This afternoon I learned that Bill Ayers has been invited to speak to high school students in the suburb of Naperville Illinois where he will discuss his days in the Weather Underground. (h/t Doug Ross Journal). The school district is defending the decision with the laughable claim that they would never invite anyone to the school that advocated violence. No kidding, this isn't a joke.
"While we firmly believe in exposing students to a wide variety of speakers and opinions, offering them the chance to experience different viewpoints and the opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills (one of the tenets of our mission), please know that we would never invite anyone who advocates violence," District 203 said through a news release issued Friday evening. "Our understanding is that Bill Ayers does not, although this point is being actively debated by several who have contacted us. In addition, administrators from other school districts who have heard his presentation to students, have indicated that Ayers focuses on students being involved in social justice."
Really, this claim is being actively debated? Bombings and dead people weren't enough to convince these educators that violent activism is what Bill Ayers is all about?
I taught my children to be aware of people that hide behind flowery terms such as "critical thinking"' and this is Exhibit A.
Most news outlets that covered the upcoming appearance noted that Ayer's terrorist wife Bernadine Dohrn was also invited in a sort of tag team event. Yet NBC News Chicago failed to note that she was also a member of the Weather Underground and held talks with representatives of the North Vietnamese government in Cuba during the Vietnam war while John McCain sat as a prisoner of war. Neither do they remind anyone that President Obama launched his political career from the living room of their house. So much for critical thinking by certain aspects of the media. Water under the bridge.
Real critical thinkers will see this as a promotional stunt and advocacy stop to promote their books, "Fugitive Days" and "Race Course Against White Supremacy". The Chicago Sun Times notes that the couple may be bumped from the high school but can still be visited later at a book signing in the same Naperville suburb:
The couple is still scheduled to make an appearance and sign books at Anderson's bookshop in downtown Naperville on the evening of April 8. Their books, "Fugitive Days" and "Race Course Against White Supremacy" will also be discussed.
The legacy of the couple has been reduced to a mere mention as a radical by most. This is evidenced by the coverage in the Chicago Tribune that barely mentioned their past. NBC News Chicago simply referred to him as a "one-time anti-war radical" in a caption accompanying their coverage. (see image above)
The school board is slated to make a final decision next week.
Update: Rightfully taking guff for using Wikipedia as a reference. Here is a link to a redacted FBI report that was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request noting that Dohrn and fellow Weather members held a press conference upon their return from Cuba. The press conference was to discuss the planned Days of Rage events that turned into riots.
Update II: Please see my March 30, 2009 update to this article: Ayers Visit to High School Canceled, Book Store Follows Suit
Terry Trippany is the Watcher at Watcher of Weasels. The image accompanying this article is a screen cap of the image and absolving "one-time anti-war radical" caption as it appeared in the coverage by NBC News Chicago. The image was cropped by Trippany to fit into the space permitted.



















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
This video says a lot.
March 29, 2009 - 18:56 ET by MidAmericaThis video shows the path for this 'educator'.
If all their looking for is
March 29, 2009 - 18:57 ET by RD Kinga bomb making class for the students I thought they had it on the internet now.
are vouchers allowed in this district?
March 29, 2009 - 19:03 ET by katainkentjust curious.
Instead of blaming
March 29, 2009 - 19:06 ET by RR GOPInstead of blaming teachers' unions, one has to look no farther than guys like Bill Ayers.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
Don'cha jezz luv them
March 29, 2009 - 19:14 ET by R D HelmDon'cha jezz luv them guv'mint skools?
BTW, In case you all haven't figured it out yet, Bill Ayers is going to be the shadow head of the federal Department of Education.
If you think governmet schools are turning out clueless America-haters now, just wait until you see what our tax-payer supported indoctrination centers will be turning out three years from now.
:-O
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
Since I pay Federal Taxes
March 29, 2009 - 19:32 ET by Lord ErondAnd the school receives federal monies, I feel that gives me a right to determine what it gets spent on and I DON'T choose for them to have this A--HOLE who should have cost the Cokebama the election, speak at this school.
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
There's a simple solution
March 29, 2009 - 19:30 ET by Lord ErondGet the addresses of all the morons in this school responsible for this lame-brained decision and then we FLOOD the jackasses with protest mail. The cowards will rescind this before you can say "60's Radical".
"To sin by silence when we should protest, makes cowards of men" -Ella Wheeler Wilcox
I like
March 29, 2009 - 20:59 ET by Kingfish17If radical groups can arive in busses and protest private employees in front of their homes, then the same can be done to publicly elected or apointed members of tax-payer funded public schools.
