On the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, a gathering titled “250 Years of Resistance” took place in Chicago, hosted by the Democratic Party, featuring Leftist figure Bill Ayers and a Princeton University professor.
Ayers is known for his past involvement with the Weather Underground, a controversial group linked to violent actions against the U.S. Ayers has connections that some reports tie to former President Barack Obama.
At the National Public Housing Museum, Ayers characterized the Declaration of Independence as “mixed and contradictory.” He reminisced about the 1976 bicentennial when his organization produced posters declaring “200 Years is Enough.” He expressed that he feels similarly today, emphasizing that the occasion was fitting for discussing resistance over the past 250 years.
Reports indicate that Ayers was involved in numerous bombings through the Weather Underground, including attacks on the U.S. Capitol, a military induction center in California, the Pentagon, and various other locations.
Ayers co-founded the Weather Underground with his wife, expressing dissatisfaction with other anti-war movements for not being radical enough.
He surrendered to law enforcement in 1980, but the case against him fell apart due to unlawful wiretaps.
Even after the violent phase of his activism, Ayers persisted with his agenda through his work in education reform, eventually becoming a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago after establishing several educational organizations.
During a question-and-answer session, Keeanga Yamatta Taylor, an African American studies professor at Princeton, humorously remarked that the audience probably felt disdain towards America, eliciting laughter. She stated that patriotism equates to an unhealthy attachment to the nation-state, which she believes is harmful.
Taylor also suggested that “borders are deadly,” highlighting that they contribute to significant harms.
In light of Independence Day, Smith commented that activists from various backgrounds, including academia, work towards dismantling the nation. He expressed concern that Taylor’s perspectives advocate for a world that diminishes the concept of nation-states, which he views as essential for governance and sovereignty.
Smith concluded that this echoes a Marxist ideal, suggesting a global worker community free from national constraints, which he argues could undermine the very fabric of the country.
