'reporters baffled, trumped, tethered ...'

Welp, I really don’t feel as fine as REM assured me I would in this particular circumstance.

I have pursued two separate but related careers in my half-century thus far: journalism and education. Neither pays well literally but they afford great riches figuratively — and both have been driven by an inherent urge to (as my late father drummed into me) leave this world better than I found it, and to inspire others to do the same. The impending ruination of this nation’s universally applauded human rights, everyday protective regulations, and overall basic dignity will not divert me from this work, and in fact will energize it.

If you are a colleague, know that I stand with you, and that I am ever-ready to do the work of crafting, maintaining, and now perhaps protecting our shared spaces of intellectual independence, pedagogical exploration, and values-based research.

If you are an administrator, know that we together are charged now with both the defense of academic freedom and the expansion of civic education, the political and social implications of which couldn’t be clearer now.

If you are a student, know that I am an ally, that my classrooms and offices are safe spaces (as are the wonderful counseling centers at UCO and TU), and that I will do everything I can to manifest your becoming. Because you’re going to save this sad world. You’re our best hope.

Courage, folks! Ever up and onward  ...