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We've Come for Your Trust Funds: Call for Submissions to Vengeance #3
Call for submissions to Vengeance #3.
“...Teeth marks on my back from the K-9. Dark memories from when there was no sunshine...”
-Akon
A class conflict is coming – within what is often referred to as the 'anarchist movement.' Fuck that, it isn't coming, it's already here. The weight of the middle class and petite-bourgeois is dead to us. Despite the push of anarchism to remove us from it's ranks and like the wider culture – silence our voices from within it, we have managed to find ourselves across the country. Whether through the internet, at gatherings and conferences, and more importantly on the streets, workplaces, and communities where we live – we have come to learn one important one thing: being working class and a revolutionary anarchist is not a contradiction. Perhaps we found ourselves when we caught each other rolling our eyes during yet another idiotic meeting or found ourselves drinking ourselves into a stupor at the thought of having to spend another minute around such a collection of social rejects. We didn't join up to fix bikes and talk about vegan cooking. We're tired of being the weird ones for not looking like Huck Finn or not giving a fuck about the latest contra dance. Our violence against this system is a reflection of the violence that we have experienced based on our relationship to the commodity based form. Capital has imposed itself upon us our entire lives – often through its specialists from within the middle class. When we entered the revolutionary movement, we found it to be filled with them as well. We are tired of running and being quiet. We are tired of doing the work and putting in the hours and not having our voices and experiences represented. The de-facto image of the anarchist as a guilt ridden middle class white male does not interest us because it is not our reality. We will impose upon this pathetic excuse for a movement what we want. We desire to appropriate the resources from the middle class elements and make them our own. We desire to create an insurrectionary street based movement from within the working class. If this interests you – please take a part in Vengeance.
Vengeance as a personal project has served it's purpose. I have no desire at this point to continue to create a zine about making stencils of people, writing bad poems, or more importantly, complaining about Food Not Bombs type projects. I think I have articulated my views on why one should “make the total destroy on middle class anarchism” probably as much as possible. The feedback and positive response to the magazine has lead me to wish to open up Vengeance to others that may be interested in articulating themselves in a similar way. Some points of affinity for the publication are:
1.) A commitment to an insurrectionary politic; be it anarchist, indigenous, communist, or autonomist. By insurrectionary, we mean action which seeks to maximize the power of the class through confrontational activity and refusal that seeks to maximize our worlds through becoming a social force that cannot be reasoned with by capital. We are the boa constrictor. We attack and we move forward. We then stand our ground, keeping the space we have seized. We attack again. We are interested in horizontal, affinity/crew based forms of organization that are centered around the streets (which includes our workplaces and communities) as the starting point for our activity.
2.) A commitment to working class voices within the revolutionary movement. Whether you identify as a poor person, working class, proletarian, wage slave, or whatever – we want to find you and what you have to say.
3.) A rejection of activism – or the specialization of social change as a vehicle for social revolution. Instead we desire class conflict and street based action. We believe in the power of refusal. Of confrontation with enemies. In collective action. In the glory of proletarian violence for the sake of attack against misery and creating space and power for ourselves.
If you are interested in submitting articles, analysis, or reviews to the next issue of Vengeance, please email me by May 1st to let me know what your interest is. Send emails to: crudo_vengeance@hushmail.com.
Or, hit me up on my blog at: wewillhaveourvengeance.blogspot.com
I just got my 30 days, crudo
For more information:
http://wewillhaveourvengeance.blogspot.com
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I thought MAC showed all honorable jocks the true macho way by throwing water on communists at the book fair
and now commies are welcomed comrades?
please explain. are we to fling poo at commies or cuddle with them? I'm confused
and now commies are welcomed comrades?
please explain. are we to fling poo at commies or cuddle with them? I'm confused
For more information:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/03/1...
There is no hypocrisy between the macho guys of MAC (who threw water on our beloved Avakian cult figures) who publish a "tabloid" about class war in Central Valley called "Firestorm", and Crudo, who hates middle class anrchists abut seems to love (some) communists. Crudo is the publisher of Vengenance, a zine which talks about attacking middle class activistists [my word], amongst other things. We do know that Crudo was a member of the MAC but maybe there was a split. Hence the two publications. Maybe Crudo who seems to be holier than thou in attacking anarchists he perceives as middle class, even those who feed each other and share bikes, decided that the MACho guys were too middle class for him, and went off looking for the enemy of my enemy, hence his asking for communists to write for his rag.
