To the Editor:

The BB&T Distinguished Professor of Capitalism at WCU has responded to my letter regarding BB&T bank’s practice of funding pro-corporate professors on college campuses across the country. I did not name the professor, as it was not my intention to denigrate his reputation, as I am sure he is a well-qualified professional or he would not have gotten the position.

The fundamental problem, however, is the system in which giant corporations can install those who agree with their political viewpoint into our public educational institutions. By definition, this act makes our universities less public and more controlled by private forces and motivations.

Further, why should those with an overabundance of money be able to get their views over-represented in a public university? This is the same issue as that of the US Supreme Court ruling of Citizens United: that in an under-regulated market, the wealthy and powerful have disproportionate influence on our government and society. This ruling reverses a great American tradition of one person, one vote.

As our media is corporate-owned, the information they present on their news shows reflect their corporate bottom line. This is why, in spite of his success in fundraising from millions of small donors, in the huge crowds at his events, his performance in the debate, and his soaring poll numbers, Bernie Sanders is either attacked or ignored by the corporate media news. 

In his letter, the professor suggested that censorship is the appropriate way to deal with criticism (such as mine), and in an under-regulated market, BB&T could buy up all the local newspapers and make this a reality.  

We The People stand no chance against the whims mega-corporations unless we elect representatives to stand up against that power, just like the checks and balances designed into our government. Corporate power, unchecked, is more dangerous than political power, as the corporations now control our government against our interests.

Those corporations don’t want Bernie Sanders for President, as he would work to restore the balance of private and public power, as he has done throughout his career.

Corporate tyranny is tyranny nonetheless.

Dan Kowal

Franklin