Academics sign on in support of Bill Ayers

By Thomas Lifson

In academic leftist circles, it has become a badge of honor to proclaim support for unrepentant terror bomber Bill Ayers. Thousands of people claiming scholarly affiliation have already put up their names as signatories on a website in support of the man who wishes he had done more. See the remarkable website bhttp://www.supportbillayers.org/ .

The much self-righteous posturing, of course, but the nub of the matter lies in this sentence.

The current characterizations of Professor Ayers---"unrepentant terrorist," "lunatic leftist"---are unrecognizable to those who know or work with him.

For alleged scholars to dispute the accuracy of "unrepentant terrorist" is remarkable. By his own word he did indeed commit terrorist acts, and he has never indicated any penance. He may well be a dedicated worker and a hail fellow well met. He is also a revolutionary who put down the gun only because it didn't work, but is dedicated to the same cause through means of subversion. He aligns with Hugo Chavez and Castro's Cuba against the United States.

The scholars mobilizing in support of Ayers are not protesting his jailing, torture, or physical abuse. They are protesting people criticizing him. Apparently, to them, he is a noble individual who should be above criticism. In a world in which even Mother Teresa is the subject of a scathing biography, criticism of a man who bombed the United States Capitol is beyond the pale.

The fact that academic is rife with these sentiments demonstrates the triumph of the left in implementing the plans of Antonio Gramsci. I wonder how many of them se nothing wrong with this?Hat tip: Susan L.