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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated
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To: LindyBill who wrote (96296)1/22/2005 9:01:21 AM
From: Mary Cluney  Read Replies (1) of 793885
 
The flap about Summers.
By Ann Althouse.... I don't oppose legitimate scientific research into biological differences

No legitimate scientist, man or woman, is opposed to legitimate scientific research into biological differences. So why is Ann tossing this into the discussion about what Lawrence Summers said.

Lawrence Summers said innate gender differences may explain why fewer women succeed in science and math careers.

Where is the science? Where is the research that supports this statement?

Okay, I will assume you will agree with me that there is no science that supports this contention.

Does Dr Summers have the right to free speech? Does he have the right to say this?

Yes Dr. Summers is entitle to free speech as provided for by the Constitution.

However, there are limits to free speech. For instance, you can shout "fire" anytime you want. But if you shout fire into a crowded room (and you know there is no fire) and you cause a stampede where many people die - I don't think you are going to be able to avoid punishment hiding behind the Constitutions provision for free speech.

Similarly, Dr. Summers does not have the right and especially as head of the most presitigious academic intitution in the world, to make the the stupid suggestion he made.

Of course Dr Summers is not going to be prosecuted for his remarks. But his remarks cause more pain and more harm than anyone shouting "fire" into a crowded room could ever have.

Does Dr. Summers have the right to free speech, Of course he does. But if he says stupid things, does Harvard have to keep him on as President of the University?

Of course not.

Dr. Lawrence Summers has to go as President of Harvard University.

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