Photo By Simona Sergis
The nature of the title ia a variation of James Carville’s words to Bill Clinton on priorities when he was running for the Presidency. Two days ago, I called a high school classmate regarding the death of one of my African American classmates. I walked to school with him. He was the co-captain of the football team. He was the first in his family to attend college (Ursinus). I indicated to his wife in a previous call that her husband was indeed very kind, but she should know that he was fierce and feared on the gridiron. She knew this. We shared a laugh together.
When I was on the call with my classmate, she indicated that we knew nothing about diversity issues growing up. She was a great athlete. We lived together, played together on integrated teams, and never imagined boundaries between and among us. We both agreed that we learned about all of those issues AFTER we left our community. I told her that I learned about those issues when I arrived at Berkeley at Yale and had trouble identifying with the conversation and action of some of my entitled classmates. Somehow, Biden’s name came up and she indicated that she couldn’t stand to look at him. I wanted to ask why, but that would have been inappropriate given the context of the call. But I thought about the two worlds and value systems that I have operated in as I value her opinions as a level headed person. These two value systems often overlap.
Yesterday, I listened to President Biden’s terrific address largely focused on the election and that Democracy was on the ballot. However, what was missing were the kitchen table issues, the issues that are right in front of the American people when they sit down to eat, the economy and the still experienced inflation, abortion rights, and immigration. Nancy Pelosi who is one of his chief supporters, as I am, spelled that out in her response. Sure, our democracy is the most important thing, but people pay attention to what is in front of them.
I used this kitchen table approach when suggesting that a student or others were in need of future mental health help. On most occasions I indicated what that help should be. It is called triage. Whenever I was questioned about a decision that I made, I always said, “You may be right, but I base my decisions on who is standing right in front of me.” Anytime that I made that comment, people accepted my decision and the way forward.
Regarding the questioning of President Gay of Harvard by Stefanik, Jamie Raskin, one the brightest members in Congress who is Jewish turned Stefanik’s double bind questioning back on her.
Raskin – Did you speak out when Trump had dinner with Nick Fuentes, a White Nationalist? Yes or No?
Raskin – Did you speak out when White Nationalists marched in Charlottesvile when they chanted “The Jews will not replace us.” Have you spoken out against replacement theory? Did you agree with Trump when he said that there were good people on both sides. Yes or no?
Raskin – Did you speak out against what occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue? Yes or No? How about gun control with that situation in mind? Yes or no!
Raskin – Just answer yes or no!
Stefanik – Trump is the greatest President in American history. That was her only response.
Below you will find the text of resignation of Harvard’s President Gray, Ackman’s response, and information released yesterday about Neri Ackman, Bill Ackman’s wife.
Pretend that you have a kitchen table talk with President Gay, Bill Eckman, or Neri Eckman? All questions have to be yes or no. What is that like for you and those you are questioning? How about when you are asking for more context for their answers?
I have included Ackman’s statement as it represents the best statement I have seen from conservatives. You should be aware that, “In 2017, Neri Oxman (Bill’s wife) produced a gift for Epstein after he donated $125,000 to her lab. Her husband had already given 7.8 million. In an email to Ito, Head of the Lab, and to Neri, Ito asked how he should respond to those who inquire about who gave the gift. Bill Ackman responded in email to Ito, “it is very important that you don’t mention Neri’s name or otherwise get her involved. I don’t want to see her forced into a position where to protect her name she is required to be transparent about everything that that took place at MIT and Epstein.” MIT is required to report the donors of all gifts.
Clearly Ackman has not heard about karma!
It is noted that Ackman’s wife’s non-profit was in the DEI of MIT. She has retired. Eckman now wants to have every member of the MIT faculty to be investigated for plagiarism. (the louder part not said) or no more money.
Accusations about Neri Ackman are very similar to those of President Gay.
Welcome to Ethics, fearless reader! You have some background to answer from reading previous blogs. I would love to see my former students take this one on.
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