As I watch what is (and isn't) happening on college campuses across the US and beyond recently, a number of thoughts come to mind that seem worth exploring a bit.
A very fine informed analysis. I have commented myself about some reactions to protest here in Australia. It isn't at the same level of reaction in the US but there are traces of it. My comment was based on recollections of the anti-war/Vietnam War (it was a broad coalition) protests in Australia that as far as Australia was concerned, brought the troops home (there was an attempt to introduce conscription to support the US war game in Vietnam). It was a very popular anti-war movement, that brought a government down, Vietnam 'won' the war and the sky didn't fall in (it is now part of the South East Asian Alliance with Australia).
In those days police could not invade campuses without permission of the Vice Chancellor of the University. Draft resistors and demonstrators evading police counterattacks took refuge in the Universities.
They don't make Vice Chancellors like they used to, but I hope the Vice Chancellor of Sydney University resists pressures to remove a presence of pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the University campus here in Australia and that the North American experience is not cloned here.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comments and incisive song.
Excellent analysis and points David.
A very fine informed analysis. I have commented myself about some reactions to protest here in Australia. It isn't at the same level of reaction in the US but there are traces of it. My comment was based on recollections of the anti-war/Vietnam War (it was a broad coalition) protests in Australia that as far as Australia was concerned, brought the troops home (there was an attempt to introduce conscription to support the US war game in Vietnam). It was a very popular anti-war movement, that brought a government down, Vietnam 'won' the war and the sky didn't fall in (it is now part of the South East Asian Alliance with Australia).
In those days police could not invade campuses without permission of the Vice Chancellor of the University. Draft resistors and demonstrators evading police counterattacks took refuge in the Universities.
They don't make Vice Chancellors like they used to, but I hope the Vice Chancellor of Sydney University resists pressures to remove a presence of pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the University campus here in Australia and that the North American experience is not cloned here.
This is very on-point. Your points about inclusivity and free speech are well taken...