Is the Law School Part of the College: Which Ave?

Pope Pius XI Slams Monaghan Prospectively as a Blasphemer

2006-08-19T22:23:00.000-04:00

Torgo turns your attention to this thread on FUMARE which links to this opinion letter on OpinionJournal.com. Torgo also understands that Monaghan approached the WSJ to do a puff piece in a effort to control the damage of the stench reeking from him and his cronies these days.

Torgo noted many comments in that FUMARE thread, and read the article, but would like to harp, and Torgo means to harp on this quote until it is publicly recanted by the heretic who spoke it.

SOME BACKGROUND
Self described in a news article on Ave Maria.com:
"Monaghan, a consummate Catholic who lives steadfastly by the laws of the Vatican as well as by the commandments of God, was a frequent target of liberals who openly opposed his beliefs."
(cited to Ave Maria founder Tom Monaghan is a man of faith, plans and action. Sunday, April 13, 2003. The Naples Daily News)
this description was obviously self-described language sent out in a press release because it's also here

Let's see.. consummate Catholic...who lives steadfastly by the laws of the Vatican.

According to Monaghan:

CANDIOTTI: Monaghan hopes to turn out Catholic educators who he says will take a less watered down version of the Catholic faith. He prefers a faculty that's mostly Catholic, and in his words, not mediocre. How do you define a mediocre Catholic?

MONAGHAN: A cafeteria Catholic that says they are Catholic who go to church on Easter and Palm Sunday, and probably oftentimes are pro-abortion.

CNN transcript

A cafeteria catholic is one who picks and chooses what truths to believe.

THE MAIN ATTRACTION

Among the idiotic quotes in the Opinion Journal piece (and Torgo will take Novak to the whipping post in a bit), is this one:

The battles between Mr. Monaghan and the Ave Maria faculties have become vitriolic. Some have even tried to unionize. When I ask if he sees a contradiction in trying to block such a move, even though unionization is supported by the Catholic Church, he says, "I think that [the church] hierarchy doesn't know as much about those things as they do about their theology."

Is he for real?

First: note how he characterizes PAPAL ENCYCLICALS: "the hierarchy" What a pompous jackass.

His logic is no different than those who justify abortion and contraception by the reasoning that "celibate priests know nothing about sex, therefore, contraception and abortion are OK." Cafeteria catholicism.

Nevertheless, Torgo will let the Successors of Peter speak for themselves, especially because POPE (no mere hierarch) Pius XI has some choice words for a jackass like Monaghan.

Pope Leo XIII, Rerum Novarum: The most important of all [associations and organizations to aid those in distress] are workingmen's unions. (1891)

Pope Pius XI, QUADRAGESIMO ANNO:

On the basis of the long period of experience, it cannot be rash to say that Leo's Encyclical has proved itself the Magna Charta upon which all Christian activity in the social field ought to be based, as on a foundation. And those who would seem to hold in little esteem this Papal Encyclical and its commemoration either blaspheme what they know not, or understand nothing of what they are only superficially acquainted with, or if they do understand convict themselves formally of injustice and ingratitude.

(1931)

Poor Mr. Monaghan -- he's a blasphemer or an idiot, according to Pope Pius XI. Worse yet, Pius XI says if Monaghan does understand the encyclical and still ignores it, he "convicts [himself] formally of injustice and ingratitude."

Self study guide: read Paragraph 41 of that encyclical here.

John Paul II, Centesimus Annus:

In close connection with the right to private property, Pope Leo XIII's Encyclical also affirms other rights as inalienable and proper to the human person. Prominent among these, because of the space which the Pope devotes to it and the importance which he attaches to it, is the "natural human right" to form private associations. This means above all the right to establish professional associations of employers and workers, or of workers alone.19 Here we find the reason for the Church's defence and approval of the establishment of what are commonly called trade unions: certainly not because of ideological prejudices or in order to surrender to a class mentality, but because the right of association is a natural right of the human being, which therefore precedes his or her incorporation into political society. Indeed, the formation of unions "cannot ... be prohibited by the State", because "the State is bound to protect natural rights, not to destroy them; and if it forbids its citizens to form associations, it contradicts the very principle of its own existence"

(1991)

Inalienable Right. Monaghan wants these mere hierarchs to stay out of his bedroom.

more self study: read the rest of paragraph 7 here.

more from Centesimus:

the right to express one's own personality at the work-place without suffering any affront to one's conscience or personal dignity. This is the place to mention once more the role of trade unions, not only in negotiating contracts, but also as "places" where workers can express themselves. They serve the development of an authentic culture of work and help workers to share in a fully human way in the life of their place of employment.

No wonder Monaghan doesn't like the Church meddling in his businesses.

Also, John Paul II said in Laborem exercens (1981):

All these rights, together with the need for the workers themselves to secure them, give rise to yet another right: the right of association, that is to form associations for the purpose of defending the vital interests of those employed in the various professions.

To paraphrase Bowie Kuhn (a Monaghan advisor): If Monaghan can pick and chose and shove the Popes out of Ave Maria Institutions, how can we trust him to tell the truth?

UPDATE: It is rumored that Kate O'Beirne called the papal encyclicals cited here as "fabrications of dissident malcontents intent on obstructing the will of God being worked out through Mr. Monaghan."

UPDATE 2: Novak's ghost book-writer has informed Torgo that he has been retained to respond to the upcoming thrashing he'll get. Novak is apparently still bedridden from anxiety over the fallout of his comments in NYT.

UPDATE 3: Bowie Kuhn is still wondering what is going on.

Ironic Quotes Say Insert Foot.

2006-08-18T22:33:00.000-04:00

Schaefer, Naomi, CAMPUS CRUSADE. American Enterprise; Jul/Aug2001, Vol. 12 Issue 5, p32 et seq.

Dobranski credits part of Ave Maria's success to the generosity of Monaghan and other donors, which enables the school both to be more selective and to provide large scholarships to those students who are admitted. "Most other new law schools start out at the bottom. They desperately need students because that's how you pay the bills, but schools that take anyone get a reputation for mediocrity that never goes away."

Yeah, that lack of academic freedom problem never goes away either.

Mangan, Katherine S. Ave Maria: a 'Seriously Catholic' Law School. Chronicle of Higher Education; 2/18/2000, Vol. 46 Issue 24, pA18.

As the board's chairman, Mr. Monaghan says he has no intention of getting involved in Ave Maria's curriculum. "When I owned the Detroit Tigers, I didn't climb into the dugout and tell Sparky how to set his lineup," he says, referring to the baseball team's legendary manager, Sparky Anderson.

Funny... he'll tell everyone else what to do, and, apparently, where to do it.

says the next paragraph:

Several law professors who are familiar with Mr. Monaghan find that hard to believe, however, and some predict he'll play an active, behind-the-scenes role.

really? Mr. Monaghan? Torgo cannot believe that someone would think that in 2000, before any AMC or AMSOL issues.

and from the same article:

Mr. Dobranski says everyone who has signed on to Ave Maria is taking a chance because they believe in its mission. Says the dean, "It's really a leap of faith."

Apparently, that chance they risked is not worth anything now.

Then, on ANN ARBOR:
Shawn Windsor. Domino's Pizza Complex in Ann Arbor, Mich., Will Become Home to College. Detroit Free Press (MI); 06/14/2001

Ave Maria President Nicholas Healy, [speaking about Ann Arbor]: "We're talking about one of the most noteworthy and recognizable commercial locations in the world."

Funny, Google says that, too. Healy doesn't think so anymore, and Bernie is convinced that Florida is the only place law exists outside DC, where it's rumored that he hopes to have his foundation built by Monaghan.

Mary Beth Marklein. Pizza mogul to build Catholic college -- and a town .... USA Today; 11/21/2002.

"The search for God has been eliminated from universities altogether," said Bowie Kuhn, an advisory board member of Monaghan's Ave Maria Foundation. "If God is excluded from universities, how can it possibly speak the truth?"

Note Bowie's position.

DID THEY REALLY GET KICKED OUT OF MICHIGAN?

Shantee Woodards. Competition grows for Ave Maria College - Plymouth Township is up against four out-of-state sites. The Detroit News. May 10, 2002, Section: Metro Page:03D

Plymouth Township is now up against a wider pool of candidates in its efforts to attract Ave Maria College.Administrators were considering moving the campus to Ann Arbor or Plymouth townships, or possibly Naples, Fla.
[...]
Campus officials wanted to move to the Domino's Farms complex, home to about 40 corporations, professional firms and nonprofits. But the Ann Arbor Township Planning Commission rejected the required zoning changes to allow the college to move to the complex, which is at U.S. 23 and M-14.

Since then college founder Tom Monaghan has been considering a move to south Florida. Officials said they liked the region's strong Catholic community and proximity to Ave Maria College of America in Nicaragua.

But Plymouth Township officials said they want the college to remain in the area.

Hmmm. really.. Michigan just hated AMC, did it?

The Detroit News (staff). Across Wayne County. April 14, 2002. Section: Metro Page: 03B.

Hot topicsPlymouth Township: Ypsilanti's loss may be Plymouth Township's gain. Township leaders recently met with officials from Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti in hopes of persuading them to relocate to Plymouth. The conservative Catholic college, founded by Domino's Pizza guru Tom Monaghan, wants to move to nearby Ann Arbor Township, but the proposal seems shaky.

Some say it was intentionally so.

Delores Patterson. Plymouth Township woos Ave Maria College - Ann Arbor zoning may force law school to move elsewhere. The Detroit News. April 12, 2002. Section: Metro Page: 03D

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP -- As Ave Maria College awaits final word about moving to Ann Arbor Township, Plymouth Township has extended an invitation to build the school there.The Ann Arbor Township planning commission rejected zoning changes required to move the private Ypsilanti college to Domino's Farms complex at U.S. 23 and M-14 earlier this year.
[...]
Plymouth officials cringe at the thought of losing the academic institution to another state.

"That would be such a great loss," said Plymouth Township Supervisor Steve Mann. "We see all too often industries leave the state and we can't afford to start losing our higher education as well. If our community is able to help in any way, it would be our pleasure, including finding a location. And we think Plymouth would be a great fit for the college, since we have a large Catholic base along with Canton."

Monaghan could not be reached for comment Thursday.

A meeting between township officials and college representatives next week will explore the possibility of moving the school to the community. Other cities have expressed interest in the school, said John Petz, director of government and community relations with the Domino's Farms complex, which works with the college.

Moving to Florida is still an option, Petz said, "because there is a vibrant Catholic community in the south Florida region that is underserved. And it would put the school in close proximity to Ave Maria College of America in Nicaragua."

"Whatever happens, Tom Monaghan is very committed to Ave Maria and will do what's in the best interest of the college. We have invested a lot of time into the current plans and ultimately would like to see them become a reality, but that's up to the Ann Arbor board."

read the last quote one more time. Torgo thinks it's obviously a shift of blame. Ann Arbor is making me move to Florida.

Bullcrap.

Plymouth was bending over backwards. Tom wanted to move to Florida and made it the fault of Ann Arbor.

Finally, Torgo really likes this quote.

Del Jones. Billionaire traded materialism for true happiness. USA Today; 09/19/2005

Q: Are successful business leaders who aren't religious less honest, moral or effective?

A: Businessmen get a bum rap. Surveys show that the most religious profession is the military. Businessmen are No.2. You're not going to like this, but people in the media were at the bottom of the list.

hmmm...

But this quote helps figure out Monaghan's M.O. in the Ave Maria stuff as well.

A: I ran a private company without other shareholders, so I had more freedom than a lot of CEOs. It was my money. I had franchisees near college campuses who thought they were injured. It helped business more than it hurt. My mail was something like 16-to-1 in favor. For every customer I lost, I gained many.

Q: How do you explain letters 16-to-1 when polls show the country evenly divided about abortion?

A: My theory is you've got 10% of the people who were never going to buy a Domino's pizza even if they were starving to death. There were 10% who would buy my pizza because of my position. The rest couldn't care less, but the controversy was free advertising.

I don't think the free advertising is working.

Don't let the Door Hit You in the ...

2006-08-18T18:48:00.000-04:00

WOW!

Bernie is on a streak. In a wild show of the extreme animosity, the school shipped Professor Rice's stuff to him NEXT DAY AIR!

Torgo is still laughing. What else can one do in the face of such absurdity?

I'm sure that official line will be "we needed the space for our burgeoning faculty requirements, and the sooner we could get in that office, the sooner we could provide another office."

It's probably, to be fair, some of that, but more an element of not wanting to provide an opportunity for Professor Rice to return to the law school. After all, if he acts the way the administration does, he might be dangerous or something. Not to mention that he may actually have students and others happy to see him -- all love and dulia is to be put to Monaghani these days.

TOTAL WEIGHT: 146 lbs of love shipped with care and overnighted.

See the photos and commentary on FUMARE, click here for the post.

Rice Abortion is Classic Grounds for Injunctive Relief

2006-08-17T22:30:00.000-04:00

Dobranski's escalating steps of destruction are in the realm of non-speculative damages anymore. Bernie obviously has problems with Rice, and decided to terminate the school's development with him. An allegorical murder, or just plain culture of death -- Bernie's weak reasons for firing Rice send the message that Catholic leaders eliminate their nuisances in the same way Planned Parenthood coaches couples to end theirs.

The abortion metaphor aside, even middle-ground critics of Original Mission proponents must now concede that Monaghan and Dobranski are destroying AMSOL because they are making a new school with a new mission. These borderline commentors who are slwo to form opinions must now form an solid opinion because the damages have changed in character.

By firing Rice, there is real damage to the faculty composition, but also to the student enrollment and future marketability of the school.

Traditionally, courts grant injunctive relief where a petitioner would suffer "irreparable harm" otherwise. The normal route of avoiding injunctive relief is for the court to recite that the harm stated by the petitioner is speculative. Real and immediate effects, however, are never speculative.

Thus far, Dobranski and Monaghan have been disassembling the Catholic institution of Ave Maria School of Law. Certain actions have spoken louder than others, but a consistent plot has been developing that reveals a plan to remove any person in the institution that speaks an iota of doubt in the soundness of the single-minded plan to transfer AMSOL to Florida.

Until now, some people have characterized the reporting of these events and the statements of effect to be merely speculation or colored with dissent. These people thought it was a matter of opinion where reasonable minds could diverge.

Not so anymore -- there's real damage now. You slow to form opinion folks must take note that the game has changed as of now.

Torgo, your faithful blogger, wants to point out that it's no longer speculation -- but actual immediate damage is being done to the school. By firing Rice, there is real damage to the faculty composition, but also to the student enrollment. Reasonable minds may diverge as to how long it would take to recover -- 10, 20, 30 years, but it's real and immediate.

Torgo does not have exact numbers as of yet. By kicking Rice out, Dobranski has also kicked out students most aligned to the mission, and alienated the school from its target prospective recruits. It's already been reported that an incoming enrolled student left because of Rice.

If the mission of the school is to provide an environment that exposes students to the elements of Catholic teaching and the law, as well as to help form students in the Catholic faith -- if the top manager cannot publicly act consistent with that mission and isn't, many people are wondering if the school can carry out its mission at all.

A damage count will be sure to follow, but even sideline commentators will notice that firing Rice ripped a good chunk out of the school.

Several top of class students that would otherwise be going into the 2L class, including the top of class and a few others selected for law review are transferring to other schools. Thanks, Bernie.

Way to go Bernie! Show everybody that real Catholics destroy problems and manage with the contraceptive mentality. Way to act consistent with the mission of the school! Which school is the question -- it obviously wasn't consistent with the mission of Ave Maria School of Law.

AMSOL Enrolment Suffers from Dobranski's Firing of Rice

2006-08-16T23:05:00.000-04:00

Torgo has been told today that one student enrolled to begin classes next week dropped enrollment at Ave Maria School of Law for the stated reason that Professor Rice was removed.

Additionally, Torgo was told that this student will seek admission to a different law school next year.

The steam roller of destruction driven by Monaghan continues to roll onto AMSOL. May God spare our beloved law school from these charlatans and sleight of hand artists who pretend to be acting fairly and justly.

FUMARE Reports: Professor Rice Axed by delayed-acting Dobranski

2006-08-14T18:12:00.000-04:00

Torgo wants readers to go over to FUMARE and check out a long discussion thread active there about the matter that

DOBRANSKI CANNED PROFESSOR CHARLIE RICE.

Torgo finds it most interesting that Dobranski waited until the eve of classes starting to announce this act -- thereby giving all summer and the current recruiting cycle the prestige of Professor Rice. Just like all things Ave Maria these days, it seems they milk people dry and then kick them to the curb... so much for human dignity.

If Monaghan kicks nuns to the curb, I guess we can't expect his minions to treat ordinary lay people any better.

Torgo was on the floor laughing when Torgo read that Dobranski thinks Rice is the aggressor. In the words of some of the Fumaristas, Bernie needs his meds adjusted.

Burned the Same Day by Agile Students
God is awesome, however, because he had a very prompt reply to Bernie. Torgo repeats this story for the edification of readers.

It is Torgo's understanding that as the Dean was leaving yesterday around 6 pm, he encountered some students hanging out in front of the school. The Dean, seeking to be pleasant, teased the students lightly that "didn't they have something better to do than to hang out at the law school at 6 pm?"

The students blamed Bernie and told him they had to be there to rearrange their class schedules because Bernie fired Professor Charlie Rice.

Apparently, it was an ackward moment worthy as a drink and a cigar to savor best.

The Dean, reportedly flabbergasted, asked how they knew. The students said it was already all over FUMARE.

Torgo only wishes he had a brandy in hand and could have been out there watching!

Cheers FUMARE for bringing transparency to the pretexts!

Whatever else Bernie says, it's pretty obvious that he canned Rice because Rice is against the move. So blinded are these idiots that they don't think the entire non-medicated Catholic world is disagreeing :

see some of these links (list will be updated as Torgo can):

New Oxford Review News Headline links to FUMARE post on the matter (click the post title to see FUMARE post).

What Droids?

2006-08-10T13:43:00.000-04:00

There wasn't any post here.

These aren't the posts you're looking for.

Move along.

BREAKING NEWS: NOVAK ANNOINTED

2006-08-03T23:01:00.000-04:00

Torgo has received a note from a source close to or within or somewhere near the books of the powers that be.

Reformed aggiornamento fan, Michael Novak

is to be given keys to sit in a chair that appears to have power in the kingdom ad maioram Monaghani gloriam.

Monaghani is rumored to have said, "this is my latest and newest son in whom I am well pleased for today."

Cuey Boone commented, "he should be an excellent replacement for term limited appointments because he is well-heeled, well-trained, and obeys commands."

Richard Mentula, an expert on small cap sole proprietorships, reports that Novak is perfect because he is oblivious to law school history and promises made thereby he'll believe whatever the reformed NEW MISSION feasibility study says to do.

Novak will be in line next to Neumann at the appointing ceremony scheduled this September.

