Bush Admin Forestry Policy - Protest at UC Berkeley April 22

I deplore Bush Administration Federal resource giveaways as much as anybody. Their proposed forest policies are a travesty. Unfortunately, the only spin that will happen if a bunch of self-righteous, obnoxious, stinky hippies that call themselves "forest defenders" show up to protest will be that its always the same fringe element that protests everything. Do the cause a favor, stinky hippies: stay home!

Do society a favor, "Free Thinker." Take yourself out of the gene pool.

the only people who mind stinky hippies are stinky jerk faces...do the cause a favor stinky jerk face: stay home.


sound immature much?

uh, Free Thinker, maybe you should try writing some letters to the media who spin things that way instead of to the people who agree with you. If we had balanced and fair coverage we wouldn't have all this infighting about our "image".

The best possible response would be if a wide spectrum of Americans showed up to protest Bush's policies. It's not only up to the "hippies" to be faithful forest defenders. Rather than try to discourage the faithful from attending and lending their voices to the discussion, our efforts should be to be MORE inclusive and to convince even more caring people to come, from moms and dads in the 'burbs and their soccer-playing children, to the elderly from the nursing homes or living alone, to car mechanics, librarians, jewelers--the whole beautiful spectrum of America.

he was humiliated by dozens of people wearing suits and ties. you have to admit that it would be _far_ more embarrassing and uncomfortable for the guy and would make a much more compelling series of photos. I'm sorry , but it really is _very_ easy for these people to totally ignore the yelling "stinky hippy" contingent. I agree totally with the point of view, but i still find the idea of a bunch of suit wearing people making the guy feel like an ass much more humorous and satisfying. I'd cut my dreads and wash my clothes for that one. Besides, you have a much better chance of actually getting into the talk if you look more clean cut. There's a good chance the cops will be there and that they will exclude you (whether its "discriminatory" or not) based on how you look.

yeah, well this is one clean hippie that will be there! i encourage all hippies dirty or clean to be there, cause this deal stinks! i also empower all tree-sitters to be there too, it is time to come out of the forest and be heard in a public place. just try going to a rally in a public place( i know all forest are public places, but until this is a free state, than you are just sitting on maxxam land) you, tree-sitters could inspire so many people, if you put the same amount of effort into a rally, that you put into one tree-sit.

Your prediction of more acceptability for "hippies" that change their clothes and hair to look like --what? real Americans? normal Americans? is probably accurate. But it makes me uncomfortable to ask anyone to remove articles of clothing which are meaningful to them--prayer shawls, kaffiyeh, kippahs, medicine bags--or cut their hair, sideburns, beards--just to fit in. Many Americans of African descent could have "passed" for white in pre-Civil Rights days, and chose not to, believing it to be a betrayal of who they were and an iimplicit acceptance of society's low value placed upon blacks. They accepted a harsher treatment by our society instead. I'd like to honor their sacrifice by holding a place for diversity in our society. The mode of dress and hair worn by the "hippies" is not meant to communicate any threat to the well-being of others. I believe tolerance for our differences can be "contagious" in a positive way.

The idea that pre civil rights blacks were voluntarily emphasizing their blackness is patently silly. Looking black was unavoidable. Jim Crow left deep psychic scars manifest in the belief that somehow being black WAS inferior, and blacks tortured themselves trying to look white. Conking (making nappy hair straight) involved lye and egg whites. Ouch. And blacks were still abused and disrespected.
With regard to voluntary appearances and behaviors: people whose self-indulgent, irresponsible acts during protests alienate the broader audience are at fault. Unfortunately, that style of protest appears to be the M. O. of the "forest defender" and its urban equivalent "anarchist" subculture.

I think it is good to bring up the issue of rank odor and it's effect on encouraging public support of forest defense tactics. I would like to be more involved with saving the trees, but the truth is, the characteristic smell of some forest defenders literally makes me want to throw up. Maybe I could offer to wash their clothes for them. Would that help?

Internal combustion exhaust.

I find it hopeful, and yet sad, that one of our correspondents has the sensitivity to realize that our culture has the terrible effect of pressuring many non-Caucasians to emulate Euro-ethnic features, and at the same time the important history surrounding the concept of refusing to try to "pass" has been lost. These people were America's heroes, and sacrificed a great deal to maintain their integrity and stand up for the value of all people, regardless of race. They were never "silly."

i cannot believe what i 'm reading here.....but, being a supporter of free speech, it's a good thing that there is a venue for all opinions to be expressed.
as a middle aged woman, i make a CHOICE to wear dreadlocks.....i bathe daily....as is obvious, not all hippies stink. not all folks w/locks stink.....i'm told all the time how GOOD i smell......
and i don't believe that anyone should criticize forest defenders. these are some of the most incredibly brave, loving, peaceful people you will ever find anywhere.....that's why they're out in the trees......WE CARE.......seems to me that all this energy spent blasting folks for how they look or smell could be more productively used to make positive changes in a world that we are all struggling to understand/comprehend/AND DEFEND!!!!!
peace and blessings.