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Nebraskans for Peace: Regent should apologize to Ayers

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BY MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Nov 19, 2008 - 05:19:59 pm CST

Nebraskans for Peace is calling on Regent Randy Ferlic of Omaha to apologize or resign after making what the group deemed “inflammatory” comments about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s speaking invitation to former radical William Ayers.

After UNL announced last month that Ayers, an education professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at a research conference last Saturday, Ferlic laid harsh criticism on the university, publicly suggesting that donors withhold contributions unless Ayers was disinvited.

For a regent to make such a statement about the university he was elected to lead was inappropriate, said Nebraskans for Peace President Paul Olson, also an emeritus English professor at UNL.

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Randy Ferlic

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Further, Olson said, “it’s the job of a regent to defend academic freedom, and we feel that he failed in that respect.

“William Ayers was not invited here to teach students... how to make bombs. He was invited here to speak on his research methodology.”

Ferlic couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.

Ayers was a founder of Weather Underground, the group that claimed responsibility for the bombings of public buildings in protest of the Vietnam War. Years later, he and President-elect Barack Obama served together on the board of a Chicago nonprofit, a fact that made Ayers a highly controversial figure in the presidential race.

UNL had extended its invitation to Ayers in February, before he became a well-known figure in the campaign.

But news of his planned visit sparked an uproar, drawing criticism from elected officials and members of the public.

So strong was the reaction that UNL, citing safety concerns, quickly rescinded the invitation.

Nebraskans for Peace believes Ayers should be re-invited. The group also believes Ferlic embarrassed the university system.

Olson said the call for Ferlic to apologize or step down is not an infringement on Ferlic’s right to free speech.

“He has a right to say what he said. But... with that right to freedom of speech goes a certain amount of responsibility,” Olson said. “We feel that didn’t happen.”

As of last month, Ferlic did not regret his remarks.

On Oct. 17, soon after the Ayers speech had been canceled, UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman sent an e-mail to regents  and other NU administrators in which he said he was disappointed by Ferlic’s comments.

Ferlic wrote back that UNL’s invitation to Ayers had “stirred my blood.”

“I do not apologize for my part in this debacle but respect your rights and you should do the same for me. Courtesy is a two-way street,” Ferlic wrote. “... I know that I will be subject to some vitriol but I want you and others to know I was personally hurt by UNL’s invitation and felt very passionate about the issue and the poor judgments associated with it.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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josephine wrote on November 19, 2008 5:33 pm:
" NO! NO! NO! We do not need any attempted murders talking to any one. He should be in JAIL.
If it is okay for him to walk around what about letting out the Oklahoma
City Bomber, and a couple of serial killers. I'm sure they have something to say too, that some liberal would find worthwhile to hear.
Ferlic does not need to apologize to anyone at all.
Please people get a grip. "

 Way to go... wrote on November 19, 2008 5:40 pm:
" Nebraskan's for Peace... hypocrisy at its finest "

 Bill wrote on November 19, 2008 5:45 pm:
" Why does Nebraskans for Peace think that someone should resign if they have a different opinion than they do? I just seems upside down to me. "

 Nebraskans For Appeasement wrote on November 19, 2008 5:51 pm:
" Is this that same outfit that had that one dumb girl assault a police officer back east, then whine when she wrenched her knee while resisting arrest? Nebraskans for Appeasement or Nebraskans For Defeat are more apt names for these goofs. "

 nicole wrote on November 19, 2008 5:54 pm:
" so ayers gets free speech rights but those that oppose him don't? "

 Ferlic is right on wrote on November 19, 2008 5:55 pm:
" Ayers is an unrepentent terrorist. Ferlic shouldn't have to apologize for saying what most of his constituents were thinking. Of course the Nebraskans for Peace president is an old academic. If these academics got out in the real world and had to do a real job, they might have a better grasp of the world. Not their ivory tower view. Olson can say what ever he wants and so can Ferlic. Just don't expect me to give a rat's a** about Olson's comments. "

 Doug wrote on November 19, 2008 5:55 pm:
" Nobody needs to apologize to Ayers. Instead, Ayers needs to apologize to the world. Ferlic was right and Olson should apologize to Nebraska for making us listen to this BS. "

 Curt wrote on November 19, 2008 5:58 pm:
" Olson is laughable, he tries to restrict anyone who doesn't fall in lockstep with his extreme views, but then hides behind tolerance. His downfall as well as so called Nebraskans for peace will be their arrogance. They are feeling very high and mighty right now, but they won't be able to contain their hubris and will reveal themselves as selfrevileing and hatefilled. "

