Open Thread: Student Protests
I am interested in your perceptions, analysis and sources of information on the Gaza-related student protests.
Dear Friend and Reader:
I’m here to ask for your perceptions of the student protests calling for an end to the Israeli attack and occupation of Gaza.
I will leave my request at that, to avoid biasing the discussion. Please be as detailed as you can and, in the spirit of good journalism, please do your best to present a balanced point of view (meaning taking several aspects of the situation into account).
Thanks for your participation.
— efc
FIELD REPORT FROM THE ENCAMPMENT AT SUNY NEW PALTZ
I spent several hours there last night, interviewing students. They’re on the grassy quad of the Dioxin Dorms, by Gage, Bliss, etc.
There was one other townie, who I’m in staying touch with (older lady with a white lab named Karma). Nobody from off-campus is involved or instigating; all handmade signage and widely diverse tents.
It’s about 100 kids, studying for finals. They are organized with security and food, and have published rules. I’ll send those later today.
They vetted me before they would let anyone talk to me and have a photo of my press ID. Well coordinated, non-central leadership.
No hostile rhetoric; the two guys I talked to were about 19 and had impressive command of a broad range of historic issues. I could not trip them up once.
They are not breaking any local or state laws, as it’s a 24-hour public campus, and they are also students. They are in violation of a campus code against sleeping outside. So I have no idea what the president would order their arrest for, as nothing they are doing even warrants an appearance ticket.
I explained at the end of one interview with two of the leaders that the president of the college has sole prerogative over whether police are invited in — not the chancellor, trustees, College Council, etc.
They understand they have to expel anyone who comes at them with hot talk, stirs aggression, etc., but I doubt that will be an issue. It was like Rainbow Gathering without any drugs or alcohol. No plans for any building takeovers; they just plan to hang out on the (slightly toxic) lawn, and get through finals.
End of report.
efc
Since Covid hit I have stopped watching any MSM … I get all my news from YouTube & Rumble. I found many freedom fighting journalists that I never heard of before & A few who were let go from MSM that I continued following…
I am shocked & dismayed & disgusted by how they are portraying the situation on the campuses on all MSM & how many of my so - called Free Speech Covid freedom fighters have become full supporters of cancel culture and speech deniers….
Many in the MAGA party are the biggest hypocrites & I am shocked 🫢 that they are believing all the crap 💩 of MSM ..
I am floating lost & alone 🙏