Date: Sat, 25 May 1996 22:04:20 -0400
To: Athena Discuss 
Subject: Re: A fond farewell!

FISHERGM@jmu.edu wrote:
> 
> I guess it's time for me to sign off this list.  If I'm identified
> as someone who is mainly concerned with defending some "received"
> theories by as sensitive and intelligent as S F Thomas appears
> to be, I guess communication has failed.  

I don't think so.  You are quite articulate, and the meaning
of what you say is not generally left unclear.  What is
unclear, because unsaid, is what bias you bring to the debate.
If I have characterized your thoughtful posts as "fancy footwork
... ultimately unavailing", it is because, however artfully
phrased, they invariably ended up on the side of received theory.
It then becomes at least open to question whether you are
defender of received theory, or dispassionate seeker after
truth.  But whatever.  I claim also to be truth-seeking, even though
admitting, after reading Diop, James, Bernal and others, to no small
feeling, like Malcolm X, of having been hoodwinked and bamboozled 
all these years.  If I have been unduly harsh, that is why--there
is a definite sense of betrayal, and a great feeling of sadness 
about the whole thing, the continuing disparagement of blacks 
being so utterly unnecessary.  Still, I generally distinguish bias,
to which we all are entitled, from argument.  At least as to the latter,
you have been a fair, honorable, and worthy opponent, and I hate to 
see you go.

> Gordon Fisher     fishergm@jmu.edu

All the best,

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