Gov. Bill Owens of Colorado has called upon Ward Churchill to step down.

Indeed, the comments of Mr. Churchill were "outrageous and insupportable...at odds with the facts of history." Actually, they were disgusting, and obviously are at complete variance with the sentiments of the people of Colorado. But is that justification for the departure of a tenured academic, because he teaches at a publically financed institution and the public is highly offended and displeased?

Perhaps. I believe that we need academics who are free to provocatively challenge our views and open up new avenues of thought, but whether we need an academic in a public institution praising those who would kill us on sight is another matter altogether.

UPDATE: Mr. Churchill was just on O'Reilly and said that there would be other 9/11's unless there is a "fundamental change." I would like to know what his definition of a fundamental change is. Spell it out, Mr. Churchill. O'Reilly said we are "entitled to shun him." Indeed we are. The question still remains whether Mr. Churchill's comments entitle him to remain on the faculty of a public university when the public paying his salary is outraged at the extremity of his remarks.

ANOTHER THOUGHT: If Mr. Churchill is fired, what would be the precise grounds for dismissal?