 TWP wrote on November 19, 2008 6:12 pm:
" You don't want Ayers to be censored, but you want the regent to be censored. Free speech, or not? You seem to want it both ways. Well, actually just your way. "

 Nope wrote on November 19, 2008 6:13 pm:
" Don't appologize. Let Paul Olson lick Ayers boots if he wants, but I'm glad Ferlic spoke out. "

 George S Patton wrote on November 19, 2008 6:14 pm:
" I think Nebraskans for peace should ask William Ayers to apologize for his actions 40 years ago, then we can worry about the comments of regent Ferlic. "

 jeff wrote on November 19, 2008 6:15 pm:
" Mr. Ayers behavior in the past should preclude him from holding any prominent positions in this country. The regent had an absolute right and responsibility to urge others not to allow this person anywhere near the campus. Yes....Mr. Ayers has made significant strides in the field of education...but if President Elect Obama ran as far away from him as possible...why wouldn't a regent at a state university do the same? "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on November 19, 2008 6:15 pm:
" 'Nebraskans for Peace' backing a terrorist bomber. Oh, the irony! "

 truth teller wrote on November 19, 2008 6:19 pm:
" since when did ferlic become the poor judgement police.his poor judgement is his inability to be open to other than hillbilly ideas. and we wonder why the rest of the country thinks the movie deliverance was filmed in nebraska. how can be people be so insecure to feel threatened by some idiots speach? only republicans. "

 What wrote on November 19, 2008 6:23 pm:
" Don't do it Randy. I find that life is better lived by doing the opposite of what the four or five members of Nebraskans for Peace want. Isn't there some beer or nuclear weapons for them to protest? "

 Kevin wrote on November 19, 2008 6:29 pm:
" Good for Regent Ferlic. I will say that not only is it the job of the regent to defend academic freedom, but as an elected official, it is his job to show the academics when they go against the population. The Regents are our check over academic freedom, understand though that this check has a lot of responsibility and needs to be used wisely. Tough to say in this case, Ayers is a legitimate expert in his field. anyway it's good that Ferlic had the guts to stand up for the people, "

 What a Joke wrote on November 19, 2008 6:31 pm:
" This is a joke right? Ferlic has the right to say what he wants on any matter. Its called freedom of speach Mr Olson. Just like Mr Olson has his right to free speach for wanting a terriorst to speak at a public funded univeristy. Mr. Olson why don't you apologize or resign for wanting a terriorst to speak at the univeristy? I think its inflammatory that anyone would want a terriorst to speak at a public funded venue. I could careless if Ayers was coming to speak about baking cookies he is still a terriorst. If Mr. Olson want to hear him so bad then have Aryers speak somewhere other then UNL. "

 KJT wrote on November 19, 2008 6:36 pm:
" If Ayers was a real threat to the citizens of the US, then he'd be in jail. The fact is, everyone has the right to freedom of speech, but if you're an NU regent, then you have to watch what you say. Obviously Mr. Ferlic failed to to this, and now he is catching the wind from it. I think this whole Ayers thing would have been fine if the McCain campaign wouldn't have ever mentioned him. I agree with Truth Teller...Only Republicans "

 please wrote on November 19, 2008 6:47 pm:
" Hey truth teller...have you ever heard of principle? Standing up against giving an admitted terrorist and attempted, if not actual murderer a grand stage and a microphone is hardly about feeling threatned. Its about making a point...that we don't have to sit idle and allow our University to invite nutjobs like ayres to celebrate a college. By the way, if you are oh so worried that the rest of the country thinks were hicks...wake up. The left thinks anyone west of Boston is a hick. The typical liberal-elitist attitude. "

 Bill wrote on November 19, 2008 6:51 pm:
" The only person who should apologize is whomever is responsible for scheduling that piece of garbage in the first place "

 Irony wrote on November 19, 2008 6:51 pm:
" Give me a break. Nebraskans for Surrender is really showing its true colors as a wacko group. The revealing thing is they really don't mind violence...just as long as it represents a left-wing agenda. "

 nemo wrote on November 19, 2008 6:52 pm:
" And Ayers should apologize to the American people. "

 Ridiculous wrote on November 19, 2008 6:54 pm:
" This is one of the most RIDICULOUS things I have ever read. Nebraskans for Peace - you should be ASHAMED of yourselves! Ferlic has just as much right to freedom of speech as anyone else in this country and he should NOT be punished for it and that's exactly what you're doing, despite your claim otherwise. Why doesn't Ayers apologize for what he's done in the past to this country? He hasn't YET! And he probably NEVER WILL. "

