Cyclist for Social Change strikes again. I'm about thirty feet from G Dub. I got in with my friend as a photographer. I have neither a camera nor official credentials, and they still let me in. So much for security.
We're just waiting to hear what else he has to say about border and immigration policy—the 370 feet of fencing proposed in a recent amendment, guest worker programs, etc. Exciting.
If I’m able to get my question in, I’m going to ask him to pull my finger.
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Forgive my cynical response. I don't mean to criticize you directly—God knows I would be there asking G Dub to pull my finger if given the chance—but just a thought to through out there:
In waiting to hear what G Dub has to say about border policy, aren’t those at the press gathering following the familiar path of putting on “social dialogue” (i.e. talking/listening to the rich, powerful and devious) in front of demonstrating autonomy?
Others would call this “legitimating the oppressor” or “playing Uncle Tom”. I just get the impression that these press gatherings are used to create the appearance of dialogue and accountability, given that the state is rapidly moving towards a violent border discourse and setting up the legal instruments to make it possible to turn talk into action. I assume that you know damn well what the state is doing on the border, and, unfortunately, asking a question (even a serious one that slams G Dub) won't make a damn bit off difference or hold a bit of accountability. Given this, I am suggesting, perhaps, that taking part in these false democratic rituals does more to legitimate power structures than question them.
If you really did ask G Dub to pull your finger, then I retract all of the above.
--eric
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