Quotes, bon mots, and noteworthy utterances from the campus and beyond
26 February 2009
"It's infinitely better than having a faculty that no one wants."
Berkeley Law Dean Christopher Edley, on the upside of persistent "poaching" of his faculty by other law schools.
Contra Costa Times, Feb. 15
"Two can play at this game."
School of Public Health Dean Stephen Shortell, in the same article, on the virtues of being proactive in wooing faculty from other institutions.
"It would be foolish not to."
Ken Rosen, chair of the Fisher Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics, on the potential expansion of President Obama's proposed mortgage-relief plan to homeowners — including thousands of Californians — owing more than the $417,000 cap currently imposed by the legislation.
Los Angeles Times, Feb. 19
"Life is unfair."
Assistant Professor of Business Tom Davidoff, on complaints from all sides about perceived inequities in President Obama's proposed housing-recovery bill. "We're doing this so the economy won't crash," he added.
Los Angeles Times, Feb. 23
"Let's get real. The Big Three have blown it for years . . ."
Professor of Public Policy Robert Reich, arguing against any bailout that would protect the auto companies while doing nothing for their "tens of thousands" of employees. "We're transferring money from taxpayers to Big Three shareholders for no apparent reason other than the Big Three are headquartered in America," Reich added.
APR's Marketplace, Feb. 18
"[I]f you're not willing to do things people are violently opposed to, you're a coward."
Professor of Philosophy John Searle, recalling the criticism he received for refusing to support post-Free Speech Movement excesses on campus. Searle, an early FSM supporter, is celebrating 50 years of teaching at Berkeley.
Contra Costa Times, Feb. 21
"Projecting our rage onto others is counterproductive and generally unhealthy for everyone involved."
An argument against the use of violence against people and property by animal-rights activists, some of whom have targeted UC campuses and employees.
Mat Thomas, Animalrighter, Feb. 21
"This is the aluminum-smelting plant of the 21st century."
Randy Katz, professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences, speaking about the need for specialized IT knowledge to design and maintain massive, warehouse-size data centers.
EETimes.com, Feb. 13