What does our future hold?

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

What does our future hold?

Date: May 4, 2004

Dear FS,

I think you are underestimating the positive effect that you, FS, in particular and your colleagues in general have already had. I urge you not to lose heart, and I suspect that your message reflects an understandable, but passing, sense of despair.

Think of what you all at USM have already accomplished in about two months. Think, in particular, about how different things would be RIGHT NOW if this board, and the movement it represents, did not exist:

(1) Thanks to the movement and the board, G&S are NOT fired; they will be at USM for at least as long as SFT.

(2) Thanks to the movement and the board, a national spotlight has been thrown on the troubles at USM, and you have rallied many dedicated allies who will now take a long-term interest in your cause.

(3) You are lucky to have inept, ham-fisted (maybe a double meaning here ) opponents who keep digging themselves deeper and deeper into the various holes they create for themselves; your enemies, ironically, are your best allies, and can be counted on to generate more and more negative publicity for themselves. Hardly a day goes by without some new idiocy.

(4) I suspect that the accreditation process will be your strongest long-term ace-in-the-hole. When outside observers actually get onto your campus and begin documenting what has been going on there for the accrediting agency, it is hard to imagine how USM will keep its accreditation. And, if accreditation is threatened, federal money (especially for scholarships) is threatened, which means that students and their parents will begin to realize, in increasing numbers, that what the anti-SFT folks have been saying all along is correct.

I could list other reasons why I believe you have cause for long-term optimism, but these are a start. In the meantime, I hope you will take heart in the fact that you, FS, as a single individual, have already made an immeasurable impact for the good -- not only for folks at USM but for everyone who has a stake in the battle being fought there. You are truly a hero/heroine in the eyes of many.

With enormous respect -- USM Sympathizer

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"Dear FS, I think you are underestimating the positive effect that you, FS, in particular and your colleagues in general have already had. I urge you not to lose heart, and I suspect that your message reflects an understandable, but passing, sense of despair. Think of what you all at USM have already accomplished in about two months. Think, in particular, about how different things would be RIGHT NOW if this board, and the movement it represents, did not exist: (1) Thanks to the movement and the board, G&S are NOT fired; they will be at USM for at least as long as SFT. (2) Thanks to the movement and the board, a national spotlight has been thrown on the troubles at USM, and you have rallied many dedicated allies who will now take a long-term interest in your cause. (3) You are lucky to have inept, ham-fisted (maybe a double meaning here ) opponents who keep digging themselves deeper and deeper into the various holes they create for themselves; your enemies, ironically, are your best allies, and can be counted on to generate more and more negative publicity for themselves. Hardly a day goes by without some new idiocy. (4) I suspect that the accreditation process will be your strongest long-term ace-in-the-hole. When outside observers actually get onto your campus and begin documenting what has been going on there for the accrediting agency, it is hard to imagine how USM will keep its accreditation. And, if accreditation is threatened, federal money (especially for scholarships) is threatened, which means that students and their parents will begin to realize, in increasing numbers, that what the anti-SFT folks have been saying all along is correct. I could list other reasons why I believe you have cause for long-term optimism, but these are a start. In the meantime, I hope you will take heart in the fact that you, FS, as a single individual, have already made an immeasurable impact for the good -- not only for folks at USM but for everyone who has a stake in the battle being fought there. You are truly a hero/heroine in the eyes of many. With enormous respect -- USM Sympathizer"

Wow! What a nice message. I wasn't fishing for compliments, but I'll accept them.

Like you said, though, the admin keeps digging itself deeper and deeper. That's good--if only the PTB would react. You would think that Shelby & Co. reading emails would have provoked statewide outrage. You would think that Hanbury's memo to the deans would have provoked statewide outrage. Maybe it will happen in time--just not in the time in which I would like to see it happen.

Thanks for the message, USM Sympathizer.

Date: May 4, 2004

I forgot to add one further point: thanks to SFT, and also to the movement he inspired, his presidency is forever tarred and feathered in the history books. For as long as he is remembered, he will be remembered as the president who nearly destroyed a university many had come to respect. This is truly tragic, because I am sure that in his heart he loves USM -- or at least his vision of it. The best thing he can now do for the university he loves is to hand its future over to someone else. This, ironically, is also the best thing he can also do for his own historical reputation. It would be a totally gracious (and therefore totally unexpected) act.

Date: May 4, 2004

Fire Shelby, I have been fighting off waves of despair, too. Where is the outrage, where are the friends? I think to some degree we are having a natural letdown from the tension of the past few weeks, and tiredness is making us pessimistic. I am heartsick over how badly I wanted to come back to work at USM, and feel that door is closed. I am heartsick over all the good people who are leaving and have left, and especially those whose lives have been damaged.

But one of my mottos is "the best way out is always through" and we must keep going through. I feel helpless and a little useless, and wish there was more I could do. My huse is available for meetings if more discretion is needed --T-SHIRT knows where I live, or you can email me. And let us not forget that the teachers among us are still teaching through this, possibly teaching more powerful lessons than we realize.