This is a reference to anti-state communists and they are & always will be our comrades!
From France to Kentucky!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_&_Anarchist_Action_Network
From France to Kentucky!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_&_Anarchist_Action_Network
as a friend of crudo's , there is no split in MAC.
vengeance is just another project, as is firestorm and modesto anarcho will continue to come out.
those threatened by crudo's writing are probably those who are described. so have fun with your junk bikes and stagnant resistance.
vengeance is just another project, as is firestorm and modesto anarcho will continue to come out.
those threatened by crudo's writing are probably those who are described. so have fun with your junk bikes and stagnant resistance.
"junk bikes"
hey, junk bikes are ok - cheap transportation means less money in circulation; much better than owning a designer bike or a gas-guzzling car that you don't need for survival. it's the
"stagnant resistance"
that's the problem.
perhaps though this is an additive problem rather than a subtractive one. rather than pushing to drop FNB, dumpstering, DIY bikes, whatever -- there can be pushing for more resistance in all its forms. i've seen a lot of "you're doing it wrong" militancy turn into smallish, insular groups, populated by increasingly embittered (or at least unfocused) anarchists -- which isn't exactly effective either, ideology aside.
on the other hand, i do have issue with people who live the life but don't do squat to actually organize or push for a larger form of fundamental social change in whatever form it takes, other than the non-change change stagnancy you're referring to - but that can be a slippery slope, especially when you factor in the social impact of someone who is living on next to no money, rather than just wearing the uniform on daddy's dime. just some thoughts.
hey, junk bikes are ok - cheap transportation means less money in circulation; much better than owning a designer bike or a gas-guzzling car that you don't need for survival. it's the
"stagnant resistance"
that's the problem.
perhaps though this is an additive problem rather than a subtractive one. rather than pushing to drop FNB, dumpstering, DIY bikes, whatever -- there can be pushing for more resistance in all its forms. i've seen a lot of "you're doing it wrong" militancy turn into smallish, insular groups, populated by increasingly embittered (or at least unfocused) anarchists -- which isn't exactly effective either, ideology aside.
on the other hand, i do have issue with people who live the life but don't do squat to actually organize or push for a larger form of fundamental social change in whatever form it takes, other than the non-change change stagnancy you're referring to - but that can be a slippery slope, especially when you factor in the social impact of someone who is living on next to no money, rather than just wearing the uniform on daddy's dime. just some thoughts.
you apparently havent read vengeance, because most of your concerns are addressed in either the first or second issue.
there is no talk of DROPPING fnb.
there is no talk of DROPPING fnb.
not everyone lives in the bohemian metropolis of berkeley, oakland, sf etc..
some people have to commute 45 minutes with no public transportation, so creating bike co ops in places like modesto wont do anything to curb commuting, but it may just give mostly middle class white kids who ride fixed gears a area to congregate, which is the last thing we need
some people have to commute 45 minutes with no public transportation, so creating bike co ops in places like modesto wont do anything to curb commuting, but it may just give mostly middle class white kids who ride fixed gears a area to congregate, which is the last thing we need
is that 45 minute commute to boldly instigate class conflict and street based action? if so, yes, you are right. you can hardly create class conflict in someone else's town by bicycle
another reason bike collectives suck is that you obviously can't bike to SF to stick up for those wimpy bay area anarchists who don't know how to defend themselves against the evil commie hoards
of course, bikes suck too for riding to the grocery store or to a friend's house even in the same town. best to use your revolutionary toyota
another reason bike collectives suck is that you obviously can't bike to SF to stick up for those wimpy bay area anarchists who don't know how to defend themselves against the evil commie hoards
of course, bikes suck too for riding to the grocery store or to a friend's house even in the same town. best to use your revolutionary toyota
"you apparently havent read vengeance"
ok, i was gonna be nice about this, but here goes.
