for the interesting article regarding “Charlie Wilson’s Chair,” [“Point Austin,” News, Sept. 19], which brings into focus yet another political figure who, thanks in part to a farcical portrayal in a major motion picture, has become a hero in certain circles. But does that make it worthwhile to endow him with such an honor among other esteemed UT chairs? Thank goodness the venerable faculty has raised an objection to this rather ridiculous proposal! And thank goodness the Chronicle has brought it to the attention of the public. I, for one, sincerely hope the chair of Pakistan studies is created, but not with Charlie Wilson’s moniker blazoned across it, as if that were perfectly acceptable.
I also enjoyed your suggestions for other UT chair endowments. Here’s what I came up with:
The Condoleezza Rice Chair of International Studies (Motto: "Agree with us, or we’ll sanction the hell out of you while shaking hands with Israel!")
The George W. Bush Chair of Political Science (Motto: "There’s no need to recount votes if your daddy has already secured your presidency!" or "Just tell ‘em you’ve been ordained by God!")
Thanks!
I wanted to thank you for the interesting article regarding “Charlie Wilson’s Chair,” [“Point Austin,” News, Sept. 19], which brings into focus yet another political figure who, thanks in part to a farcical portrayal in a major motion picture, has become a hero in certain circles. But does that make it worthwhile to endow him with such an honor among other esteemed UT chairs? Thank goodness the venerable faculty has raised an objection to this rather ridiculous proposal! And thank goodness the Chronicle has brought it to the attention of the public. I, for one, sincerely hope the chair of Pakistan studies is created, but not with Charlie Wilson’s moniker blazoned across it, as if that were perfectly acceptable.
I also enjoyed your suggestions for other UT chair endowments. Here’s what I came up with:
The Condoleezza Rice Chair of International Studies (Motto: "Agree with us, or we’ll sanction the hell out of you while shaking hands with Israel!")
The George W. Bush Chair of Political Science (Motto: "There’s no need to recount votes if your daddy has already secured your presidency!" or "Just tell ‘em you’ve been ordained by God!")
Thanks!
Misty Shaw
