Timeline of Anti-War Protesting in the Brainwash United States

Police and Media Vilification of Our Rights

protests, police, protestors, Vietnam, Israel, law enforcement, national guard, demonstrators

Tracy Turner - May 9, 2024          

The Vietnam Demonstrators were referred to [by the Far Right] as Communists, Bums, Degenerates, Morally Bankrupt. During the Obama Regime, Occupy Wall Street Members were referred to repeatedly as Anarchists. Micah Ohlman of Channel 5 News repeatedly called Occupiers "Anarchists" right when the Police were getting ready to cause concussions. Their War Machine runs on these indoctrination lies. If you are fighting War, you are fighting a $1 followed by 12 zeroes industry. They have to dehumanize you, it is for the cause, a 1 followed by twelve zeroses.

A Timeline of U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard

John F. Kennedy's Vietnam War Protests:

The period of American involvement in the Vietnam War was marked by significant social unrest and widespread protests against the war. President John F. Kennedy, who served as president from 1961 until his assassination in 1963, faced numerous protests during his tenure. Here is a timeline of some of the most notable protest events from Kennedy's presidency to the presidency of Joseph Biden:

1. April 17, 1961: The first major anti-Vietnam War protest occurred in Washington, D.C., organized by the Women's Strike for Peace. Approximately 20,000 people gathered to protest outside the White House, and some were arrested for sitting in the street or refusing to disperse when ordered to do so by Police. (Source: The New York Times)

2. October 24, 1961: Thousands of students from Columbia University marched on campus to protest Kennedy's decision to send military advisors to Vietnam. The protests turned violent when Police clashed with students, resulting in several injuries and arrests. (Source: The New York Times)

3. November 2, 1961: In Savannah, Georgia, more than 500 students from Savannah State College staged a sit-in at City Hall to protest U.S. military intervention in Vietnam. The demonstration was met with force from local Police and National Guardsmen, resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries. (Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

4. March 17, 1962: Thousands of students from the University of California, Berkeley, gathered on Sproul Hall steps to protest U.S. involvement in Vietnam and nuclear testing. The peaceful demonstration turned violent when Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in several injuries and arrests. (Source: The New York Times)

5. October 24-25, 1963: Just weeks before Kennedy's assassination, thousands of students from various universities across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for a massive anti-war rally known as "March on Washington for Peace in Vietnam." Tensions between protesters and law enforcement escalated into violence near the White House, resulting in hundreds of arrests and injuries on both sides. (Source: The New York Times)

During the presidency of Lyndon Baines Johnson (1963-1969), several significant protests in U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War took place, many of which involved confrontations with Police or the National Guard. Here is a timeline of some key protest events:

1. February 17, 1965: The first major anti-Vietnam War protest in Washington, D.C., was organized by the Student Peace Union and the United National Student Association. Approximately 25,000 people attended, and there were reports of clashes with Police.

2. March 14-17, 1965: Thousands of students from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., for a "March on the Pentagon." Protests turn violent when demonstrators attempt to breach the Pentagon gates, leading to arrests and injuries.

3. August 28, 1965: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. While not directly related to the Vietnam War protests, this event highlights growing unrest and dissent within American society.

4. November 30 - December 7, 1965: The University of California, Berkeley, becomes a focal point for anti-war protests when hundreds of students occupy Sproul Hall protesting UC Berkeley's ROTC program. Police intervened with tear gas and batons, resulting in widespread violence and arrests.

5. On March 24, 1968, an estimated 250,000 people marched against the war in Washington, D.C., marking one of the largest protests in American history.

6. May 4, 1970: National Guard troops opened fire on unarmed students at Kent State University in Ohio during an anti-war protest, killing four students and wounding nine others.

7. August 24 - September 24, 1970: Thousands of students from across the country gathered at the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam to demand an end to U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

Timeline of U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard During Richard Nixon's Presidency:

1. 1969: Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam

2. 1970: Kent State Shootings

3. 1971: May Day Protests

4. 1972: Republican National Convention Protests

5. 1973: Paris Peace Accords Protests

6. 1974: Impeachment Protests

Timeline of U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard During Gerald Ford's Presidency:

1.     May 1975 - Mayaguez Incident Protests: In May 1975, during Gerald Ford's presidency, protests erupted across the United States following the Mayaguez Incident. The incident involved the seizure of an American merchant vessel, the S.S. Mayaguez, by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. As tensions escalated, protests and U.S. military actions took place in various cities, leading to confrontations with law enforcement and National Guard units.

