I have never been asked to participate anything meaningful in this department. For example, I have neve been asked to be an adviser to graduates or undergraduates or [anyone else] ... . Now since my colleagues tell me they like me, I assume that they are not saying that just to humo(u)r me, the reason must be political. Indeed, I remember years ago when I informed my colleagues that a friend of mine who was nationally known, in fact internationally respected, Michael Parenti, who would be a great draw because of his reputation, was available for a job (at a time when the department was actually trying to fill a line), I was quickly informed that he would not be considered no matter what, and I was told in effect to stay out of department business.