Obvioulsy, more than just getting rid of SFT.

The reason I started this thread is I wanted to try and distill some of the arguments, values, and motivations of those who want to keep Shelby in office. From reading the letters to the editor by a number of his various supporters, I think there are a number of things they have in common.

First and foremost is an unusual strain of anti-intellectualism. Some might say this is a traditional American value, at least on some level. Americans often prefer the home spun wisdom to that of the bookish elitist. But, one would think that would end when it comes to the university. I think this then morphs into this idea that SFT is a businessman, a doer, and a "captain of industry" type (sorry, that's even tough to type with a straight face) and is therefore superior to the thinker, the dry and ponderous intellectual.

Second may be some form of provincialism. This, I believe, is the most dangerous of all for our side of the issue. For whatever reason, the professors and faculty are seen by those in the community to represent the "them," the different, the unlike us. Maybe this even touches base with the "agitators" of days gone by. Clearly, anyone up to speed with the situation knows this is absurd. But yet, the framework is easy to plug into, and allows the casual observer a number of straw men to throw stones at.

Ironically, the one value I thought would pop up would be a little rebelliousness, in the mold of the Scotch-Irish that settled the south, those frontiersmen who were constantly fighting with one English King or another, then translated that into fighting Washington for a century and still crop up from time to time over various issues. Certianly Shelby is the one in power, the tyrant to be rebelled against, who daily gives evidences of his abuse of power. Where is that rebel attitude when you need it?

Yet we have seen the opposite. An unhealthy, almost Germanic sense of authoritarianism has taken root, allowing him to enjoy a modicum of support from the community at large. For example, Shelby is the boss, and those that don't like it can go somewhere else! This totally undercuts the above, and seems somewhat counterintuitive?

What does the rest of this board think? Are these good estimates, or am I completely off base?

Just wanted to think out loud for a few minutes...mainly because I have been baffled by some peoples inability to look at the facts of what has happened and continue dogged support of SFT, come hell or high water...

Any thoughts...?