[Marxism] A letter from my boss

[DCQ]

On Oct 6, 2006, at 8:23 PM, Louis Proyect wrote:

> Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,
>
>
> Of course, the University is thoroughly investigating the incident,
> and it is critically important not to prejudge the outcome of that
> inquiry with respect to individuals.  But, as we made clear in our
> University statements on both Wednesday night and Thursday, we must
> speak out to deplore a disruption that threatens the central
> principle to which we are institutionally dedicated, namely to
> respect the rights of others to express their views.
> Sincerely,
>
> Lee C. Bollinger
>

Which is to say: while we are investigating the incident, we have 
already determined the guilty party. This is not surprising, and 
neither is the right's attempt to cry "censorship" and "violence." (The 
same pattern plays out again and again--just think of Seattle where 
peaceful protesters were attacked by cops, who then turned the incident 
into an example of the dangers of "violent protesters.") But the tape 
shows the order of events pretty clearly.

1. Protesters mount the stage peacefully (expecting to be escorted 
away, as they have before).
2. Enthusiastic members of the audience, disgusted by Gilchrist's 
racism, jump up on stage as well (this is the "rushing" or "storming" 
part)
3. They chant for a few seconds.
4. A big College Republican goes ballistic and physically attacks the 
protesters.
5. Gilchrist is ushered away by the CRs (or security...it's a little 
unclear there)
6. The majority of the audience erupts in euphoria that Gilchrist no 
longer has a platform.
(7. CTV immediately gets a College Republican on record--who first has 
to make sure "whose side" the reporter is on--but doesn't bother to 
talk to the many protesters.)