Sol Stern will have none of it. In “The bomber as school reformer,” Stern writes:
“Calling Bill Ayers a school reformer is a bit like calling Joseph Stalin an agricultural reformer. (If you find the metaphor strained, consider that Walter Duranty, the infamous New York Times reporter covering the Soviet Union in the 1930s, did, in fact, depict Stalin as a great land reformer who created happy, productive collective farms.) For instance, at a November 2006 education forum in Caracas, Venezuela, with President Hugo Chávez at his side, Ayers proclaimed his support for “the profound educational reforms under way here in Venezuela under the leadership of President Chávez. We share the belief that education is the motor-force of revolution. . . . I look forward to seeing how you continue to overcome the failings of capitalist education as you seek to create something truly new and deeply humane.” Ayers concluded his speech by declaring that “Venezuela is poised to offer the world a new model of education—a humanizing and revolutionary model whose twin missions are enlightenment and liberation,” and then, as in days of old, raised his fist and chanted: “Viva Presidente Chávez! Viva la Revolucion Bolivariana! Hasta la Victoria Siempre!”
Stern reminds us that Ayers was a revolutionary driven by hatred of the United States when he was planting bombs in the 1970’s and he is a revolutionary driven by hatred of the United States now. The intervening years include the period of his alliance with his young Chicago friend Barack Obama. Stern drily observes: “For the first time in his life, Ayers seems to be observing Democratic Party discipline and won’t be talking until after November 4.”
(thanks to joenewhaven in comments)
The disturbing look on the young Bill Ayers’ unnervingly boyish (despite the MANLY MUSTACHE!) face reminded me of this other very young “radical.” Though there has always been something fiercely tragic and horrible in the look of terrified determination in McVeigh’s eyes and mouth. McVeigh comes through (to me at least) as a horribly misguided and WRONG “true believer.” Ayers looks like a sadistic psychopath straight out of central casting.
DAILY UPDATE 10/7/08
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