 CS wrote on November 19, 2008 6:56 pm:
" I noticed that no one had any problem with Angela Davis speaking in Lincoln, and being sponsored by the University. She was on the Top 10 list, two, and is a communist. What's the problem? Your hypocrisy is showing. Note that Olson is also only calling for Ferlic to be responsible to his duty towards the University and it's ideals. I don't want people holding the purse strings of the University that can't support what is stands for. Throw a rock at a crowd of hippies and you will hit any number of 'unrepentant terrorists' im sure. Where do you think the underground for protests started? At the Universities themselves, so are educated people are terrorists because they are exposed to ideas? I guess we better shut down the U then. "

 nemo wrote on November 19, 2008 6:56 pm:
" I'd like to ask Nebraskans for peace what exactly is the difference between this guy and those kooks that firebombed clinics? This man is a terrorist, although he's a smart one, never had to pay for his crimes. "

 mark wrote on November 19, 2008 6:59 pm:
" is it even possible for liberals to consider THEMSELVES hypocrites? "

 iconoclast wrote on November 19, 2008 6:59 pm:
" The reason Nebraska is a backwater state is clearly displayed by the people who posted things the first fourteen posts here.
We will always be a joke as people see what we really believe. And what we don't believe. Like free speech.
They have drunk the McCain Kool-Aid, and copy right-wing radio's "unrepentant terrorist" mantra.
The posters don't care that Bill Ayers is a man never convicted of a crime and is widely respected by his peers.
Randy Ferlic has, by his words, embarrassed the University of Nebraska, showing he is not able to serve as a Regent. How can a man who says he is against academic freedom and free speech represent a university?
Just to put things in perspective, I would like to point out who among you is being hypocritical. That is everyone who did not protest the last time Bill Ayers spoke in Lincoln.
Those who said you never knew are those who march in lockstep with everything the Republican leadership says and do not think for yourselves. "

 whatever wrote on November 19, 2008 7:00 pm:
" I usually don't agree with these folks but decency must always take the high road. He was invited, he was disinvited. Protocol dictates that an apology is in order. If a person can't walk the high road in the face of those who have walked the low road then that person is no better. It's not only the right thing to do it's the Christian thing to do. The Vietnam War is over and it has been for a long time. I would suggest directing your anger to those that have assaulted our freedoms, our American values and the Constitution. They are the real enemies of the Republic. A free thinking nationalist American would surely see that. "

 Gadzooks wrote on November 19, 2008 7:05 pm:
" We already knew Nebraskans for peace was a nutty group. Now, they are advocating an apology to a person who never apologized for terroristic and violent acts? Wow, what irony. Its got to make even the biggest pacifist say humm. Is NFP really about peace or just another left-wing wacko group. I think we know the answer to that! "

 Gary wrote on November 19, 2008 7:06 pm:
" Neither free speech nor security was the issue. The regent's right to voice an opinion is absolute. Ayres could have visited the campus and departed without publicity. The issue is a regent's encouraging donor blackmail and holding the university hostage. Money talks; free speech walks. "

 Dianne wrote on November 19, 2008 7:09 pm:
" Nebraskans for Peace owe the citizens of Nebraska an apology for their comments about the Regent. I don't want anyone who should be in prison for the rest of their life. Liberals need to get a grip. I hope when the war ends up here your houses are the first to be demolished. "

 happygael wrote on November 19, 2008 7:10 pm:
" I do not see any reason why Mr Ferlic should apologise for his statement. I felt the same way about it myself, even though I am not a graduate of that institution, Maybe the people that invited Ayers should apologise to everybody. There must be others just as talented as Ayers who could have been invited to do the same thing. "

 Yeah Right wrote on November 19, 2008 7:10 pm:
" The NFPers are revealing that as long as your a liberal, they dont care if you blow up buildings. I wonder if they would demand an apology if a chancelor condemed an invitation to the likes of Dick Cheney. No way. They would be first in the picket line and possibly the first to assult a police officer. "

 Mike wrote on November 19, 2008 7:14 pm:
" Lets see, he made bombs that where lined with nails and other metal objects. These bombs are very similar to what our troops in Iraq are facing, intent to KILL. The only apology needed is from the Nebraskas for Peace to the entire state for using "Nebraskans" in the name of their waco organization. Will you please change your name so as to not make all Nebraska's look like morons to the entire nation. Thank you! "

 acetogen wrote on November 19, 2008 7:26 pm:
" The invitation to speak at UNL had nothing to do with Mr. Ayers activities 40 years ago. Mr. Ferlic's attempt at censorship at the UNL campus this fall is what is wrong with these events because it is out the description of his job duties. I am not so sure an apology fixes anything, but as it stands it is clear that Mr. Ferlic is trying to use money to manipulate the University's decisions which is also contrary to his job as regent of the NU system. Resignation seems to be the appropriate action. Shockingly nobody other than Prof Olson is calling for that! "