ADDED (8-8-06):

Good boy Novak barks for the NYT:

here, posing nice for the camera

EXCLUSIVE Document Reveals Board Candidates

2006-08-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

Torgo was leaked another document that appears to be a discussion of potential Board candidates for upcoming replacements.

CONFIDENTIAL
***TRIPLE SECRET TRUSTED EYES ONLY***

Short List.

1. Top Pick. Rev. Richard M. Scrushy.

Scrushy is a master at handling large PR needs. He is also now a minister and public figure. This candidate would bring a reputable non-Catholic with phenomenal skills to the Board.

2. Rev. Al Sharpton.

It goes without mention that this minister can keep a clean history and is a powerful speaker against his opponents. Although the terms of appointment will be tricky, if possible, this appointee will bring a quell to liberal concerns and provide a weapon against detractors of the new double secret mission.

3. Jeffrey Skilling

Smart, balanced, and a graduate of fine schools, this man can handle adverse press. Though not having as much impact as the 1 and 2 picks, Skilling would bring more talents to the Board. If told that dissidents are FBI agents, this candidate has good ability to answer criticism.

Torgo is not sure what to think of the document.

NYT, AmLawyer, and a tiny regret

2006-07-30T13:56:00.000-04:00

Torgo has read and is ruminating upon the recent public pieces about our small corner of the world.

See, FUMARE: NEW YORK TIMES REPORTS ON AVE MARIA CONTROVERSY, referring to this piece: NYT, Our Lady of Discord.

WHOSEAMSOL has a post as well.
They also have the American Lawyer piece.

Torgo ruminates the answer to these things, but at first blush, he's glad to see public attention and relatively good introduction pieces for others who may not understand what's going on.

At the same time, Torgo laments that neither piece articulates the problem well, but alludes. This shortcoming makes Torgo desire to post a clarity post that fleshes the issues out better.

Torgo ruminates.

UPDATE: Other papers have picked the story up as follows:

Florida, The Ledger: click here.

North Carolina, Wilmington Morning Star: click here.

France, International Herald Tribune: click here.

The Amherst Times (has pictures, too, for those who read like Torgo reads): click here.

SUBSCRIPTION (but worked for Torgo): Tuscaloosa News: click here.

Managing the underling Yes-Man, King David Style

2006-07-27T10:37:00.000-04:00

History gives great examples of leaders and to what became of them based on how they acted. There is always a measuring point, however, between good leaders and evil leaders. Evil leaders cut the heads off of their critics. Good leaders listen to and consider what critics say. Torgo will contrast the style by two examples below, one of an evil leader, Pharaoh, and a good leader, King David.

Many today praise Pharaoh's great works in the sphinx and in the pyramids. On the backs of Israel were some of these great works made. Indeed, when Moses asked for freedom, Pharoah ordered the first born slain. One might say Pharaih was the ultimate autocrat. Indeed, they talk about the monuments, but nobody talks about Pharaoh's wisdom.

King David, one the other hand, is praised as the wisest of kings. He is the penultimate model, next to Jesus. One little story is the best to illustrate the point, however. David is progressing along the road back with some guards along his side. Saul is dead at this point. Following them is Semei, who is throwing stones at David, cursing him as they walk. The guards move in on David's sides. Semei is just going off on David calling him a man of blood and that he usurped his father's kingdom, etc. Eventually, one of the guards draws his sword saying to David, "who is this dead dog who curseth my lord? I shall go and cut off his head!" A perfect yes-man.

Some leaders would let the yes-man do his job. Not King David. David replies, "Let him alone and let him curse: for Yahweh hath bid him to curse David: and who is he that shall dare say, why hath he done so?" David understands the nature of power -- it comes from God. David eventually says, "let him alone that he may curse as the Lord hath bidden him. Perhaps the Lord may look upon my affliction, and the Lord may render me good for the cursing of this day."

David sees his power circumscribed by God. Note David's understanding of his place in society when he asks what it would mean to render responsibility back to God for exercising power and cutting off the guy's head. David understands there is accountability to the Lord for having such power.

The completion of the story is great: "And David and his men with him went by the way. And Semei by the hill's side went over against him, cursing, and casting stones at him, and scattering earth." Semei was going on and on, yet David withheld the hand of his aggravated yes-man guard. (1 Kings 31).

King David had no problem chopping a head off when warranted (when God told him to deliver them from an enemy), however. He slew the Phillistine giant by chopping off his head. (1 Kings 17).

Just to hammer the point in, consider Peter drawing his sword and cutting the temple guard. Jesus rebuked him for such and healed the servant.

Taming the yes man seems to be a consistent quality of our best leaders. Letting them lash out and kill critics is a mark of evil leaders. Indeed, Semei was "Against the mission" of David. Semei thought David should not be king at all.

And yet David did not destroy Semei even though he knew Semei was incorrect.

Imagine how worse it would be for a leader who ordered the smoting of a critic who was correct. For that, Torgo hopes no one he knows will be held accountable, for it surely will be a hefty price.

For a self-study exercise, see FUMARE: MUST READ: The Vision of AMSL's Anointed

New Document Explains "Against the Secret Mission"

2006-07-26T13:26:00.000-04:00

Torgo analyzed the effect of being called "against the mission" as a phrase below, but didn't really analyze the content. It's telling in many ways, because it means there is a mission to the school that isn't advertised. So, as usual with the speaker of the comment, one can parse what is said, and find the missing word that makes it all make sense. In this case, the missing word is "secret."

In no way could anyone be against the public mission statement of the Ave Maria School of Law. So, that's obviously not what was meant when it was rumored that the Dean allegedly said certain people are "against the mission." Although, as pointed out below, that's what is hoped to be understood by the listener. Against the mission is meant to convey "against all that is moral and good."

Maybe there's another law school, and that hypothetical law school is the one people are against.

Maybe there's a secret law school within the public law school and people are against that mission.

Maybe mission refers to a charitable attempt to aid tomato farmers in southwest Florida.

In reality, if someone can believe those words "againt the mission" while uttering them, they must believe the mission of the secret law school encompasses statements not advertised. Torgo can only surmise what those statements are from the usage of the phrase. But surmise no more, because a loyal whichavemaria reader has sent Torgo the answer.

Torgo was handed a copy of a copy of a copy of a memo below. Note the secret headings and control language.

NEW DOUBLE SECRET MISSION STATEMENT
DOUBLY CONFIDENTIAL

INSTRUCTIONS
*** 1. this document not for public consumption ***
*** 2. anyone against this mission is to be immediately put on DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION ***
*** 3. anyone on DOUBLE SECRET PROBATION is not allowed ordinary cost of living increases ***
*** 4. anyone against this mission is not Catholic and against God and the Pope ***
*** 5. no one wearing denim pants may read this document because they are all on TRIPLE SECRET PROBATION. ***
*** 6. tell no one the content of this document because they might be wearing blue jeans, woman pants, or worse, women in denim pants. ***
*** 7. all persons purporting to adhere to this mission must wear clothing consistent with Thomas Monaghan's rules of attire or they are per se against the mission. ***

CONTENT
Mission the first, this school is now an arm of real estate development.
Mission the second, this school abides all whims of its founder-donor, even if it means closing down and restarting.
Mission the third, this school is a part of a Catholic town concept, but don't tell anyone.
Mission the fourth, this school may or may not stick to its original means because new ends may justify new means.
Mission the fifth, interpret all Holy Church documents to be consistent with these missions.

HEREINAFTER, insert public mission statement interpreted only in so far as it can be consistent with DOUBLE SECRET mission objectives.

So, after Torgo read that copy of a copy of a copy of that document, it becomes clear that indeed, many of us are "against the mission." Against the SECRET mission.

Now, Torgo must go hide in a cave for disseminating this copy of a copy of a copy of this secret document before the DOUBLE SECRET agents find him and make him buy an $11,000 wardrobe.

"Ingrates," "Against the Mission" and Other disparaging Names

2006-07-26T10:21:00.000-04:00

Torgo loves to hear some of the monikers passed along to describe alumni response to being force fed the move. Among them are that they are "ingrates"; "trouble makers"; "against the mission"; or worse "automatons of the rebelrousing faculty." There are usually several connotations built in to each name, but the overriding suggestion is the same: these names suggest that the alumni are stupid and malicious.

These monikers are laughable because ad hominem is a fallacy that went out of style in the 80's. People have moved on to more sophisticated fallacies now. They use red herrings and non-responsive answers. However, in order to show the fallacious reasoning of the names used, Torgo shall turn to each and address it exposing the error of reasoning or misunderstanding the slinger must have in order to be convinced of its use.

Ingrates
Among all of the bad names used to make the alumni smell of dung, this name is perhaps Torgo's favorite. To be called an ingrate naturally suggests that the ingrate is violating a principle of charity. Thus, it shifts at least three layers of mess onto the person called ingrate. First, they must overcome the bias implied. Second, they must correct the understanding of why they aren't violating a duty to charity. Third, and only if they are heard to this point, they need to explain the actual situation. Torgo enjoys this name because it is like a dump truck of dung poured upon the alumni from which they may possibly never dig out.

Overcoming bias. The first problem of the name is that there is an immediate presumption in favor of the name caller because they appear to be referring to the gift of the school and monetary support. It therefore implies that the alumni are breaching a duty to support the school. Normally, alumni don't squawk about school administration, so it supplies the motive where a normal listener may not understand why the alumni are distraught. The real motive is therefore buried: the administration is acting beyond the scope of the gift of the school -- doing things outside the mission.

This shift of blame is very clever because it places the name caller on an apparently sure moral ground. It implies that they are acting consistently with past promises and in the expected bounds of performance. The effort of the name-called alumni then is to show that the name caller is neither acting within the scope of reasonable expectation nor acting consistent with a reasonable interpretation of promised performance.

The obvious problem is the length of explanation. A slogan would be better. If Torgo could use the same fallacious ad hominem in response to them, the titles would be:
Indian Givers!
Cheaters!

Trouble Makers
This name is not as strong as "ingrates." While ingrate implies of breach of charity, trouble maker merely suggests mischief. Nonetheless, they are similar because to be called a trouble maker is a sure attack on the motivations of the actor. For the reasons that ingrate works, so does "trouble maker". It implies that the trouble maker is animated by a sense of opposition rather than reason.

The name also bolsters the name caller because it plays on the average person's tendency to impute good faith. Thus, it assumes that the average person will assume the name caller is working within the boundaries of social reasonableness. It's so effective because it obscures any wrongdoing on the name caller's part.

Unless the person called trouble maker has a captive and attentive audience, responding to the name requires an adequate shift of malum in se back to the name caller. Torgo suggests potential slogans as these:
Grandstanding!
"Trouble Making is for name callers, I'm responding to the issues made by your errors in judgment."
Did you think there would be no trouble in announcing that you're closing this school?

Against the Mission
!
This name is par excellance! Torgo has seen several others in the blogosphere immediately recognize the Stalinistic genius of this name. It's just short of calling the object of it "UNCatholic!" Wow! It's like saying, "those people are against the Pope and God!"

Among the many problems associated with this name is that it not only implies some malice to the object, but also some intentional breach of duty. It carries all the connotations of treason, sedition, and back stabbing. In so far as it does this, it's pretty clever and therefore sweet in the mouth. But once in the stomach, the bitter regurgitations make you pity the name caller in this case. Not only must the name caller be delusional, but also quite desperate in order to resort to this tactic. Sadly, the person who uses this name has lost the ability to communicate reasonably with other adults.

Apart from laughing at the name, and saying a Hail Mary under one's breath for the sanity of the name caller, this name require two types of response.

First, when did the mission change? The mission of the law school is to provide law students with good exposure to Catholic principles and teachings and who become well grounded in the elements of the western legal system. Since when is the mission of the school to support Mr. Monaghan's desire to make a Catholic town in a far away state? Since when is the mission of the law school to anchor real estate development? Since when? It's never been those things in any published mission statement of the law school. Never.

Second, the response must point out that it is the addition of these new missions (real estate anchoring and town development) that are hindering the mission of the law school. If these were good motives, then they'd be published in the mission statement. It's that easy.

Automatons of the Rebelrousing Faculty
Torgo is paraphrasing this rumored moniker. It is another pitiable utterance. It implies that the alumni cannot think for themselves. Thus, it implies that the name callers have failed to produce lawyers who can think for themselves. As such, it only shows the delusions of the name caller. The only proper response to this name is to pray for those using it -- they are apparently so desperate as to shoot themselves in the foot for a momentary gain in rhetorical points.

If necessary, ask in reply, "are you implying that I cannot think for myself?"

For More Information about "the mission," see New Document Explains "Against the Secret Mission"

see also, Managing the underling Yes-Man, King David Style

Torgo might update these responses as time progresses and may add more as new names are used, as surely will happen once the September session to cram the new school mission (town development and real estate anchoring) down everyone's throats begins.

Board of Governors should read ABA Standards

2006-07-25T00:23:00.000-04:00

Torgo wonders if the Board of Governors realizes that the decrepit dismissal of the faculty's no confidence vote in the Dean may very well have contravened ABA standards on the matter.

Recently, on FUMARE, a post spoke about an action by the MSU faculty to vote no confidence in their Dean. MSU administration was careful to show that they will be working with the faculty to resolve differences. The behavior seems to show an understanding of how ABA accredited law schools must honor faculty governance.

Oddly, AMSOL's faculty was met with indignant indifference. Fortunately, the ABA standards say a few things about this matter. These standards provide an objective measurement against which the Board's performance can be measured.

The Dean should be selected by the faculty. Notice below that the faculty have pivotal role in appointment of the Dean.

Standard 205. DEAN.
[...]
(d) The faculty or a representative body of it shall advise, consult, and make recommendations to the appointing authority in the selection of a dean.

Interpretation 205-1:
The faculty or a representative body of it should have substantial involvement in the selection of a dean. Except in circumstances demonstrating good cause, a dean should not be appointed or reappointed to a new term over the stated objection of a substantial majority of the faculty. (August 1996)

Standard 206. ALLOCATION OF AUTHORITY BETWEEN DEAN AND FACULTY.
The allocation of authority between the dean and the law faculty is a matter for determination by each institution as long as both the dean and the faculty have a significant role in determining educational policy.

More from ABA standards, Chapter 2.

The linked story above noted that the MSU administration took the faculty vote of no confidence with some consideration. The MSU allegations are relatively vague and light fingered (aka, "the Dean is not a team player"). In stark contrast, the Ave Maria vote appeared to have concrete problems of irreconciliable differences. Also, the Ave Board appeared to not care what the faculty said.

Torgo wants to point out that other standards nearby relate to the Board of Governors relationship with the Dean (among them, what is interesting is that the Dean may not be Chairman and the provision for the Dean's placement on the Board is permissive, but not required).

The matter is merely commentable by Torgo from the information that was sent around. Torgo is unaware of the specific charges or evidence the faculty had, but Torgo can surmise much of it.

What is important to note is that the Board's cavalier attitude against the faculty appears to be inconsistent with the ABA standards.

The bottom line: Torgo sees a pattern in these matters that the exclusion of the founding faculty has ushered way to the emergence of a school administration of a character that may likely be other than the one accredited by the ABA.

For more head explosions: Consider how Dean Dobranski has represented himself as being familiar with the ABA standards. Doesn't his position on the Board of Governors then at least impute some knowledge of the standards to the Board?

How to Route Over Stalinist Information-Handling

2006-07-24T21:18:00.000-04:00

The title of this post will become apparent near the end. For now, Torgo needs to set the stage. Torgo believes that the mishandled alumni meetings are signs of a future information battle. It is apparent that just as Stalin was so deluded by paranoia to think Germany wasn't invading, so too are Monaghan yes-men so deluded as to think it is a good idea to move the school. Torgo believes that the alumni board should compile a list of letters from alumni for use later in ABA meetings detailing the facts as they occurred.

In a post below, Torgo mentions that the ABA welcomes alumni comments. Torgo would like to clarify this statement as being one not encouraging all manner of editorials to the ABA, but rather a consistent use of the alumni board.

Whatever else the alumni meetings with deans Reed and White were, they were not information gathering on the part of the feasibility study team. They are pretense. The content of the meetings were advertised as "question and answer" sessions and an opportunity to gather comments from the alumni. The reality was quite different. It was spin. One after another, alumni would comment or question and rather than recording, writing or taking in the comment, Reed, White or even O'Bierne immediately retorted, undermined, or dismissed the comment or concern. So much for q+a. There was no answer. The function of the alumni input sections was something other than input, because any input was immediately disregarded.

Torgo has a theory that these people are well intentioned, but misinformed. Think of who pays their paycheck.

There is no doubt, given what Torgo has read about the things Mr. Monaghan has said in his autobiography, Pizza Tiger, that he is a master at making things work out under pretenses. Torgo also remembers Mr. Monaghan being quite proud of his ability to stave off bankers. Not to mention the number of lawsuits franchisees had to file to make a level playing field. There is a history of thinking criticism is only made by ingrates.

The alumni meetings were therefore pretense -- spin doctoring. They are part of the current so-called feasibility study. If the study's stated purpose is as divergent from real purpose as were the alumni sessions, then it is all pretense. Whatever else the new and improved feasibility study is, it is not to make an objective finding to base an objective conclusion.

So why bring this up? If the process is being railroaded, then why make comment when a finger cannot be lifted to change what the study says?

The answer to these questions lies in two principles. First, the alumni have more power to comment than merely through the feasibility study. Second, some sort of external, non-spinnable information source is necessary to counteract the eventual spin that will used to make the alumni process look like it was a legitimate alumni input session.

Many will take umbrage at Torgo's assertions. Most notably, the information handlers will. Others will be those who are looking for a hand out, or think they will get a hand out for toting the line. Still yet others just think it's rebel-rousing and will be futile. Nonsense. Torgo believes we are fighting an information campaign. Not speaking will allow the railroaders to lay the track as if helping everyone. Not speaking allows the pretenses to be real.

You've already seen the people who criticize the move to Florida as being "against the mission" or worse "ingrates." Funny how language like that serves the paranoid. Torgo will now tie in the language and tactics of the Dean to Stalinist errors.

Stalin believed people trying to help him were actually hurting him and "against Russia." So self-convinced of paranoia, Stalin refused to believe that Hitler was invading Russia despite months of warnings. In Conspiracy: How the Paranoid Style Flourishes and Where It Comes From, Daniel Pipes explains that Stalin was still ordering troops to not fire on germans even eight hours after german invasion in 1941, because Stalin believed Hitler wasn't going to invade. For months, he was told germans were mounting the attack.

Stalin was oblivious. Blinded by his intentional attacks of people around him. Pipes says it is because Stalin was isolated from the real world and believed people around him were conspiracists. The isolation is the key -- Pipes says, "Living in morbid fear of a plot, Stalin restricted himself to the Kremlin and his country house, surrounded himself with guards and yes-men, and became disengaged from reality."

