USC and Columbia Protests

[Anonymous]

No American should use the word “comrade” ever.

Have these kids not seen any movies from the 1980s?

Geez.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

I got the same impression. Protestors during the Vietnam era were mostly upset because their friends were getting killed overseas after being drafted. They were more concerned about Americans dying needlessly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Really, I found the journalist really biased. God forbid someone want to divest after "the death toll has grown"*:

"As the war has raged on and the death toll has grown, protest rallies on American campuses have morphed into a campaign of ever grander and more elaborate ambitions: From “Cease-fire now” to the categorical claim that Israel is guilty of genocide and war crimes to demands that Columbia divest from Israeli companies and any American company selling arms to the Jewish state."

And, you don't find it troubling that professors are telling Jewish students to leave for their safety when the protestors held a Shabbat dinner and were planning a Passover seder?

Finally, why should the protestors want to talk to a journalist who is so clearly patronizing?

(*grown = 35k deaths in 6 mo + Israeli soldier casualties in the hundreds)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Really, I found the journalist really biased. God forbid someone want to divest after "the death toll has grown"*:

"As the war has raged on and the death toll has grown, protest rallies on American campuses have morphed into a campaign of ever grander and more elaborate ambitions: From “Cease-fire now” to the categorical claim that Israel is guilty of genocide and war crimes to demands that Columbia divest from Israeli companies and any American company selling arms to the Jewish state."

And, you don't find it troubling that professors are telling Jewish students to leave for their safety when the protestors held a Shabbat dinner and were planning a Passover seder?

Finally, why should the protestors want to talk to a journalist who is so clearly patronizing?

(*grown = 35k deaths in 6 mo + Israeli soldier casualties in the hundreds)

It's pretty funny/pathetic/stupid for anti-Israel protesters to have a seder...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

I got the same impression. Protestors during the Vietnam era were mostly upset because their friends were getting killed overseas after being drafted. They were more concerned about Americans dying needlessly.

LOL. My dad was drafted at 18, and nearly died 8 months later. After 10 operations in Japan, he returned home and eventually went to a state school. People yelled "baby killer" at him, which traumatized him because it was not his choice to go. Students were mad that Americans were killing Vietnamese children. Remember the horrific picture of the naked girl running down the street. Yes, people were mad about the draft, but it was also what we were doing in Vietnam.

https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/national/military-news/vietnam-veterans/baby-killer-veteran-recalls-his-terrible-welcome-home-voices-of-bravery-vietnam/77-11599561-d442-4c8d-b479-2338b76a5421

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Really, I found the journalist really biased. God forbid someone want to divest after "the death toll has grown"*:

"As the war has raged on and the death toll has grown, protest rallies on American campuses have morphed into a campaign of ever grander and more elaborate ambitions: From “Cease-fire now” to the categorical claim that Israel is guilty of genocide and war crimes to demands that Columbia divest from Israeli companies and any American company selling arms to the Jewish state."

And, you don't find it troubling that professors are telling Jewish students to leave for their safety when the protestors held a Shabbat dinner and were planning a Passover seder?

Finally, why should the protestors want to talk to a journalist who is so clearly patronizing?

(*grown = 35k deaths in 6 mo + Israeli soldier casualties in the hundreds)

It's pretty funny/pathetic/stupid for anti-Israel protesters to have a seder...

Are you a total idiot? There are Jewish protestors.

https://www.nbcnews.com/video/jewish-student-protesters-say-antisemitism-is-being-weaponized-against-them-209582661809

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Really, I found the journalist really biased. God forbid someone want to divest after "the death toll has grown"*:

"As the war has raged on and the death toll has grown, protest rallies on American campuses have morphed into a campaign of ever grander and more elaborate ambitions: From “Cease-fire now” to the categorical claim that Israel is guilty of genocide and war crimes to demands that Columbia divest from Israeli companies and any American company selling arms to the Jewish state."

And, you don't find it troubling that professors are telling Jewish students to leave for their safety when the protestors held a Shabbat dinner and were planning a Passover seder?

Finally, why should the protestors want to talk to a journalist who is so clearly patronizing?

(*grown = 35k deaths in 6 mo + Israeli soldier casualties in the hundreds)

It's pretty funny/pathetic/stupid for anti-Israel protesters to have a seder...

Are you a total idiot? There are Jewish protestors.

https://www.nbcnews.com/video/jewish-student-protesters-say-antisemitism-is-being-weaponized-against-them-209582661809

I'm sure some of them are. My response stands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Really, I found the journalist really biased. God forbid someone want to divest after "the death toll has grown"*:

"As the war has raged on and the death toll has grown, protest rallies on American campuses have morphed into a campaign of ever grander and more elaborate ambitions: From “Cease-fire now” to the categorical claim that Israel is guilty of genocide and war crimes to demands that Columbia divest from Israeli companies and any American company selling arms to the Jewish state."

