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Striking Back at the Forces of Barbarism and Political Correctness by
Walter Block
I am engaged in a two-front battle against the forces of barbarism and political correctness on campus. For my most recent effort in this regard, see here. To briefly review. In November 2008 I gave a speech at Loyola University in Maryland on the pay gap between men and women, and claimed it was not due to any inherent moral weakness of capitalism. The Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of the University, soon after wrote a blistering attack on me for this speech, even though he had not attended it. So, the first "front" is to defend my reputation against his unwarranted critique. See below for the letter my lawyer Victor Hastings has recently sent out for this purpose. Copies of it will be sent out to all members of the economics department of Loyola University in Maryland, all of whom penned another letter critical of my speech there, except for Prof. Tom DiLorenzo and Fr. Hank Hilton, S.J. For my critique of their letter, see this. But then, soon after, the so called Diversity Task Force at my own school, Loyola University New Orleans, wrote a report on this incident, based solely on newspaper reports of it; again, no evidence to back up charges of racism and sexism against me were mentioned. I filed a grievance against the members of this committee in the fall of 2008; the grievance committee of Loyola University New Orleans took until May 2009 to meet to consider my complaint against the Diversity Task Force; but it has not yet seen fit to share its findings, if any, with me. So, in my "second front" my attorney Victor Hastings will soon be sending out another letter, this time to the president (and trustees) of Loyola University New Orleans, Fr. Kevin Wildes, S.J. asking him to ensure that our grievance procedures are implemented. I expect to be able to post that letter in about a week. A word about Victor Hastings, before I introduce his letter regarding Fr. Linnane S.J. I have worked with many lawyers over the years, law professors, practicing attorneys, judges, both in their professional capacities and as co-authors of my publications in law reviews. I cannot say enough about how helpful I have found Victor, especially in this time of my need. He is tireless, he is indefatigable, he is smart, he is supportive, he is likeable. If and when I ever have the need for legal advice again, I shall call upon him.
F.
Victor Hastings October 27, 2009 Rev. Edwin
F. O’Brien Very Rev. James
M. Shea, S.J. Dear Rev. O’Brien and Very Rev. Shea: On November 6, 2008, my client, Dr. Walter Block, Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics, Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business, Loyola University New Orleans, gave a speech to the Adam Smith club of Loyola University of Maryland. He did so at the invitation of Prof. Tom DiLorenzo, the faculty advisor to the University’s Adam Smith Club. The Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of the University, did not attend that lecture. Nevertheless, he falsely accused Prof. Block of "racism, sexism [and] any other form of intolerance" (www.lewrockwell.com/block/block112.html). Prof. Block contacted Fr. Linnane to deny the accusations and attempt to reach an understanding over these matters. Fr. Linnane did not respond.
Therefore, Prof. Block now wishes to register with you a formal complaint against Fr. Linnane on the following grounds:
Prof. Block discussed this passage here. I would also ask you to consider in this regard Proverb 18:13: "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." I therefore ask that you use your good offices to arrange a meeting between Prof. Block and Fr. Linnane so that they can discuss these issues in a civilized manner. Perhaps you could suggest a mediator for such a meeting. Prof. Block is also willing to submit his complaint to a canonical or ecclesiastical court. We are open to any suggestion along these lines you care to make.
Sincerely,
F. Victor Hastings
October 28, 2009 Dr. Block [send him mail] is a professor of economics at Loyola University New Orleans, and a senior fellow of the Ludwig von Mises Institute. He is the author of Defending the Undefendable and Labor Economics From A Free Market Perspective. His latest book is The Privatization of Roads and Highways. Copyright © 2009 by LewRockwell.com. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit is given.
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Fr.
Linnane should either put forth evidence that Prof. Block is a racist
and/or sexist, or, failing that, apologize publicly for his vicious
and baseless comments, in the same venue as they originally appeared.