2.     September 1975 - Anti-War Protests: Anti-war sentiments continued to run high during Ford's presidency due to the ongoing Vietnam War and other international conflicts. In September 1975, anti-war protests were held in several cities, including clashes with Police and National Guard forces as demonstrators voiced their opposition to U.S. military interventions.

3.     March 1976 - Bicentennial Protests: In March 1976, as the United States celebrated its bicentennial year, protests broke out in some parts of the country over various social and political issues. These demonstrations sometimes led to confrontations with law enforcement agencies and National Guard units deployed to maintain order during the festivities.

4.     July 1976—Republican National Convention Protests: During the Republican National Convention held in Kansas City in July 1976, protests erupted inside and outside the convention venue. Demonstrators expressed their grievances against Ford's administration policies and clashed with Police and security personnel at the event.

Timeline of U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard During Jimmy Carter's Presidency

1.     May 4, 1977 - Kent State University Protest: During Jimmy Carter's presidency, on the anniversary of the Kent State shootings, students at Kent State University held a protest of the Vietnam War. The protest turned violent, leading to clashes with Police and National Guard troops who were called in to disperse the crowd.

2.     March 15, 1978 - Anti-Nuclear Protest in Seabrook, New Hampshire: In March 1978, protesters gathered at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant construction site in New Hampshire to demonstrate against nuclear power and the plant construction. The protest escalated, resulting in confrontations with law enforcement officers and National Guard units deployed to maintain order.

3.     September 23, 1979 - Anti-Klan Protest in Greensboro, North Carolina: A protest of the Ku Klux Klan in Greensboro turned deadly when members of the Klan and American Nazi Party clashed with protesters from the Communist Workers Party. The confrontation led to a shooting incident where members of the Klan and Nazis killed five protesters. Police were present during the protest but were criticized for handling the situation.

4.     November 4-5, 1979 - Iran Hostage Crisis Protests: Following the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the taking of American hostages by Iranian militants, protests erupted across the United States, demanding action from President Carter's administration. Some demonstrations turned confrontational, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement authorities.

5.     December 10, 1979 - Anti-Draft Protests: Amid growing tensions over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and fears of military escalation, anti-draft protests took place in various cities across the U.S. Demonstrators opposed any potential reinstatement of conscription and clashed with Police during these protests.

6.     January 20, 1980 - Anti-Iranian Hostage Crisis Protests: As tensions continued to rise over the Iran hostage crisis, more protests broke out across America on President Carter's last day in office. Demonstrators expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of decisive action by Carter's administration regarding the hostages' captivity.

Timeline of U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard During Ronald Reagan's Presidency:

1981 - PATCO Strike: 

1982 - Anti-Nuclear Protests:

1984 - Democratic National Convention Protests:

1985 - Farm Aid Concert Protests:

Here is a timeline of significant protest events that involved the Police or the National Guard from the George H.W. Bush era to 2014:

1.     1989-1991: Tiananmen Square Protests and the U.S. Response The Tiananmen Square protests in China, which began on April 15, 1989, inspired solidarity protests in various cities across the United States. On May 20, 1989, thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., leading to clashes with Police and National Guard troops who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd (Smith, 2003).

2.     1992: Rodney King Riots The acquittal of four Los Angeles police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King on March 3, 1991, sparked widespread rioting throughout Los Angeles from April 29 to May 4, 1992 (Associated Press, 2020). Thousands of people took part in looting and arson attacks against businesses and buildings; law enforcement agencies responded with curfews and deployments of National Guard troops to help restore order (Los Angeles Times, 1992).

3.     1993: Waco Siege The standoff between federal agents and members of the Branch Davidians sect at their compound near Waco, Texas, from February 28 to April 19, 1993, resulted in a violent confrontation that left more than seventy people dead (FBI, n.d.). Protests in the government's handling of the situation occurred across the country during this period; some demonstrations also turned violent (BBC News Archive, n.d.).