"In Stalin's mind, criticism of him amounted to a conspiracy against him," says Pipes.

Torgo believes the Dean is similarly disillusioned because he is doing what Monaghan has always done. Monaghan seems to surround himself with yes-men and probably believes people who criticize him are in a conspiracy against him. That's the basis of the new language "against the mission."

Disengaged from reality, Dobranski and Monaghan seem to have surrounded themselves with yeah-sayers. Indeed, generally calling alumni mindless automatons of others is a gross disillusionment. Some people have wondered if Monaghan has been engaged in reality ever since he caused his franchisees to sue him to wake up. A wealth-induced coma, perhaps.

This, then, is a battle for correct information. In the driver's seat, we have two people detached from reality who are attempting to keep all "people against them" from speaking. It's not a hard battle, however, because these people are predictable in their paranoia and methods of presentation.

It's all about pretenses for them.

In order to understand why the alumni meetings and the feasibility study were held, we only need to see how the information will be presented to the public and the ABA later. If history is replayed, it will be siphoned to the public that meetings were held to gather alumni sentiment. It will be made to appear as if the alumni wanted it. The whole process will look fair.

Torgo will now turn to what could be done to illuminate the murky underbelly of this mess. Torgo is not going to delve into other similar messes, nor even into other examples of how pretense has been used in the past of the law school. Torgo will simply hope the reader considers that it's not unreasonable to believe the reason that the alumni board cannot was not able to directly contact alumni using email is because information is being controlled and means of communication are throttled. It's not about conclusions -- this game is about silencing people who have ideas other than Monaghan's.

If this game is about silencing, then the communication to the public and outsiders, such as the ABA, cannot be silenced. They can be mislead, however. The external game is played by controlling the input and making a pretty scene once presentations are made to them concerning the move. Thus, a prepared and well thought out presentation by alumni detailing how the game was played is in order.

Preparation is simple. Alumni who were at various "information sessions" and question and answer meetings should send a letter to the President of the alumni board detailing their recollection of those events. Who was there, what they saw, and whether they felt as if there concerns were answered. Send a copy to the Dean if you like, just to be sure he cannot say later that these letters were made-up after the fact. The process is simple: record the facts so there is a record.

Presentation is simple also. The Alumni Board should compile the letters of recollection into a report about the alumni concerns and the impressions about the meetings. Save it for the Board meeting and for the eventual ABA process.

There are several more things Torgo will suggest in some more posts this week.

Torgo would recommend seeing at least one alum's impressions of the meeting here.

So Florida is the hot bed of the future, eh?

2006-07-24T15:20:00.000-04:00

Hot Bed it may be, Florida did not get Googled. Ann Arbor got Googled.

And yet, we are told that Florida is where everyone wants to be.

Maybe everyone of a certain age demographic:

And yet, that's why Dobranski and Monaghan cannot figure it out -- they think Florida is a great choice. After all, all of their friends are moving there.

Meanwhile, Google, Nissan, Toyota, Pfizer, and several other tech-makers keep picking the Ann Arbor area.

Oh, Torgo should point out that the news article above appeared in the SAN JOSE Mercury news.

The explicit bottom line: elder law opportunity abounds in Naples.

Uncle Tom's Promise and the ABA Standards for Law School Resources

2006-07-24T14:48:00.000-04:00

Torgo has been ruminating a great many things for the past month, and while Torgo is not ready to post a grand post, this mini-post should be an adequate glimpse of what Torgo has been looking into.

Torgo would like to remind everyone that the ABA welcomes alumni contact on many matters (but see related post on this below).

As everyone familiar with the scandal of nonperformance on promises relied upon will know, there was a process through which the law school underwent to become accredited. Many of Torgo's friends and readers will recall various preparation routines, such as the mock interviews and crews of people that would walk through the school. Others may recall the elements discussed in town hall meetings. These elements were things such as the library, facilities, faculty, finances, etc.

Torgo can recall many representations made to groups of interested parties druing these town hall meetings, and to prepare people for the interviews and actual ABA visits. If you think back, you too can remember what was said about the facilities and the financing. Anybody else remember representations about a top-tier school?

Has the money been spent to make a top tier school?

Torgo would now turn your attention to the ABA standards, Chapter 2 on Program resources. Two things are important: 1) the school needs adequate finances for the future (Monaghan promised those for a top tier school in Ann Arbor (see, e.g. Ann Arbor News and Detroit Free Press columns circa 1999, 2000)); and 2) that finances do not interfere with the operation of the school. Look for those requirements here:

Standard 201. RESOURCES FOR PROGRAM.

(a) The present and anticipated financial resources of a law school shall be adequate to sustain a sound program of legal education and accomplish its mission.

(b) A law school shall be so organized and administered that its resources are used to provide a sound program of legal education and to accomplish its mission.

Interpretation 201-1:
A law school does not comply with the Standards if its financial resources are so inadequate as to have a negative and material effect on the education students receive. (August 1996)

Interpretation 201-2:
A law school may not base the compensation paid any person for service to the law school (other than compensation paid a student or associate for reading and correcting papers or similar activity) on the number of persons enrolled in the law school or in any class or on the number of persons applying for admission to or registering in the law school. (August 1996)

ABA Legal Education Standards online

It is well settled and publically known that Mr. Monaghan promised to fund Ave Maria into top tier performance. Torgo is sure this promise formed the basis of reliable anticipated funding for Standard 201a above. Great. AMSOL is accredited. However, now that Monaghan is putting the funds on strings, such as making the move a necessity, are the other standards now implicated? Is this breach of promise for anticipated funds materially significant for 201a?

Torgo believes the reader should look again at Interpretation 201-1, above. It seems to be protecting against somebody like Mr. Monaghan bullying the school through threats of withdrawn funding. In other words, because it is well understood that Monaghan is now (at this time) making money contingent on a move, is that not already jeopardizing the law school mission?

Torgo wonders if the mere threat Monaghan made in 2003 (by showing pictures of the Florida based law school in the library around mid-May or so -- Torgo remembers seeing the set-up being made) of moving the law school, coupled with the history of Monaghan's destruction of his own endeavors, was enough to prevent accreditation in the first place. But now, with the threat and the pretenses being built as we speak (does anybody in their right mind believe that Deans Reed and White took any notes at the DC alumni meeting?), has the standard of resources been breached?

Torgo awaits comment.

See Related Posts:
* Similar analysis of Board of Governor indifference to faculty No Confidence vote, see Board of Governors should read ABA Standards.

* Torgo explains why he thinks Alumni Board should be prepared to counteract how they will be presented in the future, see How to Route Over Stalinist Information-Handling

* Torgo responds to the name calling, see "Ingrates," "Against the Mission" and Other disparaging Names

* BREAKING NEWS! New Document Explains "Against the Secret Mission"

Historical Posts that foresaw this moment:
AUGUST 2004: Timeline: Whatever Happened to Making Ann Arbor Famous for Conservative Catholicism?

JPII Scholarship Founders Drop Support...

2006-06-12T23:50:00.000-04:00

Torgo received this:

text version follows:

May 18, 2006

Dear Board of Governors Member,

We write to you for a purpose once unthinkable to us. Over five years ago, we were brought together by a shared vision – the promise of a truly Catholic law school that would attract exemplary people of faith. This vision presented such promise that over seventy students committed to attend even when construction zones far outnumbered classrooms. Through three pioneering years, we grew to truly love both the institution we attended and those who make it what it is. That love and pride for Ave Maria led the four of us to found the first Ave Maria Alumni scholarship – the John Paul II Leadership Award and Scholarship. The Award, along with a $1,000 Scholarship, is presented annually at Commencement to a student who exemplifies the qualities of John Paul II. Given our great love for Ave Maria, it is with deep regret that we now indefinitely suspend presentation of the Award during the Commencement exercises.

Recent events, where the Board has chosen not to directly engage Faculty or the elected members of the Alumni Association on very serious issues - as well as to give only limited response to current students, have troubled us greatly. You are each accomplished and prominent individuals. However, you must understand that we gained an incredible respect for the Ave Maria Faculty from our daily contact with them during our three years there. More than anyone, they are the law school to so many of us. Given that, we fail to understand your unwillingness to discuss gravely serious topics of concern in a formal way with the Faculty, and are further puzzled by your disregard of similar Alumni and Student concerns.

For many of us, the treatment of Faculty, Students and Alumni is baffling, not because of the move to Florida, but because of how partners in the great Ave Maria School of Law enterprise have been cast aside. The Ave Maria School of Law is a Christian community first and foremost, and we feel that any significant decision about the school should be made with a collective voice. If such agreement cannot be reached on any such issue, we cannot understand why it would be pursued even in the face of serious and irreparable damage to the Community.

We do not make our decision lightly, but with much prayer and discussion. We hope you will take our concerns to heart. This year, and for the foreseeable future, we will present the Award to a worthy student independent of the law school. We look forward to a day when we can renew presentation of the Award and Scholarship at Commencement. We will continue to pray for the school and all entrusted with its care.

In Christ,

John Paul II Leadership Award and Scholarship Founders – Class of 2003

AMSL Alumni Assoc. Development Committee has no Alumni on it

2006-06-10T10:30:00.000-04:00

Torgo received a copy of this letter written by Chris McGowan, who was formerly the chair of the alumni assoc. development committee:

May 31, 2006

Dear Mr. Negri:

I regret to inform you that after much deliberation, I can no longer, in good conscience, lead the effort to solicit financial gifts from our fellow alumni for the Ave Maria School of Law’s Annual Alumni Giving Campaign.

As the volunteer Chair of the Alumni Association’s Development Committee, achieving our rank and distinction as first in the nation for percentage of alumni participating in planned giving served to confirm the passion our alumni have for AMSL, and was a source of satisfaction for me personally. Furthermore, I am proud of my role as a student in conceiving the Graduate’s Grotto, initiating and executing the placement of the engraved names of the inaugural graduates on the library study carrels, and, after graduation, participating in the creation and underwriting of the first alumni scholarship. Like you, I have also labored to assist efforts to recruit qualified students and help graduates secure permanent employment.

Jason, suffice it to say, whether it was in my capacity as the President of the Student Bar Association, as a member of the Honor Board, as the student commencement speaker in 2003, or now as a graduate of AMSL, I have always done my very best to be a positive and steadfast reflection of the exceptional people and the laudable ideals the Ave Maria School of Law once embraced. Unfortunately, developments at the law school over the past year have caused me a great deal of discomfort, and I am no longer willing to financially support this institution. As such, I have concluded that it would be inappropriate for me to ask others to do so.

While it is beyond disheartening to craft this correspondence, so long as the law school’s leadership continues to demonstrate what I consider cavalier and dismissive attitudes toward the legitimate concerns of our students, faculty, and alumni, I must respectfully retreat from actively supporting the Ave Maria School of Law financially. It is my sincere hope that our leaders will eventually alter their present course, actively perform the fiduciary duty that they are morally and legally obligated to execute, and ultimately reengage AMSL’s most ardent supporters.

Please allow me to add that I have enjoyed working with our Director of Development, Mr. Dave Kelley. I have found Mr. Kelley to be a cordial, committed, and capable gentlemen, and only wish circumstances would allow our continued collaboration on behalf of AMSL. While I do not presently intend to resign from the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, should you, with the support of the Alumni Board, believe our association and AMSL would be best served by my resignation, I will submit it without delay.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge your exceptional service and leadership as our Alumni Association President. Very few people have access to the comprehensive information you possess, and therefore lack the informed perspective you command on these many difficult issues. My respect for your leadership, as well as your considerable discretion with these sensitive issues has grown considerably as you have navigated these troubled and turbulent waters. You have earned and deserve the gratitude and appreciation of all alumni, as well as many others, for your tireless efforts to act in the best interests of our Alma Mater.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. McGowan
Class of 2003

cc: Mr. Dave Kelley, Director of Development

This resignation makes the only remaining member of the Alumni Assoc. Development Committee to be Dave Kelly.

Consider this fact when reading the signature on the letter you received from that committee earlier this week.

How can AMU give law degrees already?

2006-05-23T13:27:00.000-04:00

NAPLES, FLORIDA. (Torgonewswire) Ave Maria University hosted commencement activities recently bestowing honorary degrees upon several, most notably, Joseph Scheidler,
Founder and National Director of Pro-Life League.

Scheidler was also the keynote speaker. Torgo thinks it's a great idea, and that Universities confer honorary degree as regular practice. Among the people obvious to be short listed for such honors from a devotedly pro-life school, Scheidler is an obvious choice.

But that's where the reason stops and the confusion arrives. According to the AMU page, Scheidler:

Joseph Scheidler is the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremonies and receives the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

Doctor of Laws?

According to Harvard,

Honorary degree abbreviations are also based on the Latin name. The Latin abbreviations are used by many universities. The honorary degree names and abbreviations are:
[...]
LL.D. legum doctor Doctor of Laws
[...]

There is a side discussion as to what these degrees may mean. See, e.g., wikipedia on honorary degrees.

But Torgo wonders of what value it means to the recipient of a degree to have been given a Doctor of Laws degree from an institution that has no law faculty?

Is this a slap in the face to Scheidler? (as in, "here, a beautiful piece of paper for which we have no competence to bestow")

Is it a slap in the face to the law school? (but alas, the law school apparently gives honorary degrees without regard to faculty decisions)

What does it mean? Is the University merely that ignorant as to confer an empty honor? Does it not seem that the University ought to at least be capable of conferring the earned degree in order to be able to confer the honorary?

Or, is Ave Maria University taking notes from online diploma houses like this one?

Maybe the better question to ask is whether Scheidler will have an easier time finding a law job than us AMSOL grads... ouy, but that's a whole other mess.

Meanwhile, please comment on what you think it means -- ranging from they don't need to be able to confer earned degrees in order for the honorary to be valid to it's bonafide even though AMU has no law faculty.

If a Knucklehead were Running the Feasibility Study...

2006-05-08T17:28:00.000-04:00

Capital projects require a little thought at times, planning and alternatives and considerations of collateral effects as well as secondary effects of alternatives are usually considered.

If the law school were a pizza parlor for instance, and we wanted to open another pizza parlor, we would consider several alternatives:
1) moving the pizza parlor.
2) opening another pizza parlor.
3) not opening the new pizza parlor but expanding the first parlor.
4) doing something other than pizza parlors (like opening universities and closing them).

It'd be the idiot shopkeep that would insist on option 1 without even considering option 2. In fact, opening two pizza parlors is what makes "synergy" and a host of other adjectives that justify franchising and large corporate ventures. Indeed, a brand is built on ubiquity and access, not on persona.

In fact, in some instances, the shop keep who insists on option 1 (moving the pizza parlor) is probably looking at sustaining considerable losses (operations suspended, one income sustaining two locales, sale delays, etc...) compared to opening another store (total operation+start-up)....

Torgo assumes the reader can consider the options more and see the picture in Torgo's mind rather than give a total breakdown here.

All those things considered, as Torgo has said in the past: the option of not moving/moving the law school is a false dillema -- there are other options. The problem is that the Great Destroyer, Receiver of Elitist Dulia, will not allow little people to enjoy something and it be successful. No, it must be done on the Destroyer's terms, even if those are the least feasible methods and the most destructive.

Consider that Option 1 may be far more expensive than option 2. Moving facilities, the now apparent drop in admissions, and other LARGE, LARGE incidental capital expenses may show that operating in Monaghan-Destroyer's best interests has indeed decapitated the law schoo -- furthermore, it may divert considerable capital through incidental and secondary costs as well as the loss of "synergy" (loss by way of unrealized potential gains) that the University itself may suffer from footing much of the bill.

But, Torgo is a stupid uninformed pleb without a brain unless Ms. O'Beirne informs Torgo of what to think , so please dismiss such musings as those of an idiot and move along to read her ever so infallible and most highly perfect logic and information from on high.

Torgo can find some consolation in the middle of all this mess in that the true colors of many of the so-called heroes of the conservative Catholic circles are being revealed for what they are: some are no different than the liberals of whom they constantly complain.

The point is: a feasibility study that does not compare costs (including potential gains and gains/losses that are unique to each option) is a false dillema and nothing more than tongue wagging for Uncle Thom's cabin.

Kate O'Beirne Unhinged

2006-05-07T14:32:00.000-04:00

In her recent book, Women Who Make the World Worse, O'Beirne laments many things,

Time and time again, I would find myself as a minority voice on panels discussing ‘women’s issues,’ and to my right and left would be professional feminists funded by my taxes. These women sit on review panels to give federal grants to each other, to study things only they care about. Every new federal law they design, aimed at addressing some inequality they identify, based on studies they’ve written, comes with hundreds of millions of dollars in feminist pork.

Wonder how much Monaghan pork she gets, or intends to get for not studying the law school move issue. It must not be an issue that interests her, because she is uninformed beyond her own deign-fully delivered opinion from on high.

But what is interesting is her analysis of feminist methods:

“The modern women’s movement is totalitarian in its methods, radical in its aims, and dishonest in its advocacy. Coercion is employed through the courts...

Totalitarian. Dishonest. Coercive. Sounds familiar.

Apparently, she does like to shoot from the hip occasionally, see O'Beirne falsely claimed poll showed 76 percent of people under 50 "like the idea" of private accounts; Feminist Blog complaining that Kate is "too lazy or dishonest" to quote feminist correctly; or google for others. Torgo isn't going on a campaign, but merely showing that she's not always on the mark with facts when she speaks. Yet, she insists that others are the slipshod ones in their advocacy.

Nonetheless, I ought to get to the rub. This past week, The Wanderer's Paul Likodis ran an article titled Ave Maria Law School Faculty, Alums Call For Dean to Step Down. At the end of the article, a rather amusing little tidbit of totalitarian and coercive tactics from our ever so gentle and paternalistic Monaghan admiration society came forth:

On Page seven (7) appears the following:

"Unworthy of Further Comment"

The Wanderer contacted Dean Dobranski's office for a response to the information posted on the three blogs spots [fumare, whoseamsol, and yours truly's] He did not respond, but Robert Falls, the spokesman for Ave Maria did, and obtained the following statement from Kate O'Beirne, a member of the Board of Governors at Ave Maria School of Law.

She said: "Regarding these personal blogs that have been established -- these destructive posting[s] by a few anonymous individuals are irresponsible, frequently uninformed and misleading, cowardly and unworthy of further comment."

Torgo can only say she's a masterpiece. There is considerable irony that she is the whipping boy for the Dean now, especially ironic given the title of her last book and its intentions, but Torgo won't pick on her for that.

Torgo would rather she respond to the numerous newspaper articles, actual documents, and real evidence put forth on this blog. Torgo suspects O'Beirne finds it "unworthy of further comment" because it is she who is uninformed. Poor woman -- looking to maintain her Monaghan pork has caused her to fail to research an issue, but comment on it nonetheless. Guilty by her own words. It's sad, because it tilts Torgo's perceptions of her general assertions in other matters towards the unreliable. If she is willing to sell out here, on little things, you can be pretty sure she does in the big.

