Speak up and judge fairly: Mickey Z. at the mic
the past is preparation for today
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
For stretches of my life, I was a sought-after speaker for more causes and issues than I can remember. Eventually, I started questioning “activism” tactics. This was deemed unacceptable by those allegedly seeking freedom.
Next, I rejected the trans agenda.
Finally, there was the plandemic.
My former comrades [sic] wanted nothing to do with me.
The new people I met (“medical freedom movement,” etc.) did not include me in their events either.
So, I started a Substack and a podcast and did things my way — as usual.
In this post, I’ll share some snapshots of my past selves.
Barnes & Noble (Tribeca, March 2010) for the release of my book, Self-Defense for Radicals. I recall a lively Q&A in which I connected audience members with each other. As I signed books afterward, I watched people who were strangers just two hours earlier now leaving together.
The People’s Library of Occupy Wall Street poetry reading in April 2012: Jefferson Market Library (West Village)
On an animal rights panel with Gary Null at the Left Forum: March 2010 (Pace University)
May 2013: That’s me in the orange shirt leading a teach-in about Monsanto and GMOs in Washington Square Park. Most of those people — some of whom were literally taking notes and filming me — lined up for genetically modified jabs just eight years later.
The now-defunct Jivamutki Café: January 2013
In January 2004, I was flown out to Santa Cruz to emcee a “People’s Summit” that included speakers like Michael Parenti and Cynthia McKinney. We all took time out to join a protest in support of the homeless population of Santa Cruz. Above is a shot of a spontaneous talk I gave that day.
Speaking of homelessness, I once wrote for and volunteered with Street News — the groundbreaking NYC publication created and sold by homeless people. In 1998 or so, I appeared on a radio show with Indio (pictured above) — a formerly homeless man who ran Street News with love and vision.
Barnes & Noble (Astor Place, December 2005): book talk and signing for the release of my book, 50 American Revolutions You’re Not Supposed to Know
Arlington, Virginia, April 2009: Derrick Jensen and I gave talks and took questions in a church for at least four hours!
Occupy Wall Street teach-in (August 2012 in Astoria Park)
Union Square Park, May 2014: March Against Monsanto. This was probably the biggest crowd I ever addressed in person — an estimated 3,500 souls
So many people in those activist circles recapitulate the same basic class structure and bien pensant fatuity they condemn in their rhetoric. They eventually end up living in intellectual gated communities. What a shame...
I'm glad to have connected here, Mickey. You keep it real.
Thanks, Mickey. CJ Hopkins has similar story - a lefty favorite, until he began questioning what can not be questioned. They didn't appreciate the mirror he held up to them.
Go, you.