Though one can sympathise with someone who always wanted to be a prof and took the appropriate training before finding out that there were more candidates than there were openinings, I find the condementory tone and accusations of elitism to be off the mark. Both my wife and my daughter are 'ABT's, one in English, one in religious studies. Both had intended to be profs but when the possibilities were shipwrechted on the rocks of reality, they chose alternative careers which utilize their academic skills. Both have had/now have rewarding careers. And when they see my stress and disappointment with academe, they are somewhat derisive in my loyalty to the academy. Besides which, Monday we are scheduled to be on the picket line trying to force the university to hire new profs rather than 'just in time' sessionals. So I guess I resent those recent grads that think we 'old white men' should jump of the bridge just so that the new, young brilliants can have a secure and tenured job -- until someone asks them to jump off the bridge. Paul Phillips, Economics, University of Manitoba
