College And University Campuses

May 4, 1970 Anniversary: A Sobering Moment Recalled

It is now 54 years since the National Guard, called onto the campus of Kent State University in Ohio by Republican Governor James Rhodes, opened up fire on student demonstrators against the war in Vietnam, and specifically, the invasion of Cambodia.

Four students were killed, including Jeffrey Miller, who was shot in the back while walking far away from the student demonstration, and led to the infamous photograph of a young girl weeping over his body as his blood drained out. Nine students were also wounded, and one was paralyzed for life in this tragedy.

The idea that it was appropriate to call in military forces to a college or university campus, now being promoted by many Republicans, including Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, is an example of how nothing has been learned from that horrendous tragedy.

This tragedy only emboldened President Richard Nixon, as many Americans believed in so called “law and order”, and the fear is that the present college campus demonstrations regarding the Israel-Hama War might only embolden Donald Trump and his followers in the upcoming Presidential and Congressional Elections of 2024.

Joe Biden Takes The Right Stand On Campus Unrest

One can be very proud of Joe Biden, as he has taken the right stand on campus unrest throughout the nation.

As he stated, there is the right of demonstration and freedom of assembly, but NOT to cause destruction or occupation by anyone or to promote persecution, discrimination, and hatred of any kind.

Biden will have problems with both the Jewish community and the Muslim community, since he is treading a very delicate balance on the Israel-Hamas War, wanting a ceasefire, release of hostages, and to prevent, if possible, any further bloodshed.

For any reasonable person to think Donald Trump is better situated to deal with the crisis requires a sense of delusion and naivete!

Alarming Antisemitism Emerges On Many College And University Campuses

The rise of antisemitism on so many college and university campuses, as well as in American society in general, is alarming.

One can believe that the lives of Palestinians matter, as much as Israelis, but the war between Israel and Hamas is causing a tremendous overreaction by some students and faculty members, and is causing danger and questions of personal safety and security for many American Jews.

The issue of antisemitism has always been a problem with white supremacist groups, but now it is rearing its ugly head in other communities. A small educated group of intellectuals and students have no concern about the reality of Jews in world history, and seem unaware or unconcerned about the Nazi Holocaust that slaughtered six million Jews under Adolf Hitler in World War II.

To deny Israel has a right to exist is as horrible as to say that Palestinians have no similar rights to peace, tranquility, and acceptance!

The Biden Administration is working on coming up with support for the Jewish community, both on college campuses, and in society in general.

Widespread Antisemitism And Islamophobia Deeply Alarming!

The attack of Hamas on Israel on October 7 has unleashed widespread antisemitism and Islamophoba worldwide, including in America, and even more troubling, on college and university campuses.

Anyone in America who is Jewish or Muslim has to be on heightened alert, as threats and attacks on people of those beliefs are occurring.

Unfortunately, some politicians of both parties are promoting hatred, and synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions of both faiths are requiring increased security protections.

Social Media are adding to the threat, as there is promotion of hate and fear, inciting unstable people and pure bigots who are striking out against both groups!