The fine art of obstruction

In Washington *and* in academia, there is a fine art to blocking,
obstructing that which you may not wish to come to pass. It’s a
delicate dance of course because there are often powerful
constituencies behind initiatives. I remember when I used to live
near the National Zoo, my wife and I met a politically well-connected
guy who pointedly told us that it’s possible to block anything or
anyone “in this town”.
Hmmm.
I’m bringing this up because of course I think such process
“filibustering” is inappropriate. If you are against something, then
the proper way to oppose it is to come out, make your best case, let
the decision-makers have at it, and live with the course of history.
And definitely such a proper course requires both more courage and
more importantly, a greater respect for the folks who are charged
with saying yeah or nay.
Along these lines, may I recommend Jane Smiley’s novel of academia
“Moo”. It’s a delightful description of academic obstructionism taken
to obsession–and very entertaining!

Jim