

S2E2: Want to Come to a Party?
Jul 10, 2024
Bonnie and John Raines, anti-war activists and prominent figures in the 1970s civil rights movement, share their audacious tale of breaking into an FBI office to expose corruption. They reflect on the intense atmosphere of distrust and activism during the Vietnam War, highlighting the societal impact of their actions. The conversation also delves into the chilling effects of surveillance on dissenters and the moral dilemmas faced by those who challenged authority, intertwining personal stories with a critique of government power.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Raines' FBI Break-in Reveal
- John and Bonnie Raines revealed to reporter Betty Metzger during a dinner that they had broken into an FBI office.
- They smiled proudly as they admitted to the audacious act during a warm reunion with old friends.
My Lai Massacre Impact
- The My Lai massacre revealed a brutal and false official narrative about the Vietnam War.
- This deepened anti-war protests and exposed moral contradictions within America’s military actions.
John and Bonnie’s Meeting and Bond
- John and Bonnie met when John, a jailed civil rights activist, dined at Bonnie's workplace.
- Their shared passion for justice quickly led to marriage and lifelong activism despite family challenges.