"If the University wants more money, they'd better change their politics." - The Mudflats

[Blue_In_AK]

The legislature never ceases to amaze. Anna Fairclough seems a bit heavy-handed here. Somebody needs to set her straight.


http://www.themudflats.net/2009/02/05/if-the-university-wants-more-money-theyd-better-change-their-politics/

Ironically, I found myself earlier today wishing for a time machine. My wish was completely unrelated to Alaska politics, but as is so often the case, my wish seems to have arrived in a form I did not expect. This is why they say “Be careful what you wish for.”

I don’t know quite where I’ve landed in this time machine. It could be the Middle Ages, or perhaps the McCarthy Era. Then again, it may be Orwell’s 1984. I may not know where I am, but I do know who was at the helm of the time machine during the wild ride that got me, and the rest of the state of Alaska, here. Our pilot? Representative Anna Fairclough, Republican from Eagle River.

Listening to “Gavel to Gavel” can be an eye-opening experience. Usually, it’s long periods of boredom, punctuated by unexpected events that will instantly and dangerously raise the blood pressure. From what I understand, it’s kind of like being in a war zone, only it won’t kill you. Probably.

Imagine, if you will, sitting in this committee meeting, in which an elected representative is addressing Mark Hamilton, the chancellor of the University of Alaska, with some concerns she has. And bear in mind that this exchange is happening in the United States of America. And it’s happening today. You may need to remind yourself of this from time to time.

So, what’s the problem? Rep. Fairclough seems to disagree with the political views of some staff at the University of Alaska.

“If I ask university staff, the people who are educating our future leaders, if they support the Chukchi Sea development, the Red Dog Mine or the Pebble Mine or any type of industry along those lines, a stereotypical response is they are in opposition,” she said.

Could this be, perhaps, because they are educated? Go on……

“I found it amazing there was a large disconnect in where the dollars for the state of Alaska come from on a regular basis as far as production of oil on the North Slope goes, and how it is turned into revenue for the state of Alaska and in turn is invested in the university system,” she said.

So…what you’re saying is….(handing Rep. Fairclough a length of rope)

“How should I advocate more funding for an entire group that doesn’t want to see development going forward,” she said.

I’ll let that sink in with you for a minute. You may need to reread that. (…a minute later…) Yes, Fairclough is stating as a state Legislator on the powerful Finance Committee, that she can’t advocate for additional funding for the state university system if she perceives they are against particular mining and resource development projects. In other words, if we’re going to fund you, you’d better get more conservative in your political views.

<snip>

Wow...I don't know what to say. :(

[blue_roses_lib]

1. OMG

:wtf: is her problem?

I'm not sure what to say either, but I'm an alumnus of the U and this makes me almost foam at the mouth. Isn't college supposed to about expanding your horizons, discussing ideas not your own so that, even if you disagree, you can understand where those ideas come from? DUHHHH. :banghead:

On top of that, the whole point is to fund the U, from top faculty and staff, to fully funding degree programs, so that Alaska's high school seniors WANT TO attend the U of AK, and not travel out of state. WHO THE F*** cares about your perception of the so called political bent of the University? AND, might I ask, what "university staff" did you talk to? Seriously... I'd like to know. Did you survey a broad random sample of the staff from across the system, or did you limit your sample to one department at one campus?


If she's not going to support funding for the Univ of AK, not support enriching HIGHER education for ALL of the future leaders of this great state, instead of just future pro development conservatives, she shouldn't be a public servant. Honestly. What a FIRST CLASS BITCH. I hope the good folks of my hometown vote her out of office.

*steps off soapbox*
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Off topic: I'm new here, I think this is my sixth post? But i've been lurking for awhile. :hi: I think this place is great for both laughs and serious information. I'd rec this post but I don't have enough posts yet. I'm definitely kicking it as well as forwarding it to everyone I know.

edited for a typo..

[snowbear]

2. I agree.......

.
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Fairclough IS a First Class Bitch!

p.s. Welcome aboard blue_roses!!



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[blue_roses_lib]

4. Glad to be here! n/t

:bounce:

[Blue_In_AK]

3. Thanks, Blue Roses

and welcome to DU. I always love to see more Alaskans here. :)