As far as Kent State goes I was a leftist at the time and might not 'know' the real story. You're a smart person nopardons - someone I trust - so feel free to let me know...
My take is the culture is shifting away from the left and toward the radical right... (the opposite of what was happening in the early 60's). If the National Guard was brought in today the cultural impact would be different.
I have ALWAYS been a rabid anti-Commie; yes, even as a child.
Those who led the SDS and sister groups ( Weathermen, Hippies, Yippies, etc. ), were ALL RED DIAPER BABIES, though I was only guessing about that, back then...I was correct.
At the time, and sadly now, most people were told and believed that it was the guardsman who shot first; he didn't.
The fire was set by the SDSers.
This was all planned, as was the riot in Chicago, in '68. And yes, I do know all this as absolute fact!
Nothing has changed...it's still the same today, and ALL of the right and right leaning kids are worse stupid lumps than their grandparents were.
So bring in the NG and yet once again, only this time, on a MUCH larger stage, every single outlet you can imagine, will claim that the NG started it all, hurt the poor widdle snowflakes, call President Trump HITLER, a NAZI, a TRYRANT...carting off the poor "innocent"/dindonuffings".
Because you were a "LEFTIST" back then, you are telling me now that "....the culture is shifting away from the left and towards the radical right...(the opposite of what was happening in the early '60s ).
THE ABOVE STATEMENT OF YOURS IS THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE FACTS ARE !
In the early to late '60s, all over American, our culture and yes, the college kids, were CONSERVATIVE!
It was the lefties who were the fringe of the fringe and yes, the OUTSIDERS!
If you'd like to compare notes, re our perceptions and lives, re those time-now, FRmail me. This thread isn't the place to compare such notes/remembrances. :-)
And please don't take this post the wrong way...I'm not angry with you, yelling at you; it's just that that era is a "hot button" for me and engenders my full on bore ire and rage.