By
Rachel Solomon
June 2, 2009
Graduating seniors will fling their caps into the air next weekend, celebrating their accomplishments in higher education and symbolizing their entry into a world beyond textbooks, GPAs and the dreaded all-nighters central to finals week.
Photo by Cliff Despeaux.
Democracy Insurgent member Veryl Pow, right, speaks out during a rally in Red Square last week. Democracy Insurgent plans to protest the choice of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates as the commencement speaker at the event.
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Elizabeth Fawthrop
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But some students feel there is a political stain on this year’s ceremony. The selection of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates as the class of 2009’s commencement speaker has spurred students dissatisfied with the cabinet member’s war record to protest.
“Robert Gates has, for the last year and a half, led the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has killed thousands of civilians, thousands of American troops,” said Elizabeth Fawthrop, a member of the International Socialist Organization at the UW and a graduating senior. “We see both of those things, and the war on terror more broadly, as immoral.”
Democracy Insurgent member Veryl Pow cited the secretary’s involvement in the Iran-Contra scandal in the 1980s and what Pow believes to be the increased militarization of campus — with CIA Officer Timothy Thomas presently acting as a visiting researcher — as reasons for protest.
This dispute follows controversy surrounding President Barack Obama’s commencement speeches, which he delivered last month at Arizona State University, the United States Naval Academy and the University of Notre Dame. The latter was met with anti-abortion rallies from Catholic leaders and students.
Although this year marks the first time the UW will host a sitting member of the presidential cabinet as commencement speaker, Gates’ high-profile status is inconsequential to Pow.
“To me, Robert Gates is a nobody,” he said. “I’m very ashamed he’s affiliated with America.”
Student and national groups joining the International Socialist Organization and Democracy Insurgent include the Bail Out the People — Not the Banks! movement, Socialist Alternative, World Can’t Wait, the Anti-War Collective and the Muslim Student Association.
The protesters plan to convene at 11:30 a.m. June 13 in front of the IMA. Following a small rally, they plan to march to Husky Stadium and, after a brief demonstration outside, plan to enter the stadium and claim seats in the audience or, for some protestors, with the rest of the graduates.
“During the actual speech, we’re going to have our backs turned to protest his speech and the fact he was awarded the honorary degree by the Board of Regents,” Pow said.
UW spokesperson Norm Arkans, who recalled a similar protest in 2002 against former Secretary of State Madeline Albright’s commencement speech, noted that there is a fine line between expressing disapproval and respecting the festive occasion.
“If [turning their backs] is what they’re up to, then that makes some sense,” Arkans said. “It’s a way to show your individual disapproval, but it’s also a way not to interrupt the proceedings.”
Fawthrop explained that students planning to protest were required to sign a contract stating they would not stand up or speak during Gates’ speech.
“This is a special day for us and for our families,” Fawthrop said, “but what we’re trying to say is that the UW should have done better.”
Reach reporter Rachel Solomon at news@dailyuw.com.
28 Comments
#1 Matthew H.
on June 2, 2009 at 1:04 a.m.(Seattle, WA)
For more info about this protest, check out the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid.... Please invite your friends - and graduating seniors, please encourage other graduates who oppose the wars to turn their backs when he speaks.
#2 Matthew H.
on June 2, 2009 at 1:20 a.m.(Seattle, WA)
One more note... there may be groups involved in mobilizing for this who were not listed... if you are part of a group that wishes to sign onto this and help build it or if you would like more information, please contact Democracy Insurgent at d.insurg@gmail.com. The more the merrier!
#3 Nick J.
on June 2, 2009 at 9:23 a.m.(San Francisco, CA)
Disgraceful.
#4 Elizabeth F.
on June 2, 2009 at 11:38 a.m.(Watsonville, CA)
We agree Nick-Robert Gates is a disgrace!
#5 Nick J.
on June 2, 2009 at 1:28 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
Cute, Elizabeth.
#6 Nick J.
on June 2, 2009 at 2:38 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
Btw, Elizabeth, this was brilliant:
"Robert Gates has, for the last year and a half, led the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has killed thousands of civilians, thousands of American troops,” said Elizabeth Fawthrop, a member of the International Socialist Organization at the UW and a graduating senior."