"When will Barack Obama apologize to the American people for destroying their once great nation?" - MSM 2012
This school district is
March 29, 2009 - 19:36 ET by ThisnThatThis school district is making a statement, and this is it: F** you people. We are responsible for indoctrinating your kids, and we'll do whatever we d*mn-well please. We have a choice of whom we invite for this brainwashing, and we've made our choice -- and our preference is to give center stage to the most radical people; who'll come here and proudly lie about their backgrounds; and who will paint a romantic picture of standing up against the eeevilll United States, who we -- the school district and its lapdog teachers union -- abhor like nobody's business. We're going to do this without fanfare. And if you find out, we'll make up excuses and have our MSM parrot talking points, all the while we paint you as radical, inflexible bigots and haters that have long ago closed your minds to creative thought, and who are dangereous and deserve to be banned from all progressive teachings which only we, the education system, are qualified to present.
These very same people would never, ever invite someone like Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, President Bush, or any one of a number of rational people to speak. This is great evidence of how tightly the left wants to control thought in this country; and how dangerous our entire education system has become.
___________________________________
The challenge is to follow a consistent plan despite inconsistent prices - Sarah Palin, State of the State of Alaska speech
Thisnthat/Bill Ayers
March 29, 2009 - 22:39 ET by merlin61Very good post. What kind of social justice are
these schools advocating with our children?
Left-leaning? You can bet your bottom dollar
on that, its indoctrination time folks.
Heh,....... Billly boy
March 29, 2009 - 19:39 ET by BlazerHeh,....... Billly boy and his wife Bernie are invited to speak at my BB'Q deep, deep in the wood's.
Wonder if they'll accept ?
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Where do I get tickets?
March 29, 2009 - 20:04 ET by jdlybrandI'll bring some beer to that pig pickin'!
Hope you
March 30, 2009 - 08:43 ET by Tom in NCHave your knives sharpened for "field dressing" those two jackals
Face it...
March 29, 2009 - 19:40 ET by jdlybrandWe're in BIG trouble. We're getting to the point of no return. The Ass-Clowns are in charge. Everything we're seeing happen before our eyes is being facilitated by the MSM, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd, Maxine Waters, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Timothy Geithner, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Jeremiah Wright, Keith Olberman, Rachel Maddows, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Chris Matthews, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Joe Biden, Katie Couric, Charlie Gibson, Brian Williams, Ed Schultz, Al Franken, and the FREAKING COWARDLY RINO'S who wouldn't know the difference between a moral conviction and a vote if it jumped up and bit them in the ass and then spit the remains in their faces.
Please add to the list. I know I left a few out. I'm out of breath. But I feel better for some reason.
JEEZMUHNEEZ!!!
You forgot George Soros, America Hater #1
March 29, 2009 - 19:58 ET by R D HelmAfter all, he bankrolled this entire fraud from the word go.
-Dave
This coup has gone on long enough. The time to put it down is NOW.
stunning!
March 29, 2009 - 19:44 ET by clinging to my guns and my religionit floors me that instead of calling those two the traitors they are, schools all over the country continue to celebrate them with platforms from which to spew their hatred of our country and everything american! the ironic thing is that, in most any other country on the face of the earth, ayers and dorn would have been imprisoned and/or executed for their behavior. only in a country as great as america are you free to publically despise her, and be so celebrated for it!!
"i believe he will not stop until we are all jobless, homeless, hungry, and cold!"
Clinging, I can't advocate 'HOME SCHOOLING' enough!
March 29, 2009 - 20:02 ET by MotherThe libtards are overtaking education. All I can tell you is that I'm SO GLAD my husband and I were willing to make sacrifices so that I could home-school my daughter. She's an amazing human being and I'm proud of her no matter what she decides to accomplish in her life.
absolutely, mother!
March 29, 2009 - 20:18 ET by clinging to my guns and my religionson, who is the most level-headed kid i've ever known was fine in public school. he has been that wonderful blessing of brainiac and jock, and able to debate and match wits with his instructors without creating animosity. that skill is serving him even more now that he is in college. no issue there.
daughter, on the other hand, doesn't have a tactful bone in her body and did not belong among the liberal beings that pass for high school teachers these days. she probably would have ended up in reform school, lol! being home-schooled, she is graduating a year early, and is giving her elder brother a run for his money on who will put more "summa" in summa cum laude, lol!
the fact that this piece of scum, ayers would even be given the opportunity to shape the minds of anyone, much less high school students is just beyond belief. to think that he teaches daily at the college level makes my blood run cold!
