Al Gore to get honorary doctorate in climatology?

The University of Minnesota, for reasons beyond me, is apparently considering giving former Senator and one-time presidential candidate Al Gore a honorary doctorate for his "work" in climatology.

University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks broached the subject at a recent Board of Regents meeting, saying that "two of our colleges are working with Vice President Gore to provide, we hope, an honorary doctorate.

Are you as confused as I am? Well, the story gets even better.

Daniel Wolter, University of Minnesota spokesman, went so far as to even call Gore an "expert on the subject."

"He's in the news and is a legitimate expert on a pressing issue of global concern, climate change, so this level of interest is understandable," Wolter said. "However, no plans have been set and it's unlikely that would occur this spring."

What? Excuse me? Since when did being knowledgeable, about something make a person an expert in that field? The guy makes a movie which makes conclusions about "data" that is dubious at best, and we have people from academia clamoring to bestow a doctorate in climatology to this guy? So much for independent thinking in the classroom.

Whats' next, a POL SCI doctorate for Michael Moore? Or how about one in biology for that guy who made "March of the Penguins?

Apparently there are some students at the University who support the idea of giving Gore an honorary doctorate, including University DFL President Shannon Mitchell.

"He's a leader in an area we all need to be very concerned with," she said.

She adds that all the "..bipartisan work he did after he ran for office, including his documentary, (makes him)...deserving of the award."

I know that the whole business of slinging honorary doctorates from the back of Campus President cars is often simply a ploy to lure "distinguished" speakers to campuses nationwide but, this episode should really serve as a wake up call as to the corrupting influence it has on academic freedom and thought.