Скачать или смотреть Vortex I speech by Tom McCall

This is a speech given by Oregon's former Republican Governer, Tom McCall, on August 25th, 1970. In this historic speech, McCall explains the reasons for supporting Vortex I: A Biodegradable Festival of Life, a huge free state-sponsered rock and roll concert in McIver Park, in order to draw attention and potential violent protests away from the People's Army Jamboree, a group planning to protest and disrupt the American Legion Convention where President Nixon was rumored to be a planned speaker. Violence and rioting seemed inevitable, so McCall decided to attempt a creative solution.

The announcement of the creation of Vortex I was a risky decision by McCall, one which he called "political suicide." Sure enough, though, Vortex I was an incredible success, and McCall won the next election easily, winning many Democrat votes for his successful handling of the Legion incident.

This speech was a turning point for the early history of the Rainbow Gathering. At Vortex I, founding councils were held, and the Rainbow Family of Living Light was born. According to hip-story, Greenpeace was also officially birthed in these councils.

Because a Republican Governer running for re-election decided to cooperate with the hippies rather than call in the military to bust heads and brutalize the protesters, the Rainbow Gathering has existed for 40 years.