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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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7

Unrepentant Ayers: I Was 'Demonized'

Campaign piñata says of his radical past: We didn't do enough

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(Newser) – William Ayers broke his silence this morning on Good Morning America, and he was anything but repentant. The former ‘60s radical called the attacks on him “a profoundly dishonest narrative” designed to “demonize” him, ABC reports. But he didn’t apologize for controversial deeds by him or the Weather Underground, including the bombing of the Capitol. “The despicable acts were being done by our government,” he said, referring to the Vietnam War. “I never hurt anyone.”

“Frankly, I don’t think we did enough,” he said, “just as today I don’t think we’ve done enough to stop these wars.” Ayers also downplayed his connection to Barack Obama. “I am a guy around the neighborhood,” he said, adding that many people held home receptions for Obama. “I don’t buy the idea that guilt by association should have any part in our politics.”

This Dec. 3, 1980 file photo shows former Weather Underground member William Ayers as he enters the Criminal Courts Building in Chicago.
This Dec. 3, 1980 file photo shows former Weather Underground member William Ayers as he enters the Criminal Courts Building in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Charles Knoblock)
Bill Ayers talks about his relationship with Barack Obama in this YouTube screenshot.
Bill Ayers talks about his relationship with Barack Obama in this YouTube screenshot.
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Williams Ayers talks about his relationship with Barack Obama in an interview on Good Morning America, Nov. 14, 2008.   (brkcmo93)

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I don't buy the idea that guilt by association should have any part of our politics. - Bill Ayers

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7 comments
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carol
Nov 14, 08 9:37 AM CST
This is exactly his problem....no remorse. Peaceful demonstrations were fine during the Viet Nam war. He and the Weather Underground tactics were wrong. Then he cowardly goes underground for nearly 10 yrs . I wonder what influence he has now as a college professor? Reply
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morenogabr
Nov 14, 08 6:38 PM CST
I think your wrong. His belief is that property is never more important than human life. He destroyed property, whether you think this is evil is your own decision, but he did to make a bold statement that the true violence in Vietnam was intolerable. Our founding fathers were exhibited more violence than Ayers. And maybe you can compare him to Boston Tea Party or similiar acts where massive amounts of property were damaged to make a bold statement. I dont consider destruction of property violence. I do consider war violent. Thats all im sayin'
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slim
Nov 14, 08 10:11 AM CST
His acts may not have been tolerable but his connection to Obama is rediculous since Obama was a child at the time. McCain had many direct associates during the Viet Nam war that did much more horrible things to innocent man, women and children in Viet Nam than Ayers ever did. Reply
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morenogabr
Nov 14, 08 6:39 PM CST
I think he's an honorable guy. Reply
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Shannonals
Nov 15, 08 6:28 PM CST
The news media shouldn't even be interviewing this man. I find it strange that they talk to him after the election, and on the eve of his book release Reply
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