Bob Schwartz

The primary point of the protests is bringing attention to the continuing horrors inflicted on Gaza. Most politicians of both parties and many media find this point uncomfortable and inconvenient for their purposes. So they would rather feature the protests themselves. Politicians believe too much attention to the underlying situation distracts from a law-and-order position or from support of Israel. Media believe that the protests are appropriately showy and newsworthy. A few injured or mistreated protestors make a good story. Thousands of dead, injured and mistreated don’t make for must-see TV and demand context.

Don’t forget that the primary point of the protests is Gaza. The protests have not surprisingly been mishandled by universities and government, and they will be. Free speech has been stifled, and it will be. These are important issues. But the people of Gaza, the families of the dead, injured, starving and displaced don’t care. They just want people to pay attention and act to help them.

Pay attention and act to help them.