 JoeAverageTaxpayer wrote on November 19, 2008 7:30 pm:
" Bill Ayers is a saint. He blew up EMPTY buildings while brainwashed Republicans were spying on Americans and killing 10,000 people every month in Vietnam. What do you think I'll do if the pigs keep spying on me and keep arresting marijuana users huh? I'll bet you Republicans wanna let Bush pardon himself for his crimes too. This isn't about hippies folks. This is about Republicans BREAK THE LAW and so do the FBI!!! "

 Mike S wrote on November 19, 2008 7:36 pm:
" "Nebraskans for Peace believes Ayers should be re-invited. The group also believes Ferlic embarrassed the university system"...No Mr. Olson, you are embarrassing the university system! "

 Jerry wrote on November 19, 2008 7:52 pm:
" Angela Davis is a left wing nut, yes. However, the only crime she "committed" is having some guns registered in her name while a foiled jail break was attempted. She was on the FBI's most wanted list while she fled prosecution. In the end, she was aquitted. She never actually harmed anyone or any thing. Ayers did...you compare wing nuts to terrorists...not the same. "

 William wrote on November 19, 2008 7:53 pm:
" ayers has no place in a tax supported place, he can speak in any place as long as no tax money or publice area in involved. "

 Tyranny of the Majority wrote on November 19, 2008 8:01 pm:
" I have lived in this state my whole life and don't plan on moving any time soon. The posted comments from the typical conservative Nebraskans make me sick.
I don't know if the Regent should apologize to Ayers but he should resign if he is representing the University and is publicly suggesting that donors withhold contributions unless Ayers was disinvited. Way to think of the of the University's best interests.
I think the Nebraskans for Peace are a little "out there" but they are right that a regent should not conduct themselves in this manner.
You all spew hate about Ayers' horrible crimes, you should be mad at Tricky Dick Nixon for his wire tapping which is the reason Ayers isn't in jail.
To Dianne: "I hope when the war ends up here your houses are the first to be demolished. " Get some professional help. "

 whew wrote on November 19, 2008 8:08 pm:
" I guess the election made everyone more angry. Good Luck haters! I guess forgiveness is a Nebraska value! Whew, what a peice of work. "

 Mary wrote on November 19, 2008 8:20 pm:
" The “tolerant” are very intolerant when their agenda is challenged- nothing new there. No matter what his position as a distinguished professor, giving a forum to Ayers is wrong because the University would be legitimizing a voice for violence. "

 TG wrote on November 19, 2008 8:27 pm:
" Agreed! Ferlic should apologize to Chicago's 1997 citizen of the year who is also a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago. "

 blah blah blah wrote on November 19, 2008 8:43 pm:
" wah wah wah! "We call on you to resign" What a powerful statement coming from a group that lashes out at anybody they disagree with. Their name is so contradicting. They are irrelevant. I am anti-Nebraskans for Peace. Randy Ferlic has my respect for standing up against a man that should be in jail. If the justice dept. can't do its job, thank God we have somebody like Ferlic representing us. How ironic is it that a man who incited riots and attempted to kill people is being defended by a group with PEACE in their name? "

 You know what... wrote on November 19, 2008 8:45 pm:
" No one would have made a fuss about Ayers at all if it hadn't been for the presidential campaign. He would have come to Lincoln, made his speech, gotten paid for it with UNL public funds, and no one would have said one "inflammatory" thing about it. No one in this country, or state for that matter, would have even known who Ayers is if it wasn't for the campaign. So, what is the lesson here? Do your research! Oh, that's just what he was coming to UNL to talk about, wasn't it. "

 MRM wrote on November 19, 2008 8:57 pm:
" Randy Ferlic defended America as a member of the military at the same time William Ayers was threatening America. Randy Ferlic continues to serve our community--as an unpaid Regent. William Ayers expected to come to Nebraska and be compensated by public funds. Whether one agrees with him or not, Randy Ferlic deserves respect. Respect for his opinion and respect for his service. "