"i believe he will not stop until we are all jobless, homeless, hungry, and cold!"
Clinging...I fear the day...
March 30, 2009 - 03:09 ET by Mother...When "Home-Schooling" is illegal nationwide.
I home-birthed my daughter and could have easily 'escaped' under the 'radar' back in the day if I'd have needed to [sans tax credits]. I fear for the parents of today who may not even have that choice if they don't go the route I did. Having a drug/pain-killer-free birthing is not that scary really. I had a healthy child even though my labour lasted into almost two days straight. Needless to say...I only had ONE child. lol!
~Mother
March 30, 2009 - 09:42 ET by choselife3xI've had all three without so much as an aspirin and the last two were at home with just the hubby there.
I use the tub for a water birth and go back to bed. Awesome.
That high-pitched scream you hear is the troll under my heel.
AYERS/OBAMA/KLONSKY
March 29, 2009 - 19:49 ET by NortoThe triumverate will soon be training up the "shirts" for taking out all those who dare to oppose!
Mark Rudd and Ayers
March 29, 2009 - 19:51 ET by slickwillie2001There's some renewed interest in the Weather Underground because as well as Ayers's mentoring of Obammy, another one of the leaders, Mark Rudd, has written a book: Underground -My Life With SDS and the Weathermen: http://www.nypost.com/
Rudd seems to be a little more honest about the groups activities and objectives.
Social schmustice!
March 29, 2009 - 20:01 ET by BKeyserI don't know anything about District 203, but given that at least part of the presentation is likely about the book "Race Course Against White Supremacy" I will go out on a limb and make the assumption that the makeup of the student body is largely minority. That being said, I wouldn't so much mind the critical thinking aspect as long as there was a credible (to the students) counter-voice sharing equal time during the presentation. That would result in critical thinking.
But what disturbs me just as much, and not only about this instance but also the state of politics in general since Nov. 4th, is the idea that dregs like Bill Ayers and Barack Obama are the purveyors of "social justice." I understand that in the last election democrats strode into power -by an electorate largely misled and under-educated- but that doesn't necessarily mean that what was true on Nov. 3rd is no longer true, nor that election results have the ability to alter time-tested morality. One man's idea of "Social Justice" is another man's burden to fund. Sort of how one man's idea of cap-and-trade is probably the same man's idea of fattening his piggy bank-- it doesn't make it right, no matter how many low-lifes vote for it.
Hi. Naperville is mostly a
March 29, 2009 - 20:06 ET by Terry TrippanyHi. Naperville is mostly a white affluent suburb. I can't really see the point of having either of these people in to talk to high school students. Ayers isn't even remorseful so any calims about not advocating violence really falls on deaf ears in my court. It is not like they are out recanting violence and even if they were I don't believe high school is a place for former terrorists.
Hi Terry
March 29, 2009 - 20:15 ET by BKeyserThanks for the clarification on the school district demographics. I agree, neither the bomber nor bomberesse should be speaking to impressionable minds, but if the PC Police "require" such nonsense, they should also require an alternative viewpoint if the goal is critical thinking. Of course, it is not about critical thinking- its not about "thinking" at all. Its about indoctrination.
My point regarding the demographics was that to have Ayers denigrating "white power" (as he so often does) to a group of (what I incorrectly assumed to be) mostly black students should warrant a counter voice that would stand a chance with the student body, i.e. a black person as opposed to another nerdy white guy.
But, don't stress too much about Ayers and Dohrn, the former terrorists that may soon be showing up in US high schools are currently tanning in Gitmo...
Civil Disobedience
March 30, 2009 - 07:32 ET by dmntd1I'm a mere three hours south of Naperville. If I heard about a good bout of civil disobedience being planned, I'd be more than happy to stand in that line, chained to another, circling that school. It's time we used their tactics against them.
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare,
So sadly true, BKeyser
March 29, 2009 - 20:13 ET by Mother-And, I love your "Social schmustice!" quip. LOL!
Critical thinking requires the yearning to learn and truly absorb the material at hand and grasp it, digest it and either find arguments or agreements for it.
The young minds of 'today' are deluged with lib-minded propaganda. It's a wonder any fiscally conservative sane person let's their child step foot in a public school.
The enervating mantra from the left is meant to purposely weaken us on every level [via schooling, monetarily, humanitarianly et al].
Human discord is growing in dissident underground growls and howls.
