Things worth protesting for

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The World War II generation may, indeed, have been the "Greatest Generation." But what generation could be considered more idealistic than the Baby Boomers?

Inspired by the heroic activities of the civil rights movement and leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Freedom Riders, countless students on campuses across the country began to awaken to their own power to effect change.

And the establishment didn’t like it — especially at the University of California at Berkeley where the administration attempted to muzzle organizers who manned tables at the gates to the cam- pus.

Fifty years ago, the heavy-handed crackdown on students whose only crime was to distribute pamphlets and discuss issues led to the rise of a nation- wide student movement that fueled so- cial changes still reverberating today.

A dinner guest at a Riverdale home was proudly recounting her own par t in the occupation of the Berkeley ad- ministration building as she excitedly announced that she’d be going back to Berkeley for a reunion of the Free Speech Movement when she was chal- lenged to do more.

“Why not march in and re-occupy the building?” she was asked, “What would your demands be today?”

Sadly, it wasn’t hard for her to come

Point of view

she’d be on a college campus, her first demand was for reform of the way kids and their parents are forced to pay for higher education — with hefty loans at usurious rates. Bring down the interest! Cut tuition!

Looking beyond immediate self-inter- est, push for action on climate change. Say no to fracking! End our reliance on fossil fuels!

Show compassion to immigrants who are striving to make a life for themselves just as our immigrant parents and grand- parents did. Immigration reform now! Pass the Dream Act now!

With an eye towards the continuing carnage in our streets, shopping malls and schools from rampant gun violence, demand passage of intelligent gun con- trol legislation. Fight back against the venal gun lobby!

Finally, since the rebels of the 60s are now in their sixties, fight for choice! Not just the usual choice, for reproductive freedom, but the choice to die with dig- nity, even the choice to have a littlehelp with that from a family member or medi- cal professional.

And it’s time for a new peace move- ment, too. In the 50 years since the Viet- nam War heated up and woke us up, we should, at least, have learned that. 

People's Climate March, Baby Boomers

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