It's even funnier to Torgo that she thinks these are destructive postings. She is attempting to co-opt Torgo's own words. Destruction is the method of her master, Monaghan. If she had truth on her side, she would not be throwing so many adjectives our way, but facts. Sadly, she has no other reasoning on her side than fallacy: the appeal to authority and the ad hominem. Sad to see someone who is held out as an intellectual act so unintelligently. More proof that intelligence is rooted in union with God and truth, while intellectualism is mere brain work.

Torgo thinks we should pray for her. If us Lilliputians are causing her to act in such a despicable manner, then she must have some deeper problems for which she needs prayers.

Rice Says: Make Falvey Dean, Ryan Chairman

2006-05-05T23:15:00.000-04:00

What follows is the text of a letter dated today from Professor Rice to Thomas Monaghan and Bernard Dobranski.

May 5, 2006
Mr. Thomas S. Monaghan
Dean Bernard Dobranski
Ave Maria School of Law
3475 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Dear Tom and Bernie:

You both have played essential roles in the inception and development of Ave Maria School of Law (AMSL). As a founding member of the Board of Governors, I know the difficulty of the task and the effort and personal resources you both put into it. The purpose of this letter is to suggest a course of action that could lead to an equitable and constructive solution of the present crisis at AMSL.

The occasion for this letter is the unprecedented concurrence of formal declarations by the AMSL faculty, the AMSL alumni board and the signers of the AMSL student petition, all expressing what amounts to a terminal lack of confidence in Bernie’s leadership of AMSL. That lack of confidence implicitly applies also to Tom because of the reality, as well as the perception, that, contrary to ABA standards, AMSL is, in effect though not by design, governed as a sole proprietorship with Bernie as the resident agent.

This is not the place for a detailed analysis of the specifications laid out by the faculty, alumni and students. They credibly allege serious abuses, including significant violations of ABA standards. I am not a member of the full-time AMSL faculty, but I can corroborate a number of the grievances they have alleged. The credibility of both of you among those primary constituencies has evaporated.

Please understand. I believe that you both are acting in what you see as the best interests of AMSL. In effect, however, your conception of those interests has resulted in a subordination of the interests of AMSL to those of Tom and his Florida venture. You are doing what you think is right. But it has long been evident that this course you are pursuing is on a collision course with the welfare, and even the survival, of AMSL. Since 2002 I have documented, in the records of the Board of Governors, from which I was ejected last December, my concerns about the prudential and constitutional problems involved in Tom’s transfer of his personal focus from Ann Arbor to Florida and especially in the possible involvement of AMSL in the

Mr. Thomas S. Monaghan
Dean Bernard Dobranski
May 5, 2006
Page -2-

projected Ave Maria Town (AMT) project.

On October 15, 2003, I wrote a private, four-page letter to Tom explaining in detail my reasons for concern. I have not shown that letter to anyone else and have no intention of so doing. I mention it here only to emphasize that the imprudence of the course you are both pursuing has been obvious for years. Yet you have persisted in policies that have destabilized the school by subordinating, in effect, the interests of AMSL to Tom’s agenda. You both surely believe that such policies are in the best interests of AMSL, but all that belief does is validate the concerns expressed by the faculty, alumni and students.

In light of the foregoing points, what can be done to resolve the crisis? You both seem determined to carry out Tom’s purpose to move AMSL to the new Ave Maria Town (AMT) in Florida. Let’s be blunt. If you do so, all you will take to Florida will be the name, Ave Maria School of Law, some movable assets and such students, faculty and staff who see no alternative. It will be a mere shell of the school that is AMSL. I am informed also that the likely expense of uprooting what can be uprooted from Ann Arbor and moving it to Florida, building at AMT a new law school building of sufficient quality to attract students and faculty to such a location, subsidizing several years of students with scholarships and stipends sufficient to lure them to that school, buying a new faculty and promoting the entire venture, along with other major transition costs, would probably exceed the cost of starting from scratch and accrediting a brand-new law school at AMT. In either case, ABA accreditation mechanisms would be involved.

The reality is that if you proceed with that uprooting and transplantation, the school will continue to be involved in turmoil and negative publicity resulting from your repudiation of the serious concerns of your present faculty, students and alumni, and other possible controversies. A further consideration is the unjust hardship that would result to the hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni, and their families, who committed themselves to AMSL in Ann Arbor without any expectation that the school would be subject to uprooting and transplantation under such conditions. AMSL is not Tom Monaghan’s law school. You both, as well as the Board of Governors, have a serious fiduciary duty not only to AMSL but also to the members of its community.

Again to put it bluntly, your well-intentioned but imprudent subordination, in effect, of the interests of AMSL to another agenda has made such a mess of things that another solution must be sought. I hope you will agree that it is time for you both to sit down with representatives of your AMSL constituencies and develop a

Mr. Thomas S. Monaghan
Dean Bernard Dobranski
May 5, 2006
Page -3-

constructive, friendly resolution under which you would take to Florida the name, Ave Maria School of Law, together with willing faculty, students and staff. An equitable financial settlement could be reached with respect to the Ann Arbor school and the Ave Maria Foundation. The Ann Arbor school would retain its accreditation and would adopt a new name. The result would be a two-fer, with two Catholic law schools instead of one, with one in AMT and the other, financially and organizationally independent, in Ann Arbor. This arrangement would seem to be achievable under ABA regulations. With an equitable arrangement for interim financing, there is very good reason to expect that the Ann Arbor school could be self-sustaining in an acceptable time. Bernie, of course, would retain his position as a tenured member of the faculty of the Ann Arbor school.

Under an arrangement such as this, AMSL would be free to establish itself under that name at AMT and the existing school in Ann Arbor would enjoy restored stability and an unimpeded opportunity to grow. My personal view, incidentally, which I have not cleared with anyone else, is that with Joe Falvey as Dean and Judge James Ryan as Chairman of the Board, the Ann Arbor school would take off like a rocket because of the resulting assurance not only of competence and total integrity but also of the certainty that every decision would be made according to the undiluted criterion of the best interests of the school.

I present this proposal to you both rather than also to the Board of Governors. I am confident that the Board will agree with whatever Tom decides. The Board confirmed its compliant role when it voted “[u]nanimously” to express its “total confidence” in Bernie on the same day that virtually unprecedented charges were made against Bernie by the faculty who requested a discussion with the Board. The Board rejected the faculty complaint without deigning even to discuss it with the faculty. That act of the Board was, in my opinion, irresponsible and a violation of its duty to the faculty under ABA standards. It was disgusting. Every Governor who voted for that resolution should resign. Incidentally, the Board resolution of approval was described as “[u]nanimously passed at a special meeting,” which apparently was a telephone meeting. I know at least one Governor who declined to vote to support that resolution because that Governor had not heard both sides of the issue.

This letter contains merely my own personal opinions, for which no one else is responsible. I am not sending this letter to the general AMSL list, but I will make it available to interested members of the AMSL community. I hope you will consider this letter in the spirit in which it is written. That spirit is neither combative nor unfriendly. Rather it is one of accommodation. You both, and I, have been involved

Mr. Thomas S. Monaghan
Dean Bernard Dobranski
May 5, 2006
Page -4-

in AMSL virtually from its inception. The differences here are of judgment and any criticisms are of policies or acts rather than of persons. We are accustomed to speak with candor. And you know that the views I have advanced in this letter do not imply that you have done anything except what you perceive to be in the best interests of AMSL. But the fact is that, unless constructive measures are urgently taken to solve the problems your policies have created, the very existence of AMSL, whether in Ann Arbor or AMT, will be gravely imperilled.

The most important suggestion here is that we join in a union of prayer, especially to the Patroness of Ave Maria School of Law, for a successful resolution that will advance the mission of her Son in his Church.

With appreciation and best regards,

Sincerely,

Charles E. Rice
Professor Emeritus of Law

CER/lp

Faculty's Open Letter about Law School

2006-04-24T10:40:00.013-04:00

Last week, Torgo understands that the Faculty of Ave Maria School of Law circulated an Open Letter.

Torgo has recieved this copy of the letter and posts it here for you.

An Open Letter to the Ave Maria School of Law Community

After much prayerful consideration, a substantial majority of the faculty has decided that, in light of the ongoing crisis in the Law School and in the interest of open dialogue, we are obligated to inform the Law School community of certain recent actions.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2006, the faculty considered and passed a resolution of “no confidence” in the leadership of Dean Dobranski. The results of the vote were as follows: eleven (11) members of the faculty voted in favor of the resolution of “no confidence”; three (3) members voted against the resolution; two members chose not to participate in the vote; and one member was unable to attend the meeting. The results of the vote, along with a statement of the reasons supporting the vote, were sent to each member of the Board of Governors. The faculty requested a meeting with the Board to discuss the serious issues and concerns raised in the resolution by no later than Tuesday, April 18.

On April 18, 2006, without meeting, consulting, or communicating with the faculty, the Board of Governors sent the faculty the following “unanimous” resolution, which in its entirety read:

Resolution of the Board of Governors
Addressed to the Faculty of AMSL
April 17, 2006

We, the members of the Board of Governors of Ave Maria School of Law, having received and carefully reviewed the materials you provided us on April 12, 2006, do reaffirm our full confidence in Dean Bernard Dobranski and support his strong and effective leadership.

The faculty’s decision to communicate this information was not taken lightly. We believe we offer our students and outstanding legal education—one characterized by a harmony between faith and reason. We believe that to move forward in implementing the Law School’s mission, we must have constructive dialogue regarding the serious issues and concerns raised by a substantial majority of the faculty.

We end by noting that we continue to pray for the Law School and for everyone in the Ave Maria School of Law community. We recall, in particular, the words of the Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought they intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

_________

Torgo certainly hopes for the best for the AMSoL faculty, staff, and students.

OUCH...So Dobranski is a "Director" at AMU

2006-04-21T18:22:00.000-04:00

Torgo went to this free Form 990 search site and found some goodies.

According to the 2002, Ave Maria University, Inc. IRS Form 990, Bernard Dobranski is a Director of the University....

2002:

(click the image to see full size)

2003:

(click image to see full size)

So much for not being conflicted. So much for a lot of things that were said... (must have had the fingers crossed behind the back).

Solely for the curious. This page was found on the 2003 Ave Maria School of Law Foundation 990.

(click image for larger display).

Torgo will add some more here after some more digging.

A Great One condescends on the School

2006-04-20T19:14:00.000-04:00

Check out whoseamsol for a discussion on the matter that Miss O'Bierne actually spoke to little people at the school today in order to tell them what to think about reality and how to ignore facts and describe them away as "skewed."

Apparently, she learned those tricks from the old media OR she has a hook, line, and sinker in her mouth. Torgo is unsure.

Torgo is aware that when people contacted her in the past, not about current issues, she was unavailable, so it's nice to see her come to the school and talk to the little serfs directly. It's even better to see how she handles herself.

At any rate, Torgo does not want to demonize her or any other member of the Board, as was suggested is being done, because the apparent lackluster analysis exhibited thus-far indicates an ignorance of the facts or an excellent snow job by Monaghanam. If Torgo were a gambler, the chips would be on the box for the "snow job."

AMSOL Alumni Board Releases Documents

2006-04-20T14:39:00.000-04:00

Torgo is sifting through documents emailed by the Ave Maria School of Law Alumni Association Board (AMSoL Alumni Board) today...

Among them are a memo with a bill of particulars, and the resolution passed. As Torgo is able today, information from them will be placed here...

UPDATE:

Torgo has not the ability to post directly the documents at this time, however, the Alumni Association Board has released several documents that relay the conversation between the Alumni Board and the AMSoL administration.

Dated Today, April 20, the Alumni Board released a memorandum titled, "Release of Resolution and Bill of Particulars of Board Action" that describes the due authority of the Board and a general timeline leading up to the release. It explains that the information contained within the documents was not to be released until the AMSoL Board of Governors had time to respond, a deadline for which was April 19, at 5:00 pm. There was no communication with the Alumni Board at that time -- i.e., the time had passed.

[placeholder: Alumni Board Memo 4-20-06 release]

Coincidentally, several members of the Alumni Board had been approached by a press agent to comment. This press agent said that Dobranski and 2 members of the Board of Governors set times up with her to interview. Torgo finds two problems with this: first, they moved to comment without responding to the direct party, delaying the response until after midnight on the terms. Obviously, an obvious sandbagging by the admin. For shame, treating the Alumni Board as if they were adversaries.

on APRIL 10, 2006, The Alumni Board passed this resolution:

Monday, April 10, 2006
Dear Members of the Ave Maria School of Law Board of Governors:

The splendor of truth shines forth in all the works of the Creator and, in a special way, in man, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26). Truth enlightens man's intelligence and shapes his freedom, leading him to know and love the Lord.
–Pope John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor

Having dedicated ourselves to the conscientious exercise of the moral values taught and reinforced within our legal education at the Ave Maria School of Law, we remain devoted to speaking and defending truth. As the Holy Father wrote, “Truth enlightens man's intelligence...” Mindful of the sterling illustration of moral conviction demonstrated by our patron saint, Thomas More, we embrace the momentous responsibility that befalls us, and we do so with clear consciences, but troubled hearts. As the duly elected representatives of the graduate community of the Ave Maria School of Law, our officially constituted Alumni Association maintains a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of and in the best interests of our fellow alumni and our beloved Alma Mater.

It is in our capacity as members of the Board of Directors of this Association that we write to you today. In keeping with the finest traditions of the legal profession, this Alumni Association must act to ensure that the long-silenced voices of our respected students, revered faculty, and loyal fellow graduates are now heard.

While we recognize and acknowledge the contributions Dean Bernard Dobranski has made to our law school, we can no longer express faith and trust in this Dean’s ability to effectively lead and properly direct the Ave Maria School of Law. Recognizing the escalating leadership crisis that has enveloped the law school community, we must register our grave concern, growing distrust, and lack of confidence in the Dean’s communications, actions, and omissions as set forth in the following Bill of Particulars.

In light of recent leadership failures, as well as the absolute exigency of formal action, and for the reasons set forth in the Bill of Particulars, the Board of Directors of the Ave Maria School of Law Alumni Association communicates the official confirmation of our vote of “No Confidence” in Dean Bernard Dobranski. In taking this action, we call on you, the Board of Governors, to request his resignation or remove him without delay.

This Association also urges the Board to immediately begin the process of securing a new Dean and President who will enjoy the support, confidence, and commitment of students, faculty, staff, and alumni that the present Dean and President no longer commands.

We call on the Ave Maria School of Law Board of Governors to exercise your fiduciary duty to this academic institution and invite the Dean and President to resign or remove him immediately and secure his interim replacement with a majority vote of the Ave Maria School of Law faculty members and in consultation with this body as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. We further call upon you to terminate the feasibility study related to relocating our law school to Florida, either permanently, or at the very least, temporarily until a new Dean, who commands the respect and confidence of students, faculty, and alumni, as well as prospective students, has been seated in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Bar Association.

We respectfully request that such actions be completed at once to return stability to the Ave Maria School of Law community, and to ensure that alumni do not feel compelled to pursue other channels to voice their concerns.

Respectfully submitted,
Ave Maria School of Law Alumni Association Board of Directors

That resolution speaks well enough for itself, and noticeably has the deadline date clearly marked.

Attached to the resolution is this BILL OF PARTICULARS:

Bill of Particulars
Nothing conquers except truth, the victory of truth is charity.
– Saint Augustine

WHEREAS Ave Maria School of Law alumni have brought great credit upon this institution through strong Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores, high bar exam passage rates, significant numbers of judicial clerkships, the establishment and financial support for annual student scholarships, aggressive assistance recruiting prospective students, and consistent efforts to help place graduates with permanent employment;

WHEREAS Ave Maria School of Law alumni have distinguished themselves as this very year we led all law schools in the nation in percentage of alumni who participate in annual alumni giving campaigns, and genuinely fear that without new leadership we will fall from first in the nation to among the very worst;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law, after promoting AMSL as being on par with top-tier legal institutions for six straight years, failed to produce a respectable initial ranking in the U.S. News and World Report law school rankings. Furthermore, he provided an inadequate response for the school’s unacceptable 4th tier ranking. Stating that he did not realize that AMSL would be ranked this year does not comport with the Dean’s acknowledged fifteen years of experience with this process, his receipt and return of a U.S. News survey including AMSL in the Fall 2005, and U.S. News and World Report’s published standards that unequivocally establish that all fully accredited law schools are ranked annually. There is absolutely no doubt, despite his protestations to the contrary, that the Dean knew, or minimally should have known, of AMSL’s 2006 inclusion in these rankings. Finally, the Dean’s hope to meet with U.S. News and World Report and the proposed attempt to increase the peer assessment portions of the rankings with the creation of a promotional brochure to be sent to the broader legal community next autumn, represent an overdue and inadequate remedial response to a bottom tier ranking;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law has stated that the post-tenure review process will be postponed by one year while he develops a new procedure is cause for grave concern about the leadership and stability at AMSL. Faculty members are to play a significant role in determining educational policies, and one component of that role relates to tenure. The timing of this tenure review may be perceived as a threat to members of the faculty of AMSL and is inappropriate, and serves to undermine confidence in the school’s leadership, as well as her policies and procedures not only for tenured professors, but for junior tenure-track professors, as well as candidates to join the faculty. Tenure is a vital component of an academic institution as it seeks to contribute to the common good through its faculty’s exploration of the truth. As such, whether the process is “unworkable” or not, the proffered explanation for this inadequacy was easily foreseen, should have been anticipated, and the instability regarding this important process has had, and continues to have, a deleterious effect on the institution. Moreover, deferring the process by a year until the Dean develops an improved set of procedures appears to raise serious questions regarding American Bar Association Standards: Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools Standards 204(b), 404(a)(3), 404(a), and 405(b), and Interpretation 405-3;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law has negligently or purposefully erected artificial barriers to impede any meaningful or productive communication and/or dialogue between the students, faculty, and alumni of this law school and our esteemed Board of Governors, and can no longer be trusted to represent our views as they relate to matters of great consequence to the future of our law school;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law has repeatedly failed to satisfactorily explain the removal of Professor Charles E. Rice from the Board of Governors. While his removal was putatively the result of a term-limit amendment, the action was an ex post facto pretense that was not applied uniformly and was inarguably targeted at Professor Rice. Additionally, the subsequent amendment eliminating the position of "Life Governor" to which Professor Rice would have acceded further underscored the personal nature of this action. Furthermore, in the immediate wake of Professor Rice’s removal, the Board approved a second feasibility study concerning relocating the law school to Florida, a move Professor Rice consistently opposed. We condemn the removal and treatment of Professor Rice and the school’s subsequent resistance to alumni efforts to officially recognize his many contributions to the law school and her alumni;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law has not voluntarily engaged alumni or satisfactorily explained the decision of the Board of Governors to reopen a feasibility study to explore a proposed move of our law school to Florida. Rather, he has been evasive, elusive, and less than forthcoming regarding this matter, including information related to the timeline established for completion of the feasibility study. The September 2003 Feasibility Study prepared by J.M. Lord and Associates has been not made available to alumni and is specifically available only to students, faculty, and staff on reserve in the library. The study reports, among other injurious conclusions, that in 2003 students cited the administration as a weakness of the school because it was not being truthful about a prospective move; three years later the very same criticism may be renewed by students and alumni alike. With controversial issues associated with such a decision, including significant discontent among faculty, students, and alumni, substantial constitutional concerns in establishing Ave Maria Town, potential problems with an alliance and possible merging with Ave Maria University, and the lack of a scholastic and legal infrastructure near Immokalee/Naples this process
should be terminated immediately. We denounce this development, as well as the Dean's subsequent refusal to engage in any meaningful or constructive dialogue of these issues;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law sits on the governing board of AMSL and reportedly the governing body of Ave Maria University as well, and joined with Paul Marinelli, President of the Barron Collier Companies and Nicholas J. Healy, Jr., the President of Ave Maria University, to defend against criticism in the Wall Street Journal concerning the creation of Ave Maria Town and the potential relocation of our law school, further prejudicing the purported independence and impartiality of our Dean and President, as well as our Alma Mater in the public sphere;

WHEREAS the Dean and President of the Ave Maria School of Law has promoted misinformation as it relates to the historical record of the founding of the Ave Maria School of Law:

THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Directors of the Ave Maria School of Law Alumni Association, that we have “No Confidence” in Dean and President Bernard Dobranski.

