Douglas Berg’s guest column comparing recent ICE shootings of protesters with students killed at Kent State brings to mind my own recollections of the relationship between then and now.

First I note that, back then, Black students were also killed at Jackson State University, and that in our time a lesbian mom was the first victim in Minneapolis. 

Then as now, America’s rage heightened when a more mainstream protester was killed.

Back in 1970, I was an activist here in Eugene. At the University of Oregon, I and others spoke out and acted out in opposition to an unjust war and continuing aspects of America’s exploitative international policies and racism at home. Buildings were damaged, offices were occupied and megaphones amplified our rage (a UO archive about those times has recently opened).

Then as now, many knew we had to do something. What was and is done has not always been the most well thought out, and rage sometimes rises to the surface. 

Then as now, actions by protesters have been absent any violence against people.

Then as now, violence has come from those who claim to be patriots, but whose words and deeds would tear down the basic foundational rights of individuals and the commitment to an inclusive social democracy that have always been at the core of American values.

May we all remain committed to speaking out and acting out as we seek to make real those heartfelt values articulated some 250 years ago.

With gratitude and active hope,

Rev. Dennis Reynolds
Affiliated Community Minister
Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene