Time to end "tenure" in academe

As with most good ideas that were in response to certain historical contexts, indefinite tenure in academia is one of the most abused ones in  world that has changed a lot since its origin.  Abused in more than one ways.  I can only hope that the severe economic crisis will force academics to rethink tenure.

The NY Times features a discussion forum on "What will happen to American higher education if professors are not guaranteed job security?"  A few excerpts from different contributors:

"nothing represses the free expression of ideas more than the long and usually fruitless quest for tenure."

"Like the old work rules of newspaper guilds and auto workers, the tenure system, hatched in another era by a generation of mostly white males, does not fit contemporary economic realities"

"tenured faculty members often use their power to stifle innovation and change"

Oh well ... if only overhauling tenure will be an easy project!  But, overhaul we must, if we want to create a higher education system for the 21st century.  In an essay, in the recent issue of AACU's Liberal Education, on the need for new strategies during tough economic times, a university president writes (though, not at all about tenure):

At this point, institutions need to evaluate everything—both in the short and long term—and reunite efforts to focus more directly on our core educational missions. We need to take a good, hard look at where our colleges and universities are headed, what central values we hold most dear, and then very purposefully connect all of the programs, practices, and initiatives back to the educational mission. This examination is critical before moving forward.  

Wouldn't that "everything" include tenure, too?