[OPE-L:6601] The Kliman Debate

[Asfilho@xxxxxxx]

Recent messages have shown how difficult it can be to discuss this matter on the list. Perhaps we can agree on the following:

1. OPE-L takes a strong and uncompromising stand for economic pluralism.

2. In fulfilling our professional duties, as teachers, administrators, researchers, referees, members of lists and editorial boards and in any other capacity, a spirit of tolerance and understanding is essential.

3. We lament that the dispute between Andrew Kliman and URPE has taken the legal route.

4. We believe that individuals and groups on the left should avoid using legal instruments in order to address their political and theoretical differences or to resolve their grievances.

5. We believe that academic journals on the left should use appropriate and transparent quality controls in order to select papers for publication. They are entitled to reject papers from theoretical perspectives alien to the left. Papers incorporating left perspectives and goals should be evaluated on their merit. Prejudice and gratuitous intolerance in any shape or form are unacceptable. This is best ensured by using a pool of referees with diverse theoretical perspectives, and who are committed to the principles of pluralism within the left.

6. Journals are entitled to reject papers. Authors are entitled to seek other outlets for publication, including other journals and edited or single-authored books, and they are entitled (indeed, encouraged) to start new journals.

7. The list rejects any attempt to stifle debate on or off list, either through the threat of legal action or by other means.

Alfredo.