Steve Kelman on Politics, Culture, and Life, 4.26.24
Steve Kelman, Harvard Kennedy School prof, moderate Dem, pro free speech/anti cancel culture, pro tax rich, pro-Israel. Research improving gov performance, China interest. Blog reprints Facebook posts
Where do tents used by Columbia protesters come from?
The Forward reports conspiracy theories have been circulating online about where Columbia protesters got their tents. The answer seems to be that most bought them on Amazon or already had them as campers.
Harvard rejects academic boycott
A spokesman for Harvard has stated, "Harvard leadership has made clear that it opposes calls for a policy of boycotting Israel and its academic institutions.” Thanks to the university for not caving in to Hamas supporters.
Laughing at “let Israel live”
Inside the Harvard Square MBTA station there was a group of pro-Hamas demonstrators as I was waiting for my train. One actually held a sign reading "Hamas." I yelled out, "Let Israel live." A young guy near me looked at me and laughed.
“No two state solution”?
One of the chants of the Columbia protesters has been, "We don't want no two states." Well, at least they are making clear what they think about peace in the region.
Genocide – Xinjiang and Gaza
The State Department's annual human rights report accuses China of "genocide" in Xinjiang. I am no friend of the Chinese regime, but this accusation is an absurd exaggeration that sadly reminds one of similar accusations these days that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza.
Increase in college grads in China
Between 2000 and 2024 the number of new college grads in China increased tenfold.
Harassing the Hasidic
Times columnist Bret Stephens reports today about a Hasidic student at Yale who was "yelled at, harassed, pushed and shoved" when he went to the site of an anti-Israel student rally.
“Sea to the river”
A non-Jewish Facebook friend posted, "From the sea to the river, Israel will live forever."