Academics Unwilling to Debate 9/11

It appears that Kevin Barrett and Jim Fetzer will debate two empty chairs Thursday, October 5th, 2006 at 6 p.m. at the Curti Lounge, 5243 Humanities, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The History Students' Association tried to find one or more U.W.-Madison professors willing to defend the 9/11 Commission Report in a debate with Barrett and Fetzer, to no avail.

The fact that not a single U.W.-Madison professor is willing to defend the 9/11 Commission Report in public speaks volumes.

Ironically, the Oshkosh Northwestern just ran an editorial bemoaning the fact that no academics are willing to debate Barrett:
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061004/ OSH06/610040382/1190/OSHopinion

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Kevin Barrett responds to Oshkosh Northwestern editorial

To the Oshkosh Northwestern,

Thank you for your editorial "A teachable moment on a terrible theory." I agree that academics who disagree with my analysis of 9/11 ought to scrutinize my statements, research the evidence I cite, and then--IF they still disagree with me--attempt to refute my views in a public debate.

9/11 skeptics, including dozens of former high-level military, intelligence, and executive branch officials--see
patriotsquestion911.com--have been seeking honest debate for years. But nobody will debate us. As you wrote:

"Unfortunately, those who might consider Barrett unqualified or dead wrong on 9/11 seem more inclined to let him control the discussion...Academia seems hesitant to dissect and destroy his theory." That is because no sane person trained in critical thinking who has researched the issue will dare to defend that monumental fraud
known as the 9/11 Commission Report. Indeed, those who chose to do so would be setting themselves to be held in public contempt, and possibly even face future prosecution, as accessories to mass murder and high
treason.

Please wake up to your journalistic responsibilities, investigate 9/11 for yourselves, tell the American people the truth, and help us get our democracy back.

Sincerely,

Kevin Barrett

Posted October 4, 2006:

http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061004/ OSH06/610040382/1190/OSHopinion

Editorial: A teachable moment on a terrible theory

Controversial Instructor Kevin Barrett believes the U.S. government was a conspirator in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

He lives for editorials like this one because he believes the ink and digital space will spotlight his name and the shock-and-awe of his contrary views on an American nightmare.

But Barrett, a University of Wisconsin-Madison religion instructor, isn't really getting a credibility-booster or billing any greater in this newspaper than he'll get when he comes to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh on Oct. 26, a guest of the Campus Greens.

Barrett should not be met at the borders of Oshkosh or campus by a police blockade or ornery protest.

Nor will taxpayer-funded, armored limos rush him and his opinions to a campus red carpet gala.

He is a part-time instructor with a theory or two on 9/11.

Some find his ideas fascinating. Others think they are fascinating bunk.

Ultimately, his ideas aren't worth even spare change in the marketplace of ideas.

What is honorable about a university like UWO is what has long been honorable about all Wisconsin universities: Students and professors keep doors and minds open. They are willing to hear people out. And they are willing to use their smarts, statistics or science to call a phony a phony.

That's the definition of academic freedom.

Barrett's views made him a target by shoe-thumping state legislators calling for his firing. He expects to catch a bit of a screening of the 9/11 conspiracy-theory film "Loose Change 2" on Oct. 26 and then, according to early plans, discuss academic freedom.

Unfortunately, those who might consider Barrett unqualified or dead wrong on 9/11 seem more inclined to let him control the discussion.

Academia seems hesitant to dissect and destroy his theory.

Maybe it's because so many find professors and students find Barrett's views, as UWO Chancellor Richard Wells personally labeled them, "nonsensical."

Maybe professors and students don't care to "waste their time" challenging what they consider poorly supported paranoia.

Maybe some fear a face off – much like this editorial might – would only give the 9/11 conspiracy crowd more words to distort and weave into their web.

But it sure would be heartening if the academic community we rely on to advance human thinking, to cure illnesses and to make the discoveries that shape the future would spend a little time on Oct. 26 soundly stomping Barrett's 9/11 suppositions.

Not because they want to stifle academic freedom. But because they see too many holes in his theory to count.

Rather than read headlines like "9/11 conspiracy prof speaks at UWO," wouldn't folks near and far love to see one like "UWO profs outwit 9/11 conspiracy prof?"

The Final Thought: Controversial UW-Madison Professor Kevin Barrett will not and should not be met at the borders of Oshkosh with resistance when he arrives for a speech on academic freedom on Oct. 26. Nor should the community or university roll out any red carpets.

History Meeting Thursday

Professor Barrett,

I wanted to update you on the meeting that will be taking place this Thursday at 6pm. It will be at the Curti Lounge (room 5243) in the Humanities building. As you may have found out by speaking with him
yourself, Jim Fetzer will also be attending the event. Unfortunately, we've had a hard time booking other professors at the UW to debate you.

I'm sure you've encountered this kind of thing in the past... people talking quite a bit, but then they are not actually willing to debate.

There are still several professors from whom I haven't heard back, but I'm not holding my breath. It looks like you and Professor Fetzer will be the only two speakers. I hope this is acceptable to you. I'm disappointed myself that no other professors would step up to the challenge, but am still very excited to have you speak at our
meeting.

The hour and a half length of the meeting is yours and Professor Fetzer's to use as you see fit. We really want to encourage students to ask questions and make arguments themselves. So perhaps it would be a
good format for you and Fetzer to both offer a brief (~20 minute) lecture with discussion to follow. To provide a bit of historical perspective and to spark more discussion I am considering preparing some information on false flag attacks in America's past.

I'm looking forward to the event. Thanks again so much for agreeing to speak.

Best,

Eli Persky

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