[Frierlovene]

I have to wonder: If some American soldier had shot Hitler between the eyes in, say, 1942, would this "Student Senate" have rejected a memorial to him, too, because he had killed someone?

Are they learning this stuff from the school? Or merely from warped, twisted parents?

-------------------------------

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/ar...TICLE_ID=48808

BRAVE NEW SCHOOLS

Students reject honor to 'Baa Baa Black Sheep' hero
Member of Marines not 'sort of person UW wanted to produce'

Posted: February 14, 2006
1:00 a.m. Eastern

The University of Washington's student senate rejected a memorial for alumnus Gregory "Pappy" Boyington of "Black Sheep Squadron" fame amid concerns a military hero who shot down enemy planes was not the right kind of person to represent the school.

Student senator Jill Edwards, according to minutes of the student government's meeting last week, said she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce."

Ashley Miller, another senator, argued "many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men."

Senate member Karl Smith amended the resolution to eliminate a clause that said Boyington "was credited with destroying 26 enemy aircraft, tying the record for most aircraft destroyed by a pilot in American Uniform," for which he was awarded the Navy Cross.

Smith, according to the minutes, said "the resolution should commend Colonel Boyington's service, not his killing of others."

The senate's decision was reported first by Seattle radio talk-host Kirby Wilbur of KVI, whose listeners were "absolutely incensed," according to producer Matt Haver.

Brent Ludeman, president of the university's College Republicans, told WND in an e-mail the decision "reflects poorly on the university."

"Pappy Boyington went beyond the call of duty to serve and protect this country – he simply deserves better," Ludeman said. "Just last year, the university erected a memorial to diversity. Why can't we do the same for Pappy Boyington and others who have defended our country?"

The resolution points out Boyington, a student at the UW from 1930-34, served as a combat pilot in the 1st Squadron, American Volunteer Group – the "Flying Tigers of China" – and later as a Marine Corps combat pilot in charge of Marine Fighting Squadron 214, "The Black Sheep Squadron."

Along with the Navy Cross, Boyington was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his heroism. He was shot down and spent 20 months in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.

The resolution says, "Be it resolved … [t]hat we consider Col. Gregory Boyington, United States Marine Corps, to be a prime example of the excellence that this university represents and strives to impart upon its students, and, That we desire for a memorial for Col. Boyington be commenced by the University of Washington by 11 January 2008, the twentieth anniversary of his death, which will be publicly displayed, so that all who come here in future years will know that the University of Washington produced one of this country's bravest men, and that we as a community hold this fact in the highest esteem."

Commenting on the decision, a blogger who says he met Boyington on numerous occasions at a museum and air show over the years noted the famous flyer "was no rich boy," having grown up in a struggling family in which he was forced to work hard to make it through school. The blogger, who hosts the website Paradosis, also pointed out Boyington was part Sioux.

Boyington was open about his marital problems and alcohol abuse, saying notably, "Just name a hero and I'll prove he's a bum."

The blogger wondered, "have our Washington youth revised history so much as this? To compare Boyington – or for that matter any of our WW2 vets – to murderers? What are these kids being taught today? They don't deserve those 20 months Pappy spent being tortured and beaten in a Japanese prison camp ... they don't deserve any of what our grandfathers and grandmothers sacrificed to free Europe and the Pacific."

Boyington wrote a book in 1958 that reached the best-seller list, "Baa Baa, Black Sheep." In 1976, he sold rights to Universal, which aired a TV series for two seasons of the same name.

Boyington, who died Jan. 11, 1988, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.


Lt. Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington during World War II (Photo: National Archives)

[Zesavenue]

Yeah, I guess the students rather we have told Japan that they were bad and not to do it again after Pearl Harbor. In fact, we should of just let Hitler destroy the UK and hope they didn't find their way across the Atlantic or that the Japs wouldn't attack us again. This guy is a hero, while most of America was too busy with isolationism, he volunteered to take the fight to the Japs for China. You can't fight evil with good intent and "give peace a chance protest", they'll march all over you, killing is a necessary evil to fight evil. Or can these students see beyond the killings to the real history of things?

[RichardHaads]

They don't want a memorial for a military guy at the school. So what? Shouldn't the school be able to decide for themselves what sort of memorials they want?

It's like me accusing the school of being racist, because I don't remember them mentioning Martin Luther King as a potential honoree.

[Sellorect]

The mind boggles - a parody of political correctness at its most absurd.

[konanoileaski]

The mid boggles - a parody of political correctness at its most absurd.