Um, what? Robert Gates has led the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past year and a half? First of all, your timeline is way off, as Gates assumed his position as Secretary of Defense on December 18, 2006. Secondly, it's not currently, nor has it ever been Gates' responsibility to lead the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. When he became SecDef, the Commanding General in Iraq was George Casey, who was then followed by Gen. David Petraeus. In Afghanistan, there have been a host of commanding Generals, none of which have been named Robert Gates.
And you're graduating. That's stunning.
#7 Russ W.
on June 2, 2009 at 2:47 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy." - Winston Churchill
#8 ewb
on June 2, 2009 at 5:14 p.m.(Tacoma, WA | UW Community)
Nick,
Your definition of what it means to lead is very narrow. While the generals you mentioned may directly oversee the invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan, this in no way excuses Robert Gates from the role he has played in promoting these wars. Robert Gates is the head of the Dept. of Defense, which supervises the Unified Combatant Command, which in turn oversees USCENTCOM, to which the generals you mention report to. So Gates is obviously a leader of these wars, and is implicated in them just as much, if not more so because of his position of power, as the generals.
Also, these comment pages shouldn’t be a space for personal attacks to be vented. Keep those to yourself.
#9 Holland A.
on June 2, 2009 at 7:34 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
I find it ridiculous that you are protesting Gates and blaming him for all of the deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. By your same logic EWB, Obama and congress are currently to blame more then Gates. For if Gates recommended all troops leave both countries, it would still take approval from someone else.
Also, you disregard the numerous lives Gates has saved in Iraq by implementing the new counter-insurgency strategy that has turned things completely around there.
You also disregard the number of lives that would be lost if NATO quickly pulled out of Afghanistan. The region would be beyond stable and many more lives would be lost.
I could understand your protests if he was the Sec of Def when we invaded, but what he has done since being appointed is incredible.
I also know D.I. is affiliated with protests about tuition cuts. Gates is a free commencement speaker, he is saving UW $10,000-$20,000. Also, he has recommended substantial defense spending cuts.
Finally, can you explain why you are so against the CIA. I know, I know, it is racist, and attacks defenseless people. But really, what would you recommend, shutting it down? Great idea, no intelligence for the U.S. And stopping a recruitment session at UW, I wanted to go to that. Wouldn't the best way to reform the CIA be by recruiting such progressive people as UW students?
#10 Brian B.
on June 2, 2009 at 8:34 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
I strongly agree with Nick, Russ W. (who provided an excellent quote), and Holland A (except on the point that the CIA is "racist": this assertion needs some type of supporting evidence from you).
These groups mentioned in the article really are fishing for something -- anything, really -- to protest.
As a friend pointed out, it's easy to be a "socialist" in the insulated University atmosphere, and when your parents are paying (at least for some) of college.
Good luck staying a socialist once you get a job, and realize its glaring faults and idiocy.
I appreciate, and always will, the diverse opinions expressed daily on the UW campus -- and completely respect all of these groups taking the opportunity to make their views heard. It is, after all, a clear example of why the U.S. guarantees and goes out of its way to ensure freedom for the thought we hate.
However...
in this case, especially since it's graduation -- a time of celebration and reflection -- I find it a little troubling that this smorgasbord of groups think its the right medium through which to cause such a caustic fuss. (Not being a graduating senior -- far from it, in fact -- myself, I would be troubled by stir these groups are attempting to cause at what is supposed to be a rejuvenating and relaxing ceremony.)
Robert Gates is no more to blame than President Obama or Congress, who has continued to fund the war effort.
Would your groups be protesting Mr. Obama if he came to campus to speak? I suppose so...
#11 Adam D.
on June 2, 2009 at 9:20 p.m.(Kirkland, WA | UW Community)
<<As a friend pointed out, it's easy to be a "socialist" in the insulated University atmosphere, and when your parents are paying (at least for some) of college.
Good luck staying a socialist once you get a job, and realize its glaring faults and idiocy.>>
I'm a "Socialist" and not only work to go to school, but have had no support from my family due to my mom's disability. Trust me, I am well aware of how the world works.