We call on the Ave Maria School of Law Board of Governors to exercise your fiduciary duty to this academic institution and request that the Dean and President resign or remove him and secure his replacement without delay. We further call on the Board of Governors to terminate the feasibility study related to relocating our law school to Florida, either permanently, or at the very least, until a new Dean, who commands the respect and confidence of students, faculty, and alumni, as well as prospective students has been retained.

Torgo wonders if Dobranski is still convinced that the things he shoves under the rug truly disappear after three years.

So Torgo wants to be sure you understand something: There was silence from the Board until today (well after the deadline last night) at 1:58 p.m. when the Alumni Board received this note from a Monaghan aide (Torgo wishes to call it an orc, but realizing that this guy is merely doing as he is told, Torgo relents):

Dear Jason -

Enclosed, please find a copy of a letter from Mr. Monaghan, along with a resolution from the AMSL Board of Governors.

Please accept my apology regarding the tardiness of this response. The regular person who usually handles these types of things for the law school was out last week due to a family emergency, so I stepped in to help cover while she was gone. This fact, along with the Easter holiday delayed my processing of this information. I discovered this morning that this resolution had not yet been forwarded to you and the Alumni Board and therefore took the necessary steps to due so.

I apologize about any confusion or misunderstanding my tardiness has caused. Please know that this was not on the part of the Board, but was due to the above circumstances and me.

Sincerely,

Until this time, Torgo was under the impression that the lamest excuse in recorded history had been given by Nathan to Moses when he said "I put the gold in the oven and out came a calf..."

NOTE WELL: Despite the words of this aide, the following Board of Governors resolution was dated two days after the Alumni Board resolution... Thus, Torgo leaves it to the reader to discern whether Monaghanam had an advantage in sandbagging the response, while appointments were made to speak with the press. Torgo is sure that Monaghan plans to say that they timely responded ad nauseam. Torgo also understands that to be lying and would wash such mouths out with soap immediately upon the chance. It was intentionally delayed beyond the deadline -- 10 days past the resolution in order to create the time to formulate a press response, AND in order to be able to say later that they acted in a timely manner. Unfortunately, the action was not the resolution, but in merely talking with the Alumni Board (duh!).

Here is the attached Letter of Thomas Monaghan to Jason Negri:

April 20, 2006

Mr. Jason Negri
AMSL Alumni Association
Chairman of the Board of Directors
[address]

Dear Mr. Negri:

On behalf of the Board of Governors of Ave Maria School of Law, I write to inform you of the Board’s response to the Alumni Association Board of Directors’ letter and resolutions dated April 10, 2006. That response is in the enclosed resolution passed unanimously by the Board at a special telephonic meeting.

Sincerely,

Thomas S. Monaghan
Chairman of the Board of Governors

Enclosure

NOTE WELL: despite the aide's comments, Monaghan dated his own letter *AFTER* the deadline.

Finally, here is the Resolution of the AMSoL Board of Governors

Resolution of the Board of Governors
April 12, 2006

We, the Board of Governors of Ave Maria School of Law, strongly express our total confidence in Dean Bernard Dobranski in carrying out the mission and activities of the law school.

Unanimously passed at a special meeting of the Board on April 12, 2006 with Dean Bernard Dobranski abstaining.

Eight days later the aide suddenly discovers the resolution? C'mon... and it is released the same day as when Dobranski and 2 BoG members talk to the press.

Do they really think we are that stupid?

Torgo certainly hopes the Ann Arbor News, or some other fine newspaper reads this information before going to press so that it is adequately reflected against the comments (er.. hmm... "spin") the Monaghanam PR-machine will place on it.

To wit, on one other occassion, namely the founding of the school, Dobranski's recollection of events curiously omits key facts here and there. Torgo would hate to see that same thing happen again without an objective reference here.

STAY TUNED!!! Keep hitting the refresh button as the day progresses, for tonight Torgo will place images into the post...but all of the documents are represented here

A Monaghan-Led Insurrection

2006-04-20T13:57:00.000-04:00

Have no doubts about it -- the intervening cause in the disruptions of Ave Maria School of Law are the direct and proximate fault of the insistance of Thomas Monaghan to move the law school to a new location.

Torgo reads in the email inbox today a troubling note from a potential AMSoL student, "[Torgo clipped the part of the message where the potential sutdent relates his/her admissions status...] I have been watching with great interest this Ave Maria/Monaghan Saga. I most likely won't end up going if I got in; while a place like Cooley is secular and full of us lower academics, at least it's stable and respectful."

That fumes Torgo and makes it very real that the mission of the law school has not been interrupted by alumni, faculty, or students, but by MONAGHAN and his incessant tinkering and destructive hands. Woe to the destroyer lest the Lord stave him.

Some have been trying to twist these things into words blaming others, such as Dean Dobranski who has been alleged to have said things implying that this is an insurrection lead by the faculty. Surely that man is smart enough to realize that no insurrection had happened save for the demands of Monaghan!

That such language is asserted as if true and to lay blame for the destruction on those who stand to be damaged most by the destruction speaks volumes for the state of mind and intentions of the speaker. It's the whim of Monaghan that has set this in motion, and it's apparent from the donation success of St. Thomas Law School that Monaghan has not even been carrying his weight in the monetary department, but rahter sand bagging to make the law school dependent on his every capricious whim.

A quick study of history's memory for such rulers, like Joab or Pharaoh, reveals that this path is not the path.

Sharp Contrasts

2006-04-20T11:06:00.000-04:00

Torgo is aware that all Ave Maria School of Law students are familiar with Bolt's A Man for All Seasons, the secularized rendition of the life of St. Thomas More. Apart from any critical analysis of that book, such as the lack of any realistic representation of More's prayer life and reliance on the sacraments, Bolt's rendition fairly characterizes the struggle between standing for objective moral principles (another criticism of Bolt's rendition is available here) when one's gravy train departs from such objective points.

Consider, for instance, that kingdoms in America are not made of raw state power, but rather of wealth and political largesse. Thus, a king or queen (e.g. Martha Stewart) is not appointed necessarily, but occurs to those who can muster wealth by whatever means. (A fine Ignatian analysis of what it means to have such means exists here, but Torgo is ill-equipped to digress -- those who want more can look for it on google or something) These empires are not of state borders, but of financical ones, defined in corporate structures and bordered by corporate limits. Modern feudalism is therefore found in the appointment of feudal lords over portions of thes emodern kingdoms.

It is possible then to see by direct analogy how players in these kingdoms directly correspond to the kingdoms of old. For instance, a chancellor may well be a CEO, a president, or a dean. Sliding the kingdom to smaller fuedal terfs of the kingdom can make a fuedal lord a mini-king of sorts. Thus, one could say that Monaghan is like Henry VII vis-a-vis the Ave Maria Foundation. Dobranski can find himself in any of the players in St. Thomas More, from Cramner to More.

Torgo will finish the thought later...

Assistant Dean Falvey resigns from Dean, stays Professor

2006-04-19T18:51:00.000-04:00

As a surprise to Torgo, but nonetheless, a sad development that such times necessitate... piecing it all together makes for a story consistent with the stand-up kind of guy Falvey is.

Unfortunately, Torgo understands that as of today, Dean Falvey will only be Professor Falvey as he has opted to step out of a position in administration and become ordinary faculty. Torgo is aware that Falvey has been a stand-up man and can work with any tenable position when possible, but Torgo interprets a move like this one to mean there is either no more tenable leg upon which to stand or that Falvey wishes to be counted among the professors without conflict of having an administrative role.

UPDATE:
here is the text of the email sent by Dean Dobranski as was forwarded to Torgo:

From: Dobranski, Bernard
Sent: Wed 4/19/2006 4:36 PM
To: All Law System Distribution
Subject: Personnel Update

This is to inform you that I have accepted Dean Joseph L. Falvey, Jr.'s resignation as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. He and I have agreed to work together to effect a smooth transition.

Funny how it was merely a "personnel update" -- seems pretty large.

Something's Happening...

2006-04-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

stay tuned for details....

d e v e l o p i n g

Technical Difficulties

2006-04-11T15:09:00.000-04:00

Experiencing Technical difficulties today...

if you can read this, check the "April 2006" tag under the archives in order to see the latest.

2006-04-11T14:40:00.000-04:00

There is a post made early today about a vote of no confidence in the dean made by the alumni association. For some reason blogger isn't showing it on the first page.

it's here

whoseamsol has it here

____

In Emergency Session, Alumni Assoc. Votes NO CONFIDENCE

2006-04-11T09:26:00.000-04:00

Last night the Alumni Association of Ave Maria School of Law held an emergency session at which they passed a vote of no confidence in the Dean. Torgo is unsure of whether Dean Dobranski was in the meeting.

Developing...

Team Torgo will keep you up to date with more information as it becomes available. .

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT

2006-04-06T14:13:00.000-04:00

Ave Maria School of Law Admissions FAQ:
http://www.avemarialaw.edu/prospective/admissions/faq.cfm

THE FAQ:
(Team Torgo has seen things disappear after scrutiny before)

Here's the part of interest:

If the School of Law were to relocate to Florida effective with the 2008-09 school year, is it likely that a student entering in fall 2006 would be able to graduate from the School of Law in Ann Arbor in May 2009?
The consultants' findings will be presented to the Board of Governors by the end of August. However, by June 15, 2006, I will be in a position to inform deposited candidates whether the School of Law would move prior to June 2009. It is important to note that the June 15 announcement will not relate to our decision to move. Rather, it will pertain only to the timing of the move should the Board decide at its September 2006 meeting that the move is in the best long-term interests of the law school.

read that again:

The consultants' findings will be presented to the Board of Governors by the end of August. However, by June 15, 2006, I will be in a position to inform deposited candidates whether the School of Law would move prior to June 2009. It is important to note that the June 15 announcement will not relate to our decision to move. Rather, it will pertain only to the timing of the move should the Board decide at its September 2006 meeting that the move is in the best long-term interests of the law school.

Does that leave you with the impression the neither the consultants' findings nor the Board's decisions matter in this? What else could you be left to believe?

On one hand, it could be explained away as if there is new information and funds will be available and there is a need to notify people, but really, is that satisfying? Does that not support the assertions that because Monaghan wants it, nothing else matters, and it better happen soon?

more to follow...

UPDATE: Here's the likely plot-line developing: sand bag the Alumni Association and others from contacting the feasibility committee consultants and get the input from them before anyone has contacted them. Get favorable results, and make an announcement that the school will move on June 15 (does anyone in their right mind think anything other than those words are going to come out of the Dean's mouth on that day?) but the June 15th announcement will be heavily equivocated on the Fall decision of the Board. Over the Summer, while everyone is gone, the orcs will come up from Florida to the law school make all the necessary "spins" and PR to force the Board to believe it's all approved and good except for their rubber stamp.

Really, do they think we are as stupid as to believe there is any other option in their minds than to move at this point?

Text of Comment that illustrates the Ground War

2006-04-06T10:43:00.000-04:00

At 12:11 AM, April 06, 2006, Phineas said... [in a comment posted here: link]

In addition to the other statements mentioned speaking out against the administration, the following email went out to almost all of the AMSOL student body April 5, 2006 from an off campus email account and is creating ALOT of commotion. The students are now officially up in arms.

This is a student compiled list of grievances concerning the high-level administration:

The Dean has not taken any responsibility for the US News & Report rankings, which he either knew, or should have known, would be coming out.

The Dean warned staff not to organize a Union, as this would be contrary to the Mission & Philosophy of AMSOL. However, any reading of Rerum Novarum and Centesimus Annus would mean that either AMSOL’s mission & philosophy is wrong, the Catholic Church is wrong, or the Dean is wrong.

The Dean’s recent accounts of the founding of Ave Maria School of Law deny the crucial role of Founding Faculty members. This is in contrast to the account published in the first issue of the Advocate – written by Mr. Monaghan himself.

The Dean has become the mouthpiece not of the student body, or the faculty, but of the Chairman.
The Dean has allowed AMSOL to become a sole proprietorship, taking his orders from Mr. Monaghan, rather than acting in the best interests of the law school, and discarding the essential input of the faculty, staff, alumni, and students.

The Administration has tried to intimidate alumni by calling their employers, as well as current students, attempting to suppress any free _expression of opposition to the prospective move to Florida, abusing the sound judgment demanded of such an office.

The Dean lied to the students about the real reason that Dr. Charles Rice was voted off the Board of Governors under the guise of “term limits”: his opposition to the move to Florida and his opposition to AMSOL being run as a sole-proprietorship.

Any law school interested in protecting its reputation in the legal community, such as St. Thomas School of Law in Minnesota, which opened in 2001, taken obvious and necessary steps to guard its reputational status in the legal community. AMSOL has not.

The Dean has repeatedly altered the criteria that he will use to determine whether a move to Florida would be prudent.

A move to Florida, especially in light of current events, would present a grievous and destabilizing blow to both current students and alumni.

The Dean has said that the “tenure” of faculty members will be re-examined. At any other academic institution (such as a Top Tier Law School), this would be unthinkable.

Further, the Deans of other law schools do not normally serve in the capacities of both President and Dean, concurrently, for periods in excess of 5 years.

The Dean has denied students any meaningful opportunity to address our concerns to the Board of Governors.

The Dean has said that his responsibility is to look to “25 years from now.” The Dean, the Chairman, and the Board have a fiduciary duty to the CURRENT STUDENTS.

These are our grievances. We believe that this Administration must take proactive steps to correct these wrongs listed above. We want the Administration to publicly address these grievances and implement solutions so that the students may regain confidence in the leadership of Ave Maria School of Law.

Torgo heard about something of this nature on FUMARE on this post titled WAR.

As usual, the truth of the matters asserted in the quoted comment cannot be guaranteed by Torgo, but Torgo can guarantee that someone posted that comment below and is merely posting the same content here in order to receive direct comments on the matters therein, and potential substantiation or denial of the various assertions.

Of particular interest to Torgo are two matters stated: 1) the reference to blocking labor organization (but Torgo bets there's no good proof as of yet -- Torgo is pretty sure that such comments would have legal significance to some degree); 2) the revisiting of tenure. Torgo is interested because working together, these two things are a direct contravention of prevailing Catholic social teaching. Torgo would be bitterly disappointed if so, because the law school has thus far avoided any actions of such implication.

Torgo also wonders if the commentor chose the name "Phineas" in honor of Phineas Gage, the late brain surgery survivor of notoriety.

Is it a Liberal School: Rewriting History to suit one's needs?

2006-04-05T09:57:00.000-04:00

Check out this whoseamsol post detailing the "new history."

Torgo recalls stories of how some of the original faculty, ahem the 2nd in command of the admin, weren't even going to join in on the plan unless Dobranski was made Dean. Sad to see such things turned around.

What Torgo resents is that there is an implicit inference of our stupidity made by such efforts. Do these men who now lie in the bushes on their bellies and push dust over the true tracks think that our angels were not present five years ago? Do they think that by their own power they can erase the marks made on the book of history?

The only consolation Torgo can offer that visionary Falvey who halted the law school formation unless Dobranski was made Dean is that the prophet is killed by his own. As far as the rest of the faculty go, especially the one who had the gumption to lay the plan out to Monaghan, I know he doesn't mind if someone else takes credit for a good idea -- Safranek seems like the kind of guy that just wants to see good things happen. I'm not sure what kind of consolation to offer in this case, though: where a good idea is promised to be acted upon, you rely on it and join in adding the means God has given you and then performance is withdrawn. Torgo can only say some consolation from what is written:

3 If thou hast vowed any thing to God, defer not to pay it: for an unfaithful and foolish promise displeaseth him: but whatsoever thou hast vowed, pay it. 4 And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised. 5 Give not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin: and say not before the angel: There is no providence: lest God be angry at thy words, and destroy all the works of thy hands.

Ecc.5

We know what the promises are, and the angel heard them. No manner of public relations can hide what is being undone... Sadly, the promise to put forth from the means God has given would follow that which is written and no prophet could undo those which bind a man's life in reliance. Best to pray mercy for the oppressor lest the beast totally win their hearts, for it is surely not the work of Heaven that does these things.

UPDATE: check out FUMARE for a reference to the "rest of the story..."

here are the images they've acquired:
The orginal version:

and here is the NEW STANDARD REVISED EDITION (highly favored one):

click on any image for larger (readable) image.

UPDATE 2:

lest is be forgotten:

[Dobranski said, "]As regards faculty, we have also been blessed from the beginning with an extremely talented group of academic leaders with distinguished careers in academia and the practice of law. In our first year, among those on the faculty were four of the original five founding faculty who suggested the creation of a new Catholic law school to Mr. Monaghan in 1998..."

Toledo Law Rev Art by Dobranski

OUCH! All the News fit to print

2006-04-04T16:27:00.000-04:00

***** BURNING HOT INFO FROM THE WIRE *****

Torgo has received info like fire today. St. Isadore of Seville must be on the case or something.

Speaking of cases, Torgo found two copies of complaints filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Ave Maria College. (Torgo wonders if other parties have been joined by separate motion). The gists of each complaint are whistleblower/wrongful discharge cases that each allege that individuals named as plaintiffs were discharged for reporting the information that allegedly resulted in the investigation by the Department of Education.

