Ward Churchill, equal opportunity Eichmann labeler

I received an email on Thursday from the Editor/Publisher of Campus J today. It seems that Ward Churchill is willing to spread around his use of the Eichmann label. In fact, he's even willing to hoist it upon Jewish scholars like Deborah Lipstadt who disagree with him:

Long before he called the people in the World Trade Center "little Eichmanns," Ward Churchill had written that there was "no difference.... between a Deborah Lipstadt and an Adolf Eichmann." His comments were prompted by the fact that I do not equate the treatment of the Native Americans with the Holocaust.

Churchill is no scholar. He is a 'wannabe' Indian who has over played his hand. He found acceptance amongst a radical group of American Indians by spewing hate filled bile, he fraudulently earned a tenure, and now his paper on September 11th is truly a chicken that has come home to roost. The Janesville Gazette still thinks that this is about free speech, though:

"I may not agree with what you say, but to your death I will defend your right to say it." -Voltaire

The above quote from Voltaire, the 1700s French writer and philosopher, eloquently sums up our view of UW-Whitewater's plans to let Ward Churchill speak March 1.

The free speech argument is a lazy one on the part of Gazette. If UW Whitewater were to rescind the invitation, Churchill would have no less free speech than myself, you, or even the Janesville Gazette. Free speech does not compel any one to provide you a venue for free speech, especially if you would be paid for it. The Gazette also latches on to another canard in this story:

You might object to your tax dollars paying for such offensive commentary.

The fact is, no taxpayer money will be used. Chancellor Jack Miller made that one of his six conditions when he tentatively agreed last week to let Churchill speak during Native Pride Week. All funding will come from private gifts or student fees allocated by the Student University Fee Allocation Committee.

Well, that's true in so far as the University is not using its state funding to pay for Churchill's visit. Given the history of security threats surrounding Churchill, though, one would have to safely assume that campus and city police are going to have to devote extra resources to security for this event. Last time I checked, police departments are paid for with tax dollars.

The fact is Ward Churchill is not a good example of a scholar and minority rights expert to put before undergrad students. He lied to get his position with CU. His scholarship is questionable. He's a divisive figure even in Indian Country. It is irresponsible for the University of Wisconsin Whitewater to put him before students as one.

Update
Heh. Drew reports that not only is Churchill an honorary American Indian, he's an honorary Raelian. Does that mean the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire is going to be obligated to hear Churchill's thoughts on extraterrestials?