#12 Adam D.
on June 2, 2009 at 9:24 p.m.(Kirkland, WA | UW Community)
<<And stopping a recruitment session at UW, I wanted to go to that.>>
The reason why we are going after the CIA recruitment is the INSER program, which trains students to spy and sends them off to other countries and send reports back on them. DI and student groups are not the only ones against it; numerous departments including the Jackson School and Anthropology department have condemned CIA programs on campus.
<<Wouldn't the best way to reform the CIA be by recruiting such progressive people as UW students?>>
As someone who thought about being a civil servant once; no. Any person will tell you in those careers in the government you can't change politics; you have to follow your countries policy. If you disagree with it, you have to quit or conform to it.
#13 hakalo
on June 2, 2009 at 10:37 p.m.(Tacoma, WA | UW Community)
"I could understand your protests if he was the Sec of Def when we invaded, but what he has done since being appointed is incredible."
How can you draw a distinction between starting wars and perpetuating wars? The fact stands that Gates is implicated in these wars, regardless of whether he was the SoD when they started or not. I also wouldn’t consider increasing troop deaths, more civilian casualties, and an escalation of the war in Pakistan to be “incredible”.
"I also know D.I. is affiliated with protests about tuition cuts. Gates is a free commencement speaker, he is saving UW $10,000-$20,000."
There is a ton of security involved with bringing Gates to Husky stadium. The UWPD specifically will be pulling on a lot of its resources to provide security. Gates’ visit is not free in any sense of the term.
#14 Nick J.
on June 2, 2009 at 10:56 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
"There is a ton of security involved with bringing Gates to Husky stadium. The UWPD specifically will be pulling on a lot of its resources to provide security. Gates’ visit is not free in any sense of the term."
This encompasses the very meaning of grasping at straws.
He's the Secretary of Defense of the United States. Of course he needs security.
Grow up.
#15 Holland A.
on June 2, 2009 at 10:59 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Brian, that part about the CIA being racist, was sarcastic, I don't believe it at all.
Adam, how much money do you get from financial aid? Probably way more then most of of us.
Isn't the goal of intelligence to obtain information, usually through spying? What is wrong with training people to become CIA agents? I guess it depends if you think the CIA is completely corrupt.
The Pakistan escalation has been a response to issues in the country. The Taliban has been taking more and more territory, and I am sure the Pakistani government thanks us for keeping the Taliban away from their nukes.
HAKALO, if you read the other article about Gates, you will see that UW is not spending extra money, and security will be on par with other years.
HAKOL, you also didn't address all the other things I said. You can't just say because he is the SoD he is responsible. He does not have the authority to withdraw troops if he wants. Also, withdrawing recklessly would be a greater danger to the people there, then staying. Also, don't forget the fact that logistically, it would take over a year to pull out of Iraq.
I just don't get what you all expected of him? I think you are leaning towards no US military anywhere but on US soil, but that is only a guess. Would the only way you would be happy with Gates was if he started withdrawing troops as soon as he was appointed (Which could not have happened with Bush in office)? Is he condemned for no other reason then being appointed to SoD?
#16 Nick J.
on June 3, 2009 at 8:49 a.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
Holland, these people are incapable of rational thought. They're not worth the time.
They also shouldn't have gotten coverage in The Daily.
#17 Nick J.
on June 3, 2009 at 8:55 a.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
And btw Holland, they hate the U.S. military. It's not about where they're located, whether it be here or around the globe. All the evidence you need was seen in ewb's quote:
"So Gates is obviously a leader of these wars, and is implicated in them just as much, if not more so, because of his position of power, AS THE GENERALS."
In other words, heroes like Gen. David Petraeus are murderers in their eyes.
Truly disgusting.
#18 Veryl
on June 3, 2009 at 10:41 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Hi, just a few quick thoughts. On Gates and the Budget Cuts, the campus is undergoing increased militarization as many other programs and workers are getting cut. By speaking here, Gates isn't raising money for students of color who will no longer be able to afford tuition under the 28% hikes over the next two years. It isn't going to the anti-racist, anti-patriarchal organizations like the Women's Center which is facing devastating cuts. He isn't saving the jobs of the 17 custodians, most of whom are immigrant workers, who have already been laid off. Meanwhile, custodial management is getting pay raises, and Mark Emmert is not taking a single cent cut to his $900K+ salary.
