Dear Savvas,
I’ve signed the “Resolution of Solidarity” petition now circulating, but let me add my own words, which you may use or not as you see fit:
As an American philosopher, I am astonished and appalled that the Greek government should bring charges against an esteemed colleague, Savvas Michael-Matsas, for publishing a leaflet that expresses a considered moral-political judgment. It is hard to believe that such a development could occur in the very city that hosted the World Congress of Philosophy, which I attended this month, a congress at which many participants expressed controversial views, as is to be expected in a profession long committed to principles of free speech and free association.
I am certain that virtually every philosopher attending the congress (and every other academic that I know) would join with me in calling that all charges against him—and against Konstantinos Moutzouris, the former rector of National Technical University of Athens—be dropped. Bringing these men to trial will do nothing but massively tarnish the image of your beautiful country.
Sincerely,
David Schweickart
Professor of Philosophy
Loyola University Chicago
USA
I’ve signed the “Resolution of Solidarity” petition now circulating, but let me add my own words, which you may use or not as you see fit:
As an American philosopher, I am astonished and appalled that the Greek government should bring charges against an esteemed colleague, Savvas Michael-Matsas, for publishing a leaflet that expresses a considered moral-political judgment. It is hard to believe that such a development could occur in the very city that hosted the World Congress of Philosophy, which I attended this month, a congress at which many participants expressed controversial views, as is to be expected in a profession long committed to principles of free speech and free association.
I am certain that virtually every philosopher attending the congress (and every other academic that I know) would join with me in calling that all charges against him—and against Konstantinos Moutzouris, the former rector of National Technical University of Athens—be dropped. Bringing these men to trial will do nothing but massively tarnish the image of your beautiful country.
Sincerely,
David Schweickart
Professor of Philosophy
Loyola University Chicago
USA
