Meaning: The quote by Mort Kondracke, a journalist, refers to Ward Churchill, a controversial figure in academia. To understand the quote, it's important to have some context about Ward Churchill and the controversies surrounding him.

Ward Churchill is a former professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. He gained national attention in the early 2000s for his controversial essay, "On the Justice of Roosting Chickens," in which he made inflammatory remarks about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In the essay, Churchill referred to the victims of 9/11 as "little Eichmanns," comparing them to Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. His comments sparked widespread outrage and led to a heated debate about free speech, academic freedom, and the boundaries of acceptable discourse.

In the aftermath of the controversy, Churchill's academic credentials and scholarship came under intense scrutiny. This scrutiny ultimately led to an investigation into allegations of research misconduct, which culminated in his termination from the University of Colorado in 2007. The decision to dismiss him was controversial and sparked further debates about academic freedom, political correctness, and the role of dissenting voices within academia.

Mort Kondracke's quote about Ward Churchill being more valuable to the opponents of the academic left employed than unemployed reflects the perception that Churchill's continued presence within academia provides a platform for critics to highlight what they see as the shortcomings of the academic left. Kondracke suggests that Churchill's controversial views and actions serve as a "living window" into what he perceives as the intellectual, moral, and political bankruptcy of the left.

The quote implies that Churchill's employment within academia allows his detractors to point to him as an embodiment of the perceived failings of the academic left. It suggests that his presence is more useful to critics as a symbol of what they see as the flaws of leftist intellectual and moral positions than if he were removed from his academic position.

The controversy surrounding Ward Churchill raises important questions about academic freedom, the limits of free speech, and the responsibilities of scholars within academic institutions. It also underscores the broader societal debates about the role of universities as forums for diverse and sometimes contentious ideas.

In conclusion, Mort Kondracke's quote captures the polarizing nature of Ward Churchill's presence within academia and the ways in which his controversial views and actions have been used as a focal point for larger debates about academic freedom, intellectual integrity, and the ideological divisions within higher education. Whether one agrees or disagrees with Churchill's views, his case serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious intersections of politics, academia, and free expression.