no, i haven't read it yet. i'm too busy fucking struggling to make ends meet to read everything, in particular mags that i just heard about. btw, don't even try to lecture me about 45 minute commutes and the working class need for transportation, because that was covered in my post, which you apparently didn't read either. happy now? sorry for this pissed-off tone, but it's this kind of holier than thou sanctimonious BULLSHIT that keeps revolutionary movements (including but not limited to anarchist ones) isolated and well under the control of global capitalism. i god damn well need this kind of "solidarity" like a hole in the fucking head, thank you very fucking much. build bridges among comrades, don't burn them. alright? if you're revving up to launch into some screed in response, don't even bother - "kiss my ass and come back when you actually want to do the work" is my only reply, if that is the case. if not, have at it, son.
yours in the five person cluster fuck elitist vanguard,
a-feminist
ok, i was gonna be nice about this, but here goes.
no, i haven't read it yet. i'm too busy fucking struggling to make ends meet to read everything, in particular mags that i just heard about. btw, don't even try to lecture me about 45 minute commutes and the working class need for transportation, because that was covered in my post, which you apparently didn't read either. happy now? sorry for this pissed-off tone, but it's this kind of holier than thou sanctimonious BULLSHIT that keeps revolutionary movements (including but not limited to anarchist ones) isolated and well under the control of global capitalism. i god damn well need this kind of "solidarity" like a hole in the fucking head, thank you very fucking much. build bridges among comrades, don't burn them. alright? if you're revving up to launch into some screed in response, don't even bother - "kiss my ass and come back when you actually want to do the work" is my only reply, if that is the case. if not, have at it, son.
yours in the five person cluster fuck elitist vanguard,
a-feminist
wow bunch of fucking cry babies eh?
if youre gonna be pissed then be pissed, all of us have to make ends meet so youre crying to the wrong congregation, friend. if you havent read it then maaaaybe its a bit presumptuous to start talking shit?
it's not presumptuous to point out that i'm actually part of the working class that you claim to be struggling with, and that i haven't had the time to read your rag yet - which i'm sure contains the usual screeds about class war, and other ideological what-nots. don't think i haven't read its very close equivalent before - i have.
it's not presumptuous to be wary of some self-proclaimed band of revolutionaries who seem to be only good for pouring water on other people's shit (which btw was a fucking stupid move) and writing obscure zines to pass around to each other. i am aware that you all are actually doing more than that, so spare us all pulling out the laundry list - what i'm saying here is that first impressions matter, and from my perspective, my first impression is that you're a deeply insecure macho pinhead who seems to revel in bullying others more than getting the work done.
lastly, it's not presumptuous to want nothing to do with someone who thinks that accusations of being a crybaby (erm, what?) and other such troll-like internet flamebait are somehow going to prove how down and revolutionary you are. i've got news for you -- if you're not a fake-ass wannabe who somehow thinks that having to struggle a bit in life makes you an unreproachable card-carrying member of the working class, but in fact is green behind the ears from just having left dadsy's house, you are a self-appointed demigogic pseudo-anarchist who can't seem to sort out your thinly veiled attempts at vanguardism from actual long-term anti-authoritarian class struggle, who has about as much genuine cred as, say, Chairman Bob. if anything, you're worse than him, because you claim to be otherwise.
proof is in the pudding, son - and your pudding is tainted. go get some real experience on yourself, and prove to the rest of us that you actually give a shit and aren't just the newest kid on the block to play revolutionary, and then maybe i'll actually give a crap as well. until then, go fuck yourself, and have a nice day.
it's not presumptuous to be wary of some self-proclaimed band of revolutionaries who seem to be only good for pouring water on other people's shit (which btw was a fucking stupid move) and writing obscure zines to pass around to each other. i am aware that you all are actually doing more than that, so spare us all pulling out the laundry list - what i'm saying here is that first impressions matter, and from my perspective, my first impression is that you're a deeply insecure macho pinhead who seems to revel in bullying others more than getting the work done.
