Here is my email to 1 of my 2 political science professors this quarter. Thankfully, I have enough credit hours to be able to drop this class if necessary- Professor Hopf specializes in Russian studies and confirmed to me that he honestly wishes the Soviet Union did not fall. I walked out of class minding my own business, but he recognized me from the anti-Iraq war love fest at the Ohio Union. After we didn't talk long but the topic of communism came up, and protest warriors quote came to mind about "Communism only killed 100,000,000 so lets give it another chance." He said that even a conservative historian like Richard Pipes (I met him at CPAC) thinks the number is lower (I found this to be untrue). For part of it to make sense, you need to know that Toni Morrison's book is our first assignment. Anyway, here is my letter.
Hello Professor Hopf,
I am now in your Identity Politics class, and you spotted me as one of the rare conservatives on campus- I'm an officer in the College Republicans, the publisher and webmaster of OSU's conservative newspaper, and I work for multiple Republicans. I was hoping to be timid and earn most of my participation points via email, as I find that my defense of capitalism and individual liberty is not always welcomed by other students.
However, after spending my first year after graduation at a junior college in California, I find OSU to be very laissez faire about conservatism- Maybe its because the campus is so big that the administration doesn't always know what takes place or are instead concerned about serious safety issues in Columbus, but I've been very happy that they have allowed The Sentinel newspaper to exist as a student organization and publication. While at a conference in D.C., I explained to David Horowitz that I oppose his campaign for more conservative professors. I accept the fact that conservatives like myself don't often teach at public universities- After all, why would someone like me teach at an institution that I believe should not exist?
You seemed offended by my estimate that 100,000,000 people were killed by communism, and your position was reaffirmed by a few chuckles by the USG senator in our class with the African-American style hair-braids (I forgot Chuckles' name). So, as a political nerd, I own a copy of The Black Book of Communism by Stephane Courtois (along with other authors and translators, Published by Harvard University Press, 1999). Stephane Courtois and company concluded the following:
Total Deaths in the 20th century by Communist/Socialist regimes
USSR- 20,000,000
People's Republic of China- 65,000,000
Vietnam (North & South)- 1,000,000
North Korea 2,000,000
Combodia- 2,000,000
Eastern Europe- 1,000,000
Latin America 150,000
Africa 1,700,000
Afghanistan- 1,500,000
Cuba- 15,000
**Total- 92,365,000**
In addition, I would recommend this article by Professor R.J. Rummel, who's count is well above my rough estimate of 100,000,000.
http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/COM.ART.HTM . What article by Pipes were you referring to?
I read the Bluest Eye awhile ago and I found it to be both vulgar and racist. I'll read it again to make sure I am prepared for the assignment.
I am embarrassed that I didn't know you are a well-published author. I love the free market so much, that I just bought the two books of yours I found on amazon.com in their used section. I hope I find free time to read your publications during the quarter.
At any rate, I want to do well, and I hope that ideology doesn't affect grading. I know most professors are biased one way or another, so I sincerely respect your honesty. As you suggested, I will take careful notes of my readings. I am determined to do my best, and I sincerely hope we didn't get off on the wrong foot. I am not a wealthy Republican and I am paying for my own college, so I take this very seriously. I hope all is well, and I'll see you on Thursday.
Sincerely,
Matt Naugle
naugle.7@osu.edu Baker Hall West 1116
129 W. 12th Ave.
614-688-1062
"Not by force of arms are civilizations held together, but by subtle threads of moral and intellectual principle." -- Russell Kirk
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Topic: My letter to my liberal professor