Fascinatingly, if these are true and accurate copies of the court filings, and Torgo is pretty sure they are, the allegations include that the procedure was to "re-code" AMU(florida) students as if they were AMC(michigan) students thereby causing fed loan eligibility when in fact AMU(florida) students would not otherwise be eligible as the institution was not accredited. Torgo will verify -- however, it seems consistent with the m.o.: bleed the worth.

Torgo has another sheet in the inbox that requires some decoding and verifying before posting too much detail. It appears as if someone has compiled public statements made by AMSOL admin (the Dean) and quite possibly made a compelling impeachment. Furthermore, it appears that some sort of impeaching of the Dean is done with some U.S. News and World Reports policies that indicate he knew of the ranking...

Needless to say, Torgo is intrigued by all of this stuff in one day...

DEVELOPING... (as at least one web site says it).

How would like that school embroiled: well, medium, or rare?

2006-03-29T14:14:00.000-05:00

As promised in this post, Torgo is publishing what is relevant and available from the Nov. 2002 memo from Charlie Rice.

Torgo is pleased to present for the general community excerpts from a letter of Gubernatus Ejectus, Charlie Rice, to Bernard Dobranski and Thomas Monaghan regarding statements he's made concerning issues he foresaw about the upcoming Ave Maria Town.

Today, March 29, 2006, a post appeared on FUMARE that finally releases these comments and the letter in toto. A pdf version of the letter is available at that post, but Torgo will comment on a few excerpts below.

Due to recent public releases about the Town, including early mentions of surprise from Barron Collier when initial comments appeared in the Wall Street Journal last November, it certainly would appear from the outside as if there may have been some unplayed cards in the deck of TM. But nobody in team Torgo knows that for sure, and there is strong sentiment that intially suspected these reactions were ployed in order to generate PR. Team Torgo, including Torgo, is still not sure. However, the letter references agreements between team TM and team Barron Collier that would seem to indicate that nothing was a surprise -- even if this is the case, all of team Torgo can undertand the desire to make a public repositioning at the onslaught.

Nonetheless, comments from the letter are including from as early as November 2002 when Torgo and some members of team Torgo were wee-law professionals.

Rice speaking:

On November 27, 2002, I noted in a memo to the AMSL Board that the projected character of Ave Maria Town (AMT) and its relation to Ave Maria University (AMU) raised serious issues of constitutionality and prudence that ought to be resolved before the AMSL Board considered a possible relocation of AMSL. I have stated that position, to the Board and publicly, several times since 2002.

My stated concern about problems involved in the projected character of AMT and the symbiotic relation between AMT and AMU was well grounded in fact. The Letter of Intent, signed at Ann Arbor on November 18, 2002, by AMU and the Barron Collier Companies (BCC) included the following provisions:

"6. The New Town in its character, ambiance, restricted covenants, zoning, etc. shall allow no public activities which are offensive to traditional Christian values or which might represent a scandal to Catholic and Christian sensibilities. Thus, no topless bars, aboriton clinics, "adult" bookstores or the like shall be permitted...
...
15. If the University intentionally ceases to be a Catholic universtiy, or intentionally or materially deviates from its stated plan to become a broad-based high quality institution for higher learning and does not correct these defaults after due warning from Collier, then a. university option under para. 10 shall cease. and b. Collier shall have the option to acquire the University's 50% interest in undeveloped lands at the original cost to the university. and c. Collier shall have the option to acquire the University remaining interest in the Partnership at the then current market value."

[extracted. but paragraph says that this letter of intent was a non-binding framework meant to detail the eventual drafting and agreement to a joint venture, which was signed on august 22, 2003. Apparently, Monaghan rejected requests by the AMSL Board to see the final joint venture. Instead an executive sumamry was delivered which did not reference the above language, but did mention the buy-back provisions, one of the triggers was if AMU failed to "use its best efforts to become a Catholic University of national renown." --- Team Torgo notes: best efforts is the highest duty one can agree to thus making it the easiest to breach]

...
[refer to the original for analysis of solicitations from AMU about becoming a "town for Catholic like you ... with your help, Ave Maria will truly be a city of God!"]

In short, the constitutional and prudential objections to the AMU-AMT project were, and are, solidly grounded, notwithstanding any impression that might be generated by the Monaghan-Marinelli statemetns or other events.

In light of the conceptual uncertainties newly apparent at AMU-AMT it can fairly be regarded as an act of stunning imprudence for you and Tom to ask the Board to reactivate at this time the heretofore dormant Feasibility Study. That action will accelerate the destabilization of AMSL. This is the worst conceivable time to open the door to possible speculation about the relocation of AMSL to the site of the AMU-AMT venture is a done deal.

I know that you and Tom are acting in what you see as the best interests of AMSL. Nothing in this letter implies anything to the contrary with respect to yourselves, Mr. Martinelli or anyone else. I ask you seriously, however, to reconsider the course you have set which I believe is likely to be fatal to the Catholic and academic integrity, if not the very existence, of AMSL.

Torgo could not reiterate the sentiments of the last quoted paragraph in better terms.

The risk-benefit analysis is seen differently, and it's clear that Torgo feels that the side effects of the imposed new administration and move of AMSL are deleterious to a healthy and once vibrant and ascending school.

Torgo hears rumors that the advance sheets indicate that the current ranking of AMSL is far below what original estimates and numbers indicated. Torgo will comment when it is seen in print, however, Torgo's advance opinion is that this drop in numerical stats was caused by the rush to fill as well as the forced diversity selectors despite the fact that the school draws from a non-diverse interest group. Team Torgo is similar in opinion, but adds that the school should have compared interest statistics instead of national statistics.

A Good Thing, but with an edge

2006-03-28T10:05:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, Ave Maria Town had Mass celebrated as the cornerstone of the erstwhile-designed tomato hot house, now somewhat more appropriately-designed oratory.

800 people were in attendance...It was also Monaghan’s 69th birthday.

click here for the story in the Naples News.

A good thing. Torgo is always happy to hear about birthday parties and new Churches.

Although, it cannot be called a Church yet:

Ave Maria’s oratory is not considered a church because it’s not part of a parish, and the only sacrament priests can perform is confession.

But there's always an edge to these things:

Monaghan said. “I believe more people will attend Mass at this (chapel) than at any other church in the country.”
...
“I think there are churches that are bigger when it comes to seats,” Monaghan said. “But this is definitely taller.”

Ambitions aside, this quote was a good one:

Monaghan said. “There will be a Mass morning until night, all day long.”

Torgo cheers that and hopes that at least some of the intentions offered in that Oratory are for the reparation of the harm done to many good people along the path to this venture.

Make More Blogs

2006-03-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

Torgo thinks it's time for the AMSOL alumni to each have a blog. Heck, they're free so make two blogs: one for factual reporting, the other for opinion. Maybe even make three, the third being for more information and double posting and cross-linking.

Torgo received these comments from a source that is familiar with the workings of the internerd and serch bots and page ranks:

Be sure to include links to the other blogs in your posts, etc. so that they are cross-linked because google page ranking makes a big deal out of that.

Also, be sure to include search terms, such as "Ave Maria School of Law" or "Ave Maria University" and Naples, FL and Ave Maria Town, Florida and Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as Tom Monaghan or is it Thom Monagham (Torgo gets these names misspelled all the time).

As far as Torgo knows, there is only one other blog that is dedicated to AMSOL/AMSL issues and that is whose amsol.

There are a littering of sites about the college fiasco.

There is another site with AMSOL alumni connections, as well: FUMARE. but FUMARE deals with things eclectic also.

That way, when the inevitible things happen this summer and fall, such as the manufactured problems and the soon-to-occur faculty hits, we can plaster them in cyberspace with opinions and links sowing the world that everyone knew of the farce before it happened.

What's happening in Ann Arbor and Naples is so da*n transparent anyway, so it's not like it should upset anyone that we are here.

Hop to it!

Alumni Association sets up Feasibility Committee

2006-03-24T18:29:00.000-05:00

Torgo wants to post this message.

Torgo suggests that even if alumni contact anyone on the feasibility study, they courtesy copy this committee. Seems like a good idea to have all the stuff copied in one place. Torgo also thinks you should courtesy copy the email address sent by the Dean in his message of yesterday or the day before.

Torgo thinks some issues can not be adequately addressed by this type of feasibility study - such issues include: the moral impact on the fine character of the law school by not performing on promises, by inducing whole careers to be formed around the Michigan institution, and by short changing some people monetarily along the way.

There are other things the feasibility study can report upon: the fitness of Mr. Monaghan to force management of the school, given his public history; the track record of misrepresentations made by the college and how such mixed admin will be perceived in a law school; and, whether current administrative procedures (gag orders, intimidation, and tenure threats) provide a portent of future administration and whether these same policies are permanently damaging the school now in order to create a necessity to move.

A MESSAGE FROM THE AMSL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Dear Alumni,

Dean Dobranski recently announced that Ave Maria School of Law will be updating the Feasibility Study relating to a possible move of the school to Florida. We know you have strong feelings on this matter, and want to be heard and well-represented in this important decision. To that end, your Alumni Association called an emergency meeting today, March 24, to discuss this issue. We formed a Feasibility Study Committee to ensure Alumni have a meaningful role in the process. We want to be a channel for your thoughts and concerns on the move, and all issues relating to it. The Dean has clarified that his call for input today related only to the type of information to be considered in the Feasibility Study and not opinions on the potential move. Still, this Committee welcomes input of any kind on this topic, and we want to be prepared to present your opinions at the proper time. If you prefer to communicate with the Dean directly, please feel free to copy us (or let us know your thoughts independently), as we want to gather and present a complete picture of Alumni opinions on all aspects of this decision.

Our next regular Alumni Association meeting is April 4, and the Committee will be discussing meaningful proposals for how Alumni expect to be involved in the Feasibility Study process and potential move decision. We will present the appropriate items to the Board of Governors and all of those involved in the Feasibility Study and potential move decision. We want your comments and thoughts on this, and will be sending you regular communications to inform you of where the process stands, and how our feedback to the Administration and Board of Directors is received. Please email any of the Committee Members at the addresses below at any time.

Finally, please pray for this process and for Ave Maria School of Law (and all those associated with it) at this critical time. May our Mother guide us every step of the way to the will of Our Lord.
Thank you,

Mark Roh...
Chair, Feasibility Study Committee

Committee:
Justin Ber... '03-
Thomas Flic... '03-
Peter Man... '03-
Angela Pfi... '04-

Speculation on New Rhetoric: "Problem Faculty?"

2006-03-24T18:08:00.000-05:00

Torgo always has Torgo's ear to the ground and sometimes Torgo hears rumblings, other times Torgo hears something in one context that has significance in a different context. Torgo heard some comments in an unrelated discussion that caused some speculation. Apparently, some members of AMSOL administration have begun to refer to so-called problem faculty.

No names, just generalities. A problem faculty would be one the doesn't discharge teaching duties or works against the school. Note the wording: against the school Therein lies the rub. The inference planted with the new rhetoric is that there are faculty participating in some sort of phantasmal sedition. Torgo wonders if somebody's medications need adjusted or if there are stray narcotic fumes wafting about from the Pfizer plant causing delusional rhetoric.

As Torgo understands it, most of the faculty are invested in the school. As such, they'd be working against self interests and future paychecks if they were "problem faculty." Even more intriguing is what this new rhetoric says of the source: being perceived as not towing the line makes one a problem.

The same logic is employed by the mortal sinner who sees the precepts of the Church as being problematic. Perhaps the source of those words needs to reconsider why God puts people where they are. Money does not make one capable of imputing one's self as the object of the charge in the Lord's Prayer, "thy will be done."

Moreover, destroying people who present contrary views or have reservations is consistent with the contraceptive mentality, which seeks to eliminate "problem pregnancies." Alas, even abortion seeks to eliminate inconveniences.

Maybe the ACLU should back off if logic and rhetoric such as this persists. As a personal comment, Torgo is deeply saddened to see people Torgo admired acting with such ignominy.

One More Thing Needed to Complete the Modus Operandi

2006-03-24T12:03:00.000-05:00

Torgo has been thinking of the basic elements common to the signature crime.

While not entirely a necessary component in every instance, it does seem that within a short amount of time, a "problem" will be manufactured that makes moving to Florida appear to be a better choice than staying in Michigan. The operative term is "manufactured problems."

The rest of the elements are complete: 1) some new salvation has been made and is being proclaimed to be the next jerusalem; 2) the heart has been hardened to any reasonable plan of how to make it work without harming people involved; 3) the impending destruction to individuals will be caused by the failure to perform reasonably expected performance; and, 4) the destruction of any criticism or people who speak their mind.

There is of course, no legal problem, or at least a terrible burden of proof issue with this method, but the words meant something when uttered, and people relied on them which at least makes a moral duty.

The fool resists this wisdom, however, for it is written, "And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised." Yet, broken vows and the consumption of fidelity induced by empty promises seem to be the method used over and over.

For instance, the insistance on the 250-foot tall structure in a plan, and the burying of the adequate land allegedly offered by neighboring Plymouth, Michigan created the slipshod hoodwink to make the allegedly already planned and designed Florida campus "necessary."

Soon, and Torgo would imagine it will be concurrent or near in time with the next phase of off-loading some more of the Board of Governors, there will be some catastrophe. The resolution to the catastrophe will be conveniently located in Florida.

Such deceit. Such malice. Having seen this pattern in the past in so many other endeavors, mark Torgo's words, the dog returns to its vomit. So it is with the powerful man, who grindeth the poor in his machinery.

The narrower path in this is to make two schools of law and after the younger brings forth its maturity, unite them. But the meal of horrors is apparently needed to make glory for the new child.

Makes Torgo wonder if there is any semblance to the Proverb: "Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and shall be filled with their own devices. The turning away of little ones shall kill them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them."

Ouy, I bet they move this one to Carracas

2006-03-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

Check out this news story: Ave Maria to take over Nicaraguan college

The operative quote is this:

Once the university takes over, the college expects the curriculum will be streamlined and new programs will be offered, such as a pre-theologate program.

Hmmm. Torgo wonders if that "streamlining" will be anything like the streamlining done to institutions these destroyers got their wretched hands on in Michigan.

Too bad nobody told them the new programs will be offered in another country 4 years from now and that the guts of the acquired will most likely be fleeced and left for dead on the roadside on Mr. Monaghan's ambitions.

Charlie Rice Set Record Straight Again

2006-03-22T22:08:00.000-05:00

March 6, 2006 Letter from Charles E. Rice to Dean Bernard Dobranski (look for the post made on March 22)

This is the text of a letter that was obtained from Prof. Charles E. Rice who authorized its republication.

March 6, 2006

Dean Bernard Dobranski
Ave Maria School of Law
3475 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Dear Bernie:

Last December, the Board of Governors approved the two-term limit, as a result of which I ascended to my current title of Gubernator Ejectus. It has since come to my attention that some members of the AMSL community apparently think that the Governors created an Advisory Board and that I am on it. I am sure you will understand my desire to put to rest any such impression that I have any role in the administration of AMSL.

That misunderstanding may arise from the fact that the Board of Governors, at the September 28, 2005, meeting, recommended that members excluded from the Board by the two-term limit "shall be invited" to serve on an Advisory Board to be created. The by-laws, however, were amended at the telephone meeting on December 7th, Pearl Harbor Day, to impose the two-term limit and to provide instead that the Board of Governors "may establish" an Advisory Board which "may include" persons who formerly served as Governors.

I understand that no decision has yet been made on the creation of an Advisory Board. If that Board ever does materialize, I request that I not be considered for membership.

Please do not interpret this request as an unfriendly gesture or as a personal criticism of anyone. I owe you, however, a candid expression of the concerns that prompt me to decline membership on the Advisory Board. Those concerns go beyond the fact that the Advisory Board will have no discernible useful function. One reason I do not want my name associated with the administrative structure of AMSL is that I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that AMSL is now governed, in practical effect and not by design, as if it were a sole proprietorship with yourself as the resident agent and with the Board of Governors in a marginal role. I believe that you, Tom Monaghan, and all others involved, are acting in what you and they see as the best interests of AMSL. In major respects, however, the administration of AMSL has been counterproductive. For example, AMSL's prolonged dalliance with the notion of uprooting AMSL and transporting it to Florida has destabilized AMSL and created the perception that the best interests of AMSL are being subordinated, in effect, to another agenda.

AMSL has a record of unprecedented success and I express my appreciation for your contribution to that success. AMSL has an excellent student body, an exemplary faculty, a dedicated and competent staff and an active, loyal alumni. It is a high privilege for me to serve as a Visiting Professor at AMSL. To destabilize AMSL, however, by holding open the prospect of a move to Ave Maria Town is, in my view, indefensibly imprudent. Please understand. I have nothing against Florida in itself. Some of my best friends are Floridians. But the Ave Maria Town venture is a speculative and eccentric medley of the academic, the religious, the municipal and the corporate in which the bottom-line corporate interest will predictably dominate. I would not want anyone to think that I had any share in any decision to involve AMSL with such an enterprise.

One final point. At the September 28, 2005, meeting of the Board of Governors, I reserved the right to make any statements or disclosures necessary, in my judgment, to prevent misapprehension of my own positions and record as a member of the Board of Governors. In light of the various comments made in discussions over the past several months, it is appropriate for me to exercise that right. So please permit me to say that, if an Advisory Board were created and if I were on it, I would offer as advice the enclosed excerpts from the memo I sent to the Board of Governors on November 27, 2002. Please note especially that nearly four years ago, in that memo, I explicitly brought to the attention of yourself, Tom and the Board of Governors the constitutional problems inherent in what Tom presented as his vision of Ave Maria Town, etc., a vision which, in my opinion, is flawed in many respects.

I disagree with the perceptions and judgments of yourself and Tom Monaghan in significant respects. Those disagreements are on issues and they are not personal. I know we all share a common interest in the success of AMSL and a commitment to persevere in prayer to Mary, its patroness, for that intention.

I am not sending this letter to the AMSL list. I will, however, make it available to interested members of the AMSL community.

With appreciation and best wishes,
Sincerely,

[signed]
Charles E. Rice
Professor Emeritus of Law

[Torgo will publish November 27, 2002 memo as soon as Torgo gets a copy.]

----
UPDATE 3/29/06: The Nov 27, 2002 memo is contained in excerpts in this post.

Does the force make it God's Will?

2006-03-20T00:34:00.000-05:00

Oddly, forcing a situation to have the desired result is more like imposing one's personal will, instead of doing God's will.

Strong-arming faculty into silence, quashing opinion, and making economic threats are really the tactics of Heaven, no?

Perhaps the feasibility study can never measure those things as to what is best for the school.

Alas, it is written that "Hell, and the mouth of the womb, and the earth which is not satisfied with water: and the fire never saith: It is enough. [...] Such is also the way of an adulterous woman, who eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith: I have done no evil." Perhaps, it is not just the adulteress who acts in this way.

Last time I checked, there was no price tag on salvation: it cannot be bought nor can it be made by checking off to-do items --- What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh a downfall: and he that refuseth to learn, shall fall into evils.

