Molding Young Minds … Lots Of Them

In a visit that we’re pretty sure violated University policy regarding sexual predators being on campus, FITS founding editor Sic Willie somehow finagled an invitation to speak to a class of over eighty aspiring communications practitioners at the University of South Carolina’s College of Mass Communications and Information Studies on Wednesday.

Actually, Sic – who wore a nice Ralph Lauren button-up shirt and jacket (not his new University of Amsterdam hoodie) – was the guest of honor at Dr. Jay Bender’s Media Law and Ethics class.  The school even set him up with reserved “rock star’ parking and some nice parting gifts, too.

Anyway, the thrust of Sic’s attention deficit disorder rambling … err, remarks … revolved around the premise that none of the biases we typically associate with the Internet, network news, talk radio, newspapers, etc., really matter anymore.

“Some crusty old Supreme Court justice once wrote that the ultimate power of a thought lay in its ability to gain acceptance in the marketplace of ideas,” he said.  “So, if someone makes a good point – an argument that convinces you – does it really matter what network logo they have on their microphone?”

Sic also shared a few colorful anecdotes from his time in the office of S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, and discussed his recent run-in with the Capitol Police up in Washington D.C.

There were a dozen or so questions, too, including one about the gubernatorial candidate whose alleged indiscretions lie at the heart of that run-in.

While not a command performance on his part (we blame caffeine), Sic’s after-action review with FITS ad director Ashley Hester quickly broke things down to brass tacks.

“So … which girl did you give too much eye contact to?” Ashley asked.

“That’s easy. Blonde, blue top, white scarf, third row … ten o’clock.”

“So not the girl you complimented on her shiny hair?”

“No … but she was hot, too, wasn’t she?”

Anyway, thanks to Professor Bender and his Law and Ethics class for allowing our favorite lawless, ethically-challenged “blogger” to pay them a visit …

And as for “white scarf girl,” what Mrs. Sic doesn’t know won’t hurt her, don’tcha think?  Seriously, she likes scarves …

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ouch! Honey … Kidding …

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