Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 11:33:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: Andrew Wayne Austin <aaustin-AT-utkux.utcc.utk.edu>
Subject: Re: M-I: Not committed to Goldhagen?


Louis,

First, what does Henwood's book have to do with this discussion or
Henwood's behavior towards me on this list? Non sequitur.

Again, your argument is that Finkelstein should be respected *because* he
has published in *the* most prestigious Marxist journal. Henwood should be
respected *because* his book *Wallstreet* is though by everybody to be
*the* "most important" book published lately. Blah, blah, blah. Like I
defend Goldhagen because he is at Harvard. This is part and parcel of
attacking Goldhagen because he is a Jew. 

Come on, Proyect, what is with all the appeals to authority? Who gives a
shit where people publish? Since when is science majority opinion? I have
read plenty of Henwood's articles, essays, arguments, etc.. When Henwood
shows me something I will get excited. So far? Zip. And I don't give a
flying fuck who thinks I should fall down before him. Nobody is a big deal
unless they actually say something, and then only what they say is a big
deal.

Cox, Henwood, Godena, and your arguments are for all the wrong reasons. 
They are unscientific attacks. They carry ZERO weight in science. They are
non-critiques. They are garbage. And they have been out of some quarters
racist. Finkelstein's argument is zip with me.

As for Goldhagen distancing himself from his own work, this is the mistake
of confusing the work with the person. Scientist should distance
themselves from their work. I have changed my mind on matters because
after I have put something out there I have distanced myself from it. 
Amazingly you first criticize him for defending his work and then you draw
conclusions about his distancing himself from his work. Goldhagen can't
win for losing. And neither can I.

As for the rest of your argument, I am very busy and I am weary of all
this dumping on me. Because, and I think anybody with a clear head (i.e.,
doesn't have this idiotic agenda that blinds them to reason) can see this,
that is what this whole stupid discussion has turned into. 

I regret that you, Louis Proyect, have seen fit to join the irrational
camp. You have. Good luck.

Andy Austin




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