Talking Points

2006-03-19T01:33:00.000-05:00

Torgo has a few talking points to spur the minds of clear thinkers.

1. Is AM Town an insular or engaging community?

2. Has the law school remained an engaging (as opposed to accommodating or insular) entity? (flashback: Dean Dobranski's comments on the school philosophy being an engaging community)

3. Will the feasibility study include consideration factors such as whether the alleged fraud perpetrated by the undergrad on the US Dept of Education will have effects on the law school, or, whether the obvious mismanagement of basic school administration (e.g. - accreditation status being misrepresented) by the undergrad might cause significant problems for the law school?

4. Has the undergrad been an insular, engaging, or accommodating school?

5. Will the feasibility study include determinations on impact to current students and alumni -- especially if the law school goes in a manner consistent with every other Tom Monaghan managed endeavor?

6. Should the feasibility study consider the use of gag terms and the recent threats of tenure changes as bad for the school's future even if it doesn't move?

7. Should alumni and others in the legal community contact feasibility study consultants?

Torgo is deeply interested in your thoughts on these matters and hopes to generate some good discussion.

If the paper isn't worthless yet....

2006-03-19T01:21:00.000-05:00

MEMORANDUM
TO: FACULTY, STUDENTS, STAFF, AND ALUMNI AND ALUMNAE
FROM: BERNARD DOBRANSKI, PRESIDENT AND DEAN
SUBJECT: POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF AMSL
DATE: [unsure, date keeps changing each time file is opened]

At its March 8, 2006 meeting, the Board of Governors discussed the question whether it would be in the best interests of the law school to relocate to the Naples, Florida area.

The first thing to emphasize is that the Board did not make a decision on the ultimate question of relocation. It simply began an evaluation process to gather the kind of information necessary to make a thorough, careful, and well informed decision on what is in the law school’s best interests.

As a first step in this process, the Board authorized an updating and broadening of the 2003 Feasibility Study. To perform that task, the Board has employed Professor James White, from the University of Indiana, Indianapolis, and Professor Frank. T. Read, from the South Texas College of Law. Professors Read and White are two of the most experienced individuals in American legal education. Professor White served for twenty-six years as the Consultant on Legal Education to the ABA Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, the most important position in legal education. As the Consultant, he oversaw and guided the development of the ABA Standards on Legal Education, during the most critical period in legal education. He also served as a member of the team which conducted the 2003 Feasibility Study. Professor Read not only served as Dean at five different law schools, but also served as Deputy Consultant on Legal Education. He is also a past president of the Law School Admissions Council and past Chairman of the Board of the Law Access Group (legal education’s loan program). In addition, Professor Read served as our Consultant on Accreditation.

In outline, the process will be: Update and broaden the earlier Feasibility Study to provide the Board with all the relevant information necessary for an informed decision. Input will be sought from the faculty, students, staff, and alumni and alumnae. After all the necessary information is gathered, the study will be presented to the Board for its consideration and deliberation. It will also be shared with the Ave Maria Law School Community. If the Board, based on the information available to it, decides that it is not in the best interests of the school to move, the matter ends. On the other hand, if it decides it would be in the school’s best interests to relocate, the matter must then be submitted to the ABA for its acquiescence.

No timetables or timelines for this process have yet been established. I will share that information with you as it becomes available.

Off-topic: Internet access in every seat

2005-10-28T09:51:00.000-04:00

Consider this quote:

We are housed in a building that has been completely refurbished for our use and which is equipped with the finest technology, including Internet access in every seat in every classroom.

THE FOUNDING OF AVE MARIA SCHOOL OF LAW

Torgo heard recently that most of the classrooms now have a switch to disable internet access during class.

The comment is off-topic because it really has nothing to do with the quality of the law school. Rather, Torgo wonders if students have reverted to passing paper notes in lieu of IMing each other in such classes.

Top ten reasons to move AMSOL to Florida

2005-10-26T19:14:00.000-04:00

10. Law clinic program would be able to add significant medicare/medicaid law experience.

9. Higher hispanic population guarantees less chance that the locals will mispronounce the name.

8. Frequent hurricanes will give students real life experience in insurance law.

7. Disney~~land~~ world. Epcot is a good comparison piece to the crystal palace.

6. Student budgets will go farther because flip-flops are considered dress apparel.

5. Real cohibas have to be cheaper there.

4. Florida law still allows for slip and fall tort recovery.

3. There aren't all those evil manufacturing corporations littering the job announcements.

2. No snow. ever.

1. With all those retirees, cable TV subsciptions have to be cheaper.

AveWatch site opens

2005-10-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

Announced in comments today, there's a new web site, AveWatch.

Nie wiem, wollę nie wiedzieć: Talking Point: Founder's Syndrome

2005-10-23T23:55:00.000-04:00

Nie wiem, wollę nie wiedzieć: Talking Point: Founder's Syndrome

Looks like this AMSOL alum is telling us something...

Torgo might not be smart enough to figure it out though. Torgo is a slow reader.

Whose AMSOL?: Memo from Dean Dobranski on Recent Board of Governors' Resolution

2005-10-23T23:53:00.000-04:00

Whose AMSOL?: Memo from Dean Dobranski on Recent Board of Governors' Resolution

Torgo thinks you should click that link and check it out.

Oxford Dictionary: Absurd

2005-10-22T07:27:00.000-04:00

According to the Oxford Dictionary on my machine,

THE RIGHT WORD

We call something absurd when it is utterly inconsistent with what common sense or experience tells us (: she found herself in the absurd position of having to defend the intelligence of a cockroach).

Ludicrous applies to whatever is so incongruous that it provokes laughter or scorn (: a ludicrous suggestion that he might escape unnoticed if he dressed up as a woman), and ridiculous implies that ridicule or mockery is the only appropriate response ( | she tried to look younger, but succeeded only in making herself look ridiculous).

Foolish behavior shows a lack of intelligence or good judgment (: it was foolish to keep that much money under a mattress), while unreasonable behavior implies that the person has intentionally acted contrary to good sense ( | his response was totally unreasonable in view of the fact that he'd asked for their honest opinion).

Preposterous should be reserved for those acts or situations that are glaringly absurd or ludicrous. For example, it might be unreasonable to judge an entire nation on the basis of one tourist's experience and foolish to turn down an opportunity to visit that country on those grounds alone, but it would be preposterous to suggest that everyone who comes to the U.S. will be robbed at gunpoint.

the definition itself is: (of an idea or suggestion) wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate

"Naples has Great Weather"

2005-10-21T20:02:00.000-04:00

"My goal now is to have the finest Catholic university and law school in the world. We were going to move the campus to Domino's Farms, but we couldn't persuade the township to buy the idea of a university here. So I prayed about it a lot, and my answer was to put it in the Naples, Fla., area. I'd vacationed there many times and enjoyed it. Naples has great weather, and there are few Catholic universities in Florida, or even in the Southeast. We have an interim campus down there now, and the permanent campus will open in 2006 with architecture in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The main chapel on campus will have the largest seating capacity of any Catholic church in the U.S." link here, Fortune Small Business

Great Weather. Great, indeed.

May God spare those living there from harm from this storm.

Price Game: What Deal bought Dobranski?

2005-10-19T20:44:00.000-04:00

Once the law school became fully accredited, Dean Dobranski was finished with his work, he could retire a well achieved career, with that project as the cherry on top.

Torgo wonders if it's something like this: Dobranski Foundation (note to anyone with full LEXIS access, look up the filings on these corps). As far as Torgo can tell, that foundation is connected to an Anthony Dobranski.

A foundation is the right idea, though, after all, Chris Dobranski needs a job somewhere.

What was the price? Five years on founder's row in Ave Maria town?

Torgo wants you to come up with the pacage you think was offered and accepted in order to make the purchase. Also include the value of unvested portions in the Ann Arbor school you think will be converted as part of the follow-through.

The 25 Story Crucifix was a Ruse

2005-10-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

Looking at avemaria.com and through the pictures and pretty depictions, Torgo can't seem to find the Crucifix anywhere in any town plan. Not even the town center, which is

linked here.

Alas, maybe the Crucifix will be a later addition, but it was certainly made part of the Michigan plan, and Thom wasn't going to live without it. Maybe they are afraid that sun beams will be magnified by the glass chapel and burn a hole through the Crucifix, much like Torgo did to ants with a magnifying glass as a child.

Oh wait, what's to stop that from happening to passersby? Oh my.

Turns out the necessity for the 250-foot tall monument was to ensure that Ann Arbor township would say "No". Bad Zoning Board! Now look what you did! Thom has to take all his toys to Florida.

Pot Shot: that new chapel is very Michigan, not Florida

2005-10-19T18:57:00.000-04:00

If anyone here has been to Naples, they know that it looks very Italian or at least the designers did well to impart a feeling of European colonization to some degree.

An article by Micahel Rose on cruxnews.com written in response to Fr. Fessio, shows two chapels:

(Image from CruxNews.com)

Which picture looks like it belongs near Naples, Florida?

H.L. Menken, the well worded atheist, had one thing right and wrong about America when he said "No one ever lost money underestimating the taste of the American public," because the cruxnews article reported that some donors balked and withdrew cash after seeing the hydroponic vegetable garden proposed for Our Lord to live in.

Then again, retired people like it warm. Maybe it's an attempt to save on heating bills.

Better add some height to that crucifix

2005-10-14T09:08:00.000-04:00

The Arch of Triumph is sought to become the world's tallest monument... Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, they are aiming for 700 feet. (nearly 3 times the height of the crucifix).

At that height, the monument may be visible from Ann Arbor.

Perhaps this is the real reason for the desire to move to Florida after all!

Can anyone else fact check this?

2005-10-09T01:15:00.000-04:00

Torgo thinks he may have a mistake to correct here.

Is the 25 story crucifix part of the Ave Maria town plan?

Anybody seen it in public print anywhere?

On a tangent, it is interesting to consider the engineering that would need to go into such a thing that tall in hurricane alley. The crash and slide scenario is enough to make your head spin.

The Wanderer: Probing Law School

2005-10-07T16:38:00.000-04:00

Apparently advanced online-edition has print date 6 days from now at:
http://thewandererpress.com/a10-13-2005.htm

Torgo is a slow reader and will comment later.

Inter-blog Props

2005-10-07T15:49:00.000-04:00

Torgo lifts the shovel to hail mention on "Open Book", an Amy Welborn blog.

Of course, Torgo would not have noticed had he not been lurking at Fumare.

Mess is probably correct terminology. It's not a disaster, nor is it a diseased thing yet. Diagnosticians see pathology and then mark clues as to cause. Then, upon seeing similar clues elsewhere, they probe to determine if there is the same cause and if so, what prognosis is, and perhaps to see if there is cure or mitigation.

So, Torgo is not very smart, but Torgo likes to spread all the pieces out on the table and let diagnosticians do their thing. Torgo just asks questions as it happens.

As it stands now, there's a bunch of pieces on the table and just like when one dumps a puzzle box out, it looks like a mess, that's what we have here.

Of course, Torgo dug up a link at AMUGRAD: Gaudentes in Veritate, too.

Devil in the Details.

2005-10-07T00:55:00.000-04:00

The devil hides in details.

Check out this quote:
"There are no current plans for law school to move"
From a Detroit News piece dated May 18, 2003. Look in the sidebar under Mr. Monaghan's picture, about the bottom of that column.

Anybody else remember the big pictures in the library right before or right after exams? The big show put on after 5 one day. Did I imagine that? Can you remember what everyone was talking about the next day?

>>"There are budding talks about moving the law school as well," [Monaghan} added.
"It's being discussed; it's something for the (law school's) Board of Governors to hash over."

I guess the Board of Governors needed to be worked over a little, not to mention accreditation set backs if it was planned on being moved.

By the way, I still love this quote, ""I thought we were doing something to complement the community. I don't understand the opposition. In Florida, they welcomed us with open arms."

Whether Michigan was not welcoming is a matter of spin -- no plans for a 25 story Crucifix have been put before the Florida zoning boards yet.

Smell Tests

2005-10-06T23:43:00.000-04:00

Torgo smells something.

X is comprised of 12 members.To do anything, more then 6 members must approve. 1 member does not approve of something that a strong member of X would want X to approve.

X ejects the 1 member.

Something smells. X had no need to eject the one member on vote power. There's something else to it.

______________________________

T grants Blackacre to M contingent on A. T devises Blackacre to F. A happens.

Divine Irony

2005-10-06T23:34:00.000-04:00

I don't remember who, and it may well have been H.L. Menken, but someone commented that "Americans don't do irony."

Nevertheless, I find it important to announce that Charles E. Rice is the Notre Dame Professor and member of the Ave Maria School of Law Board of Governors.

Charles T. Rice is the Director of the Collier County Probation Office.

Please make a note of it.

Surely, Torgo isn't the only one who finds some humor in this fact.

Ave Maria, FL is in a Nice Place

2005-10-06T23:25:00.000-04:00

As you may or may not know, the town of Ave Maria is near Immokalee and in the Everglades.

We have nice animals here like the Burmese Python, that likes to take on alligators larger than itself. Certainly helps keep the stray cat population down, too.

read more: Huge, Freed Pet Pythons Invade Florida Everglades

(Photograph courtesy South Florida NRC)

Follow-up: Pipe Dream: Ask Questions, Get answers...

2005-10-06T14:07:00.000-04:00

Mark Washburn reports on his "Gulf Returns" blog that Ave Maria construction starts .

Good. That's encouraging, actually.

The underlying news article is here at news-press.com.

Among the comments:

Developer Barron Collier Co. of Naples promises the new town of Ave Maria will offer something now rare and valuable in Southwest Florida: housing for low-income workers and young families.

By the fall of 2007, the first homes should be ready for occupancy. At buildout, the town can have 11,000 dwellings.

"A lot of these people are small, kind of entrepreneurial. They have shops, maybe one or two restaurants. They are taking a leap of faith as well," Gable said.

Pulte Homes will be the primary builder for the first three neighborhoods aimed at the luxury, 55-and-older, and young family markets.
Barron Collier itself will develop affordable housing for low-income residents.

Dwellings in Ave Maria will be available at less than $491,000, the median home price in Collier County, he said.

Ave Maria Development itself will develop the more affordable housing, including multifamily as well as houses.

Look at that article, it's really worth your time.

I hope the article truly reflects the actual fervor. Although, the speculation remains as to how well it will pan out.

Follow-up: Pipe Dream

2005-10-06T10:49:00.000-04:00

Torgo knew there was a reason for that tautological post below. But AnAMSOLGrad never finished it. Turns out that the facts had not yet all arrived.

The CWN article about the development of ND2TM mentions this:

Originally Monaghan had planned to build Ave Maria University in Michigan. But high land prices, tight zoning regulations, and adverse community sentiments prodded him to look elsewhere.

High land prices? As high as Naples?

To the credit, the development plan included cutting the University in on the deal, as the original press release in CWN notes:

After some negotiations, Barron Collier agreed to donate the land for the new university, and enter into a partnership. Paul Marinelli, the president of the development company, said: It's a truly unique approach to educational and land planning. Developing both academic and community features at the same time allows us to create an environment where living and learning form an integrated whole. The campus will be an intrinsic part of the town, and participating in town life will be an enriching aspect of the university experience.

"After some negotiations"
Barron Collier is in the business of making money. There's nothing wrong with that -- we need money to do things. But let's figure this out a little more.

Half of the land is university; half the land is revenue earning. Developers measure success of development by return on investment. Costs of development are rolled into the price per acre, plus a mark-up. The mark-up is the profit.

So the math is something like this Profit = (sale price) - (cost of purchased land) - (cost of developing including zoning, lobbying, advertising, and actual work and materials) - (incentives and pay-outs for commissions) - (cost of buildings, which may include profits to construction comps and brokers)

Per acre is the better way to do it. Developers carry numbers in their heads of costs per acre for types of developing. They expect to make X dollars per acre in profit. Rumors are that the party line is announcing that 50% of the profit goes to the school. More than likely, that 50% is a mark-up on the original profit.

So, the developer is only getting half the revenue expected because the school acreage generates no cash. So the immediate profit margin is probably doubled on the half of the town that will sell, so the mark-up is twice.

Now, consider that this number needs to be doubled in order to make half for the school. So mark-up is probably 4X what is normal.

That's not bad, but it relies on having customers who want to pay the premium mark up for the value or for the vision.

There are people out there with that kind of cash, but who are they? Are they students? Are they people who make the salaries for staff and faculty of Ave Maria? Or are they most likely retirees?

It is conceivable that people will pay this kind of mark-up in an already inflated real estate market, but it's also conceivable that there will need to be discounting and incentives offered to generate revenue. Disney has been doing this kind of development for years.

Housing Covenants?
Speaking of Disney, has anyone yet considered what kind of housing covenants will run on this land in Ave town? Now, there's some fun speculation. Anybody who has worked in a foundation workplace can attest to the expectations placed on employees to have a certain appearance and circumscribing their speech. Imagine that applied to a neighborhood (this thought is scaring Torgo). No news of such things are floating around nor has Torgo heard any rumors, but patterns are patterns and Torgo suspects at least some parts of town will be covenanted.

The other question is how long does it realistically take to get all of this moving.

developing yet more...

Pipe Dreams of Endowments... (developing)

2005-10-06T00:40:00.000-04:00

Someone said that the party line currently promulgates the notion that real estate development of Immokalee will provide for the best endowed school in all the country.

I suppose money is what is most important after all.

However, CNN Money article: The Most Overvalued Housing Markets.
Naples, Fla., came in third at $276,827, 62 percent higher. "Signs are emerging," [the author] wrote in the report released today, "that the five-year boom in house sales and price appreciation may be losing its heat."

Little too late to be looking for high profits.

Thom thinks a $10,000 is an appropriate amount for a student wardrobe. So I can't begin to imagine what he thinks affordable housing prices at.

Chesterton wrote in The Outline of Sanity:

The remedy in the economic and social sphere is a reversal of that centralization which eliminates private property in any meaningful sense, and thus eliminates real freedom. The Church – and so too, Chesterton, as Her loyal son – has always maintained that political and social freedom without economic freedom is a cruel illusion. Human freedoms granted in man-made Constitutions by the stroke of a pen can be revoked by a similar stroke of the pen. Political freedoms can be extinguished by political repression, albeit justified; more commonly they are extinguished by ensuring that universal suffrage is about as useful as Confederate bank notes. Economic freedom in the modern world is simply the right to compete with others for a job which provides wages; it is an illusion which can be quickly shattered by the shedding of jobs, corporate restructuring, or budget cuts.

In contrast, the man who owns not merely his mortgage paperwork, but his own house and land, who grows his own food, who draws water from his own well, is not so easily treated in such a cavalier fashion. He is always the free man, the man who chooses what, where, when and how – choices that are frequently less open, if at all, to his wage-earning counterpart who is a slave in all but name. Living among other free men with the same freedom, independence and self-sufficiency, he is confronted with a social fabric that by its very nature demands that he use his freedom with a clear understanding of the needs and rights of his neighbor.

