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C00002 00002 gorbac.1[f85,jmc] Opportunities from Gorbachev commencement speech
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gorbac.1[f85,jmc] Opportunities from Gorbachev commencement speech
This seems to me to be a low probability event, so it is
worthwhile to take advantage of the occasion, whether the event
comes off or not.
The obvious opportunity is to hold some educational sessions,
e.g. a teach-in, about the Soviet Union and communism today. This
should precede the appearance by some weeks. The analogies between
the signs observed in Nicaragua and the similar stage of Soviet
history should be emphasized.
Coincident with the appearance should be a meeting on
human rights with speakers from all over. We can press Stanford
for a facility, but if protocol dictates to Kennedy that it not
be held on campus, we should find another place. We should make
sure that Kennedy doesn't control it. If possible we should make
it come out so that the positive thinkers about the Soviet Union
have either to tolerate a lot of negative thinking or themselves
organize a rump meeting.
The civil rights of those whose reaction is simple protest
must be protected.
Book exhibit including an exhibit of the works of political
pilgrims. Perhaps a computer terminal allowing the user to find
quotes praising the Moscow trials, Soviet propaganda accusing the
U.S. of provoking Hitler, etc.
Counter-commencement with Solzhenitsyn or Bukovsky as speaker and
honorary degrees (perhaps real and perhaps mock)
Afghan chlldren
The counter action should start slowly, e.g. the Afghan children
should appear late.
Perhaps the Center for Democracy should promptly hold a Press
Conference stating "We have no objection; the occasions should
be educational. We'll help make the occasion an educational
success."
The Welcome Gorbachev Committee should open an office on El Camino
with exhibits changed weekly - pictures of political prisoners,
Afghan children, displays of Soviet propaganda, statements by
pilgrims of the past, etc. It should apply for a foundation
grant promptly.
Question: To what extent should we jump the gun?
If there's a big chance that he'll come, we should hold fire till
it's definite. If it seems very unlikely, we should fire away
and get partial credit for scaring him off.
Press kit: questions to ask G
If he comes, there will be an incredible amount of press. We can
readily have a wider interface to the press than he can.