I am surprised you posted that. Summers made it very clear he was speculating. As I said, I won't defend Summers. He turns out to be a total wuss.
He said he was speculating. I give you that. But the tone of the talk, particularly ranking the factors, indicated otherwise. His claim to be "speculating" was cya.
Academia is supposed to be a place where people can speculate. You sure are in favor of it when it comes to left wing profs making outrageous statements.
Actually, you don't know my views on these issues. Someone posted some comments Ed Shils made in, I think, the 50s about academic freedom. Much of that is good talk.
As for protection against getting fired for making outrageous comments, that's a good that should be much more widely enjoyed, commensurate with good job performance. If someone at, pick your company of choice, wishes to make left wing speculations over the water cooler and argue the points with her colleagues, her bonus, salaries, and job security should not be at stake. |
