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General Ohio University Discussion/Alumni Events Topic
Topic: "Major OU Donor Suggested In Email Pulling The Race Card"
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RPO R6V
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Posted: 7/11/2015 3:18 PM
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Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/11/2015 3:30 PM
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Oh boy! I have to agree with Rich Vedder on this one. He and the other foundation trustees who supported his idea should all resign. Embarrassing! And we named the journalism building after him and he criticized reporters. I don't want him managing my contributions to OU and that includes obc funds.

Also, someone teach him how to tie his tie.
Last Edited: 7/12/2015 8:36:28 AM by Alan Swank
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/12/2015 9:48 AM
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Very disturbing and sad, that a leader of OHIO University can be so closed minded.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/12/2015 11:59 AM
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rpbobcat
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Posted: 7/12/2015 6:28 PM
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Based on this guy's bio and the amount of money he's been able to donate to O.U. , he's not dumb.

You should know that any email to O.U.,O.U. Foundation ,etc. are subject to Open Public Records requests.

Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.
Last Edited: 7/12/2015 6:30:23 PM by rpbobcat
The Optimist
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Posted: 7/13/2015 7:29 AM
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rpbobcat wrote:expand_more
Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.

He responded to the Athens News saying it was tongue in cheek.

That seemed obvious to me from the start. Still, probably not wise to make tongue in cheek remarks with as touchy of a subject as this has been in some circles. Even if those circles lack the power to do anything beyond yell to the media.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/13/2015 9:10 AM
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The Optimist wrote:expand_more
Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.

He responded to the Athens News saying it was tongue in cheek.

That seemed obvious to me from the start. Still, probably not wise to make tongue in cheek remarks with as touchy of a subject as this has been in some circles. Even if those circles lack the power to do anything beyond yell to the media.
Of course he's going to say that after the fact. There is only one person as stupid as Donald Trump.
Recovering Journalist
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Posted: 7/13/2015 2:17 PM
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The Optimist wrote:expand_more
Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.

He responded to the Athens News saying it was tongue in cheek.

That seemed obvious to me from the start. Still, probably not wise to make tongue in cheek remarks with as touchy of a subject as this has been in some circles. Even if those circles lack the power to do anything beyond yell to the media.
Yes, people in some circles are just so damn touchy. It's hilarious to trivialize the very real racial problems we face as a nation, and even more amusing to do so as a pretext for quelling justified anger at a very sketchy housing deal. If that was his joke, he must have made his millions in comedy.

I understand that we need massive donors like this guy, and I'm not so naive that I think anyone turns down a fat donation these days, but I'm not pleased that his name is on a jewel of the university. His attitude about critics of the administration sucks and is antithetical to the values of open discourse any university should embrace. We don't have to love everything the university does to love the university. His millions in donations clearly seem less about affection for the university and more about slapping his name and lifting his leg on it.
The Optimist
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Posted: 7/13/2015 2:44 PM
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Recovering Journalist wrote:expand_more
Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.

He responded to the Athens News saying it was tongue in cheek.

That seemed obvious to me from the start. Still, probably not wise to make tongue in cheek remarks with as touchy of a subject as this has been in some circles. Even if those circles lack the power to do anything beyond yell to the media.
Yes, people in some circles are just so damn touchy. It's hilarious to trivialize the very real racial problems we face as a nation, and even more amusing to do so as a pretext for quelling justified anger at a very sketchy housing deal. If that was his joke, he must have made his millions in comedy.

I understand that we need massive donors like this guy, and I'm not so naive that I think anyone turns down a fat donation these days, but I'm not pleased that his name is on a jewel of the university. His attitude about critics of the administration sucks and is antithetical to the values of open discourse any university should embrace. We don't have to love everything the university does to love the university. His millions in donations clearly seem less about affection for the university and more about slapping his name and lifting his leg on it.
I was referring to the housing issue as a touchy subject. Not the issue of race. That is a legitimate problem in this country. Private donations going to purchase of a house is not a real problem. Had they been public funds, I'd agree that was a real problem.
But private funds? That is just touchy. Richard Vedder suggested this man send his money to Miami. That sounds to me like someone more interested slapping his name in the newspaper than someone who actually loves the University.
Last Edited: 7/13/2015 2:49:55 PM by The Optimist
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/13/2015 2:49 PM
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The Optimist wrote:expand_more
Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.

He responded to the Athens News saying it was tongue in cheek.

That seemed obvious to me from the start. Still, probably not wise to make tongue in cheek remarks with as touchy of a subject as this has been in some circles. Even if those circles lack the power to do anything beyond yell to the media.
It was those "circles" that got the university to come to its senses on this very shady deal and cancel the purchase of the house. I'm still amazed that no heads rolled on this thing.
The Optimist
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Posted: 7/13/2015 2:55 PM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
Even if this guy truly believes what he said with all his heart, you don't put in writing for anyone to be able to see.

He responded to the Athens News saying it was tongue in cheek.

That seemed obvious to me from the start. Still, probably not wise to make tongue in cheek remarks with as touchy of a subject as this has been in some circles. Even if those circles lack the power to do anything beyond yell to the media.
I'm still amazed that no heads rolled on this thing.

