James Clapper has cancelled his appearance at UGA, scheduled for October 16th. The will be no gathering.
We stand perplexed at the University of Georgia’s choice of Director of National Intelligence James Clapper to deliver the UGA Charter Lecture on October 16, 2013. This choice is particularly incongruous with the past stated raison d’être of the Charter series, namely to “…bring to campus speakers who can engage the university community and the larger public with ideas of general importance for a free society.” (emphasis added). Perhaps the University has undergone a change of heart as this statement is notably absent in this year’s UGA press release concerning this event.
While we affirm the right of the University to choose whomsoever they desire for this lecture series, we likewise affirm our right to publicly admonish the University for making a choice that we believe will tarnish the important pedagogical framework that the Charter Lecture series has long supported. The goal of any academically minded lecture series is to foster an open and honest dialogue between faculty, staff, students and the local community concerning the topic presented. However that effort will be frustrated if the dialogue cannot be fully honest and open. If he self-admittedly made “clearly erroneous” answers before the United States Congress this past June, why should there be any expectation of a higher level of veracity or accuracy before an audience of mere private citizens. Anything he says or responds to during the lecture may legitimately be held as suspect with respect to its accuracy; such uncertainty will only weaken everyone’s ability to engage in a fruitful and meaningful discussion of whatever topic is presented.
However, irrespective of the man, any individual in the role of Director of National Intelligence is likewise a poor choice for an academic lecture series. Owing to the nature of the office, any individual in that role cannot give fully truthful or complete answers. Due to recent revelations we now know that the Office of National Intelligence operates in a manner diametrically opposed to the principles of a “free society” arising out of their blatant disregard for the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution. UGA would be well served to consider replacing Mr. Clapper with a constitutional scholar. Perhaps one that could spark a dialogue on the importance of maintaining our constitutional principles in the face of increasing pressure to trade said principals for illusory safety.
Find out what's happening in Athenswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Athens-Area Libertarian Party strongly supports the concept of individual liberty in all forms of human interaction; whether social, economic, or religious. Such liberty can only be achieved in an environment free from aggressive (actual or threatened) external influence. Action against another without their express permission is immoral. A vote cannot change the immorality of such action. The AALP welcomes all those who agree with the above sentiments as well as those who do not but are genuinely interested in learning more. The AALP meets regularly the third Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Blind Pig Tavern at 485 Baldwin Street in Athens.
For more information please see www.lpgeorgia.com