Instead, that Gates is speaking for free represents the broader trend of militarization of campus, along with agent Tim Thomas, who is paid for by the CIA and the UW gets money for hosting him. The only way people of color can get access to the university is through joining the army reserve. While anti-racist programs get cut, the education students will receive now are funded by the military, state dept, and CIA. The course Thomas teaches is data mining, the same subversive tools used to undermine democratic, anti-imperialist movements at home and abroad. That is the same repressive tactic the CCP uses in China against pro-democracy activists. Don't tell me that the CIA overthrowing democratically elected leaders and conducting torture abroad, and setting up programs like MK Ultra and kidnapping Muslim and Arab folks at home is not racist. So Nick/Holland, take your racist chauvinism somewhere else before claiming we are incapable of rational thought. Ya our peoples have heard that from white folks for centuries now, and just because we have a different conception of freedom (because we are denied those white privileges of yours under this 'democracy'), don't make our struggle worthless or irrational.
#19 Nick J.
on June 3, 2009 at 3:28 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
"So Nick/Holland, take your racist chauvinism somewhere else...."
Loon.
#20 Nick J.
on June 3, 2009 at 4 p.m.(UW Campus | UW Community)
"How can you draw a distinction between starting wars and perpetuating wars? The fact stands that Gates is implicated in these wars, regardless of whether he was the SoD when they started or not."
So hakalo, is Obama also implicated in these wars then?
#21 Holland A.
on June 4, 2009 at 9:47 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
"the campus is undergoing increased militarization as many other programs and workers are getting cut."
-Guess what, regardless of who speaks, those cuts will happen.
"Gates isn't raising money for students of color"
-Neither would any other speaker, speakers don't come to raise money. Though you could argue he is saving UW 10,000-20,000.
" that Gates is speaking for free represents the broader trend of militarization of campus"
-No, he is speaking for free because he has to as a member of Obama's Cabinet.
"Tim Thomas, who is paid for by the CIA and the UW gets money for hosting him."
-So let me get this straight, one CIA scholar, who teaches one class, and UW is given money for it = militarization, and hurt's anti-racist programs?
"So Nick/Holland, take your racist chauvinism somewhere else before claiming we are incapable of rational thought."
-I never called you irrational. Also, how dare you accuse me of racism, you don't even know me.
"just because we have a different conception of freedom (because we are denied those white privileges of yours under this 'democracy'), don't make our struggle worthless or irrational."
-This is the most racist comment yet. "White privileges". I have never received any privileges for being white. I have to pay for my education almost completely out of pocket, taking out private student loans, because I don't qualify for financial aid. and don't think it is because my family is rich, I just have 3 other siblings in college, and the government expects my parents to pay 15,000 a year for each of them, that is 45,000, my parents have 3 kids at home, how could they afford that? Meanwhile their are countless programs for minority only students, that I pay for out of my tuition. If you are a minority student, you should be thanking everyone who isn't that is subsidizing your programs. Can we also not forget that I am a minority student, being a male.
Finally, what is your concept of freedom? How do you know I have a different concept then you? I'll have to wait for your response before commenting.
#22 Ruben B.
on June 4, 2009 at 8:07 p.m.(Mercer Island, WA)
Personalize it anyway you want…You have that freedom… Call Us What You Want....Label Us Anything and Everything that Helps you sleep at night....Post a series of comments if your heart desire's it…..then let it be so...call us…. radicals...idiots...communist...it does not matter too us...it doesn't hurt our feelings anymore …or crush our hearts.... we have been called worst and we have been treated worst and yet we continue to fight in this struggle...we continue to fight because we believe that we are engage in a Revolution... we are engage in a struggle between the past and the future of this world….this society...
