Fresh Ayers
I listened to Bill Ayers on 'Fresh Air' today and I must say that I've gone from wholeheartedly despising the man to not being quite so certain. (On the other hand I am certain that Ben Smith's dismissive comment -- "Bill Ayers talks to NPR for 43 minutes, says he was never a terrorist, unrepentant or otherwise" -- does a disservice to his readers. Listen to the whole interview and decide for yourself.)
Ayers makes a persuasive case for a full accounting - he suggests a truth and reconciliation commission -- of the violence and criminality of the 1960s and the Vietnam War. Some of Ayers's actions are indefensible, full stop. But like Robert McNamara, Ayers seems to have a much better grasp of the meaning and legacy of that era than do most of his defenders and detractors. For that alone he should be listened to.
While we are giving credit where credit is due, Terry Gross certainly rose to the occasion in the interview - though unlike Coates I see that as more exception than rule.
Ayers makes a persuasive case for a full accounting - he suggests a truth and reconciliation commission -- of the violence and criminality of the 1960s and the Vietnam War. Some of Ayers's actions are indefensible, full stop. But like Robert McNamara, Ayers seems to have a much better grasp of the meaning and legacy of that era than do most of his defenders and detractors. For that alone he should be listened to.
While we are giving credit where credit is due, Terry Gross certainly rose to the occasion in the interview - though unlike Coates I see that as more exception than rule.
posted by hellisotherpeople at 8:43 PM
<< Home