 CS wrote on November 19, 2008 8:57 pm:
" So her association the Black Panthers makes her less of a terrorist? Im just trying to make sure I get my Nebraska terminology straight. BPP is AOK, WUO is OMG OH NOES teh Terrorists! "

 Ron wrote on November 19, 2008 9:08 pm:
" Nebraskans for Peace and their apologists are moral cowards too timid to stand up to domestic terrorists. Appeasement is their approach. Historically, it never works.They never learn. "

 xgman wrote on November 19, 2008 9:09 pm:
" Enough already! Let this story end. Did Ferlic break any laws or regulations? Let Ayers be history, just as those who say they are for peace want his past terrorist actions to be forgotten. "

 Get over it wrote on November 19, 2008 9:09 pm:
" Ayers' radical activities occurred 40 years ago. He is, today, a respected educator. If it weren't for right-wing rabble-rousers like Rush Limbaugh and demogogues like Sarah Palin, this would have been a non-issue during the Obama campaign.[Having heard the facts of Obama's acquantance with Ayers, it was a non-issue for me.] The bigger problem is that donors and politicians [and regents are politicians] sent a much larger and more troublesome message to university administrators: Do as we say or else! Nebraska is a laughingstock in terms of academic freedom. "

 rowbigged wrote on November 19, 2008 9:12 pm:
" I think there is the false impression that Ayers killed people. The whole point of his actions was to prevent the insanity and killing going on in Vietnam. If UNL decides not to invite him, that's their prerogative, but don't whine when the rest of the country also has their own opinion about the bitter, unforgiving, unwilling to be intellectually challenged people we are. "

 Cowboy George wrote on November 19, 2008 9:19 pm:
" Although I am a conservative, I will not be voting for any political official that spoke out on this issue. I don't really care if Ayers was invited or not, but I do have a problem with politicians trying to sway University policies based on their own beliefs. I specifically have a problem with Auditor Foley threatening to investigate the Ayers invitation. I voted for him in my district and for auditor, and I like almost everything he has done as auditor, but this is something that is hard to swallow. "

 bob wrote on November 19, 2008 9:50 pm:
" Nebraskans For Peace supports anti-american bomber? Peace...bomber...I don't get it. "

 truth teller wrote on November 19, 2008 9:51 pm:
" to all the repubs who cannot think for themselves- our country was founded by what the folks who governed the colonys thought were " bunch of left wing wackos" or worse. oh yea, they thought different thoughts than those who governed them. I hear the deliverance banjo now!!!!!!! can the blogger named please hear it too? "

 CLH wrote on November 19, 2008 10:10 pm:
" If Ayers was coming to speak on his research proving creation Nebraskans for Peace would think that it was a little too much "academic freedom" academic freedom = liberal values "

 HVJ wrote on November 19, 2008 10:31 pm:
" "Nebraskans For Peace" is an embarrassment to all peace loving human beings. "

 jab wrote on November 19, 2008 10:38 pm:
" Oh, my. Where does one start? In the article, Olson states that Ferlic, as a regent is elected to lead. He led, Mr. Olson, and he did it no doubt realizing that he would face adversity from some. That's leadership, Mr Olson. To stand up for what you believe in no matter what some may say. And as a regent, he was apparently representing the majority of tax-paying Nebraskans on this issue. Interesting also how the article talks of "former" radical Bill Ayers. From what I've seen and heard from his own lips, that's a vast mischaracterization. "

 DBM wrote on November 19, 2008 10:40 pm:
" I find it funny that probably all of the people commenting here had no idea who William Ayers was before the McCain campaign linked him to Obama and called him a terrorist. I don't remember him and I grew up during that time. "

 Mark wrote on November 19, 2008 10:43 pm:
" This is just another opportunity for Nebraskan's for Surrender and Defeat to keep their name in the public eye/newspaper. That's it, nothing more. Like they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity, although I think this makes NFP look awfully stupid again for the positions they take on certain issues, this one included. "

 JB wrote on November 19, 2008 10:54 pm:
" I still wonder what "radical" ideas Ayers has about "Education". If you listen to these right wingers he must some how plan to convince us reactionary Nebraskans to overthrow the government or something. "

 lolllll wrote on November 19, 2008 11:09 pm:
" lol. Josephine, they executed Timothy McVeigh awhile ago. Sorry sweetie.

Nebraskans for Appeasement, that girl that you speak of darn near lost her leg. If you had seen the pictures and read the accounts of what happened, you'd change your views.

The only reason I think Ferlic should step down or apologize is because he advocated witholding donations to the university. It is manipulation and by far worse than DC lobbyists. "

 Hunh wrote on November 19, 2008 11:30 pm:
" why is a group calling themselves "Nebraskans for Peace" coming to the fefense of an admitted terrorist?

