"There is something entirely implausible about Mr. Lewenberg's account. The mailboxes of history professors in Fayerweather Hall are in a public hallway. Anyone can leave material in the mailboxes at any time. We receive not only mail, but term papers, announcements of campus events, etc. in these boxes. They have large slots in the front and his materials could easily have been placed in each mailbox without the permission of anybody. In addition, I absolutely deny throwing out materials relating to this controversy or anything else -- I would never do such a thing. "
Professor Foner is correct in so far that anyone can simply put documents into mailboxes. However, I was not simply putting a paper in a professor's mailbox. My intention was to put a packet and invitation in every professor's mailbox. Because of this distinction, I asked the secretary for permission.
Perhaps I should have been less polite, but I gave the secretary a copy and followed her directions.
If Professor Foner wishes to insinuate that I am not telling the truth, that is his perogative. I will not endanger the TA, who confidentially told me what Foner did, to protect my reputation. Perhaps, I made an error in passing on this information.
Frankly, this is a minor incident compared to the larger story of a committee that cared more about politics than about facts.
Foner can call me anything he wishes to. The fact remains that the Columbia History department is dominated by a leftist clique, who put politics above history. I hope that the Bellesiles's case makes this abundantly clear.
by Ron Lewenberg on December 17, 2002 at 7:52 PM