----------------------------Original message---------------------------- In responding to Marilyn Robinson's posting of 2/3/95, Larry Jarvik states: >I don't understand what any of this organizational stuff has to do with PBS, >nor Ms. Robinson's interest in same. Either Mr. Jarvik is being purposely naive or he has little understanding of the political objectives of institutions such as The Center for the Study of Popular Culture (CSPC). Somehow I doubt this to be the case. Neither he nor Mr. Horowitz are exactly benign critics of public television nor do their desires for a 'good housekeeping award' for governmental thriftiness ring particularly true. The CSPC sees public discourse being conducted in a certain fashion and within the parameters of certain ideological groundrules. It is part of their image of how a democracy functions. It's no big deal, everybody has a shtick to grind. But, the fact is people learn their tools-of-the-trade while employed or enrolled at various institutions (this can't be a surprise to you). I am sure the Heritage Foundation recognized that when they made you one of their resident scholars. The point, finally, is that 'organizational stuff' effects this debate. Sen. Pressler seems to know that and I am sure you do also. Mr. Jarvik also states that: >I don't like the implied smear that I'm misrepresenting myself and would like >an apology for the insult.... > The ugly undertone of legalistic intimidation is perhaps the most easily >recognized >marker of today's academic bullies. WOW. I thought thick-skin was one of the characteristics of Beltway ideologues; c'mon, this hyper-sensitivity thing is really thin. Do 'academic bullies' have any noteworthy physical characteristics or do you have to be really good at reading subtext inorder to smoke them out? Need I remind you that for someone who so strenuously objected to this debate appearing here in the first place, you obviously enjoy the repartee (as your numerous posts attest). But, give me a break, you're more than simply a disgruntled heckler; it's time to give us the full benefits of your wisdom. Allan Siegel [log in to unmask]