lastly, it's not presumptuous to want nothing to do with someone who thinks that accusations of being a crybaby (erm, what?) and other such troll-like internet flamebait are somehow going to prove how down and revolutionary you are. i've got news for you -- if you're not a fake-ass wannabe who somehow thinks that having to struggle a bit in life makes you an unreproachable card-carrying member of the working class, but in fact is green behind the ears from just having left dadsy's house, you are a self-appointed demigogic pseudo-anarchist who can't seem to sort out your thinly veiled attempts at vanguardism from actual long-term anti-authoritarian class struggle, who has about as much genuine cred as, say, Chairman Bob. if anything, you're worse than him, because you claim to be otherwise.
proof is in the pudding, son - and your pudding is tainted. go get some real experience on yourself, and prove to the rest of us that you actually give a shit and aren't just the newest kid on the block to play revolutionary, and then maybe i'll actually give a crap as well. until then, go fuck yourself, and have a nice day.
To “classless anarchist + gossip columnist’:
“There is no hypocrisy between the macho guys of MAC (who threw water on our beloved Avakian cult figures) who publish a "tabloid" about class war in Central Valley called "Firestorm", and Crudo, who hates middle class anrchists abut seems to love (some) communists.” –
First off, MAC isn’t made up of all guys. If you knew anything about us, or ever hung out with us, you would know that.
I’ve created a critique of what I refer to as “middle class anarchism,” that is not the same as ‘hating’ anarchists who happen to come from middle class backgrounds.
“Crudo is the publisher of Vengenance, a zine which talks about attacking middle class activistists [my word], amongst other things.” –
If you mean attacking as in physical violence then I’d love to see a quote where it says that.
“We do know that Crudo was a member of the MAC but maybe there was a split.” –
I love the fact that you seem to know so much about MAC but get so much wrong. You really are a gossip columnist. When can I expect you outside my apartment window in the morning snapping pictures? There is no split, sad to say.
“Hence the two publications.” –
According to your logic, there’s three publications, get it right! Damn. Modesto Anarcho, Firestorm, and Vengeance. But Vengeance is not an MAC project, it is a personal one.
“Maybe Crudo who seems to be holier than thou in attacking anarchists he perceives as middle class, even those who feed each other and share bikes, decided that the MACho guys were too middle class for him, and went off looking for the enemy of my enemy, hence his asking for communists to write for his rag.” –
I’m talking about true communists, those against the state, capital, and Leninism. Negri, Cleaver, and others would fall into this category, and it would include tendencies like Situationism, Autonomism, Left communism, autonomist Marxism, and more. Sorry if you aren’t up on the haps.
I’m not attacking people for riding bikes and giving each other food, I’m critical of the projects that a lot of anarchists can’t engage in. If you aren’t into critical discussion on strategy then sorry, I am.
To “a-feminist” :
The person posting as “a” is not me, but as they stated, I think if you read through Vengeance 1 and 2, you’ll find a lot of your points addressed. The point is not to get people to stop riding bikes or anything like that, but instead to critique the “culture” that is around anarchism and a lot of the projects that we seem to do out of habit, instead of strategy.
I’ve read through your posts on indybay and they seem quiet angry (which I like) but I don’t think that they’re really directed towards what the call for submissions was about. If you would like to say something in regards to that, maybe I can respond to it.
I do appreciate your posts though.
“There is no hypocrisy between the macho guys of MAC (who threw water on our beloved Avakian cult figures) who publish a "tabloid" about class war in Central Valley called "Firestorm", and Crudo, who hates middle class anrchists abut seems to love (some) communists.” –
First off, MAC isn’t made up of all guys. If you knew anything about us, or ever hung out with us, you would know that.
I’ve created a critique of what I refer to as “middle class anarchism,” that is not the same as ‘hating’ anarchists who happen to come from middle class backgrounds.
“Crudo is the publisher of Vengenance, a zine which talks about attacking middle class activistists [my word], amongst other things.” –
If you mean attacking as in physical violence then I’d love to see a quote where it says that.
“We do know that Crudo was a member of the MAC but maybe there was a split.” –
I love the fact that you seem to know so much about MAC but get so much wrong. You really are a gossip columnist. When can I expect you outside my apartment window in the morning snapping pictures? There is no split, sad to say.
