Since it's still a bit slow this morning, perhaps a bit of history is in order. Back in the early sixties in the South, when the Democrats had a "lock," one way to keep control was to require state employees (such as state university instructors) to take an oath that they "wouldn't invite any Negro" person to their classes, or even onto the campus. Individuals who refused to "take such an oath" were unhired.
Even as late as the late seventies, there was an effort to demand "loyalty oaths" from state employees. That was so, if they didn't behave (like by promoting unions, for example), they could be easily dismissed for violating their "oath." The matter of free speech or academic freedom would never have to be raised.
What's really shocking is that the old habits just don't ever seem to disappear. If you have to extract promises from people to be with you, what good is their support?
Oh, I forgot. . . support isn't the issue. The point is to exercise control--to extract a commitment with which one can be bludgeoned later.
No thank you! Enforced unity is worthless.
Posted by Monica Smith at February 3, 2004 07:38 AM