More like "Nebraskans for Publicity", methinks. "

 UNL Alum wrote on November 20, 2008 12:02 am:
" This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. NFP are not asking Ferlic to apologize because he said something that they disagreed with. They are asking him to apologize because he represents a university and a university has a commitment to education. In doing so, there are many times when controversial issues arise; this is also what a university is designed to do: foster and encourage discussion. A regent is supposed to support the foundation of higher education - they are entitled to their own opinion, however, they have made the decision to run for public office and in doing so, their position speaks louder than their personal opinion. This is a choice that Ferlic made; having his opinions loudly heard as a regent is his privilege; it is also his burden.
We are not the court of the law and it's absurd to preclude someone from speaking at an event because they were NOT convicted of a crime. Without a good university, Nebraska will continue to experience the effects of 'brain drain'. It's obvious, and unfortunate, by reading these comments what has been left behind. "

 low reader wrote on November 20, 2008 1:50 am:
" UNL-NET, where's the project on the website on four centuries of African-American political leadership, since the election of President-elect Obama - a more urgent necessity than to concentrate on an academic whose career in education on education in Illinois jas not been adequately contextualized? "

 Ray-J wrote on November 20, 2008 5:36 am:
" It's sooo good to see that so many actualy get it when it comes to Ayres, who will the libs at U.of N. seek next, BinLaden? "

 GasMiser wrote on November 20, 2008 5:58 am:
" Just goes to show you that Nebraskans for Peace, aren't about peace. They are about pushing a liberal agenda.

Just like NOW attacking Sarah Palin. They aren't interested in women, but in a liberal agenda.

These groups TOTALLY undercut themselves when they betray their causes for ideology.

I for one am going to tear up my membership card. Oh wait, I'm not a member and never will be. "

 give him a raise wrote on November 20, 2008 6:13 am:
" Ithink he should get a raise for doing and saying what was in teh University's best interest "

 Leadership wrote on November 20, 2008 6:50 am:
" What kind of leadership from the regents is Mr Olsen seeking? This is s perfect example of a regent speaking out and protecting the institution he was elected to help lead. Too many times our elected officials, (regents, school boards, city councils) just bow to the will of the administrators, and teachers etc.. rather than making a stand as Mr Ferlic did here!! I say Kudos to Ferlic, and a month of remedial Govt class for Olsen!!! "

 Zoomie wrote on November 20, 2008 6:50 am:
" Common curtesey.

Ayers was officially invited by UNL to speak on a subject in which he is a recognized expert, education. For reasons having nothing directly to do with him, for political reasons only, he was abruptly uninvited. Fine. But simple curtesey says he should receive an apology for the withdrawal.

And read the history of Ayers. He never killed anyone. He never tried to kill anyone (quite the opposite). When the Weatherman did kill people, Ayers had already split from them and turned himself in to authorities, saying it was time to end the movement and accept whatever punishment was coming. Because law enforcement broke God knows how many laws in gathering their evidence against him, they literally had no case against him when he surrendered. Result: he was never charged with a crime, never convicted of a crime. Which was hardly his fault. He expected to go to jail, and still surrendered voluntarily. He has since made very clear, bombings to kill or injure people were wrong, and he never supported them. The alleged quote from a few years ago that he doesn't regret anything didn't pertain to regrets about bombings, it was about regrets that he (and others) failed to succeed in ending the war in Vietnam earlier. For over 30 years, he has led an exemplary life, and tried to make amends. Aren't Christians supposed to forgive, especially one who is clearly a different person today? Where is all this hate of one person coming from? "

 JohnR wrote on November 20, 2008 6:54 am:
" So I wonder...if UNL invited Nelson Mandela to speak, would the same haters be screaming "terrorist" and demanding he be uninvited? After all, Mandela was for 30 years a member of the ANP, a designated terrorist organization which murdered people in South Africa.

As we've seen with the right's reaction to Ayers vs Liddy, the old expression is oh so true: "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter!" "

 Fullerton Flash wrote on November 20, 2008 6:55 am:
" When I first read Dr. Ferlic's crude and vitriolic remarks concerning the speaking invitation extended to William Ayers, I thought Dr. Ferlic to be crude, intemperate and a poor representative of our State's university system.