“Hence the two publications.” –
According to your logic, there’s three publications, get it right! Damn. Modesto Anarcho, Firestorm, and Vengeance. But Vengeance is not an MAC project, it is a personal one.
“Maybe Crudo who seems to be holier than thou in attacking anarchists he perceives as middle class, even those who feed each other and share bikes, decided that the MACho guys were too middle class for him, and went off looking for the enemy of my enemy, hence his asking for communists to write for his rag.” –
I’m talking about true communists, those against the state, capital, and Leninism. Negri, Cleaver, and others would fall into this category, and it would include tendencies like Situationism, Autonomism, Left communism, autonomist Marxism, and more. Sorry if you aren’t up on the haps.
I’m not attacking people for riding bikes and giving each other food, I’m critical of the projects that a lot of anarchists can’t engage in. If you aren’t into critical discussion on strategy then sorry, I am.
To “a-feminist” :
The person posting as “a” is not me, but as they stated, I think if you read through Vengeance 1 and 2, you’ll find a lot of your points addressed. The point is not to get people to stop riding bikes or anything like that, but instead to critique the “culture” that is around anarchism and a lot of the projects that we seem to do out of habit, instead of strategy.
I’ve read through your posts on indybay and they seem quiet angry (which I like) but I don’t think that they’re really directed towards what the call for submissions was about. If you would like to say something in regards to that, maybe I can respond to it.
I do appreciate your posts though.
who's crying? sounds like this rag cries about this, about that, about everybody *else* and then someone here even whines about driving 45 miles to who knows what revolutionary activities. it's all so incredibly self-absorbed. "I don't play nice with others so people congregating is a bad thing." "I drive to work, so bike collectives suck" etc etc
besides, I think the true jocko (latent) homo word you were looking for is not crybaby, but pussy or faggot. why pansy around and not just say what we all know you were thinking?? we all heard the same shit in the hallways in high school too many times. it's like reliving the scene from that movie "Say Anything" where a small group of boys are hanging out behind the gas station by themselves trying to give advice about women. women in this example could be other activists, or in your case maybe it's actually women too
to quote a famous "bohemian" from SF, "You ain't hardcore cos you spike your hair when a jock still lives inside your head"
stop trying to bully people and get on with it already. have your one MAN revolution and leave the rest of us alone
besides, I think the true jocko (latent) homo word you were looking for is not crybaby, but pussy or faggot. why pansy around and not just say what we all know you were thinking?? we all heard the same shit in the hallways in high school too many times. it's like reliving the scene from that movie "Say Anything" where a small group of boys are hanging out behind the gas station by themselves trying to give advice about women. women in this example could be other activists, or in your case maybe it's actually women too
to quote a famous "bohemian" from SF, "You ain't hardcore cos you spike your hair when a jock still lives inside your head"
stop trying to bully people and get on with it already. have your one MAN revolution and leave the rest of us alone
Are you even tallking about the article that I posted asking for submissions to Vengeance #3 or is this about something else?
It would be helpful in discussing this and the ideas that it brings up if that was clear.
You said "it sounds like...," have you read Vengeance #1 and 2? It might make it more clear where I'm coming from for the purpose of this discussion.
It would be helpful in discussing this and the ideas that it brings up if that was clear.
You said "it sounds like...," have you read Vengeance #1 and 2? It might make it more clear where I'm coming from for the purpose of this discussion.
"I’ve read through your posts on indybay and they seem quiet angry (which I like) but I don’t think that they’re really directed towards what the call for submissions was about. If you would like to say something in regards to that, maybe I can respond to it.