WE THE PEOPLE are NOT HAPPY.
At least one of Ayer's
March 29, 2009 - 20:10 ET by MidAmericaAt least one of Ayer's books mentioned, 'Fugitive Days' would appear to be him making money off of his crimes. Shouldn't any profits from the sale go to his victims?
San Francisco Investigation
March 29, 2009 - 20:12 ET by slickwillie2001And then there is this strange story: Justice Department to San Francisco Police -Shut Up: http://www.americanthinker.com
"Allegations that presidential pal Bill Ayers was involved in the murder of a San Francisco policeman appear to be running into something of a gag order from the Department of Justice. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Justice Department and the San Francisco Police Department have contacted the San Francisco Police Officers Association and told them not to talk about the Ayers case."
So is this because the murders of policemen by the Weathermen are still under a real investigation, or does Obammy's DOJ want to bury any case against Obama's buddy?
SF Chronicle article referred to: Police Officers Told to Zip Lips on Bombing: http://www.sfgate.com
Ayers is a stone cold murderer.
March 30, 2009 - 21:19 ET by JWFHe has admitted to all sorts of nasty little crimes in his various books. Because the statute of limitations has run out on them.
He will not admit to murder. There is no statute of limitations. Yes, he is very guilty, just won't admit to it.
This school is inviting a murderer to speak.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Thank you Terry - This is my town
March 29, 2009 - 20:34 ET by Dee Bunkand I was aware of Ayers being invited to the high school - we have 3 here and luckily it's not the one my son goes to.
I was not aware that Anderson's is having them for a book signing. It is my favorite book store because it's survived the corporate giants and has been here forever. I may have to boycott them now. I certainly won't feel any need to go out of my way to give them business as I have in the past.
What the Hell is
March 29, 2009 - 21:18 ET by Delsagoing on in this Country?
Obama, the Son Of a B, aka SOBama us running our auto makers?
Have I gone mad or has the marxist taken over?
Naperville Nurses the Nitwits!
March 29, 2009 - 21:39 ET by GeneralAlIts a sad state of affairs when a suburb such as Naperville will allow a Communist terrorist to speak at its high school. Naperville has gone from a conservative community to a liberal one. It has a lot of transplants from Chicago plus Madison, Milwaukee, and other midwest bastions of liberal Communism! It has finally taken a turn for the worst!
With SOBama in the White House,
March 29, 2009 - 21:57 ET by Delsaour home grown left wing terrorists are no longer in the closet.
They have a friend at the helm.
they would never invite
March 29, 2009 - 22:10 ET by Worriedthey would never invite anyone to the school that advocated violence.
What has happened to my country? Where did it go off the tracks? I live in Colorado where Columbine happened 10 years ago and it is now the poster child for school violence anywhere it occurs in the world. So now an admitted bomb thrower is being invited to speak to high schoolers who aren't even allowed to bring nail files to school?
For the first time in my life, I am not proud to be an American.
THE BOTTOM LINE...
March 29, 2009 - 22:31 ET by danybhoyThe fact that this SOB Ayers & his wife were never convicted of treason despite being admitted domestic terrorists amazes me. It also pisses me off. They should ahve been exicuted for their crimes.
Ayers & Dorn are "well respected" in the world of higher education, & that should tell you all you need to know about how & why our education system is going down the crapper.
"The Fairness Doctrine = Jim Crow laws for Conservatives". Jim Quinn from "Quinn & Rose"
Well, this is nice. Now
March 29, 2009 - 23:50 ET by ConservativeRexWell, this is nice. Now some patriot knows exactly where Ayers will be at exactly what time he'll be there. I say let nature take it's course.
And to you lefty bloggers who read NB, please feel free to use this entry. I don't have it copyrighted. Yet.
Big Bill hides behind the
March 30, 2009 - 04:08 ET by SlicksterBig Bill hides behind the police he once tried to kill. He is nothing but a cheap cowardly fraud.
http://www.aim.org/aim-column/cowardly-bill-ayers-seeks-police-protection/
Re Big Bill & Hypocrisy
March 30, 2009 - 10:36 ET by slickwillie2001I also noted that when O'Reilly sent his camera crew to ambush the terrorist at his home in Chicago, when they were on the sidewalk he said 'hey, this is private property'. In his socialist-communist manifesto 'books' he challenges the notion of private property.