But now I must reconsider. Now that I know that Dr. Ferlic felt "personally hurt" by the Ayers invitation, I now totally understand his need to use crude and intemperate language which embarrassed the our State's university. And when someone as important as Dr. Ferlic finds himself "personally hurt", it is only right that he request benefactors of the University of Nebraska to withhold their financial support. Thanks to Dr. Ferlic for straightening everything out. Not since Bob Prokop has our university been so blessed. "

 What wrote on November 20, 2008 7:17 am:
" I see the right wing is still strong as ever and hold the idea of "guilty until proven innocent" in high regard unless it is one of their own like G Gordon Liddy or Scooter Libby.

I can see barring him if he was guilty of committing a crime of terrorism but Ayers hasn't been convicted of any such thing?

Now, I keep hearing people say the left only approves of free speech for people who espouse their views, well, from what I see, it is the right who wants to limit free speech by denying someone who, in the past, opposed their views the right to speak.

Now, would you people who oppose Ayers right to speak at UNL deny someone like Liddy or even Rush Limgaugh to come and speak also because some find their views offensive? I bet money you folks would be up in arms if they were denied and be demanding that they talk.

I have an idea, let's not allow anyone to come from the outside and speak at the university ever again, even for graduation because some group will be opposed to whatever view the speaker holds and we don't want our children exposed to some view other than what we tell them.

Now, who comes to mind with that idea? OH yea, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi's. "

 mo wrote on November 20, 2008 7:39 am:
" this is one of most over blown story that the media has ever covered. it just shows you how powerful political smear tactics really are. and we sit back and wonder why every year political ads get more evil. this is why!!!! "

 Buddha wrote on November 20, 2008 7:56 am:
" Hey "give him a raise", I think you need to brush up on your civics. The regents are not paid for their work on the board, but are reimbursed for expenses.

Ferlic infringed on the university's academic freedom by stating that Ayers should be dis-invited. The regents have a responsibility to support academic freedom on their campuses. Ferlic's comments should have stopped before he said anything about disinviting Ayers. Stating his disappointment in the invitation is fine, but when he called for the dis-invitation, that was a serious breach of the academic freedom. Breaching that academic freedom, in my mind as an academian, is enough to call for his resignation. "

 Yes wrote on November 20, 2008 8:24 am:
" Nebraskan's for surrender and defeat.....now that's a great line to perfectly describe that group!!!! "

 except wrote on November 20, 2008 8:40 am:
" Rush Limbaugh and Liddy DIDN'T BOMB ANYTHING OR ANYONE! "

 mark wrote on November 20, 2008 9:23 am:
" 'So I wonder...if UNL invited Nelson Mandela to speak, would the same haters be screaming "terrorist" and demanding he be uninvited?'

clearly you've not read Nelson Mandela's autobiography, in which he admits he did many things wrong. "

 MarkyMark wrote on November 20, 2008 9:40 am:
" Most of the posts here are completely missing the point.

Mr. Ferlich suggested people withold any donations until Ayers was disinvited.

As a regent, that would be an insubordinate conflict of interest.

His closed-minded thinking is one thing, but with his downright stupid comments about withholding donations, the man really should resign. A very poor example of a regent. "

 Outrage wrote on November 20, 2008 10:12 am:
" I don't recall this much outrage over Ahmadinejad speaking at Columbia last year.

Censorship is un-American. "

 Ayers said the other day wrote on November 20, 2008 10:22 am:
" Prisoners should be freed, and prison shut down. He is still a radical today, he hasn't changed, no matter what the far left blogosphere says. "

 as wrote on November 20, 2008 10:36 am:
" If sharing his research involves helping to brainwash more future teachers into his way of 'educating' kids, then he can keep his research in Chicago. The regent should not apologize & Nebraskans for Peace should keep their noses out of it. Has Ayers EVER apologized for anything he's ever said or done? In any of his lifestyles (education, terror group founder) "

 Reactionary wrote on November 20, 2008 1:06 pm:
" The Daily Nebraskan published a Guest Editorial by Prof. Ayers titled "What I would have said" (http://media.www.dailynebraskan.com/media/storage/paper857/news/2008/11/17/Opinion/Ayers.What.I.Might.Have.Said-3547046.shtml) that confirms he is still an unrepentant radical. In talking about education, he believes that students should be able to think for themselves, to make judgments based on evidence and argument, and to develop minds of their own.