I agree their reasons are pretty lame. But, I still stand by that the school has every right to decide who they memorialize.

Plus, having someone who achieved greatness through military means may not be very fitting for a University. I'd imagine they'd want someone who was more known for their academic performance, rather than their war experience. Saying "Come to University of Washington, we make great soldiers" may not be the message they want to convey.

How many military bases honor Einstein or Stephen Hawking?

[onlineslotetes]

I have to wonder: If some American soldier had shot Hitler between the eyes in, say, 1942, would this "Student Senate" have rejected a memorial to him, too, because he had killed someone?

Are they learning this stuff from the school? Or merely from warped, twisted parents?

I love the smell of communism in the morning...

The school should erect statues not according to the desires of its 'customers' but rather to cheerlead the military. What say you, comrades? Isn't this whole "letting private citizens excercise their rights to property" thing tiresome? Perhaps statues of the current ruling party members should be mandatory at all private institutions?

Note - I realize that this is an exaggeration of the 'opposing' point of view, but this was done to illustrate the original exaggeration. Specifically - "the school elected not to construct a statue of a military figure, ergo the school is a bastion of bed-wetting, crying, liberal peaceniks who care only for political correctness."

The problem with approaching all events with an agenda is that facts and objectivity are invariably sacrificed in the name of said agenda. If you look hard enough for that which you hate - you'll find it.

[mikapoq]

I agree their reasons are pretty lame. But, I still stand by that the school has every right to decide who they memorialize.

Plus, having someone who achieved greatness through military means may not be very fitting for a University. I'd imagine they'd want someone who was more known for their academic performance, rather than their war experience.

How many military bases honor Einstein or Stephen Hawking?

A university represents the world and history, including our military history, however disgusting that may be for left-wing sensibilities, junior division; a military base has a very specific focus and reason for existence. Yes, of course they have the right. I don't want to stop them with a law. I just want them to knock it off.....

[Peter Hill]

Yeah, I guess the students rather we have told Japan that they were bad and not to do it again after Pearl Harbor. In fact, we should of just let Hitler destroy the UK and hope they didn't find their way across the Atlantic or that the Japs wouldn't attack us again. This guy is a hero, while most of America was too busy with isolationism, he volunteered to take the fight to the Japs for China. You can't fight evil with good intent and "give peace a chance protest", they'll march all over you, killing is a necessary evil to fight evil. Or can these students see beyond the killings to the real history of things?

So the students' choice of phrasing on the monument is an endorsement of Nazism? I can see where you would draw that conclusion

[Aceroassert]

I love the smell of communism in the morning...

The school should erect statues not according to the desires of its 'customers' but rather to cheerlead the military. What say you, comrades? Isn't this whole "letting private citizens excercise their rights to property" thing tiresome? Perhaps statues of the current ruling party members should be mandatory at all private institutions?

Note - I realize that this is an exaggeration of the 'opposing' point of view, but this was done to illustrate the original exaggeration. Specifically - "the school elected not to construct a statue of a military figure, ergo the school is a bastion of bed-wetting, crying, liberal peaceniks who care only for political correctness."

The problem with approaching all events with an agenda is that facts and objectivity are invariably sacrificed in the name of said agenda. If you look hard enough for that which you hate - you'll find it.

Surely this is a mite excessive? Consider the following statement:

"Ashley Miller, another senator, argued "many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men."

Isn't there a part of you that has a visceral response to this choice morsel of schoolgirl leftist rant? Surely this is a prime specimen of political correctness in advanced gelatin stage, before it has quite set?

[Adollobdeb]

They don't want a memorial for a military guy at the school. So what? Shouldn't the school be able to decide for themselves what sort of memorials they want?

Of course not - what do you think this is, a capitalism-based representative democracy?

It's like me accusing the school of being racist, because I don't remember them mentioning Martin Luther King as a potential honoree. Now that you mention it... what's up with that? I also noticed no mention of a Hillary Clinton statue, which can only mean that the school is filled with neocons.

[ElcinBoris]

......Now that you mention it... what's up with that? I also noticed no mention of a Hillary Clinton statue, which can only mean that the school is filled with neocons.

She is still too active. Wait a few years - she will be everywhere, like Queen Victoria in a British colony circa the Diamond Jubilee of 1897.

[RlUbQU3R]

Surely this is a mite excessive? Consider the following statement:

"Ashley Miller, another senator, argued "many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men."

Absolutely my arguments were excessive. I make no claim otherwise. The hyperbole was intended to provoke a response.

Isn't there a part of you that has a visceral response to this choice morsel of schoolgirl leftist rant? Surely this is a prime specimen of political correctness in advanced gelatin stage, before it has quite set? Absolutely - I think that the girl's statements are exactly as you characterize them. However, I think it reflects poorly on neither the university nor even a potential decision to omit this particular hero. To me, the right to choose a hero to commemorate is a pure expression of consumer demand. If she wants to honor someone else, than her rationale (however ridiculous) makes no difference to me.

Wouldn't you agree that a statue of civil rights advocate who employed non-violent protest would be just as good to represent a university? I guess the way that I view it is that no matter what happens its a positive. They're going to commemorate someone and that someone is going to be a hero. It's difficult to choose one hero over another....

[ordercigsnick]

She is still too active. Wait a few years - she will be everywhere, like Queen Victoria in a British colony circa the Diamond Jubilee of 1897.

God forbid...

[otheloComRole]

Absolutely my arguments were excessive. I make no claim otherwise. The hyperbole was intended to provoke a response.


Absolutely - I think that the girl's statements are exactly as you characterize them. However, I think it reflects poorly on neither the university nor even a potential decision to omit this particular hero. To me, the right to choose a hero to commemorate is a pure expression of consumer demand. If she wants to honor someone else, than her rationale (however ridiculous) makes no difference to me.

Wouldn't you agree that a statue of civil rights advocate who employed non-violent protest would be just as good to represent a university? I guess the way that I view it is that no matter what happens its a positive. They're going to commemorate someone and that someone is going to be a hero. It's difficult to choose one hero over another....

I agree - but there doesn't need to be a choice. There is room for both, even if (especially if) they are quite different. There are people whose politics and/or character I disagree with or dislike, but my opinion should not keep a celebrated historical figure from recognition. It is this close-mindedness and pettiness that I dislike, from the same liberals who once championed free speech and fairness.

[voksveta]

Wouldn't you agree that a statue of civil rights advocate who employed non-violent protest would be just as good to represent a university? I guess the way that I view it is that no matter what happens its a positive. They're going to commemorate someone and that someone is going to be a hero. It's difficult to choose one hero over another....

How many civil rights advocates who employed non-violent protest that were Univ of Washington alumni aren’t being commemorated there???

[ethigSmimbine]

So the students' choice of phrasing on the monument is an endorsement of Nazism? I can see where you would draw that conclusion

I didn't say they endorsed Nazism, but they certainly don't seem to endorse fighting for the protection of any country in defense. That is to say if they believe him a murder instead of a hero, and that his deeds were wrong instead of right. While I agree with it being their choice to be able to choose whether there be a monument or not dedicated to this guy, I don't agree with how they came to the decision.

[lopesmili]

The problem isn't whether or not they should be allowed to reject this memorial. I think it's rather obvious that they should be allowed to do so, because it is their school.

The problem is that they want to, and why they want to. Our problem, as a society, is to figure out why our youth are developing such perverse values that they are willing to dismiss and disregard American heroes-- men and women who fought to protect their freedom-- and reject so thoroughly the notion of defending this nation.

These students are dishonoring an American hero, but stopping them from doing so would dishonor what that hero fought for. We need to find out what's causing this and fix that.

[Khcyhshq]

The problem isn't whether or not they should be allowed to reject this memorial. I think it's rather obvious that they should be allowed to do so, because it is their school.

The problem is that they want to, and why they want to. Our problem, as a society, is to figure out why our youth are developing such perverse values that they are willing to dismiss and disregard American heroes-- men and women who fought to protect their freedom-- and reject so thoroughly the notion of defending this nation.

These students are dishonoring an American hero, but stopping them from doing so would dishonor what that hero fought for. We need to find out what's causing this and fix that.

Very good post indeed.

[nemoforone]

One (neutral) question from a non- american : How are they dishonouring him, because they argue that there are more appropriate places to honour war soldiers than a university ?
And isn´t somebody saying in the article that he should be commended for his service, not because of how many planes he shot down, and how many people he killed ?
As somebody not involved I fail to see the insult.

[zueqhbyhp]

One (neutral) question from a non- american : How are they dishonouring him, because they argue that there are more appropriate places to honour war soldiers than a university ?
And isn´t somebody saying in the article that he should be commended for his service, not because of how many planes he shot down, and how many people he killed ?
As somebody not involved I fail to see the insult.

I'm an American and I have the same questions.