And, you don't find it troubling that professors are telling Jewish students to leave for their safety when the protestors held a Shabbat dinner and were planning a Passover seder?

Finally, why should the protestors want to talk to a journalist who is so clearly patronizing?

(*grown = 35k deaths in 6 mo + Israeli soldier casualties in the hundreds)

I found the journalist to be quite balanced. But by stupidity, I mean direct quotes from the students.

- "We are going to create a human chain where I’m standing so that they do not pass this point and infringe on our privacy." What effing privacy??!
- “Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!” Are they toddlers?
- In response to the journalist asking what would happen to Israelis living under a theocratic fascist movement such as Hamas, a young female protester, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, responded: “Maybe Israelis need to check their privilege.” Come again? At least try to come up with a coherent answer...
- camp groups such as “Lesbians Against Genocide,” “Hindus for Intifada.” Need anyone say more?
- Describing the encampment: “It’s 100 percent love for human beings and very beautiful; I came here for my mental health" OMG get a life.

How did these people get into Columbia?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Really, I found the journalist really biased. God forbid someone want to divest after "the death toll has grown"*:

"As the war has raged on and the death toll has grown, protest rallies on American campuses have morphed into a campaign of ever grander and more elaborate ambitions: From “Cease-fire now” to the categorical claim that Israel is guilty of genocide and war crimes to demands that Columbia divest from Israeli companies and any American company selling arms to the Jewish state."

And, you don't find it troubling that professors are telling Jewish students to leave for their safety when the protestors held a Shabbat dinner and were planning a Passover seder?

Finally, why should the protestors want to talk to a journalist who is so clearly patronizing?

(*grown = 35k deaths in 6 mo + Israeli soldier casualties in the hundreds)

I found the journalist to be quite balanced. But by stupidity, I mean direct quotes from the students.

- "We are going to create a human chain where I’m standing so that they do not pass this point and infringe on our privacy." What effing privacy??!
- “Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!” Are they toddlers?
- In response to the journalist asking what would happen to Israelis living under a theocratic fascist movement such as Hamas, a young female protester, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution, responded: “Maybe Israelis need to check their privilege.” Come again? At least try to come up with a coherent answer...
- camp groups such as “Lesbians Against Genocide,” “Hindus for Intifada.” Need anyone say more?
- Describing the encampment: “It’s 100 percent love for human beings and very beautiful; I came here for my mental health" OMG get a life.

How did these people get into Columbia?

+100

Apparently getting into a good school = being able to recite dogma rather than crafting an original thought

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Protestors:

If orga and schools continue to say "no" to your demands, what's next? Remember, they have the option to say "no" in reality.

Actually, this applies to the U.S. govt. If the U.S. govt continues to say "no", what are you going to do?

Sure but protests like these can impact public perception and effect change. Look at the anti Anti Vietnam protests and SA disinvestment.

Instead of scoffing at these protesters why don’t you look at why they feel so strongly. Maybe there is something there. Of course it’s easier to write them off as idiots…

So I need to do what they say because they are angry--no I will not cower to mob rule

Goodness no, you must not listen to bright citizens of this country. You must take directives from the government of a foreign country.

RIP Biden. I’m GenX and am appalled. Beyond the pale.

If you’re Gen X, you know better than to accept a social media post at face value.

C’mon.

Well, I googled it and was surprised to find that 13 states sued the Biden administration due to the FBI spying on parents protesting school boards in 2022. Also, with his far-reaching FISA surveillance renewal days ago, it seems likely. Also, UConn reported that was it was happening on the campus in Nov.

So, my statement stands.

So, you’re guessing, but are willing to make sweeping conclusions when you don’t know the facts.

No offense, but that’s just silly. Far too much of that going on these days.

Also, as an FYI, the 13 states brought an FOIA case seeking documents about *potential* surveillance.

And the FISA renewal only applies to communications with foreign nationals.

They want to FOIA because it's presumed that the US was spying on them.

Also, re FISA, it is being abused.

"A 2023 report from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court found the FBI misused the law’s tool nearly 300,000 times between 2020 and early 2021, including the collection of information on Jan. 6 rioters and Black Lives Matter protesters. Earlier this month, Trump called on lawmakers to “kill” the legislation—which was briefly extended in December—and incorrectly said it was used to improperly spy on his campaign. The Justice Department previously determined the FBI improperly obtained two warrants to spy on a former aide to his campaign, though the warrants were obtained under a different section of FISA, Title I." https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/04/20/biden-signs-foreign-surveillance-act-after-trumps-effort-to-kill-it/?sh=d15859b53b04

ACLU opposes it.