I wonder if Thom's houses will be priced so this goal is achievable.

I wonder if he ever read the first paragraph of that quote, or uses it for leverage.

developing....

Theme Song and Video (!)

2005-10-06T00:31:00.000-04:00

Theme song

Video

I suppose that is enough fun for the day

First one over the side

2005-10-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

Today, from the office of Dean Dobranski:

"It is with sadness and regret that I announce that the Associate Dean of External Affairs, Michael Kenney, will be leaving Ave Maria School of Law at the end of December.
"He will be assuming a new position as the Director of Planned Giving in the Development Office of the University of Notre Dame.
"Dean Kenney has been with the law school from the beginning and has been the person most responsible for the recruitment of our outstanding group of students. He will be sorely missed, but I know all will join me in wishing him well in he new undertaking."

Surely, the PR machine will give us a reason as to how this is purely coincidental. Maybe it is. Torgo waits...

Untangling Annotations of a Tautological Yarn

2005-10-04T18:53:00.000-04:00

[TORGO found this post laying around in the archives as he has been cleaning up around here... a henchman's work is never done....]

Greetings Readers,

I'd like to direct your attention to this article: Disputes Among Friends. It appeared in the August edition of the Catholic World News. That publication lists Fr. Fessio on its masthead (note the article mentions "CWR asked Father Fessio—who is the publisher of this magazine, as well as chancellor of the new university—to comment on the these disputes.").

Well, I admire any plan to make Notre Dame's New Rival, however, the internal integrity of a Catholic institution ought to match the words it holds out to the public lest it be seen as a whited sepulchre. After all, you will know them by their fruit. cf. Matthew 7:16, 20 ("Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.") compare Proverbs 1:31 ("Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and shall be filled with their own devices.") (I'll leave the last part of this Biblical symbol for the reader to find in Micheas). So far, the fruits have been ravaged lives, the feelings of broken promise, and a bunch of hen clucking. This site is no exception to the hen clucking, but hopes to make some sense of the situation that people may see why Ave Maria Law School has had such strikingly different results (read: fruit). see Ecclesiastes 8:7 ("Because he is ignorant of things past, and things to come he cannot know by any messenger."). There are inconsistencies in the stories we've read and I've pointed out to you, kind reader, in previous posts. This article intends to compare those inconsistencies with comments in the article above.

The article starts a premise:

But when the Ann Arbor township where Domino’s Farms are located refused a request to change the zoning to permit an educational institution, he looked for alternatives, and eventually settled on the new site in Florida, where Ave Maria University is part of a larger plan to develop an entire new town: Ave Maria, Florida.

That premise somewhat agrees with an earlier post you read here on this blog. It's peculiar to see it repeated again in this type of interview, however. That is, until you read the next thought.

During its early days of operation, the critics of Ave Maria University came almost exclusively from secularists or “progressive” Catholics, who were uncomfortable with the prospect of an orthodox Catholic intellectual powerhouse.

Hello? Tacit admission? What were the several years earlier in Ypsilanti, Michigan? No wonder the people in Michigan feel like disposable latex gloves -- even the contributions, personal sacrifices, and energy they spent towards the "original recipe" (you heard it here first) Notre Dame Rival are forgotten. Nice.

Next:

First, some faculty and staff members at Ave Maria College in Michigan objected vehemently to plans for the move to Florida, charging that the administration of Ave Maria University was acting unethically—if not illegally—in winding down operations at the Michigan campus.

Thom Monaghan Fires Warning Shot across the Bow...

2005-10-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

Indeed, Thom wants to make everyone know that he intends to flex his termination clauses in the Ave contracts.

CONTROVERSY ERUPTS AT AVE MARIA SCHOOL OF LAW
By Paul Likoudis
(print date September 29, 2005)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - When the Board of Governors of the Ave Maria School of Law meets this week, one of the major issues on the table is the reappointment of the longtime board member Dr. Charles E. Rice.

As this issue of The Wanderer goes to press, rumors are swirling around Ann Arbor that Dr. Rice will not be reappointed - rumors that the law school dean, Dr. Bernard Dobranski, says "are not accurate."

From Lynchburg, Va., where he was on his way to the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars meeting in Charlotte, N.C., Dr. Dobranski told The Wanderer in a telephone interview that he does not know what recommendation the nominating committee of the board will make with regard to reappointing Dr. Rice, adding: "why the confidential deliberations of the board are even being discussed is very strange to me."

"I simply do not know what will happen, " he reiterated, concerning Rice's appointment.

But others at the law school, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this week - as well as its full accreditation in early August by the American Bar Association in the shortest time frame possible - say the board intends to drop Rice, who has opposed the law school's founder, Thomas Monaghan, by voicing opposition to his plan to move the school to Florida, where it would join Ave Maria University.

Monaghan was in Rome and unavailable for comment: Rice declined to speak to The Wanderer.

Dr. Rice, professor emeritus at the University of Notre Dame, is a visiting professor at Ave Maria and an original member since the Board of Governors' inception. At the meeting of the nominating committee of the board, Rice was not renominated to his position.

The type of controversy that has dogged Ave Maria College and Monaghan's actions now threatens to engulf Ave Maria School of Law in similar chaos.

Dropping Rice from the board, however it occurs - either by imposing term limits for all board members or by some other means - would be, say sources in Ann Arbor, a public relations disaster for the school.

As one source said: "Charlie Rice is an icon in conservative Catholic circles. His bona fides go back 40 years, and dropping him would send up a lot of red flags for that community."

Rice as a member of the board is opposed to the move to Florida, a position shared by many of the faculty.

In fact, Ave Maria School of Law's origins go back to Rice's vision. For nearly 40 years, Rice has been teaching his students at Notre Dame that the American legal system, the teaching of law in American law schools, and contemporary legal practice were in crisis, and that Catholics in the legal profession have a moral obligation to change the culture. Indeed, eight of the 25 members of an extraordinary faculty are Notre Dame graduates, several of whom graduated first in their law school class.

"So removing Charlie is really a drastic move. It makes no sense," said this source.

Members of the Ave Maria Board of Governors are:
[see list here but note that as of this posting, Charlie Rice still appears]

Most, if not all of the members, are expected in Ann Arbor this week for the school's fifth anniversary celebrations. How they will react to Rice's rumored removal is yet to be seen.

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2005-10-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

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We're Back!

2005-10-02T11:22:00.000-04:00

Due to popular pressure, and due to the CIA broadcasts detected on my fillings of late, pheonix has risen and will be adding content again.

PLEASE NOTE: the email has changed. seems the old one became the target of a mail server from somewhere.

Timeline: Whatever Happened to Making Ann Arbor Famous for Conservative Catholicism?

2004-08-15T14:51:00.000-04:00

Back in 1999, Mr. Monaghan was quoted all over the place as hoping, and inspiring others to hope in, a vision of creating a Catholic Mecca in right in Ann Arbor. The cites and quotes were all over the news. For instance, the Detroit News said, "They promise to make Ann Arbor as famous for conservative Catholicism as it is for the joint-smoking, run-naked liberalism of the University of Michigan."

The same article said, "I have to be careful. Schools are expensive. We want elementary schools, construction costs are high. We're applying to the state for four-year college status for Ave Maria Institute, and we'll build a campus for that."

And then, consistent with that publicly stated vision, we heard about the law school formation in the news as well.

Year 2000. Colleges are bought and merged. Things are moving for the fledgling undergrad and expansion is afoot. Monaghan Merges Two Schools.

Then, something changed over time. Allegations were cast in Ann Arbor papers that Tom Monaghan was trying to buy out part of the land use board in order to make a board more friendly to development. See Monaghan denies role in election.

or see Monaghan May Affect Primary Click here.

Then, after the election, in early 2001, we saw these headlines: Monaghan Plans to Move Ave Maria (moving campus to Ann Arbor. That should increase undergrad to 1000 students and 500 graduate students).

So, everyone at this point could see that we were still looking for that Ann Arbor Catholic Mecca.

Meanwhile, the law school was pulling its own weight and holding up the model of excellence when it was dedicated by Cardinal George.

2002. The college was then slated to have a campus on Domino's Farms in Ann Arbor Township. However, could it have been a ploy? Is it possible that a proposed plan was meant to fail? Nearly immediately the plans were focused on the 250-foot crucifix, which would require a variance from the height restrictions.

The eventual zoning board recommendation denying the development plan was focused on the 25-story crucifix.

The March 30, 2002 news included a hint of looking elsewhere. The dreams of working through Ann Arbor were dashed. Note, again, that the focus of public criticism was on the 25 story crucifix.

Later, after the plans were rejected, Mr. Monaghan said he didn't understand to the Detroit News. Note, however, that the news was mixed with news of the Law School graduation.

I am all for the Crucifix and believe it ought to be proudly displayed at any Catholic institution, home, or place. That is a unique sign of our faith in a God become man. But, insisting on the variance to the detriment of the overall plan may have been the straw that broke the zoning board's back. After all, there aren't many tall edifices protruding into the wide Ann Arbor sky, and I can't blame people for being a little edgy about that. Couldn't the school plan have worked on a more scaled and step-wise plan?

Or, perhaps, the failure to secure a friendly development board preceded the submission of the plan? That is a question for the ages of ages, to be reviewed at the close of time. For now, all we know is that the press constantly harped not on the building of a Catholic Campus, but on the inclusion of a 25-story crucifix in a township that has 5 story buildings. Surely, somebody thought of that beforehand, or then again, maybe they didn't. Either way, this author hasn't seen a 25-story crucifix in the mix for the Florida campus, so it is a wonderment at exactly what the purpose of insisting on it truly was.

For most of us, it would seem that bargaining would have been in the mix, "OK, OK, 25 stories was a bit much, but can I build a campus here?"

UPDATE (7/25/06): Torgo finds the addition of the Googleplex (1000+ ppl) right across the street and the other new office buildings in the area to point to the real problem with the campus plans having been that Monaghan inadequately planned to assist in the area impact. While others have helped the US 23 exit at Plymouth Rd be updated, and had their plans approved, the campus plan had none.

UPDATE (3/30/06): Many of the links now point to articles hidden in a subscription based archive area. The link shows the date of the paper, so if you want to see the article, write down the date and go to a nearby library with microfiche of the Detroit News and Ann Arbor News newspapers. Perhaps some kind soul can forward images of the articles to Torgo to include here.

Orientation and Upcoming

2004-07-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

Dear Visitor,

Thank you for coming here and reading about events surrounding the Ave Maria name used in conjunction with various educational institutions that have been founded by Thomas Monaghan. I hope to share with you some insight as to why these various institutions are drastically different and give you some information regarding events at each.

For the bystander, I hope to explain what is happening and why it means anything. For the insider, I hope to provide a central repository of indexed information and analysis on the mess.

Above all else, my purpose here is to show why the law school does not suffer the ills of the college and explain that law school graduates have not come from an institution that "bends the rules" or otherwise compromises its integrity for expedient gains.

There are now several institutions begun with money from the Ave Maria Foundation. Among these institutions, there is:

the College in Ypsilanti;
the College in Naples;
a College in Nicaragua;
an ephemeral "University" embodying those Colleges; and,
a Law School in Ann Arbor.

There are other non-educational institutions, such as a radio station and a now defunct newspaper.

The Ave Maria Foundation funds organizations that have an uncanny aptitude for adopting similar logos and the same name. Despite these similarities, they are each run by seperate individuals, and each organization has independant administrations.

The fact that each administration is separate, and has unique executives is key to understanding the current events and why the law school should not be considered as part of them.

Over the next few days, this site will include:
1) more information about the separate entities;
2) a background on the foundation of each school with a timeline and "vision" statements made in press releases;
3) more analysis of the current scandals (and some previous ones); and,
4) Delineation of the law school successes and a comparison of methods used by the college versus those of the law school under Dean Dobranski.

While this site does not have the purpose of voicing the college difficulties from within, it is sympathetic with the plight of those in Ypsilanti. There is another site at which you can see their viewpoint: http://www.geocities.com/aveparents/

Over time, I am sure there will be much to discuss because recent news, together with my insight of the management styles of the college administration gives me a hunch that we are seeing the edge of a wide plane.

The LAW SCHOOL, however, will surely continue to make news in positive ways, and you can rely on seeing comparisons and analysis here as to why, and what it means for bystanders and insiders.

Yours,

An Ave Maria School of Law Graduate and Lawyer

Maybe the College should have hired Ave Maria Law School Grads...

2004-07-21T18:35:00.000-04:00

It's a shame that not all lawyers in the Ave Maria University administration (website) graduated from the Ave Maria School of Law (website) because lawyers who do the right thing avoid press articles like this: Wanderer article, Ave Maria University Official Advises College Admissions Staff: "Bend The Rules". After all, the law school was given the motto "Fides et Ratio" [faith and reason] because the motto "will demonstrate that one can pursue both academic excellence and a strong religious conviction," said Tom Monaghan, who is also the founder and former Chairman of Domino's Pizza (cite is here).

Unfortunately, by choosing to take the expedient path, and "bend the rules", it's apparent that lawyers working at the College needed the purpose of Ave Maria School of Law: "We hope to produce outstanding lawyers who have exceptional analytical and writing abilities, as well as technical competency." Our students will return to their communities with an understanding of the nature of law and Catholic moral teachings. We not only want to set ourselves apart because of our faith commitment, but also because of the fine academic education that students will obtain at our school". Stated by Dean Dobranski at law school inception (cite is here).

Undoubtedly, the law school has done this -- topping the charts for bar exam results its first year, and continuing to astound the legal community with immediate successes. Such successes were obviously built with the foundations of integrity.

So what's the rub? Why the concern here?
Simple. The person on the street assumes Ave Maria is a united institution. I, for one, cannot blame them because they have similar logos and similar names -- however, I quickly explain to people that the schools are separately administered.

To me, such confusion only shows that what is happening at the college confuses the average bystander to think that the Ave Maria School of Law is somehow doing the same. Because the college is now faced with returning educational funds, and quotes like, "bend the rules" are published, the average person thinks Ave Maria lawyers are no different than others. That's a shame... another casualty of the fiasco -- the setback of having a self-imposed hurdle added to the already tortuous path of establishing a clean name in the legal community.

"Did the law school have to reimburse you for student loan money?" asked the metropolitan lawyer. I immediately explained that the law school fully complied with the law. I was fortunate enough to be asked -- most people don't ask questions, but assume.

The bottom line is that despite the defensive tone and spin produced by the Naples-college administration, their shenanigans are rippling out and polluting the integrity of my good reputation. It's sad because it also brings the notion of Catholic schools following a higher law into question. We are supposed to be good because our Father in Heaven, Who sees in secret, will repay us according to our deeds. That's what separates an Ave Maria School of Law grad from any lawyer: we do the right thing even when nobody will notice. Too bad the college administrators didn't practice what they preach, too.
____________
Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved. May be quoted in part so long as accompanied with hyperlink.

Taking A Page From the Clintons...

2004-07-20T21:02:00.000-04:00

The news of the Sandy Berger escapades and the comments being made around it bring to surface the new way of doing things: change history, apologize for whatever has been discovered, and divert interest by talking about other things.

You gotta love Clinton's response to the mess: "I know him. He's a good man. He worked his heart out for this country," Clinton said. A good man for what? So what if he worked hard -- he worked hard to get those documents out of the Archives, too... that has to be a trick worthy of David Blaine's repertoire. the only difference is that everybody knows that David Blaine is pulling a fast one or trying to mesmerize you.

Everybody is entitled to a defense, however. Sometimes, we really want to believe the excuse or explanation because we don't want to believe that somebody would really do what is being covered up.

Other times it's kind of scary to think that people might really believe what they are saying -- you almost hope for their sake that they aren't being sincere. The consequences of sincerity would be too overwhelmingly blunted by the wonderment of how the person attempting to explain the mess away was ever trusted to do the job to begin with.

Nonetheless, everyone deserves their shot at explanations, and lately, those taking the heat about the Ave Maria COLLEGE fiasco have taken out a guest commentary. The article appeared in the Naples Daily News: Guest commentary: Trustees acted properly to move Ave Maria to Fla. The only quote I like from it goes: "To move a college from one state to another is a complicated and daunting undertaking."

That's an understatement.

The article was signed by Nick Healy and Fr. Fessio. Fr. Fessio is taking the typical and honorable Jesuit path of going down with the ship in order to remain an advocate within, at best. At worst, he actually believes what he is saying without ever thinking about the effect these things have on ordinary folks who don't have million dollar bank accounts to finance a family move. I'm sure the usual salary of an AM college employee barely covers Michigan living expenses... not to mention the family and location-selecting done as part of ordering one's life by accepting a job at a typically permanent type of institution located in Ypsilanti.

After all, reading the explanations given by Healy, he'd make you think that the average person expects colleges and universities to move state to state every now and then. Therefore, the people who sent their children to the COLLEGE or signed up to work there must have really been mistaken to think they were settling down in Ypsilanti. Monaghan's own vision was for a world-class school in Ann Arbor. We shouldn't have taken that vision for content.

It's just like Berger's explanation that he was able to slip secret documents out of the National Archives. Given his explanation, you'd think it happened all the time.

Are we supposed to be forgetting or are we supposed to be stupid? It's hard to fathom what the image of us bystanders is estimated to be in either story.

Why is it that the move is now seen as a large martyr-worthy task, when the idea of working with Ann Arbor zoning was impossible? Perhaps Tom Monaghan realized that the 250-foot tall crucifix he envisioned placing on US 23 was a ludicrous idea after all. Nobody really blamed the zoning board for raising an eyebrow, even Harpar's noticed it (look at the third paragraph"Controversy was raging in Michigan over plans by the founder of Domino's Pizza to nail a 40-foot Jesus to a 250-foot crucifix in a suburb of Ann Arbor." March 5, 2002).

The Michigan folks don't like pink flamingos and they don't like tall things (even signs)... they wondered in the Press. 25 stories is tall.

I say I think Monaghan must be saving face from the monolithic bout of godzilla v. Jesus because his Floridian Crystal Cathedral will only have a 60-foot crucifix. See article here at Naples Daily. So it seems that the land of pink flamingos can have some aesthetic balance after all.

Too bad Monaghan never learned to negotiate with the difficult -- instead the Ave Maria college has acted like the worst of American corporations -- no local ties, but flightily leaving for the easiest road.

Let's hope that sugar cane farmers don't take zoning and urban planning classes before the church in Florida gets built.

The moral of the 25 stories covering the move is this: the school is moving because Monaghan abandoned his original vision for Ave Maria: a world-class school in Ann Arbor. But when the task of obtaining zoning approval in Ann Arbor became "complicated and daunting", he pulled his toys off the floor and left. Now the stooges are trying to explain it in a more palatable way.
____________
Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved. May be quoted in part so long as accompanied with hyperlink.