You left a stack of ‘zines in the office, reflecting a politic we’ve only rarely seen in this city. We’d love to proliferate the commune and create zones of opacity with you, if you’re free. —Some Anarchists
This article appears in Mar 6-12, 2014.
Friendship as a Form of Life
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“Some Anarchists” have an “office”?
Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.?
Right. Because random vandalism, body odor as a political act, and general freeloadery can’t function without a photocopier and an H.R. department.
I’ll bet you fucking sell-outs even have a HEALTH PLAN.
Anarchists have more offices than you might expect, given what appears to be your conception of anarchist politics.
Take a small collective of which I’m a member – it includes a construction worker, a janitor, a few social workers, a publisher, a math professor, and others. We all take on a wide variety of projects which we hope can contribute to an anarchist future, from cooking and serving free food, to helping put out a monthly broadsheet, to workplace organizing, and more.
So, sure, some anarchists fit the picture you have in your head (and many non-anarchists might too!), but it’s hardly the whole picture. Smashed windows are sensational, so that might be why you see anarchists on TV, but it says more about TV than about anarchists.
“Anarchist Future” – to paraphrase Kruschev – “The living will envy the dead”
You are correct. I judge anarchists more by their deeds than their words. Yes, I do recognize that any loosely organized group will have differences and subtleties regarding political “action” including a thuggish element.
They are your problem (Until, of course, they become a societal problem) You tolerate them at your peril.
I will confess that you make a reasoned and logical argument, largely devoid of the turgid rhetoric that characterizes most faddish radical politics. In fact, you remind me of my nephew, who I respect as being an intelligent young man with a good heart, even though politically we are polar opposites. (You don’t happen to have an Aunt married to a right-wing curmudgeon who build model airplanes, do you?)
So, while I disagree with , and want no part of your socio-political vision, I do respect the fact that you are doing your own thing among a group of like-minded people. My unsolicited advice would be, stay focused on the small scale and don’t make the mistake of thinking that your successes are transferable to the large scale.
Those ‘zines. What were they? Chick Tracts or Alan Moore’s” The Watchtower” >: )
I am very interested in working with a serious and functional anarchist organization.
I have met all variety of anarchists all over this state, but have a hard time finding a functional group with real vision (and with whom I share common philosophy).
Especially in a small city as this is.
I’m looking for, not just malcontents, but folk who embrace anarchism as a lifestyle, and find positive and creative ways to make change, do work, or provide services.
Is there a way I could learn more about this?
For serious.
Perhaps you seek true anarchism in the wrong place. Try Sinaloa, Ogaden, Helmand Province?
Piss off.
You obviously don’t understand that anarchy is the opposite of hierarchy.
So a region controlled by warlords, and roaming bandits wouldn’t really be anarchist would it?
Learn your prefixes.
I do understand the difference between theory and practice.
So remember, right hand = food hand
left hand = dung hand.
So let’s proliferate this then. What group, what office?
You want to get larger, more influential, you will have to deal with you fear of the state and open up to new people.
Otherwise you’re just another another marginalized crew.
It’s a co-operative cheese exporter – “Fromage to Catalonia”
BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA – I kill me.
The rest of you will just have to wait your turn.
No shoving.
i am just seeing this post & it may have been me. what were the other zines?
@Zuke
@beachbawdy
Some anarchists in halifax are coming together with the goal of building an effective anarchist organization, capable of building relationships with marginalized communities, supporting and participating in everyday struggles against capitalism and the state, carrying out mutual aid projects, and producing a coherent analysis of capitalism.
If you’re interested in having input or getting involved, our group email is
maritimeanarchistinitiative@gmail.com