Prof Says OK to Hate Republicans

For John, BLUF:  It's not OK to hate anyone.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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This is old news, but it is fun news.  This is about a University of Michigan Department Chair having a meltdown.  "U Michigan Department Chair:  We Should ‘Hate Republicans’".  And, of course, she has science to back it up.  "A professor explains that studies show the GOP is bad."

The item, in National Review, is by Reporter Katherine Timpf.  The lede and next two paragraphs:

A University of Michigan department chairwoman has published an article titled, “It’s Okay To Hate Republicans,” which will probably make all of her conservative students feel really comfortable and totally certain that they’re being graded fairly.

“I hate Republicans,” communications department chairwoman and professor Susan J. Douglas boldly declares in the opening of the piece. “I can’t stand the thought of having to spend the next two years watching Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Ted Cruz, Darrell Issa or any of the legions of other blowhards denying climate change, thwarting immigration reform or championing fetal ‘personhood.’”

She writes that although the fact that her “tendency is to blame the Republicans . . . may seem biased,” historical and psychological research back her up, and so it’s basically actually a fact that Republicans are bad!

One wonders if, had the Republicans come up with Eugenics and birth control, Professor Douglas might not be on the side of Susan B Anthony, against abortion.  And for some version of "fetal personhood".

In fact, "fetal personhood" is an interesting subject.  If you are Princeton Professor Peter Singer, you believe the recently born human child has less right to life than a new pony, which can make its way in the world within hours of being born, while the human child takes much longer to even avail himself or herself of nursing without the Mother directly and physically making it happen.  I wonder if Professor Douglas thinks that a bit extreme?  What about if the Mother wants an abortion and it turns out to be a live birth?  Should the child be allowed to die, exposed on some tray in the room?  Is there no personhood there since the Mother does not agree to it?

Then we get into the whole question of personhood for the fetus.  Informed by my religion I think it is from conception.  Informed by my youngest grandchild, now two, but born after 22 months of gestation, I experientially believe it comes pretty early (normal gestation is 38 weeks).  On the other hand, your view may differ.

We need a better conversation on this issue, one that will find the political compromise that provides something for everyone.  One that avoids people "hating on" each other.  I would suggest that the present polling data suggests a reasonable compromise.  Upwards toward 80% of the American People believe abortion should be available.  And, upwards toward 80% of the American People believe abortion is wrong.  From a political point of view, let us agree that "fetal personhood" begins at the beginning of the third trimester.  Those with strong views can still say it is wrong (either way), but we will have a working definition that the rest of the people can point to.

If you ask me I will tell you where I think the mark should be, but we can stop litigating this issue and move it into peaceful demonstrations and town meetings with our US Rep and Senators.

In the mean time, I don't hate Professor Douglas.  I would even be willing to take a class from her, but then I already have a degree and I would just be taking for the fun of it.

Regards  —  Cliff