We care about our children….we care deeply about our friends and our families and our communities...we cherish life...we cherish liberty and the pursuit of happiness...but we do not welcome War Criminals in our beautiful city of Seattle...and we don't forget the past so easily....in a very real sense we have always been connected to our past...our culture…..our history. …our roots...our families have been shape in that spectrum of time itself... and some of those people lives…..Iraqis….Afghans….Nicaraguans...Pakistanis...have all been shape by the destructive actions and decisions of several men who have greatly contributed in those operations... throughout the decades this men have gone on with their lives in their communities without facing any sort of justice and without any prosecution from the courts....and Robert Gates is one of those men...
let me be very clear with everyone... we will be civilized...we will be non-violent...we will conduct ourselves in the manner granted to us in the Constitution of the United States of America… “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or The Right of the People Peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of Grievances”......we will not be passive in our city….this is our city….. And we will not sit passively by and easily excuse the deaths of thousands across the world…….. We will never forget and we will not be silent.
All Power to the People.
#23 Sean K.
on June 4, 2009 at 9:36 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
H.A. - Glad I read your post! I was wondering I was getting all these emails, voicemails and text message from strange minorities thanking me (well I don't know for sure if all of them were minorities, but they sure sound colored).
I was getting pretty sick of the whole thing, finals week coming up an all, until I listened to a voice mail message some guy left an hour ago, which made me feel pretty good inside - like the sacrifices I am making here really are helping folks who, you know, have no real business going to UW:
"...hey man, me and my dawgs just wanted y'all to know that if it wasn't for you and all the other white men at UW, well, you know we owe it all to you -....huh? Damn, everday! Everday! Yes...yes sir. Yes I have my ID and proof of...No there aren't any drugs in the car. We...we're students...Yes sir. Ye..ye..yes sir okay sir...they're up sir.."
Well...I gather it didn't end all that well (I don't what gave him the idea that he could drive a car around here - like he was a white guy or something) but still - got a little glide in my stride from the props.
Best, SK.
#24 Holland A.
on June 4, 2009 at 11:35 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Ruben, your use of periods is nauseating. I am trying to respond to you, but I get dizzy just looking at your post.
First, it is "worse", not "worst". Second, I haven't called you any names. Third, my friend counts 18 grammatical errors.
I am glad that you care about your children and your families, because clearly I don't, at least that seems to be the insinuation.
I would like to point out the most correct thing you said, "and some of those people lives…..Iraqis….Afghans….Nicaraguans...Pakistanis...have all been shape by the destructive actions and decisions of several men"
Their lives have been shaped by a couple men, Sadam Hussein, Osama bin Laden, and the leaders of the Taliban. Thankfully, the members of the US military have bled and died to fight these few men. Does that make our military leaders war criminals? Robert Gates is far from a war criminal. I would love to hear your definition of a war criminal.
Now, Mr. SK, I greatly enjoyed your use of satire.
I do have to comment though. I am wondering where, in my previous posts, you discerned the idea that I thought minorities shouldn't be at UW, or were bumbling idiots? I think everyone who is attending UW got in legitimately. Probably because the school doesn't practice affirmative action. Those that got in did so on merit. I was only trying to make the point that being white at UW does not grant me any special "white privileges". In fact it is quite the opposite. By being a minority at UW, many programs and services are available to you, that are paid for by tuition. I am not particularly bitter about that, it was something I accepted when deciding to attend. I'm just wondering what the reaction on campus would be if someone tried to start a caucasian student commission or student association, or if scholarships and mentoring programs were designed for caucasian students? I would just like to remind many of my fellow UW students that they are getting much more out of their money then many of us.
#25 Kristin C.
on June 5, 2009 at 5:24 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
I'd propose that you get as much out of your money as you decide to get from it.
#26 Ruben B.
on June 5, 2009 at 8:01 p.m.(Mercer Island, WA)
Only 18 grammatical errors?.......Darn I was going for 30....oh well...
It's good to hear that I can still make people dizzy..................................................................................................................................
Jaja
#27 Holland A.
on June 5, 2009 at 9:50 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Kristin, I get as much as I can. Unfortunately, some things I pay for I am not allowed to access because I'm not a minority.
#28 Kristin C.
on June 5, 2009 at 9:59 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
You're missing the point. Some things other people pay for are things you can access. Some things you pay for are things you can access. I know you're working very hard to enrich your experience at UW as I think I saw elsewhere that you are involved in ASUW. I'd say, rather than focusing on what you DON'T get, focus on what you do. Does it take away from your education to have others have access to these things?
My point is, many times people have a lot of things. Life is not a game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. One can choose to always see what he's NOT getting and may not realize that he's got plenty already.
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