I'm not amazed. Again... These circles lack the power to do anything beyond make noise in the press.
Deciduous Forest Cat
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Posted: 7/13/2015 10:30 PM
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It was a bad joke, and in poor taste, but it was a joke. calm it down people.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/14/2015 8:33 AM
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Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
It was a bad joke, and in poor taste, but it was a joke. calm it down people.
Joke or not, and I seriously doubt if it was a joke, people in positions of responsibility and authority aren't afforded the opportunity to publicly make such jokes. Typically those sorts of statements cost people jobs. Just look at what happened to Donald Trump. This guy should go.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/14/2015 3:38 PM
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Front page of today's Dispatch Metro and State Section (second section) above the fold:

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/07/14/...
SBH
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Posted: 7/14/2015 5:06 PM
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I doubt it was a joke....but I also doubt he had any inkling that his "private" email would be churned up through a FOIA request. I imagine trustees are now being reminded that anything they communicate via email can come back to haunt them.

As to those who are unhappy to have this gentleman's name on the communication/j-school building, didn't we also name our student newsroom after, gasp, Roger Ailes?
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/14/2015 5:48 PM
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SBH wrote:expand_more
I doubt it was a joke....but I also doubt he had any inkling that his "private" email would be churned up through a FOIA request. I imagine trustees are now being reminded that anything they communicate via email can come back to haunt them.

As to those who are unhappy to have this gentleman's name on the communication/j-school building, didn't we also name our student newsroom after, gasp, Roger Ailes?
Very interesting point - it continues to amaze me what people put in an email. I just received one, reread it, and said "really." I'm still a big fan of mouth to ear conversations.

Maybe we should just call it the Screwover Center.
Mark Lembright '85
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Posted: 7/14/2015 8:31 PM
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Such scrutiny isn't limited to private e-mails released through an FOI request, it extends to messageboards. Didn't a WMU poster get in trouble for alleging that Fleck was having an affair? Maybe I'm remembering that incorrectly.

Anyway, I've learned a long time ago that anything typed or written can and most often will be seen by someone other than the intended reader. That's why I tend to be an Ohio honk on this board. I have negative thoughts but I sure try to keep them to myself.
The Optimist
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Posted: 7/14/2015 10:19 PM
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Mark Lembright '85 wrote:expand_more
Anyway, I've learned a long time ago that anything typed or written can and most often will be seen by someone other than the intended reader. That's why I tend to be an Ohio honk on this board. I have negative thoughts but I sure try to keep them to myself.

I'm particularly careful what i say on the recruiting boards of this site for this exact reason.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/15/2015 3:28 PM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
I doubt it was a joke....but I also doubt he had any inkling that his "private" email would be churned up through a FOIA request. I imagine trustees are now being reminded that anything they communicate via email can come back to haunt them.

As to those who are unhappy to have this gentleman's name on the communication/j-school building, didn't we also name our student newsroom after, gasp, Roger Ailes?
Very interesting point - it continues to amaze me what people put in an email. I just received one, reread it, and said "really." I'm still a big fan of mouth to ear conversations.

Maybe we should just call it the Screwover Center.
The guy made his fortune in private business where their correspondence is off limits, he just got a lesson in public life.
Last Edited: 7/15/2015 3:30:02 PM by BillyTheCat
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/17/2015 8:52 AM
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http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/07/16/...

His comment that he thought his email was private says a lot. For his sake, it's a good thing that this happened in the summer and during Brew Week. It will probably be swept under the rug and long forgotten when students and faculty return in late August.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/17/2015 9:11 AM
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Alan Swank wrote:expand_more
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/07/16/...

His comment that he thought his email was private says a lot. For his sake, it's a good thing that this happened in the summer and during Brew Week. It will probably be swept under the rug and long forgotten when students and faculty return in late August.

Only an apologist would not see those comments, and those of the people supporting his comments as anything but his honest opinion towards strategy.
Ohio69
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Posted: 7/17/2015 1:59 PM
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BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/07/16/...

His comment that he thought his email was private says a lot. For his sake, it's a good thing that this happened in the summer and during Brew Week. It will probably be swept under the rug and long forgotten when students and faculty return in late August.

Only an apologist would not see those comments, and those of the people supporting his comments as anything but his honest opinion towards strategy.
Good grief folks.

You gotta let people make mistakes in life - big mistakes.

Why immediately assume the worst? Seemed like a Daily Show / Bill Maher sarcastic type comment to me. He spouted off. Thought it was funny. And got nailed for it. Hard.

He apologized. Very well actually.

Now its time to see if OU/Athens community is forgiving or the current negativity swirling in this town has become as permanent as the bricks and bars.
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/19/2015 4:51 PM
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Ohio69 wrote:expand_more
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/07/16/...

His comment that he thought his email was private says a lot. For his sake, it's a good thing that this happened in the summer and during Brew Week. It will probably be swept under the rug and long forgotten when students and faculty return in late August.

Only an apologist would not see those comments, and those of the people supporting his comments as anything but his honest opinion towards strategy.
Good grief folks.

You gotta let people make mistakes in life - big mistakes.

Why immediately assume the worst? Seemed like a Daily Show / Bill Maher sarcastic type comment to me. He spouted off. Thought it was funny. And got nailed for it. Hard.

He apologized. Very well actually.

Now its time to see if OU/Athens community is forgiving or the current negativity swirling in this town has become as permanent as the bricks and bars.
How exactly did he get "nailed for it?"
Ohio69
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Posted: 7/19/2015 5:55 PM
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He got nailed via media exposure and folks slamming him and the university harshly. That's about as embarrassing as it gets.

What else is there?
Last Edited: 7/19/2015 5:56:19 PM by Ohio69
Alan Swank
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Posted: 7/20/2015 8:54 AM
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Ohio69 wrote:expand_more
He got nailed via media exposure and folks slamming him and the university harshly. That's about as embarrassing as it gets.

What else is there?
Either being removed from the foundation trustees or having his name removed from the building. Embarrassment wears off over time.
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