Buoy Don’t Float

I was walking out of the Cal Student Store today and funny thing because I heard two people arguing about the current issues around Cal. I didn’t really hear any details except for the ending-walk-away-turn-around words that were exchanged. I thought it was funny because it fits in what I’ve been thinking.

The guy behind the comcast booth was talking to what I would guess was a Cal alum. He said: “30,000 people at this school, and the only guy protesting is the unstable man.” That unstable man: “Happy Happy Man”. I admit it hurt, and at the same time its that biting truth that makes you reevaluate your recent actions. It’s good though because it wasn’t sugarcoated or anything. Besides that, it’s probably what I’ve been wanting to hear to reaffirm my thoughts. Now I have a lot more respect for the “Happy Happy Man.” He isn’t just a Cal character, he’s a firestarter.

Back at school now, which means I’m back to reading the news, specifically NYTimes and CNN, daily. More about school later. I found this really pertinent article on NYTimes about the “silence” of people. The columnist used music to show the difference between what can be exemplified by the now and then of Berkeley. The revelation was at a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young concert. Neil Young, normally political, says “Impeach Bush!” Back then it was a big deal when these musicians were political. Now, its just trendy. The columnist then went on to draw some conclusions citing the main differences between the Vietnam War era and current times. He said that back then there was a draft. But now, there is no personal sacrifice. Despite the fact that polls show a majority of Americans are against the war, because there is no personal sacrifice, people are silent. It’s simply easier to ignore it. The columnist said that even an returned Iraqi soldier was EMBARASSED by it.

Now that scares me. If everyone starts thinking that–its often said but definitely true in this case–the shit will hit the fan.