NO QUARTER

Date: May 4, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: LVN
"Fire Shelby, I have been fighting off waves of despair, too. Where is the outrage, where are the friends? I think to some degree we are having a natural letdown from the tension of the past few weeks, and tiredness is making us pessimistic. I am heartsick over how badly I wanted to come back to work at USM, and feel that door is closed. I am heartsick over all the good people who are leaving and have left, and especially those whose lives have been damaged. But one of my mottos is "the best way out is always through" and we must keep going through. I feel helpless and a little useless, and wish there was more I could do. My huse is available for meetings if more discretion is needed --T-SHIRT knows where I live, or you can email me. And let us not forget that the teachers among us are still teaching through this, possibly teaching more powerful lessons than we realize. NO QUARTER"

I totally agree with LVN. We must go through the problem and not let it keep us down long.

My question is similar to yours, FS, but a little different. What are our plans for the summer? I know a lot of people are not able to be here to show physical support during the summer. How are we going to keep the fight going during the summer and not let it die down by the fall semester?

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

Thanks for the uplifting email, everyone. I will respond soon.

By the way, I received one email that told me that I had hit the nail on the head. To the person who emailed me that message, I will be in touch with you soon. I want to hear more...much more.

Best wishes to you all,

FS

Date: May 5, 2004

Message designed solely to cheer up Fireshelby...a virtual hug back if you will...

Even when we destroyed the Death Star, the battle against the evil empire wasn't won instantly.

Patience, end game has started.

NO QUARTER

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: LUKE
"Message designed solely to cheer up Fireshelby...a virtual hug back if you will... Even when we destroyed the Death Star, the battle against the evil empire wasn't won instantly. Patience, end game has started. NO QUARTER "

Thanks, Luke. I am feeling a little more optimistic this morning. I want a free USM, and I want it now!

Date: May 5, 2004

Is anyone else concerned about SACCS accreditation? Just read the first standard. It seems that there may be other stakeholders in what happens at USM that could influence the college board.

PRINCIPLES OF ACCREDITATION:FOUNDATIONS FOR QUALITY ENHANCEMENT(Abbreviated Version)Section 1: Principles and Philosophy of AccreditationSection 1 (Institutional Integrity)

Integrity is a core value essential to the purpose of higher education, functioning as the basic social contract

defining the relationship between the Commission and each of its member institutions. It is a relationship in which all

parties agree to commit themselves to honesty and openness in their dealings with their constituencies and with one

another. Without this commitment, no relationship can exist or be sustained between the Commission and its member

institutions. The Commission=s requirements, policies, processes, procedures, and decisions are predicated on integrity.

The Commission on Colleges expects integrity to govern the operation of institutions. Therefore, evidence of

intentionally withholding information, deliberately providing inaccurate information to the public, or failing to provide timely

information to the Commission will be construed as an indication of the lack of a full commitment to integrity and may result

in the loss of membership in the Commission on Colleges.

Date: May 5, 2004

LVN,

I feel the same way. What is worse is that all you hear is "what will happen to the students?, or what will happen to the faculty?"

What about us staff? I happen to have spoken to many, off campus where they feel secure. So far none of them trust or like ST or his little wheels. The Gulf Coast is frightened with just the sight of Ken Malone because of his "ability" to "streamline" the administration and proceedures.

I have been informed that there are two administrative staff members ready to bail by the time fall semester starts.

Pinecone

Date: May 5, 2004

Fire Shelby,

You've already done a ton!

And now is not the time to lose heart.

Faculty members, staff members, and students who are being beaten up on by an administration have to fight to get any press coverage at all.

The USM crisis keeps generating press coverage, most of it heedlessly fed by Thames, Dvorak, Klumb, Hanbury and the rest of the henchcrew.

The heat can be kept on Thames et al. over the summer. And a man like Thames is never far from another irrational outburst: firing someone else, dissolving a body that plays a role in university governance, saying more foolish and megalomaniacal things in public.

Robert Campbell

Date: May 5, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Pinecone
"LVN, I feel the same way. What is worse is that all you hear is "what will happen to the students?, or what will happen to the faculty?" What about us staff? I happen to have spoken to many, off campus where they fees secure. So far none of them trust or like ST or his little wheels. The Gulf Coast is frightened with just the sight of Ken Malone because of his "ability" to "streamline" the administration and proceedures. I have been informed that there are two administrative staff members ready to bail by the time fall semester starts. Pinecone "

Dear Pinecone,

You are right: the staff need to be mentioned more often and more explicitly. I have been guilty myself of failing to do this sufficiently. I will try, in the future, to remember to do this. Believe me: everyone who has ever been on the faculty of a college or university knows how crucial the staff is to the practical success and intangible atmosphere of the place. Thanks for everything you and your colleagues do for USM!

Date: May 5, 2004

There are staff who, like faculty, are afraid to speak out for fear of retribution. And of course, they do not have tenure (for whatever that is worth these days). It is my understanding that some are worried about things they are being asked to do that they feel are unethical. Anyone who wishes can call the Attorney General's office and ask about whistleblower protection.

