IN the ongoing condemnation of embattled University of Guyana lecturer Freddie Kissoon, someone wrote that writing newspaper articles is not considered academic. I beg to differ because from time to time professors and other learned men do publish scholarly work in the press worthy of our edification. It is called bringing the university to the people which is a noble thing to do. I have known of many a researcher gaining a wealth of knowledge from newspaper clippings, having gleaned those ideas from great scholars who published them, so castigating Freddie on that front does us no good.

But this is my point: Freddie writes prolifically on matters of politics and other routine matters, his style is feisty and confrontational which is very much in place for a political science writer.

But what he writes does not account for much which is of concern for all in the academic community. His articles lack depth, barely authentic, laced with sensationalism even downright lies; the kind of stuff we get from standing at the marketplace.

His writings remind you of the over-the-fence character Cynthia. Most of us around my age would remember that radio series “Ask Cynthia” She is considered the village’s source of gossip but oftentimes she is dead wrong in her pronouncements. Freddie fits that personality.

Certainly, this is not work that should emanate from someone holding the post of senior lecturer. Then, I shudder to think of the quality of tutelage our students are getting at our premier institution of learning.

The French would want to call his writings de classe or the English classical dotishness, the kind that makes one puke. However, I must remind my readers that this kind of stuff sells like real hot cakes and for that reason, Kaieteur News has kept him because the economic factor is real when it comes to Freddie’s missives.

Of course, that newspaper has had the onerous task of dealing with many lawsuits which has caused them much hurt because Freddie’s writings have the ability to attract that sort of thing. Wherever this controversial figure goes a trail of libellous lawsuits follow.

Whether they fancy the idea of being saddled with these court proceedings is a matter for them, however, I would tend to muzzle him by way of editing his stuff. Kaieteur has competent people that are willing to help Freddie.

Ironically, the object of Freddie’s obsession, Jagdeo, is gaining degrees thus adding to his academic achievements, while his nemesis wallows in the mire.