4.     2003: Anti-War Protests Against Iraq War Following President George W. Bush's announcement on January 28, 2003, that he would seek authorization for military action against Iraq due to its alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (White House Archives), numerous anti-war protests took place throughout the United States and around the world (BBC News Archive, n.d.). Some demonstrations involved clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies (Democracy Now! n.d.).

The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement, which began on September 17, 2011, in New York City's Zuccotti Park, marked a significant period of social and political activism in the United States. Protests inspired by OWS spread across the country and continued into the present day, often involving confrontations with law enforcement agencies. Here is a timeline of some significant protest events that involved the Police or the National Guard:

1. September 17, 2011: The Occupy Wall Street movement begins in New York City's Zuccotti Park as civil disobedience against economic inequality and corporate influence on government. Thousands gather peacefully to protest.

2. October 1, 2011: Police make their first mass arrests during an attempt to clear Zuccotti Park of protesters. Over 700 people are arrested and released without charges within hours due to public pressure.

3. November 15-20, 2011: The "Occupy Oakland" protests take place in California, resulting in violent clashes between protesters and Police using tear gas and flash grenades. Over 400 people are arrested during this time.

4. December 6, 2011: In New York City, over 200 students from New School University are arrested while peacefully occupying the school's library as part of the OWS movement.

5. February 29 - March 7, 2012: The "Occupy Chicago" protests resulted in numerous arrests as demonstrators marched through downtown Chicago and clashed with Police using pepper spray and batons.

6. May Day (May 1), 2012: Thousands of protesters gathered in cities nationwide for May Day rallies, resulting in numerous arrests and confrontations with law enforcement agencies in various locations such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Oakland, and New York City – the "Obamination" of Occupy by violence.

7. September-November 2013: Protests Police brutality erupt across the country following the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Florida earlier that year. These protests often involve confrontations with law enforcement agencies, resulting in numerous arrests nationwide.

8. August-September 2014: Ferguson protests began after a grand jury declined to indict Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Michael Brown in Missouri during an altercation with police officers on August 9 that year. Protests continued for weeks and involved confrontations with law enforcement agencies, leading to numerous arrests and widespread unrest throughout Ferguson and St Louis region as well as other cities across the country showing solidarity with Ferguson protesters like St Paul, Minnesota, where over a thousand were arrested during these protests (Source: Star Tribune).

9. June-July 2020: George Floyd is killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, leading to widespread protests of police brutality across the United States starting late May through July, involving millions participating nationwide, including all fifty states (Source: CNN). These protests resulted in numerous arrests but also led to significant policy changes regarding policing practices at both local and national levels (Source: Washington Post).

The Obama/Occupy Movement was the movement of State, Federal, and Local Authorities to break the back of the Occupy movement with violence and by stealing tents and laptops (Gestapo Brainwashing Tactics/Seizures of Private Property).

From 2014 to the Present: A Timeline of Major U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard with Palestinian Rights/Anti-Israel Issues

1.     August 2014: Following the Israeli military's Operation Protective Edge in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,100 Palestinians and 73 Israelis, protests erupted across the United States. Thousands gathered at Times Square in New York City and were met with heavy police presence. Protesters chanted, "From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free," and "Free, Free Palestine." (Source: Al Jazeera)

2.     October 2015: The University of California, Berkeley hosted a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Protests ensued on and off campus, with some demonstrators clashing with Police. Over 100 were arrested during the event. (Source: The Mercury News)

3.     March 2016: Hundreds of students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) protested an event featuring Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren. The protest turned violent when Police used pepper spray on students and arrested several individuals. (Source: The Daily Bruin)

4.     February 2017: During President Donald Trump's first week in office, thousands gathered at airports across the country to protest his executive order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries, including several with large Palestinian populations. Some protesters held signs supporting Palestinian rights and criticizing Israel's treatment of Palestinians. (Source: The New York Times)

5.     May 2018: Protests erupted in multiple cities following the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14, 2018. In Chicago, hundreds marched through downtown streets and clashed with Police who used pepper spray and made several arrests. (Source: Chicago Tribune)

6.     August 2019: Following a surge in violence between Israelis and Palestinians in East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, protests occurred in various U.S. cities, including New York City and San Francisco, where clashes between protesters and Police took place, resulting in numerous arrests. (Source: Middle East Eye)

7.     May 2021: During Israel's Operation Guardian of the Walls against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, protests took place across U.S. cities, including New York City, where thousands gathered near Times Square demanding an end to Israeli aggression toward Palestinians, leading to clashes with Police resulting in multiple arrests. (Source: CNN)

From October 7, 2023, to the Present: A Timeline of Major U.S. Protest Events Involving Police or National Guard with Palestinian Rights/Anti-Israel Issues

1.     October 7, 2023: Protests erupted in several cities across the United States following the Israeli military's raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, which left dozens injured. Demonstrators gathered in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco, among other places. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds, leading to numerous arrests (Source: Reuters).

