Dispossession by attrition is a permanent condition

[sovay]

FUCKING BERNIE MADOFF.

I suppose I should be glad an art museum is more readily sacrificed than a classics department? (I suspect it's easier to sell off paintings than professors.) Presidential reassurance notwithstanding, I find it hard to believe it's merely a sign of the times: "The global financial crisis and deepening national economic recession require Brandeis to formulate and execute decisive plans that will position the university to emerge stronger for the benefit of our students . . ." Oh, damn it, damn it. I should have gone to their surrealist exhibition in November. Art is meant to be cherished, not flung to the winds. Where do I protest? Maybe I can paint it on a wall.

Comments

[negothick.livejournal.com]

To be fair, I have such a jaundiced attitude toward Brandeis and especially anyone in an administrative position--including its donors and trustees--that I am not surprised that they a. didn't inquire closely about Madoff's returns b. might use this opportunity to get rid of "under-performing" departments c. might not see any advantage in having a world-class art museum on the campus and d. didn't anticipate protests in favor of keeping the museum open. But then I'm a product of the three worst years in the school's history, 1969-72.