Friday, September 28, 2007

Merkel Leaves the College

Jim Merkel, the somewhat controversial head of sustainability, left the college in early August, The Dartmouth reports, complaining that he did not have time to pick raspberries and that he didn't need a job. The Review celebrates.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you picked up on the didn't-need-a-job part. This goes to the whole observation that global warming is a religion for the wealthy. The problem I continue to see is that Dartmouth is trying to reach the same audience as PBS -- lower-middlebrow types who love to watch Miss Marple on Masterpiece Theatre and who have the money to donate.

I'm not sure how long this game can be played.

Anonymous said...

John, what audience would you put yourself into? For someone who thinks so highly of himself, you have left an online trail that suggests far less in the way of accomplishments or intellect than, say, Haldeman: no Wikipedia article, no higher degree, no leadership in evidence. Are we missing something? Where is your brow?

Anonymous said...

On my forehead. If you check the alumni directory, you can find my advanced degree, and a google will put you into some of my published writing. I can't check anything about you, of course, since you're too big a wuss to tell us who you are!

Anonymous said...

John - I think you are being interviewed for a Charter trustee slot.

Anonymous said...

By 4:24, you mean? Hey 4:24, I haven't told you about my polo ponies yet!!

Anonymous said...

Yes, I think 4:24 is on the search committee. But, polo ponies? That's so Harvard.

Anonymous said...

But doesn't the Board want to be more like Harvard? Seems like I'm your guy!!

Anonymous said...

Well John, if you read Jim Merkel's Wikipedia article, you might notice that Jim had lived on $5,000 per year before coming to Dartmouth. He doesn't need to work not because he is rich, but because he doesn't need the money to live a good life - I'm sure it is not the kind of life you want to lead - but that's your choice.
Some people find pleasure in more simple things than dragging down people who are trying to make a world that might survive. I'm sure your grandchildren may one day thank Jim Merkel for his vision that inspired enough people to wake up and see the obvious.