I do appreciate your posts though. "
You're welcome - this is more of what I was hoping for. I'd be glad to check out your stuff, and soon. In struggle, a-f
I do appreciate your posts though. "
You're welcome - this is more of what I was hoping for. I'd be glad to check out your stuff, and soon. In struggle, a-f
what the fuck are you talking about
i use the word crybaby so that means im apparently a sexist, homophobe, patriarch and a misogynist?
this knee jerk subculture is so fucking ridiculous, how can you not recognize the absurdity in that logic?
im not gonna sport my oppression credentials to prove shit to you, but just know your classifying me is completely off base
i use the word crybaby so that means im apparently a sexist, homophobe, patriarch and a misogynist?
this knee jerk subculture is so fucking ridiculous, how can you not recognize the absurdity in that logic?
im not gonna sport my oppression credentials to prove shit to you, but just know your classifying me is completely off base
if you can't recognize that, then you are an infant at self-examination and you know not your role in continuing to oppress those around you
same ol' patriarchal BS, this time dressed in black with an @ patch
same ol' patriarchal BS, this time dressed in black with an @ patch
"i use the word crybaby so that means im apparently a sexist, homophobe, patriarch and a misogynist?"
Maybe not, possibly yes - but judging by first glance, what is very clear is that you're some kind of asshole who gets off on intimidating people. That's more than enough for me to not want to have anything to do with you (whoever you are).
Maybe not, possibly yes - but judging by first glance, what is very clear is that you're some kind of asshole who gets off on intimidating people. That's more than enough for me to not want to have anything to do with you (whoever you are).
im not trying to be such an asshole, but every group of people who take direct action, are aggressive and have male bodied people in it is not patriarchal. like i said im sorry to of come off so adversarial but it is so frustrating to hear this be the conversation that happens about vengeance and middle class anarchism.
MAC has female bodied people involved in it, its just fucked up that people push for other anarchists to essentially tokenize their female bodied comrades.
if you have a problem with aggression then it is fine to talk about that but throwing around terms like patriarch, jock, and macho is just ridiculous and just an attempt to discredit.
so once again i apologize to you two posters but please watch throwing around buzz words
MAC has female bodied people involved in it, its just fucked up that people push for other anarchists to essentially tokenize their female bodied comrades.
if you have a problem with aggression then it is fine to talk about that but throwing around terms like patriarch, jock, and macho is just ridiculous and just an attempt to discredit.
so once again i apologize to you two posters but please watch throwing around buzz words
"so once again i apologize to you two posters but please watch throwing around buzz words"
totally accepted, and i understand about buzz words. for myself, it's more about being frustrated with fellow comrades than wanting to pigeon hole you into a PC stereotype - but i do understand what you're saying, and can totally understand how it's frustrating for you to see the topic getting sidetracked, not to mention that we presumably don't even know each other. thanks for being flexible, and definitely thank you for being fierce and unrelenting.
totally accepted, and i understand about buzz words. for myself, it's more about being frustrated with fellow comrades than wanting to pigeon hole you into a PC stereotype - but i do understand what you're saying, and can totally understand how it's frustrating for you to see the topic getting sidetracked, not to mention that we presumably don't even know each other. thanks for being flexible, and definitely thank you for being fierce and unrelenting.
The FBI has been active trying to create a vision that militant nonviolent direct action is for sissies and "real radicals" bombs dams. This has been effective at slowing the radical progress we were making towards change when we organized blockages, occupations and other radical mass actions. Food Not Bombs helped build that movement provides food to long term occupations and blockades providing important logistics to many very radical and effective actions.
Many of the earth liberation and animal liberation activists doing long prison sentences volunteered with Food Not Bombs. Consider Eric McDavid's case where he was framed bythe FBI on a plot to bomb a dam and other actions. The FBI has been very effective at redirecting our community from taking serious action and causing us to spend time supporting our friends in prison.
I did two years in jail, was tortured three times and hospitalized from beatings for participating with Food Not Bombs. And even though it was rough we made a great deal of headway. As a result we introduced thousands of people to the principles of anarchism like building decentralized collectives without leaders that take direct action to end capitalism and defend the Earth. We participated in building a movement that blockaded the WTO in Seattle, shut down nuclear testing by blockading the high way to the test site and providing food and logistics at the Orange Revolution and attempts to take down the Wall in Palestine.
