Freedom and academia

[Re: “Thesis goes to court,” Nov. 8] Samer Elatrash wrote a decent article on academic freedom. The point, that many were being denied tenure or degrees, or the right to speak at universities based on their so-called unpopular opinions (in most cases, anti-Zionist) is well founded. Unless they spew hatred against identifiable groups for just being who they are, or advocate such bullshit as Holocaust denial (like the world is flat and not worthy of academic merit), they have a right to be heard, especially at universities.

Then one of the alleged victims, Abraham Weizfeld, wrote a letter to the Mirror to clarify some of the content. I disagree with Weizfeld on almost everything, but agree he has a right to be heard. Another “victim,” Norman Finkelstein, is more problematic. He was denied tenure at DePaul University in spite of a recommendation for it (not his first such denial). Why he was recommended for tenure is a mystery since the man is pure political propaganda, not scholarship.

But there is a bit of irony to the article written by Elatrash (for whom I have considerable respect). Not long ago, he was among the leaders of a group who successfully, shamefully and violently prevented Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu from speaking at Concordia.

The reason being that Netanyahu was a “war criminal,” not determined by the court at the Hague, but by the leaders of the protest who appointed themselves crown prosecutor, judge and jury in this matter.

That said, there is just the tiniest bit of hope for a just solution to the Middle East dilemma coming from Annapolis. In spite of such shit as Palestinian official Saeb Erekat saying they would never recognize Israel as a Jewish state because no state in the world is based on religion (there are four whose title begins with “The Islamic Republic of...” and that does not include Saudi Arabia), and with Israelis wanting to build over 300 Jewish homes in disputed territory now, let us all hope for their success.

>> Ken Frankel

Traffic problems solved!

[Re:  “Our lady of traffic,” Dec. 13] Patrick Lejtenyi’s recent article displayed a coalition of East-End residents opposed to the pending Notre-Dame highway project scheduled to begin in latter 2008 at a cost of $1-billion. But its initial cost is not the objection.

Rather, as the photo is footnoted, “More cars is not the answer.” This targeted section of the East End could be vitalized with the energy of parks, homes, local businesses and pedestrian traffic, and not more highway lanes resulting in greater, swifter traffic with an emphasis on providing easier mobility for those who are addicted to their autos.

Meanwhile, the proponents of this development are preaching their usual clichés: “To ease congestion and thus provide greater safety.” So safety is held hostage for a destructive highway project! In essence, these auto-moguls are the non-signatories of the Kyoto protocol—the U.S., Japan and Canada—to wit: allow my trucks to barrel through, for safety’s sake!

In widening Notre-Dame highway, additional lanes are to be added for “mass transit,” which means buses are to mix with the traffic, which translates to tossing a bone to the protesters. If only the present metro were the simple conventional rail system, and not the clumsy, unwieldy traction system of rubber tires, viable mass transit out to perhaps Boul. St-Jean-Baptiste, on the far east island, could be constructed above ground and elevated, with heated third rail and thus be impervious to most weather conditions. Thus, the horrendous expense of tunnelling is avoided. 

Understandably, a changeover would be disruptive, so a piece-by-piece approach can be made. Once again, in the interest of Montreal’s commerce and economic potential, this same above-ground system should provide an easy commute to Trudeau airport. 

Isn’t this a sounder suggestion than expanding Notre-Dame highway?

>> Edward Abramic

Charities still
need help

[Re: “Giving guide 2007,” Dec. 6] Patrick Lejtenyi mentioned a number of worthwhile charitable organizations in the giving guide that deserve financial donations from the public.

He could have also mentioned, in the same vein, Tel Aide, a telephone listening service where volunteers in both French and English listen to lonely people, mentally or physically ill folks, those emotionally distressed or agitated, those with gambling or financial problems and even those contemplating suicide.

Tel Aide was started in 1971, is open 24 hours a day and anyone with a nonsexual purpose can call it at (514) 935-1101. All calls are confidential and listeners are trained to be non-judgmental.

In a society such as ours where loneliness abounds and where the suicide rate is very high, such a volunteer service is of use to many.

In order to make tax-deductible financial donations or become a volunteer, please visit the organization’s Web site at www.telaide.org

>> Manish Patwari

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!