[NU Sports] Schooler/Bendat

[NEONRye at aol.com]

While I am reluctant to say anything negative about Bob Schooler, whom I  
enjoyed meeting very much at the NU Sesquicentennial and with whom I have  
enjoyed a good relationship on- and off-line, I cannot remain silent in the face  of 
the uncalled-for ad hominem attack on Jim, who likewise has become a friend  
through this (usually wonderful) List.  There is not a single man or woman  
among us who probably didn't do something he or she could be called to account  
for while at NU.  I know I did, and I am neither ashamed nor proud of what  I 
did.  That's part of the fantastic and sometimes overwhelming experience  of 
growing up while away at college.  And being a litigator (and former  
prosecutor) for more than a quarter century, I know that most factual disputes  involve 
more "gray" than "black and white".  Thus, I discount Mr.  Schooler's 
first-hand "account" of what he now perceives (36 years later) as the  "truth" about 
Mr. Bendat.   Selective memory is the phrase that comes  to mind.   I also 
think that hanging this purported "dirty linen" on  (the) line is disgraceful 
conduct unworthy of anyone who has ever worn the  Purple and White proudly.  So I 
say to Mr. Schooler, "Shame on you."   If this is what it takes to be a 
Conservative, which I don't believe to be the  case, then thank god I am not one!  
In fact, Bob S. just brought disrepute  on the "cause" he believes he serves.  
 
One more thing:  His castigation of Jim for being proud of the  
accomplishments of his son and daughter--for dealing with the tragedy of Katrina  and for 
gaining admission to NU--is not only beyond the pale of decency, but is  also 
inaccurate factually, something I know to be the case from off-line  
"conversations" with Jim.  So from now on, Mr. S., if you are going to  attack someone, 
which is idiotic to begin with on this List, then please get  your facts 
straight--don't emulate the President you adore so much from down  your way.  
There, I said it--I guess that makes me a bad, wicked Liberal. I  am actually 
someone who longs for the sane center to take hold of this great  land, rather than 
having Bob define who I am or what I believe in.
 
Let's get back to civilized discourse, my friends and fellow alums.   We have 
so much in common and so much that binds us.  Why in the world  would we want 
to engage in calumny against each other?  I hope that Mike  and Roy, who do 
so much hard work for all of us, have our support in this  effort.  Otherwise, 
this List is heading for a sad fate.  I hope this  never proves to be the case.
 
Let's get back to our favorite team....
 
Regards to all,
 
Paul Levinson