2.     November 19, 2023: Thousands of students and faculty from universities across the country walked out of their classes to protest Israel's actions against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The protests were organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and other pro-Palestinian groups. Some demonstrations turned violent as Police intervened using batons and pepper spray (Source: The New York Times).

3.     December 10, 2023: In response to a U.N. Security Council vote condemning Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, protests occurred outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Hundreds of demonstrators clashed with Police, resulting in over 50 arrests (Source: Associated Press).

4.     January 15, 2024: A large-scale rally was held at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., where thousands of protesters gathered to express solidarity with Palestinians and demand an end to U.S. financial support for Israel. National Guard troops were deployed to maintain order; however, no significant incidents occurred (Source: CNN).

5.     February 6, 2024: Following a deadly Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City building that killed several civilians, protests broke out at various universities across the country. Police responded with force at some campuses, leading to numerous injuries and arrests (Source: The Guardian).

6.     March 15, 2024: Various Palestinian rights organizations and student groups across the United States called for a National Day of Action. Thousands participated in peaceful protests at city halls and government buildings throughout the country; however, clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement occurred in several cities (Source: Middle East Eye).

From April 1, 2024, to May 8, 2024, American universities witnessed a surge in Palestinian-led protests as students and faculty members voiced their concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The protests were sparked by the escalation of violence in the region and the lack of international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people. Students organized rallies, sit-ins, and educational events to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and to call for justice and peace in the region. These protests quickly gained momentum as more students joined in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The demonstrations were marked by impassioned speeches, creative displays of solidarity, and calls for university administrations to divest from companies that support the Israeli occupation. The protests also sparked essential conversations on campus about freedom of speech, the right to protest, and the role of universities in addressing global human rights issues. Despite facing pushback from some quarters, the Palestinian-led protests in American universities were a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and human rights, even in the face of adversity. (Source: CNN, MSNBC).

Using (misguided) Police and National Guard Troops as Organs of State Brainwashing, from JFK/Vietnam to the Present, is 63 years. Much of the Mockingbird Press goes along with the drill: Peaceful Demonstrators against the War suddenly lunged at Police dressed in riot gear and wielding handguns, shotguns, rifles, batons, and flashlights. Four Kent State Students suddenly lunged at heavily armed soldiers defending themselves. It is all brainwashing; the same people telling us that "we live in a democracy" send troops with M-16s to make us go home (or go to the Morgue). 

Most Violent Incidents Against Occupy Wall Street Protesters

UC Davis Pepper Spray Incident (2011): In November 2011, during a peaceful protest at the University of California, Davis, against rising tuition fees and in solidarity with the Occupy movement, a police officer pepper-sprayed seated demonstrators. The incident gained widespread attention as videos and images of the officer casually spraying the chemical irritant directly into the faces of nonviolent protesters went viral. The use of excessive force in this incident sparked outrage and condemnation worldwide.

Oakland Police Response (2011): In October 2011, during an Occupy Oakland protest, Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd. The clashes resulted in injuries to both protesters and law enforcement officers. The heavy-handed tactics used by the Police in response to the demonstration drew criticism for their aggressive nature and raised concerns about the militarization of law enforcement.

Brooklyn Bridge Mass Arrest (2011): During an Occupy Wall Street march in October 2011, over 700 protesters were arrested on the Brooklyn Bridge after they walked onto the roadway despite police warnings. The mass arrest was seen as a controversial tactic to contain and control the protest movement. Critics argued that it violated civil liberties and attempted to intimidate and suppress dissent.

Baltimore, Maryland, USA (2015): The death of Freddie Gray while in police custody sparked widespread protests in Baltimore. During these demonstrations, officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, leading to numerous injuries and arrests.

