<p>All of this hand-wringing to avoid diversity in the economics department. (Beware the Austrians, they favor less government.)</p>
<p>The amusing irony is that the Koch foundation is committed to de-bunking the man-made climate scare, and Dr. Baron’s career has been made supporting it.</p>
<p>By the way here are two interesting economics music videos from EconStories. Hayek (Austrian) vs Keynes (Brit) each with their economic theories.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>[Fear</a> the Boom and Bust](<a href=“Fear the Boom and Bust: Keynes vs. Hayek - The Original Economics Rap Battle! - YouTube”>Fear the Boom and Bust: Keynes vs. Hayek - The Original Economics Rap Battle! - YouTube)</p></li>
<li><p>[Fight</a> of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek Round Two](<a href=“Fight of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek - Economics Rap Battle Round Two - YouTube”>Fight of the Century: Keynes vs. Hayek - Economics Rap Battle Round Two - YouTube)</p></li>
</ol>
<p>FSU: For Sale University? Newspapers aren’t letting up on this even after President Barron’s explanation of FSU-Koch deal:</p>
<p>[FSU:</a> For Sale University - St. Petersburg Times](<a href=“http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1169964.ece]FSU:”>http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1169964.ece)</p>
<p>[Koch</a> donation should trouble students | fsunews.com |](<a href=“http://www.fsunews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110516/FSVIEW03/110515013]Koch”>http://www.fsunews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110516/FSVIEW03/110515013)</p>
<p>[Is</a> Florida State University Ethically Challenged? - Brainstorm - The Chronicle of Higher Education](<a href=“Brainstorm: Is Florida State University Ethically Challenged?”>Brainstorm: Is Florida State University Ethically Challenged?)</p>
<p>The St. Pete Times is going to have a field day bad mouthing FSU more with its two new board of trustees appointments made by Governor Scott yesterday. Bense chairs Florida’s conservative think tank James Madison Institute, and Gruters was an early political supporter of Scott when he was campaigning for election last year. To the victor goes the spoils.</p>
<p>[While</a> pushing back critics, FSU gains a couple more GOP insiders | Post on Politics](<a href=“http://www.postonpolitics.com/2011/05/while-pushing-back-critics-fsu-gains-a-couple-more-gop-insiders/]While”>http://www.postonpolitics.com/2011/05/while-pushing-back-critics-fsu-gains-a-couple-more-gop-insiders/)</p>
<p>Dr. Barron has modified the letter he is sending to media and now is calling for faculty involvement in reviewing the FSU/Koch matter. This a positive step and is the right thing to do getting faculty more involved. FSU will get this matter resolved and will be stronger for it. Time to move on.</p>
<p>Dr. Barron: “Clearly, Florida State did not sell its academic soul, as some eagerly contend. At the same time, we also know that some faculty members were uncomfortable with the process and with the potential for undue influence. For this reason, I have asked for an independent committee of faculty members, formulated by the Faculty Senate, to meet with the faculty to ensure that we take all necessary steps to protect the academic integrity of Florida State University.”</p>
<p>[FSU</a> president: University did not sell its soul for Koch funding | HeraldTribune.com](<a href=“http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110520/COLUMNIST/110519399/-1/news?p=3&tc=pg]FSU”>http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110520/COLUMNIST/110519399/-1/news?p=3&tc=pg)</p>
<p>[FSU</a> should end Koch agreement | HeraldTribune.com](<a href=“http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110520/OPINION/110519382/-1/news?Title=FSU-should-end-Koch-agreement]FSU”>http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110520/OPINION/110519382/-1/news?Title=FSU-should-end-Koch-agreement)</p>
<p>As an Economics major, I can assure you the Economics department aren’t stupid about this matter. They know what they are doing. </p>
<p>Although, Koch has an influence in their hiring decision, it’s sure makes their work a lot easier in the hiring decision by creating a smaller pool of applicants. The Econ department also gets the final say who gets hired. If Koch does not like their decision, they can pull out their grant at anytime. The department surely can find other means to finance their research and study, although it won’t be as effective with a 1.5 million dollar donation. </p>
<p>As far as students academic integrity goes, you are not a credible student if you regurgitate everything their professors say with the absolute belief they are right. What’s great about economics is that the major heavily teaches about how some school of economics theories work, as to which theory is most effective depends on the way you look at it from you own stance. With the mindset of Economics students at Florida State, and staff, it’s almost impossible to corrupt the integrity these students.</p>
<p>While Dr. Barron defends this donation, he also makes clear this construction would not have occurred on his watch.</p>
<p>Coming to Florida soon: more Koch baloney?</p>
<p>[Gov</a>. Scott on attending Koch retreat, Romneycare and approval ratings | Florida politics blog: The Buzz | tampabay.com & St. Petersburg Times](<a href=“Florida Politics”>Florida Politics)</p>
<p>FSU released today the faculty review report for the FSU/Koch funding matter. The full report and its recommendations can be found in the attached link to President Barron’s web page. [Office</a> of the President](<a href=“http://president.fsu.edu/]Office”>http://president.fsu.edu/)</p>
<p>[FSU</a> review salvages academic integrity - St. Petersburg Times](<a href=“http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1180757.ece]FSU”>http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/article1180757.ece)</p>