A few days later, I drove from Ohio University to our sister school, Kent State, to witness Joan Baez stand on the deadly spot and sing “Amazing Grace.” Her voice rang out for miles, it seemed, and I still get goose bumps when I hear that song.
Just wait until the summer protests build to a crescendo and the orange wonder declares marshal law, with orders to shoot protestors on sight. Meanwhile, the insurrection of January 6th is a distant memory and will disappear from the history books, just as this fascist regime is doing with the contributions of any person of color or woman who moved our country forward.
If you want to stop the corruption, go to my Substack for a free digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice. It proves the leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties have been conspiring together to pack the courts with corrupt judges--conspiring to commit treason.
Nothing is going to change until we collectively demand an end to the system of legalized bribery that is the cause of all the problems in the world. (Including murdering protesters.) You demand change by becoming a one issue voter. Republican or Democrat, refuse to vote for anyone who is not fighting tooth and nail to get the money out of politics. If you don't, these bribe taking whores will continue to sell their offices to the highest bidders.
Ah, that day, when we young people knew our government had turned against us. We had been raised to believe in our leaders, our police, our teachers...that was the day our hearts were broken and our eyes were opened. The murder of the Black students at Jackson State was the link that made it clear that our leaders did not want to hear from us whether we be Black or White. We were forever changed by these events, and the knowledge that our friends in Vietnam were giving their lives for lies. It was never the same again.
All these years later, it still moves me to tears. I was in grad school at Ohio State at the time, were we had our own conflicts. And when you add in all the youth killed by racism, despair, armed maniacs - it boggles the mind.
Kent State happened just a few weeks before my high school graduation. I was in class when it was announced over the P.A. We all sat in stunned silence, seemingly forever. Later that day (or week) the senior class of Flushing High School decided we would wear black arm bands over our white gowns in solidarity. I'm still proud of that day.
I am 71, and just celebrated my old friend’s birthday as he turned 72 here in NYC. We both marched against the Vietnam war many, many years ago. We both decided we would join any protests, up to and including standing in front of tanks in DC, to disrupt the Trump “Happy Birthday to ME ME ME!” parade. If that unknown Chinese dissident at Tiananmen square could do it for his country, we can do it for ours. Who’ll join us…and carry the ibuprofen and statins? “TIN SOLDIERS AND TRUMP COMING….”
I am 86, served active duty in the U.S. Army pre-Vietnam War ('57-'61) and protested later against our involvement in the Vietnam War. "Duty" has a several connotations.
I have a better way for you to protest. Go to my Substact for a free digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice. Read it and ask "your" representative why they ignored documented proof of widespread systemic corruption in the federal judicial system in clear violation of their oath "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
It shouldn't be necessary to quote the source of that phrase - a phrase that should be engraved on the Statue of Liberty, along with "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . ." None the less, 'lest we forget' -
"Never again" is a phrase or slogan which is associated with the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. The slogan was used by liberated prisoners at Buchenwald concentration camp to denounce fascism. It was popularized by Jewish Defense League founder Meir Kahane in his 1971 book, Never Again! A Program for Survival. The exact meaning of the phrase is debated, including whether it should be used as a particularistic command to avert a second Holocaust of Jews or whether it is a universalist injunction to prevent all forms of genocide. Wikipedia
Thanks for the post , Michael, and for reminding me that all governments lie—none more than the administration in power today in the US. But yes, we are prone to lie to ourselves too, to make us feel better about our complicity.
I've been thinking more and more about that time, and when I was jailed in D.C. for protesting the war, etc. It reminds me how real the actions being threatened by the Trump Administration are. I haven't wanted to be jailed again at 72, for sure. But, we've got some serious business to attend to.
And I second everyone's attendance at their nearest event for No Kings Day on June 14, as well.
I didn't get jailed for protesting until I was 60. At 73 I really don't want to go to jail or be shot, but it's my duty to keep attending protests, and here we have 'em every week.
Philip and James, we white men today apologize for what happened at Jackson State College. But your tragedy has not ended. It continues because you are black. Racism is taught, and it is taught from in the home to the federal government. And yes, a white man's apology is not enough. I agree. You would have been fine men had you been allowed.
Shocking to me that people, even young people, don't seem to understand protest or civil disobediance these days. I was at Barnard not too long after our own Columbia protests in '68 when we received the devastating news of the Kent state murders. Colleges and Universities must band together or they'll be picked off
one by one with faux accusations of antisemitism and threats of defunding. The lies continue.
I agree with you 100%. My niece in her 30's who has a masters degree in history with a 4.0 gpa, votes democratic, can't stand Netanyahu, and works at the U of Oregon in Eugene (a very blue area), said in frustration when the students were peacefully protesting against the genocide, that she didn't think the school should have allowed the protests and that it was an inconvenience to have to walk around the protesters to get to where she works in the library!! She was very upset about it. I was totally blown away at her reaction, and there was nothing I could say to get her to see the importance of what the protesters were doing. I just can't believe this attitude. It's an unexpected disconnect I was totally unprepared for.
Last Sunday I turned 80. There are pictures that still bring me to my knees. I wish I knew then what I know now. That was the only time I really stood up to my World War II serving father who was always right.. I had no real information to fight back with but my heart and soul knew how horribly wrong it was. His answer: "They got what they deserved". I went on to marry the most perfect black man. I found who I deserved!
A few days later, I drove from Ohio University to our sister school, Kent State, to witness Joan Baez stand on the deadly spot and sing “Amazing Grace.” Her voice rang out for miles, it seemed, and I still get goose bumps when I hear that song.
Just wait until the summer protests build to a crescendo and the orange wonder declares marshal law, with orders to shoot protestors on sight. Meanwhile, the insurrection of January 6th is a distant memory and will disappear from the history books, just as this fascist regime is doing with the contributions of any person of color or woman who moved our country forward.
