Corky Gilbert: Duke Should Just Admit a Mistake
Writer says Duke's response on controversy falls short
Wednesday, January 1, 2003
I read your response to the WSJ "Opinion Journal" with profound disappointment. What pabulum. Why cannot academicians ever admit to making a mistake? To being wrong? To making a dumb decision?
I forget who said, "When the facts change, I change my opinion. What do you do?" but the quotation has relevance. Do Duke students cling to opinions, regardless of the facts, as you seem to? Do you teach this approach.
Of course Ms. Whitehorn has a right to say what ever she wants. That is hardly a courageous position. But what on earth possesses you, or anyone else at Duke, to solicit the opinion of a convicted bomber (attempted murderers?) on a topic with which she has no real expertise. I've spent the last twenty years fishing. Does that make me an expert on fish?
For goodness sakes, just say it was a horrible mistake, apologize, and get on with it.
Corky Gilbert
Annapolis, Md.
Other Comments
Roy Kiefer: I went to war to protect American freedom of speech
