Althouse: "The essence of Progressivism, the narrative behind the Wisconsin Idea, is that the 'experts' on Bascom Hill would instruct their lessers..."

November 24, 2010

"The essence of Progressivism, the narrative behind the Wisconsin Idea, is that the 'experts' on Bascom Hill would instruct their lessers..."

"... especially legislators popularly elected by the rabble, to scrape the manure off their boots before they enter the State Capitol.”

Says David Blaska, having his say on the Charles Franklin dust-up.

For nonWisconsinites: "Bascom Hill" means the University of Wisconsin—Madison and "The Wisconsin Idea" means this.

15 comments:

Trooper York said...: The last time the University of Wisconsin had a regular guy entered it's hallowed halls was when Rodney Dangerfield filmed "Back to School."; 11/24/10, 5:12 PM
Trooper York said...: Which by the way I wanted to ask...who did they base the horny blond professor on....inquiring minds want to know.; 11/24/10, 5:13 PM
Trooper York said...: I know they based the Sam Kinnison character after the Instapundit.; 11/24/10, 5:14 PM
Ann Althouse said...: I don't know but "Back to School" had a scene filmed right outside my office window. It was interesting to watch Dangerfield standing right in the middle of Bascom Hill.; 11/24/10, 5:18 PM
DaveW said...: Wow, I'm almost starting to feel sorry for Professor Franklin.; 11/24/10, 5:35 PM
garage mahal said...: I have been called a lot of things. As a conservative in Madison, it comes with the territory.

Are there any support groups in Madison or the U where conservatives can meet up and talk about their feelings being hurt by Prof Franklin? Maybe some counseling. I don't know.; 11/24/10, 5:49 PM
Unknown said...: UW types must be more than a little vain if they think the "Wisconsin Idea" is unique to them. At least, leaving out the part about instructing their lessers about what a great system Socialism is.

I mean, we were told in 4th or 5th grade arithmetic, "You don't go to college to learn how to make a living. You go to college to learn how to live". It's pretty good advice, I've found.; 11/24/10, 6:08 PM
The Crack Emcee said...: DaveW,

Wow, I'm almost starting to feel sorry for Professor Franklin.

Get over it. He sunk his battleship.; 11/24/10, 6:40 PM
Photog714 said...: "One of the longest and deepest traditions surrounding the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Idea signifies a general principle: that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom."

What an original idea. Amazing it never occurred to Plato.; 11/24/10, 6:58 PM
DADvocate said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/24/10, 7:27 PM
DADvocate said...: I knew what Bascom Hill was because of Obama's appearance in Madison. Now, the "Wisconsin Idea," wow. I've heard/read that idea numerous times but never attributed to Wisconsin.

Is that the best they can do? No wonder they're known as cheeseheads.; 11/24/10, 7:29 PM
Jason (the commenter) said...: So, does this mean Althouse started this blog with the intent to eventually take over the world?; 11/24/10, 7:34 PM
Mr. Forward said...: Eventually?; 11/24/10, 7:58 PM
TosaGuy said...: What the supposed smart people don't understand is that the rest of the people truly do know of how the "smart set" thinks of them.

I have met so many of the "smart set" who have traveled all over the world, but never outside of their comfort zone in the United States.; 11/25/10, 8:17 AM
David Blaska said...: As Rodney Dangerfield said in "Back to School," "What's a hot tub without Bubbles. Bubbles, get in here."; 11/26/10, 10:40 PM