These days, the use of term “domestic terrorist” has become a vehicle for the state, and those following the leftist agenda, to intimidate and vilify dissenters. Regardless of this travesty, sometimes, the term really does apply… Bill Ayers is one such case.

Bill Ayers, former leader of the radical communist group, The Weather Underground, spoke at Purdue University to education and sociology students on Thursday.  The meeting, held in occlusion to the public and press, was conducted in Room 1142 of the publicly-funded university’s Lawson Hall.

The Weather Underground sought to overthrow western civilization during the height of the Vietnam conflict, by force if necessary, and establish a socialist order in America. Espousing these views in their political manifesto, “Prairie Fire”, The Weather Underground dedicated their lives to disassembling and destroying the concept of capitalism and constitutional republic.

Over several years the organization terrorized the public, planting bombs in public places—some of which resulted in injury and death.

I was witness to the protest of his appearance Purdue. In addition to a very vocal gathering of hundreds at the front of the building, I was inspired by the number of dedicated activists who challenged the university’s barring of students, citizens, and press from the event.

Members of the The Indiana Young Americans for Liberty Coalition (“YAL Coalition”) attempted to enter the building to report on the event for their publication, "Young American Revolution". They had hoped to cover the controversial event, and engage Ayers in intellectual discourse on the role of government in society… the actions of the university denied them this opportunity.

After the event, Ayers scurried off via a get-away car parked on the side of the building. There have been several accounts, though I don’t yet have video of this, that he sent a decoy through another door just minutes prior in attempt to evade confrontation with the public he once pledged war upon.

Jake Witteveen, President of Purdue’s Conservative Coalition for American Values also attempted to enter the building, requesting to the right to assemble inside of the building… that request was also denied by the University.

Witteveen had a moment to peak with the local media (also barred from entry) on the issue, CB Affliate, WLFI 18, "We tried to get in - into the publicly funded building - as students, and the administration locked it down and we don't think that's very constitutional."

A video clip of that interview can be found here.

Both groups expressed concern with the fact that Ayer’s now has an active role in shaping the curriculum of public schools.

"His agenda hasn't changed from his days as a fugitive, he doesn't even regret the bombings... do we really want someone with this kind of background shaping our educational system?," Witteveen asked.

More blog posts, along with first-hand accounts, and multimedia from the event, will be available in the coming days...

In Liberty,

Craig Dixon

Indiana Field Rep