I was at Berkeley in the academic years from 1965 to 1967.
That first fall, on October 15, 1965, there was a big march against the Vietnam War. The leaders were Mario Savio and Jerry Rubin. When the march from Berkeley made it to the border with Oakland, we were met by police who turned the march around.
It was exciting during those times. "Those were the days my friend." Full of political activism against the terrible war. The politicians were much less articulate than the student leaders. Sproul Hall steps featured daily events including a speech by Noam Chomsky to give a sense of the level of the speech.
I grew up in Long Beach, CA in a family that was very active politically. Dad was a union teacher back in the days when most teachers wanted to be professionals. Our house had wall to wall political discussions, letter writing, organizing local efforts, participation in national efforts and so on.
When I sent to Berkeley politics was over the top. I remember in a phone call telling my dad to get with it and become more radical. His response was to ask how many would be active in a decade who were out on the streets?
I have lived in Ohio for 33 years and am active locally and spend a lot of time on the web.
My room mate, Bart, has lived in the bay area since 1965 and moved to Oakland 15 years ago. Here are his observations of yesterday's Occupy General Strike.
Oakland General Strike
Don, Thanks for all you have shared, and alerted me to follow. All of that, combined w/interactions here, has allowed me up-to-date viewpoint, however limited. We cannot predict a next phase, so aptly emphasized in a shared article (illustrated w/opinions re "Berlin Wall."). Egypt, Libya, inevitable Palestinian statehood (w/o US/Israel blessings), the eventual shift in political discussions/platforms nationally, and most importantly, sudden resurrection of confrontations w/economic power sources internationally and here, could morph into a creature
w/wings!
I walked to Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway, early today. Later walked home to monitor proceedings. Approx. 10,000 participants at the peak about 4PM. All day, I would give conservative estimate of total turnout (non campers) exceeded 15,000.
The best part was the quality of thoroughly mixed crowd, and the predominantly peaceful, yet exuberant and positive, atmosphere. Festive, and focused -on consequences of greediness. "Enough!" There is growing unification, a common theme prevails. Individual and group signage themes were dominated by exploitation, distribution of wealth, declining opportunities, disgust w/the crumbs,persistent disrespect. Teachers, nurses, longshoremen, retirees, it was colorful display of democracy integrated, vocal, front and center. Some hobbled on crutches, in wheelchairs, infants strapped tightly to parents, tiny tots carrying banners together, beautiful youth standing straight and tall, peering intently into their futures -steadfastly. The network, corporate, and national types who report tidbits, were obviously surprised and impressed.
After reflecting on eyewitness observations, interactive exchanges, and remote tv/radio monitoring, I believe anything could follow here and elsewhere, incrementally and who knows during what span of time? If there are not jobs for our population, and a sharing of the enormous profits, we may witness meanigful changes, or explosive irreversible revolution. How long it will take to wrestle wealth away from the greedy may determine the consequences. It could be peaceful and effective, bloody and very long, or ???? "There is something happening here...."
One certainty is that it will involve a lot more people than did the activities of the 1960's. It will be felt in China, the Middle East, Europe, and every curvature
around the globe. It is global. Different stages for people in remote places, but the world is not so tiny anymore. Instant communications shortens time and distance, translates needs and dreams more quickly. Hundreds of years, thousands for some, will be constricted into fewer generations. Unfortunately, overpopulation serves the interests of the power brokers. The earth will not expand. Arable soil, productive land, and potable water are finite. If we can include women everywhere on equal ground, there will be a reduction in population growth rate. If we establish sensible environmental respect, we might be able to clean up our filthy, slimy, polluted planet. It is not too complicated.
But people must agree that changes must be made, directions need to be examined. Dots must be connected. We have 15,000 (and many more supporters) occupying Oakland tonight who want changes. Bart