Emma Goldman wrote well about the ineffective strategy of the romantic vision actions like shooting Frick and bombing capitalist targets. Please consider watching the Weather Underground and reading Gene Sharp's books on the history of nonviolent direct action. Have you ever consider why the FBI continues to plot bombings and tries to recruit young anarchists to join them? Because it works. It spreads fear and distrust in our movement.
how many of you have been in gun fights or watched their friends die? With the police state the way it is do you really think you are going to make a gas bombs light it and toss it at the police in the United States and inspire thousands to rise up to end capitalism. Think about it. Talk with someone who fought in El Salvador or other wars. Then talk with someone who risked all taking nonviolent direct action. Revolution takes time, dedication, and work doing boring things like staffing literature tables, feeding protesters, organizing campaigns and spending time in jail.
Many of the earth liberation and animal liberation activists doing long prison sentences volunteered with Food Not Bombs. Consider Eric McDavid's case where he was framed bythe FBI on a plot to bomb a dam and other actions. The FBI has been very effective at redirecting our community from taking serious action and causing us to spend time supporting our friends in prison.
I did two years in jail, was tortured three times and hospitalized from beatings for participating with Food Not Bombs. And even though it was rough we made a great deal of headway. As a result we introduced thousands of people to the principles of anarchism like building decentralized collectives without leaders that take direct action to end capitalism and defend the Earth. We participated in building a movement that blockaded the WTO in Seattle, shut down nuclear testing by blockading the high way to the test site and providing food and logistics at the Orange Revolution and attempts to take down the Wall in Palestine.
Emma Goldman wrote well about the ineffective strategy of the romantic vision actions like shooting Frick and bombing capitalist targets. Please consider watching the Weather Underground and reading Gene Sharp's books on the history of nonviolent direct action. Have you ever consider why the FBI continues to plot bombings and tries to recruit young anarchists to join them? Because it works. It spreads fear and distrust in our movement.
how many of you have been in gun fights or watched their friends die? With the police state the way it is do you really think you are going to make a gas bombs light it and toss it at the police in the United States and inspire thousands to rise up to end capitalism. Think about it. Talk with someone who fought in El Salvador or other wars. Then talk with someone who risked all taking nonviolent direct action. Revolution takes time, dedication, and work doing boring things like staffing literature tables, feeding protesters, organizing campaigns and spending time in jail.
For more information:
http://www.foodnotbombs.net
As being a part of the MA Crew, I would have to say that I do agree with Mr. McHenry on the over romanticism of insurrectionist wet-dreams, but I disagree with a passive approach or even "militant non-violent direct action". I believe in self defense & WONT spend a day in jail, if I can help it. Being jailed isn't revolutionary, it's just being jailed!
We (MAC) were dedicated to FNB's for about 5 years or so & what really lead up to the end of it (in my opinion) was the fact the one person ended up taking on to much of the responsibilities, folks just came to chat instead of cook & prepare food, charity burnout, ect.....
I see FNB's being more a good thing for events or supporting organizers & such.
I wont say it didn't open doors for us in more ways than one, cause it did.
In respect & solidarity,
Agent Wingnut
We (MAC) were dedicated to FNB's for about 5 years or so & what really lead up to the end of it (in my opinion) was the fact the one person ended up taking on to much of the responsibilities, folks just came to chat instead of cook & prepare food, charity burnout, ect.....
I see FNB's being more a good thing for events or supporting organizers & such.
I wont say it didn't open doors for us in more ways than one, cause it did.
In respect & solidarity,
Agent Wingnut
I've written on my own experiences with FNB in the past, and I referenced the good work that SF FNB did when it first started as an organization. I think they did things right. They used the project as a way to meet people to engage in new forms of struggle with the city elites, and it also spawned off into new forms of organization and resistance (Homes Not Jails for instance).
I think that there is a huge diference between SF FNB when it first started and most FNB chapters that exist now, that don't want to use their project as a way of creating social struggle but instead see it as a charity service and a way of "showing people what mutual aid is."
I think that there is a huge diference between SF FNB when it first started and most FNB chapters that exist now, that don't want to use their project as a way of creating social struggle but instead see it as a charity service and a way of "showing people what mutual aid is."
"I think that there is a huge diference between SF FNB when it first started and most FNB chapters that exist now, that don't want to use their project as a way of creating social struggle but instead see it as a charity service and a way of "showing people what mutual aid is."