The article clearly demonstrates why so many Nebraskans are adamant in their opposition to his appearance at UNL. God forbid that our tax dollars should support, and students in this state should be subjected to, such radical concepts. "

 Dereliction of duty wrote on November 20, 2008 1:08 pm:
" A regent for the university was 'publicly suggesting that donors withhold contributions unless Ayers was disinvited.'
Come on folks, regardless of how you feel about Ayers, that is entirely inappropriate. As a regent, Ferlic has a duty to support the overall mission of the university. Instead he was encouraging actions that are highly detrimental to the funding and well being of the school. He should resign. "

 JB wrote on November 20, 2008 1:31 pm:
" If the UNL ever invites some "conservative" to speak I'm going to stop donating to the college! I might even go after them! Do I soound stuped? Sounded like a lot of hot air from the right. "Freedom of speech" includes the "freedom to listen" and decide for yourself. "

 John Flaherty wrote on November 20, 2008 1:59 pm:
" If you feel personally hurt by the University's invitation to Ayers to speak, then you shouldn't be a regent Mr. Ferlic. The job is obviously too difficult for you as you cannot separate the personal from the professional. "

 Ignignokt wrote on November 20, 2008 3:17 pm:
" I'm no regent...but here's my apology to Ayers...

Mr. Ayers, I'm sorry...sorry that you aren't in jail. Sorry that the FBI failed in their duties to toss you in jail. Sorry that you survived a bomb that was meant to kill others but killed your friends instead. Sorry that you hate this country so much that you feel the need to protest by standing on a flag that has represented our country since its inception (aside from a few less stars back then). Sorry that you are able to enjoy the freedoms this country offers while appreciating none of them. Sorry that someone saw fit to give you a job as a professor so that you may indoctrinate impressionable youths. But most of all...I'm sorry that you were invited to speak here in the first place. "

 Democrat wrote on November 20, 2008 6:56 pm:
" Senator Clinton brought this up during their debates.
I say if Nebraskans for Peace want to hear Ayers, then let them PAY and Learn from this , So Called, educator. How about a list on you web site NoP of who your members are. "

 Do more research Zoomie wrote on November 20, 2008 9:51 pm:
" and look up the definition of Criminal Conspiracy. You will find by looking it up that William Ayers not only was involved he is just a guilty as the person lighting the fuse. William Ayers is a murderer and terrorist and should be in prison for life. Mr. Ferlic was right to speak his mind and do what it took to keep this murderer out of our state and away from anyone attending UNL. I will agree with josephine in her error that Ayers probably deserves what McVay received as a sentence. I will agree with Zoomie on one thing Justice failed us with Ayers because had they have done their jobs within the lines he would probably still be in prison. "

 Juan wrote on November 21, 2008 1:05 pm:
" I listened to an interview with Ayers the other evening on the radio. That was helpful and insightful. There is nothing to fear from him; however, I did learn that there is much to be feared from a neocon fringe right wing establishment that receive and believe what they hear from the right wing outlets on the web, radio and television. But, the lessons of playing on people's fears using half truths and innuendo that were sharpened by Lee Atwater have grown in use by the likes of Karl Rove and others. Atwater's deathbed contrition for what he had done just adds a touch of irony to this small piece of a larger continuing saga. "

 Gerard Harbison wrote on November 21, 2008 1:38 pm:
" If Juan is referring to the interview with Ayers on NPR, he lied through his teeth on several occasions. He denied the Weathermen firebombed Justice Murtagh's house, for example, even though Wilkerson, who was a member of the New York collective, which carried out the bombing, said they did it. He claimed they tried had not to kill people, which was only true after the Greenwich Village explosion and after they'd killed San Francisco police office Brian McDonnell. Ayers wife is still the prime suspect in that killing, and FBI informant Larry Grathwohl testified that Ayers told him the Weathermen had done it.

Worst of all, Ayers cited Bobby Kennedy's assassination as one thing that drove Weather Underground to desperation, even though the Weathermen had no time for Kennedy, and Ayers himself, 5 years after the assassination, dedicated 'Prairie Fire' to Sirhan Sirhan, Kennedy's assassin!

Ayers is now doing the media rounds trying to present himself as a kinder, gentler terrorist. The facts, and the testimony of several people who knew him in the sixties and early seventies, don't bear this out. "

 jerry lawrence wrote on November 23, 2008 1:32 pm:
" Randy, I am writing from Arizonz. Here we think you are the only smart one in the whole bunch.... dont't give in "

 Honza wrote on November 27, 2008 11:33 am:
" I agree with Randy Ferlic's comments. For the University to invite Ayers who openly has admitted to bombing innocent people is a disgrace to the state of Nebraska. I am sure the taxpayers of Nebraska are as incensed as I am. In the last two years UNL has thrown away money including extending Callahan's contract. Many times it seems certain members of the University live in a vacuum. "

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