Law Professor Stirs Controversy After Questioning 'Irrational' Support of US Troops
A Massachusetts law professor has come under fire for sending off a campus wide email that called plans by colleagues to collect care packages for U.S. troops "shameful," saying current support for the military was "not particularly rational."
Michael Avery is a Suffolk University Law School professor who specializes in constitutional law. He was the recipient of a staff email soliciting "much needed supplies to put in care packages to be sent to deployed troops," The email also reportedly mentioned that one Suffolk law student deployed to Afghanistan would be a recipient.
Boston talk radio station 96.9 FM posted Avery's controversial response in full on its website. A portion reads, "I think it is shameful that it is perceived as legitimate to solicit in an academic institution for support for men and women who have gone overseas to kill other human beings."
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Avery added, "The United States may well be the most war prone country in the history of civilization."
Avery's scathing message also questioned the oversized flag in the campus's lobby. He wrote, "Why are we sending support to the military instead of Americans who are losing their homes, malnourished, unable to get necessary medical care, and suffering from other consequences of poverty?"
Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass, dismissed Avery's comments.
Sen. Brown told the Boston Herald, "I returned from Afghanistan recently. I know how much our troops value hearing from friends, neighbors, loved ones and even anonymous well wishers who appreciate the job they are doing."
"It's sad there are still some people who fail to appreciate the selfless sacrifice of our military, but it makes me angry when they openly campaign to deprive our troops of the love and support they deserve," said Brown.
He continued, "I wish Professor Avery could witness for himself the joy that a small gift can bring to a soldier, especially around the holidays."
