I missed the earlier ones, thanks.
1. The biggest risk was a financial risk.
2. I work with academics quite often. Most education professors I come in contact with are either irresponsible, have poor judgement, usually aren’t as intellegent as other academics, or if the have some modicum of intellegence it is overshadowed by insecurity, or a compulsion to make all things political. Some of them push the envelope and when they get called on it scream oppression of academic integrity/freedom (eventhough their actions are disingenous at best). They want money, but don’t want accountability. There is an odd sense of entitlement I see with very few other academics or business people. (I’ve met a women’s studies prof and a couple of really lazy social scientists that fall in this category)
The ones I come into contact with them do not (I haven’t figured out if this is a can’t or a won’t) understand fair market principles and good business practices. Because they don’t, they are frustrated that they have no value (ie can’t afford the house in the really GOOD zip code and have to drive a Toyota).
I think Moshman is full of it. I think he invited Ayers to get attention and when the outside world that pays his salary burst his bubble he squealed like the sheltered brat that he is.
If you can't teach, teach teachers.