Hahaha
March 30, 2009 - 06:56 ET by Roger the ShrubberSo, this pud has gone from speaking at major universities to smaller, lower-level colleges, to now high schools? Do I see pre-school speaking engagements in this guy's future?
shrubber,
March 30, 2009 - 07:16 ET by AgnosticNot funny. How about instead of speaking at pre-schools he designs and assists in implementing Obama's new mandatory pre-school program - through a like-minded third person of course.
I love conspiracy theories but they aren't worth too much time. However, pre-school speaches aren't so funny now.
A person may be won over with logic and reason but the masses must be bought with spectacle and platitudes. - 2008 Elections
What do you expect from the
March 30, 2009 - 09:35 ET by jistincaseWhat do you expect from the most corrupt school district in America? I quit talking to my sister who is a teacher in IL. over this election when she started to defend the clown in chief. Hope she is happy with what they have done.
Update: Ayers Visit Canceled
March 30, 2009 - 11:40 ET by clintm19Unfortunately, in his note to parents, the superintendent defends Ayers, the teacher and his initial decision, and seems to demean detractors for their "emotion and outrage" over Ayers' "past actions" for overshadowing the event itself. He still doesn't get it.
NAPERVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT 203
Message sent - 3/30/2009
Ayers visit to NNHS canceled
The appearance by Dr. Bill Ayers at Naperville North High School next week has been canceled.
On Friday, it was announced through a Talk203 email that we were reviewing the decision to invite him and that we were also exploring the possibility of moving the appearance to another venue. Initially, many people were upset about his appearance in a school building, even though it was to have been with a select group of students with required parental permission. Several people offered worthy suggestions about how to make the event more meaningful by concurrently inviting someone that would provide an equally strong opposing viewpoint.
Over the weekend, however, it became clear that this issue was not really about where Dr. Ayers was speaking, but that he was speaking at all. Each day, the level of emotion and outrage has seemed to increase, along with the number of emails and phone calls received. What was most unfortunate was that a few directed their anger toward an outstanding high school and at a well-regarded, award-winning teacher who encourages students to think for themselves.
While parents and others have written urging us to continue with the event because they want students exposed to diverse viewpoints, Dr. Ayers’ appearance has clearly become a “lightning rod,” both inside and outside the District 203 community, because of his past actions. It is clear that any value to our students would be lost in such a highly-charged atmosphere, and that any debate of issues or viewpoints would be overshadowed by media coverage and anger over the event itself.
Dr. Alan Leis
Superintendent of Schools
HA!
March 30, 2009 - 11:42 ET by katainkentOne point for the good guys. Minus two points for absolving the teacher of making a very poor decision and minus one more point for using "award winning" to do it. And minus five more missing the point of parental outrage.
overall I give the district response a D/D-
school vouchers anyone? arg..
POV
March 30, 2009 - 11:47 ET by AgnosticI always like when they use the 'different point of view' arguement. It is the same point of view but from a more radical and engaging teacher. If they truly wanted another POV they would invite a conservative but then the faculty would have had it shut down before the parents even heard about it.
A person may be won over with logic and reason but the masses must be bought with spectacle and platitudes. - 2008 Elections
wish i thought...
March 30, 2009 - 13:19 ET by clinging to my guns and my religion...father jenkins would get a clue as well!
"i believe he will not stop until we are all jobless, homeless, hungry, and cold!"
Dr. Leis,
March 30, 2009 - 15:41 ET by UpNorthI think if you check, it's the people who pay the taxes that actually should control the use of their buildings. The building does not belong to you or the "well-regarded, award-winning teacher". What part of terrorist and bomb-maker don't you understand? By his(Ayers') past actions, he gave up the right to be taken seriously by anyone concerned with the tacit approval you seem to have wanted to give him and the bomb-maker he married.
Ayers promoted "guerrilla warfare in urban areas"
March 30, 2009 - 11:44 ET by Gary HallMmm.. calling for guerrilla warfare in urban areas is not "advocating violence?" Remember "new math?" Ah, "new teaching!"
A little history and a few questions can be found within these pages:
Principles Schminiciples – New Left Notes, Nov. 21, 1969
(;~/ gary
Actually the thought of
March 30, 2009 - 18:40 ET by RR GOPActually the thought of Bernadine giving bomb-making classes would be scary...she and her friends sure botched that one forty years ago.
Just think...some Commie out there just read that and said, "That sick Nazi bastard...those women DIED, were BLOWN TO BITS and you make light of that tragedy!!!! Conservative scum!"
Of course, the NCOs at Fort Dix and their dates and wives would have been much more suitable victims of the nail bomb these bitches were making. Wasn't like they were having tea and the gas main blew up.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).