2008 Woodie Awards
Thefts prompt scandal
Monica Southworth
Issue date: 11/7/08 Section: News
Philip Busse, a visiting professor of media studies, published a post on news blog the Huffington Post describing how he stole McCain/Palin signs along Highway 19. As soon as he published the post Oct. 30, word of the post began to circulate throughout the student body, causing a whirlwind of backlash among the St. Olaf community. Due to criticism, Busse resigned from St. Olaf Nov. 3 at 4:30 p.m.
Busse did not respond to attempts to contact him. However, citypages.com, a weekly alternative news outlet in the Twin Cities, reports Busse saying, "They forced me to resign. St. Olaf wanted to distance themselves from my actions. I can understand." The article continues, stating that, "St. Olaf wouldn't comment on Busse's hiring, citing personnel issues."
For stealing the lawn signs, Busse can be charged with theft. Citypages.com reported that the Rice County Sheriff's Department announced Busse will be charged with a misdemeanor theft and could be fined $1,000 and serve up to 90 days in jail. Busse said in the article that he would be going back to Portland, "before the mob comes at me with pitchforks."
In the blog, Busse explained his reasoning for pulling out the signs: "I was trying to achieve some great public service for rural voters." He believes that Minnesota farmers increasingly vote conservative against their own interests.
"By pulling out the McCain signs, I was hoping to curb the impression for passing motorists that family farmers in Minnesota supported McCain," Busse wrote.
Besides stealing lawn signs, Busse admitted to lowering a student's grade for wearing an Obama T-shirt when he gave a presentation about talk radio's impact on the current election.
"I told him that the T-shirt made his presentation look biased and detracted from his otherwise sincere analysis of Rush Limbaugh," Busse wrote.
Steve Benton '12 said at first he was shocked, and angry after Busse told him he marked him down for wearing the T-shirt during the presentation, but that he understood later on and decided to let it go. Later, when a friend e-mailed the article to him, Benton was upset again and commented on the article.
Busse did not respond to attempts to contact him. However, citypages.com, a weekly alternative news outlet in the Twin Cities, reports Busse saying, "They forced me to resign. St. Olaf wanted to distance themselves from my actions. I can understand." The article continues, stating that, "St. Olaf wouldn't comment on Busse's hiring, citing personnel issues."
For stealing the lawn signs, Busse can be charged with theft. Citypages.com reported that the Rice County Sheriff's Department announced Busse will be charged with a misdemeanor theft and could be fined $1,000 and serve up to 90 days in jail. Busse said in the article that he would be going back to Portland, "before the mob comes at me with pitchforks."
In the blog, Busse explained his reasoning for pulling out the signs: "I was trying to achieve some great public service for rural voters." He believes that Minnesota farmers increasingly vote conservative against their own interests.
"By pulling out the McCain signs, I was hoping to curb the impression for passing motorists that family farmers in Minnesota supported McCain," Busse wrote.
Besides stealing lawn signs, Busse admitted to lowering a student's grade for wearing an Obama T-shirt when he gave a presentation about talk radio's impact on the current election.
"I told him that the T-shirt made his presentation look biased and detracted from his otherwise sincere analysis of Rush Limbaugh," Busse wrote.
Steve Benton '12 said at first he was shocked, and angry after Busse told him he marked him down for wearing the T-shirt during the presentation, but that he understood later on and decided to let it go. Later, when a friend e-mailed the article to him, Benton was upset again and commented on the article.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Joe Schantz
posted 11/08/08 @ 3:38 PM CST
Were the last 4 paragraphs really necessary? I respect your right to journalistic free speech...but I can use google too; here's what you left out.
In a response to the Willamette Weekly Busse stated his salary reflects duties beyond a campaign manager. (Continued…)
Scott Gunem
posted 11/08/08 @ 5:05 PM CST
I applaud Ms. Southworth for addressing the Busse matter. It would be very easy (and tempting) for the St. Olaf community to just let this matter pass. (Continued…)
Sean Hayford O'Leary
posted 11/09/08 @ 3:19 PM CST
"Besides stealing lawn signs, Busse admitted to lowering a student's grade for wearing an Obama T-shirt"
This is completely misleading. I don't think Busse "admitted" to lowering a student's grade. (Continued…)
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