Free Expression and the Berkeley Protest

In the immediate aftermath of the recent protests in Berkeley and in response to a colleague's admonition to conduct proactive and peaceful efforts to transform ourselves and our world, I respectfully submit that resistance to the totalitarian-leaning, corporate-centric, militaristic, anti-LGBTQ, anti-environment, reactionary, misogynistic, and authoritarian regime currently in the seat of governmental power will assume a variety of different forms and find expression in a variety of different ways. This will include proactive leadership work with a focus on personal and societal transformation as well as organized and persistent protests in the streets all across the country. Non-violent resistance more properly mirrors the vision of a sustainable future and is a preferred method of protest not only because of favorable optics but, as a practical matter, it skillfully counters the inclination of violent reaction from a domestic law enforcement apparatus specifically focused on the use of force.

This morning Trump suggested that federal funds could be suspended to UC Berkeley as a result of the isolated violence associated with the predominantly peaceful demonstration last night and as a result of the school's 'denial of free expression' to the controversial speaker Milo Yiannopoulos. As a matter of actual fact and in spite of persistent pressure to deny a forum for Mr. Yiannppoulos, UC Berkeley administrators provided not only the facilities to share his rather cynical and hateful rhetoric but also prepared a large security force in anticipation of the event. Moreover, DJT will be well-advised to check in with the Pentagon before he pulls the trigger on the threat to defund UC Berkeley as this institution is one of leading research centers for the Department of Defense and is central to this and other administration's efforts to wage their endless war against global terror.

It also might be useful to remind ourselves here that violence at public events is often triggered by the premeditated use of provocateurs to redirect and assign blame to a targeted group or organization in order to discredit an otherwise noble effort. Without specific reference to the events in Berkeley last night, my experience with anarchists over the years has yielded the view that this particular form of political expression is essentially peaceful (with some exceptions) and dedicated to the proposition of unfettered democratic manifestation. That said, the latest information regarding this most recent action suggests that this current iteration of the anarchists model was indeed inclined toward a violent expression very much opposed to the overwhelmingly peaceful intent and purpose of the protest in general. Broad brush painting would be a mistake and a mis-characterization of the reality on the ground.