Date: May 5, 2004

Dismayed, what you have pointed out is crucial. It needs in own thread in fact.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: dismayed
"There are staff who, like faculty, are afraid to speak out for fear of retribution. And of course, they do not have tenure (for whatever that is worth these days). It is my understanding that some are worried about things they are being asked to do that they feel are unethical. Anyone who wishes can call the Attorney General's office and ask about whistleblower protection."

dismayed--

I heard that your contracts are renewed every thirty days, but that you all haven't been receiving the contract as you were supposed to.

Aren't you all state employees (protected by the state employment board)? If you are, then the 30 day contract is irrelevant.

FS

Date: May 5, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: dismayed
"There are staff who, like faculty, are afraid to speak out for fear of retribution. And of course, they do not have tenure (for whatever that is worth these days). It is my understanding that some are worried about things they are being asked to do that they feel are unethical. Anyone who wishes can call the Attorney General's office and ask about whistleblower protection."

Also, wwwthefire.org has a SECURE site for reporting ethics violations at colleges and universities. They are presently beginning to take an interest in matters at USM. Involving them, and other national groups like them, will help sustain momentum during the summer months.

Date: May 5, 2004

I am not a staff person so I don't know about contracts for staff. I will post my original message in a new thread and maybe some staff will respond to this issue.

Date: May 5, 2004

Just a few words of inspiration, for those of us who are almost despairing of fighting the leviathan of Shelby and CO.:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead

I know this may not seem like much comfort, but it has helped me through four years of Amnesty work against much bigger tyrants. We are the ones who will change the world, at the least the world of USM!

Date: May 5, 2004

Yes, the many who have written to say, don't lose heart, are right.

Many of us who are horrified and dismayed by the ongoing dismantling of our university community keep reminding each other: we always knew the fight would be long, hard, and messy. These people are not nice, they're not principled, and they are powerful in ways most of us have never sought to be powerful. Thames and members of his administration have personal and economic connections running like tentacles through the state (maybe kudzu is the right image here!).

But the administration also cannot help itself. Thames and his cronies love to exercise their power so much that they have no prudence (see Hanbury's memo for confirmation). They are contemptuous of others' views, even the views of potential supporters (see Bobby Chain's shift of vision).

Hold on. Keep pushing. Wait. Much may be happening in places where we can't see it.

Each of us must keep doing what we can, if only because what they HOPE for is our despair.

You're doing a great job, Fire Shelby! Hold on.

NO QUARTER.

Anne Wallace

Date: May 5, 2004

FS: I am shocked that you got down as low as me! I never thought I'd see you that way. You needed a bit of satire I see.

I am truly shocked. I missed this one. What happened between the post that started this string and now, Wednesday night, to change your perspective?

Your pessimism could be well placed, however, Anne's wonderful comments notwithstanding. That is the sad part that is now, hellishly, sinking in.

Anne: Why does all this mess and worry and "bad people" NOT apply to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Jackson State, etc. Why just us?

Date: May 5, 2004

I read your words and feel your despair. I read your words and feel saddened by them. So I went looking for a poem that means so very much to me, the words contained are powerful and for the members here on FS, hold very true. Keep your chins up and continue to fight for what you believe in and what you hold dear.

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will.
When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about.
When he might have won had he stuck it out:
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown

God bless all of you

NO QUARTER

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: Greedy
"FS: I am shocked that you got down as low as me! I never thought I'd see you that way. You needed a bit of satire I see. I am truly shocked. I missed this one. What happened between the post that started this string and now, Wednesday night, to change your perspective? Your pessimism could be well placed, however, Anne's wonderful comments notwithstanding. That is the sad part that is now, hellishly, sinking in. Anne: Why does all this mess and worry and "bad people" NOT apply to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Jackson State, etc. Why just us?"

I needed good news today! And the satire.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: Patti
"I read your words and feel your despair. I read your words and feel saddened by them. So I went looking for a poem that means so very much to me, the words contained are powerful and for the members here on FS, hold very true. Keep your chins up and continue to fight for what you believe in and what you hold dear. Don't Quit When things go wrong as they sometimes will. When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill. When funds are low and the debts are high. And you want to smile, but you have to sigh. When care is pressing you down a bit. Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns. As everyone of us sometimes learns. And many a failure turns about. When he might have won had he stuck it out: Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out – The silver tint of the clouds of doubt And you never can tell how close you are. It may be near when it seems so far: So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit. - Author unknown God bless all of you NO QUARTER"

Anne, Patti, and everyone else--I am feeling MUCH more optimistic tonight. Much more. Now, if IHL doesn't call a meeting tomorrow, I might resume my whining.

Date: May 6, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by:
"Anne, Patti, and everyone else--I am feeling MUCH more optimistic tonight. Much more. Now, if IHL doesn't call a meeting tomorrow, I might resume my whining. "

FS,

Last night you were upset, but got to feeling better. The events of today should have you doing cartwheels in the street. Oh, and please enjoy a drink for me tonight.

Patti

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: Patti
" FS, Last night you were upset, but got to feeling better. The events of today should have you doing cartwheels in the street. Oh, and please enjoy a drink for me tonight. Patti"

Everything's good. Real good! We just need to continue to work on getting that thing out of the dome.