I fear they won't hesitate to shoot protestors.
I agree. He and his evildoers have no boundaries.
If you want to stop the corruption, go to my Substack for a free digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice. It proves the leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties have been conspiring together to pack the courts with corrupt judges--conspiring to commit treason.
Nothing is going to change until we collectively demand an end to the system of legalized bribery that is the cause of all the problems in the world. (Including murdering protesters.) You demand change by becoming a one issue voter. Republican or Democrat, refuse to vote for anyone who is not fighting tooth and nail to get the money out of politics. If you don't, these bribe taking whores will continue to sell their offices to the highest bidders.
Ah, that day, when we young people knew our government had turned against us. We had been raised to believe in our leaders, our police, our teachers...that was the day our hearts were broken and our eyes were opened. The murder of the Black students at Jackson State was the link that made it clear that our leaders did not want to hear from us whether we be Black or White. We were forever changed by these events, and the knowledge that our friends in Vietnam were giving their lives for lies. It was never the same again.
All these years later, it still moves me to tears. I was in grad school at Ohio State at the time, were we had our own conflicts. And when you add in all the youth killed by racism, despair, armed maniacs - it boggles the mind.
Kent State happened just a few weeks before my high school graduation. I was in class when it was announced over the P.A. We all sat in stunned silence, seemingly forever. Later that day (or week) the senior class of Flushing High School decided we would wear black arm bands over our white gowns in solidarity. I'm still proud of that day.
I am 71, and just celebrated my old friend’s birthday as he turned 72 here in NYC. We both marched against the Vietnam war many, many years ago. We both decided we would join any protests, up to and including standing in front of tanks in DC, to disrupt the Trump “Happy Birthday to ME ME ME!” parade. If that unknown Chinese dissident at Tiananmen square could do it for his country, we can do it for ours. Who’ll join us…and carry the ibuprofen and statins? “TIN SOLDIERS AND TRUMP COMING….”
I am 86, served active duty in the U.S. Army pre-Vietnam War ('57-'61) and protested later against our involvement in the Vietnam War. "Duty" has a several connotations.
I have a better way for you to protest. Go to my Substact for a free digital copy of my book: The Illusion of Justice. Read it and ask "your" representative why they ignored documented proof of widespread systemic corruption in the federal judicial system in clear violation of their oath "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
Corruption?
let's do acetaminophen, easier on the long haul. oof.
And now we have Trumpolini’s GOPstapo to deal with. And spineless Republicans who loveth and maketh lies.
Sigh.
Never again.
It shouldn't be necessary to quote the source of that phrase - a phrase that should be engraved on the Statue of Liberty, along with "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . ." None the less, 'lest we forget' -
"Never again" is a phrase or slogan which is associated with the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides. The slogan was used by liberated prisoners at Buchenwald concentration camp to denounce fascism. It was popularized by Jewish Defense League founder Meir Kahane in his 1971 book, Never Again! A Program for Survival. The exact meaning of the phrase is debated, including whether it should be used as a particularistic command to avert a second Holocaust of Jews or whether it is a universalist injunction to prevent all forms of genocide. Wikipedia
A time when i was not afraid to tell my government that i thought they were wrong.
Everybody join No Kings Day in Princeton, June 14, Hindo plaza, Sylvia Beach way 12-1;30 PM
Thanks for the post , Michael, and for reminding me that all governments lie—none more than the administration in power today in the US. But yes, we are prone to lie to ourselves too, to make us feel better about our complicity.
I've been thinking more and more about that time, and when I was jailed in D.C. for protesting the war, etc. It reminds me how real the actions being threatened by the Trump Administration are. I haven't wanted to be jailed again at 72, for sure. But, we've got some serious business to attend to.
And I second everyone's attendance at their nearest event for No Kings Day on June 14, as well.
I was looking through some paperwork yesterday and found the IRS levy from our war tax protest. It was $1.72.
I didn't get jailed for protesting until I was 60. At 73 I really don't want to go to jail or be shot, but it's my duty to keep attending protests, and here we have 'em every week.
Philip and James, we white men today apologize for what happened at Jackson State College. But your tragedy has not ended. It continues because you are black. Racism is taught, and it is taught from in the home to the federal government. And yes, a white man's apology is not enough. I agree. You would have been fine men had you been allowed.
Shocking to me that people, even young people, don't seem to understand protest or civil disobediance these days. I was at Barnard not too long after our own Columbia protests in '68 when we received the devastating news of the Kent state murders. Colleges and Universities must band together or they'll be picked off
one by one with faux accusations of antisemitism and threats of defunding. The lies continue.
I agree with you 100%. My niece in her 30's who has a masters degree in history with a 4.0 gpa, votes democratic, can't stand Netanyahu, and works at the U of Oregon in Eugene (a very blue area), said in frustration when the students were peacefully protesting against the genocide, that she didn't think the school should have allowed the protests and that it was an inconvenience to have to walk around the protesters to get to where she works in the library!! She was very upset about it. I was totally blown away at her reaction, and there was nothing I could say to get her to see the importance of what the protesters were doing. I just can't believe this attitude. It's an unexpected disconnect I was totally unprepared for.
Just played the song before seeing this, reminding my daughter of the story. I was a hs junior.
I was 7
I was 12. Horrified. Still am.
Last Sunday I turned 80. There are pictures that still bring me to my knees. I wish I knew then what I know now. That was the only time I really stood up to my World War II serving father who was always right.. I had no real information to fight back with but my heart and soul knew how horribly wrong it was. His answer: "They got what they deserved". I went on to marry the most perfect black man. I found who I deserved!