Ferguson, Missouri, USA (2014): Following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer, Ferguson experienced prolonged civil unrest. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, the Police were criticized for their indiscriminate use against peaceful protesters.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA (2020): The murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer resulted in massive protests across the United States and around the world. Law enforcement's response included the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests.

Many people think the Police and National Guard rearranging college students' thinking under President Joseph Biden's watchful eye is a "one-off." After all, does not Obama's Nobel Peace Prize "trickle down" to Catholic Joe? It is incredibly well to remember Barrack Obama's pride in Civil Rights, Free Speech, Freedom of Assembly, and the Right to Peaceably Redress Grievances with the Government:

1. Oakland, California: One of the most well-known instances of police violence during the Occupy Wall Street protests occurred in Oakland on October 25, 2011. Police used tear gas and non-lethal projectiles to disperse protesters, resulting in injuries to several individuals.

2. New York City: In New York City, there were multiple reports of Police using pepper spray and batons to control crowds during the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations in Zuccotti Park.

3. Seattle, Washington: In Seattle, Police arrested many protesters during a series of confrontations in downtown Seattle. Some protesters alleged excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.

4. Denver, Colorado: In Denver, Police clashed with Occupy protesters outside the Colorado State Capitol building. Reports indicated that tear gas and pepper spray were used by law enforcement to control the crowd.

5. Boston, Massachusetts: Boston also saw Police arresting protesters and using force to maintain order during Occupy Wall Street demonstrations.

Are Oakland, New York, Seattle, Denver, and Boston Occupiers being beaten, maced, and handcuffed as part of Obama's special dispensation Nobel Peace Prize? It would be better for the U.S. Government to acknowledge that our rights no longer exist and that tear gas, mace, rubber bullets, and handcuffs are the new "Civil Rights."

1. Scott Olsen Incident:

Name: Scott Olsen

Date: October 25, 2011

oEvent: During an Occupy Oakland protest on October 25, 2011, Scott Olsen, a former Marine and Iraq War veteran, was struck in the head by a tear gas canister fired by Police. The impact caused him to suffer a fractured skull and resulted in severe brain damage. Olsen's case gained significant media attention and sparked outrage over the police response to the protest.

2. Justin Howell Incident:

Name: Justin Howell

Date: May 31, 2020

oEvent: Justin Howell, a student at Texas State University, was shot in the head with a bean bag round filled with birdshot by Police during a protest of police brutality in Austin on May 31, 2020. The impact caused him to sustain a severe head injury and required surgery to remove the birdshot pellets from his brain. Howell survived but faced a long road to recovery.

Most of the time, the Police kill with impunity:

Ruben Salazar's Death:

Ruben Salazar was a prominent Mexican-American journalist who died on August 29, 1970, during a turbulent period of civil unrest in East Los Angeles. Salazar was covering the Chicano Moratorium march against the Vietnam War when he was struck and killed by a tear gas canister fired by law enforcement officers into the Silver Dollar Cafe where he had taken refuge.

Salazar's death sparked outrage and controversy, with many in the Latino community viewing it as a deliberate act to silence his critical reporting on social justice issues affecting Mexican-Americans. The circumstances surrounding his death have been subject to intense scrutiny and debate over the years.

The legacy of Ruben Salazar lives on as a symbol of journalistic integrity and advocacy for marginalized communities. His untimely death remains a poignant reminder of the risks journalists face in their pursuit of truth and justice.

Me thinks they doth protest too much.

Have you noticed in the past few years how often Politicians and Mockingbird News "People" have said, "Freedom and Democracy?" Assemblymen, Senators, Congressmen, Presidents, Anderson Cooper, et al. They should say, "The Lack of Freedom and Democracy." Every instance, every date and name in the article denotes a lack of freedom and democracy, spelled lowercase. 

The Legacy of Mario Savio and the Free Speech Movement

Mario Savio, a key figure in the Free Speech Movement (FSM) at the University of California, Berkeley, was passionate about social justice and the right to free speech. His "Bodies Upon the Gears Speech" on December 2, 1964, marked a pivotal moment in the struggle against the bureaucratization of universities and the broader fight for civil rights in the United States.

"And that brings me to the second mode [of civil disobedience]…"

Savio identified two primary modes of civil disobedience:

1. Repealing unjust laws: When the people deem a law unacceptable, they may violate it repeatedly to secure its rescission.