It's rich that you say I'm "guessing," when you are clearly burying your head and taking everything from big brother at face value. Might have to hand in that GenX card for not be skeptical enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/columbia-university-protests-palestine/678159/?gift=mg7b1AqRHrzgE279scHT_JqGAaK-cEdHC33cpDj0ano&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

The Unreality of Columbia’s ‘Liberated Zone’
What happens when genuine sympathy for civilian suffering mixes with a fervor that borders on the oppressive?

By Michael Powell

"students chanting like automatons"

"Repeat after me,” he says, and 100 protesters dutifully repeat: “I’m bored! We would like you to leave!”

"Upon entering the zone, I was instructed to listen as a gatekeeper read community guidelines that included not talking with people not authorized to be inside—a category that seemed to include anyone of differing opinions. "

"The prevailing tone tends toward late-stage Frantz Fanon: much talk of revolution and purging oneself of bourgeois affectation. "

Reading this article, I am struck by how absolutely stupid these kids sound. I don't care what they are protesting, they just sound stupid. I didn't grow up here, did college protests in bygone eras sound so asinine? And how do I make sure my kids do not become this dumb?

Their "human microphone" technique of having the crowd repeat lines from a single speaker is extremely creepy and cultish. Whether they are naturally low IQ or not, they certainly give the impression of being entirely devoid of independent thought.

[Anonymous]

Everyone realizes that these kids are going to elect Trump, right? This is 1968 all over again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Protestors:

If orga and schools continue to say "no" to your demands, what's next? Remember, they have the option to say "no" in reality.

Actually, this applies to the U.S. govt. If the U.S. govt continues to say "no", what are you going to do?

Sure but protests like these can impact public perception and effect change. Look at the anti Anti Vietnam protests and SA disinvestment.

Instead of scoffing at these protesters why don’t you look at why they feel so strongly. Maybe there is something there. Of course it’s easier to write them off as idiots…

So I need to do what they say because they are angry--no I will not cower to mob rule

Goodness no, you must not listen to bright citizens of this country. You must take directives from the government of a foreign country.

RIP Biden. I’m GenX and am appalled. Beyond the pale.

If you’re Gen X, you know better than to accept a social media post at face value.

C’mon.

Well, I googled it and was surprised to find that 13 states sued the Biden administration due to the FBI spying on parents protesting school boards in 2022. Also, with his far-reaching FISA surveillance renewal days ago, it seems likely. Also, UConn reported that was it was happening on the campus in Nov.

So, my statement stands.

So, you’re guessing, but are willing to make sweeping conclusions when you don’t know the facts.

No offense, but that’s just silly. Far too much of that going on these days.

Also, as an FYI, the 13 states brought an FOIA case seeking documents about *potential* surveillance.

And the FISA renewal only applies to communications with foreign nationals.

They want to FOIA because it's presumed that the US was spying on them.

Also, re FISA, it is being abused.

"A 2023 report from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court found the FBI misused the law’s tool nearly 300,000 times between 2020 and early 2021, including the collection of information on Jan. 6 rioters and Black Lives Matter protesters. Earlier this month, Trump called on lawmakers to “kill” the legislation—which was briefly extended in December—and incorrectly said it was used to improperly spy on his campaign. The Justice Department previously determined the FBI improperly obtained two warrants to spy on a former aide to his campaign, though the warrants were obtained under a different section of FISA, Title I." https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/04/20/biden-signs-foreign-surveillance-act-after-trumps-effort-to-kill-it/?sh=d15859b53b04

ACLU opposes it.

It's rich that you say I'm "guessing," when you are clearly burying your head and taking everything from big brother at face value. Might have to hand in that GenX card for not be skeptical enough.

So, again, you have presented no evidence whatsoever that current protesters' private communications are being surveilled.

But you nonetheless have concluded with 100% certainty that they are.

That would be the exact definition of "guessing".

As for the FOIA and FISA issues, I won't belabor the point, except to say that you're jumping to conclusions that the facts do not warrant. Again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone realizes that these kids are going to elect Trump, right? This is 1968 all over again.

Of course.

So incredibly stupid in practical terms.

But they get to feel righteous, which is an immutable part of being 18-25.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Everyone realizes that these kids are going to elect Trump, right? This is 1968 all over again.

Of course.

So incredibly stupid in practical terms.

But they get to feel righteous, which is an immutable part of being 18-25.

No the pro Israeli people will elect Trump. Picking Israel over the US.