It's interesting to listen to people discuss two recent situations in Lincoln. In the first, a judge commits a traffic violation and kills a man; in the second, a professor hands out some small explosives to students. Almost invariably the judge is treated with kid gloves, even sympathy. Folks cite his apparent compassion and how "it could have happened to anybody". Probation and community service, the conversants agree, would be best. The professor, on the other hand, has already been convicted by public opinion. His actions didn't harm anyone, but he could have "blown somebody's arm off". He should, at the very least, be fired (but the University won't touch him because he's tenured), and he should serve at least a little time in jail. The professor is "careless", "wacky", and "apparently a drunk".
The contrast in the tone of the two discussions is striking, which I find fascinating. It's a small case study in the power of media coverage and in how people weigh actions and consequences.
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This professor can easily redeem himself in the eyes of the press by comparing the victims of the 9/11 attacks to an individual who orchestrated the systematic murder of 12 million people. After what is taught in schools in the name of academic freedom, the things made that are considered “art”, you would think that all professors had a free pass to do whatever they wish. I guess giving students firecrackers is the one thing they can’t do.
I’m still not clear on what happened with the professor- all reports I’ve seen so far have been vague. So I don’t know what to think on that.
As for the Judge, sore, it could have happened to anyone. But there’s a reason we even have the term “vehicular manslaughter” - if you’re driving a car, a potentially lethal weapon, you should be as careful as if you were handling a gun. It’s true that many people drive like idiots, and I would want them treated the same as a Judge- not only because of what they did, but because it’s a lesson for everyone. Dammit, pay attention while you drive!
It’s funny that my own feelings on these issues run opposite public opinion. I may very well end up being angry at the professor once I know the whole story, but for now, I
I thought the same thing at first, that he wouldn’t be fired because of tenure. But then my wife, much smarter than me, pointed out that tenure protects the professor’s academic freedom. Putting students in harm’s way is not part of academic freedom and so that University can fire him.
As for the judge, it was an honest (stupid) mistake. Misdemeanor motor vehicle manslaughter, in my limited law knowlege, is probably what he should be charged with. I’m guessing he’ll lose his judgeship, but at 80, retirement couldn’t have been that far off.
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