ASSOCIATED PRESS

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- A University of New Mexico history professor who was heavily criticized for telling a class on the day of the terrorist attacks, "Anyone who can blow up the Pentagon has my vote" is retiring this month, complaining of constant harassment.

Richard Berthold, a 55-year-old tenured professor, was forced to apologize for the remark, which he called "an incredibly stupid joke." The university also barred him from teaching freshmen.

"Constant harassment by persons in authority at the university is now driving me into retirement," he said in a statement Monday. He has taught at the university for 30 years.

Provost Brian Foster said Berthold is not being forced out.

Berthold stayed off campus for a brief period after his remark while police investigated obscene and threatening calls to the history department. He also said he was assaulted in front of his home.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002

Answers

Berthold described the remark as "an incredibly stupid joke." He's 55!!! It would be incredibly stupid for a 7-year old, not anyone older than that.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2002