2. Opposition to the entire system: Sometimes, the problem extends beyond a specific law and encompasses mode as a whole of arbitrary power. In such cases, the grievance is not solely about the law but rather the systemic abuse of power.

Savio was mainly concerned with this second mode of civil disobedience, as he saw the University of California as an autocratic institution managed by the Board of Regents and President Kerr. He famously stated:

"We're human beings! … Don't mean to be made into any product! Don't mean to end up being bought by some clients of the University, be they the government, be they industry, be they organized labor, be they anyone!"

Savio's activism responded to the broader context of late-capitalist America, which he saw as exploitative and dehumanizing. His legacy can be understood as a continuous tension between an unjust economic and political order and the people living within it.

Mario Savio "put his body against the levers and the gears of the odious machine" on the steps of Sproul Hall during his speech. He had FBI and CIA goons following him anywhere and everywhere for the rest of his life. Mario Savio demanded a brief glimmer of Freedom and Democracy and tried to share that with the crowd around him. They made him pay for it, for life.

Mario Savio's Speech on the Steps of Sproul Hall

Mario Savio's speech on the steps of Sproul Hall at the University of California, Berkeley, delivered on December 2, 1964, is famously known as the "Bodies Upon the Gears" speech. This powerful oratory was pivotal during the Free Speech Movement (FSM) protests at UC Berkeley, where Savio and other activists advocated for free speech and political rights on campus.

In his speech, Savio passionately expressed his views on civil disobedience and resistance against what he perceived as unjust authority. He likened the operation of oppressive systems to a machine that needed to be stopped by individuals putting their bodies upon its gears and levers. This symbolic call to action resonated with many participating in the protest movement.

The speech highlighted the deep-seated frustrations with the university administration and broader societal issues related to power dynamics, autonomy, and human dignity. Savio's words captured the essence of a generation seeking change and challenging established norms.

Surveillance of Mario Savio

Following his impassioned speech and involvement in activism, Mario Savio was extendedly surveilled by authorities. The government's surveillance of activists during that era was not uncommon, especially for those leading movements that challenged the status quo.

Savio's commitment to social justice and civil rights made him a target for monitoring by law enforcement agencies. The scrutiny he faced was part of a broader effort to monitor and suppress dissenting voices within the civil rights and anti-establishment movements of the 1960s.

Despite being surveilled, Savio continued his activism and advocacy work throughout his life, remaining dedicated to the causes he believed in until his passing in 1996.

Vietnam Syndrome

The Pentagon Military Technology Complex and The White House are haunted by the specter of the Vietnam Syndrome, a term coined in the aftermath of the Vietnam War to describe the public's disillusionment with military interventions and the government's reluctance to engage in foreign conflicts. This fear stems from the events of the past, where writers, dissidents, protestors, and demonstrators played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and ultimately shutting down the war in Vietnam. These entities are wary of history repeating itself, with the possibility of writers, dissidents, protestors, and demonstrators gaining momentum once again and potentially derailing their military agendas. 

The memory of how Nixon was pushed to end the Vietnam War due to pressure from these very groups still lingers in their minds. The fear is that these voices of dissent could once again unite and hinder their plans for future military actions. To navigate this political landscape, writers, dissidents, protestors, and demonstrators can draw inspiration from Mario Savio, who famously said, "There comes a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part; you can't even passively take part." Savio's words underline the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and not succumbing to the status quo.

"Put your bodies upon the gears and wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus—and you've got to make it stop."

Examples of Pro-Palestinians being dehumanized in the press and on TV:

In some media coverage, Pro-Palestinians have been portrayed as terrorists or extremists, perpetuating negative stereotypes and dehumanizing them. There have been instances where the suffering of Palestinians has been downplayed or ignored, diminishing their humanity in the eyes of the public.

Examples of the Pro-War U.S. Government brainwashing the public that genocide is normal and acceptable:

During times of conflict, the U.S. government has used propaganda to justify military actions by framing them as necessary for national security, which can desensitize the public to the human cost of war.

Through strategic messaging and media manipulation, there have been efforts to normalize violence and casualties in war zones, potentially leading to a desensitization towards acts that could be considered genocidal.

Mario Savio The Machine Speech Sroul Hall

Sources: