In a message dated 3/20/2008 12:54:36 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

If Mr.  Fears attempt at wit had substituted "1,000 unloved, underpaid, Engl=
ish  graduate students" all might have enjoyed his attempt at hyperbole.   Ye=
t given a choice to craft a response to what might best be  characterized as=
academic audience--he chose once again not to.  =20
=20
Gordon Snedecor
Portland, Oregon=


It seems my choice of words is an exciting topic for many bored souls here.  
Phooey! I've known plenty of underpaid graduate students who might identify 
with  the overworked manual laborers that the historical term "coolies" refers 
to. 
 
Many terms are hijacked over time. That doesn't prevent their use in the  
traditional sense, does it? Gay might even mean festive now and then. 
 
So someone has even tearfully quit the forum over its use? What rubbish! In  
the immortal words of Groucho Marx, "You can't fire me, I quit!"
 
"Those who would celebrate diversity the loudest are the most intolerant of  
those they disagree with."
 
Hail to you, Gordon, oh fellow Oregonian. Are you volunteering to revise my  
wit? Some may not care for my remarks and engage in personal and public  
condemnation, but I have not attacked them personally, nor would I, even when  
pointing out the hypocrisy of their comments. I've received emails with gutter  
language and profanities...I've been called names here by so-called "academics"  
who are supposed to be enlightened folks...One gentleman has just posted that 
 the administrator should do something about my "adolescent" humor. Well, if 
it's  recognized as humor (at least for that much intelligent perception) then 
why the  flap? 
 
I've no reason to shake up or stir up this sleepy little forum. My interest  
in Twain is at least as alive as others here. I try to offer substance, not 
just  flip remarks about the Boer war or trolls or the humor of others. I 
sometimes  offer opinion that may not fit in with lock-step, left-wing dogma. I have 
 attacked no one. I have nothing to apologize for. 
 
David H Fears
 
 



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