Really good points. I think this serves as an example of how much things have broken down on many fronts, not just with FNB. The FNB that I used to know was exactly what you described, and what goes on now, while not a bad thing by any means -- feeding poor people is never a mistake, unless the organizers are using free food as bait with which to peddle their religion and get converts -- is not the catalyst that it used to be. Bike projects tend to be the same way -- little in the way of conceptualizing an actual strategy, it's just "that thing I do which is cool and helps people". It's sort of tepid.
Really good points. I think this serves as an example of how much things have broken down on many fronts, not just with FNB. The FNB that I used to know was exactly what you described, and what goes on now, while not a bad thing by any means -- feeding poor people is never a mistake, unless the organizers are using free food as bait with which to peddle their religion and get converts -- is not the catalyst that it used to be. Bike projects tend to be the same way -- little in the way of conceptualizing an actual strategy, it's just "that thing I do which is cool and helps people". It's sort of tepid.
hello again
can't help but wonder jumping in and out of this conversation what it is that MAC holds up as their shining example of effective revolutionary street actions today, or are you just trying to spur someone else to do it? surely attacking the softest of targets in the world, commie pamphleteers, at the book fair wasn't very revolutionary. why not attack cops or banks or military recruiters or anything that actually holds power in this society? that's riskier, that's why. when you've got hundreds of anarchists around, it's not very bold and actually cowardly to act like a gang of over-excited chimps and throw water on 3 or 4 commies. and then to post a score on indybay like your high school just won the football game, well, the silliness of that speaks for itself
FNB and bike collectives are too passive or clubby, you more or less say, but what then is a circle jerk of zine printing? it was said here that MAC or members of MAC produce 3 different zines. aren't there some efficiencies being wasted there? how many people outside of MAC even read these? are they vehicles for reaching out to diverse communities or merely self-justifying rants against the "others" who are just not revolutionary enough or doing enough in the cause of revolution? seriously, people have been printing anarchist zines forever and I don't see numbers of people or numbers of actions increasing anywhere in proportion to the number of words written or pages printed. it's inversely proportional, if anything. if anarchists can't get along with other anarchists, or even make common cause, and they choose to dedicate a large portion of their limited energies into putting other anarchists down, or throwing water on later-day commies, how in the hell is anyone on the outside really supposed to see anarchism or revolution as viable options?
at any rate, FNB or bike collectives or zine printsters are all doing something, and get credit for that, but as for which is the most revolutionary, it is not as clear as some here seem to think
point being, people in glass houses and all. wut you really doing that so revolutionary??
can't help but wonder jumping in and out of this conversation what it is that MAC holds up as their shining example of effective revolutionary street actions today, or are you just trying to spur someone else to do it? surely attacking the softest of targets in the world, commie pamphleteers, at the book fair wasn't very revolutionary. why not attack cops or banks or military recruiters or anything that actually holds power in this society? that's riskier, that's why. when you've got hundreds of anarchists around, it's not very bold and actually cowardly to act like a gang of over-excited chimps and throw water on 3 or 4 commies. and then to post a score on indybay like your high school just won the football game, well, the silliness of that speaks for itself
FNB and bike collectives are too passive or clubby, you more or less say, but what then is a circle jerk of zine printing? it was said here that MAC or members of MAC produce 3 different zines. aren't there some efficiencies being wasted there? how many people outside of MAC even read these? are they vehicles for reaching out to diverse communities or merely self-justifying rants against the "others" who are just not revolutionary enough or doing enough in the cause of revolution? seriously, people have been printing anarchist zines forever and I don't see numbers of people or numbers of actions increasing anywhere in proportion to the number of words written or pages printed. it's inversely proportional, if anything. if anarchists can't get along with other anarchists, or even make common cause, and they choose to dedicate a large portion of their limited energies into putting other anarchists down, or throwing water on later-day commies, how in the hell is anyone on the outside really supposed to see anarchism or revolution as viable options?
at any rate, FNB or bike collectives or zine printsters are all doing something, and get credit for that, but as for which is the most revolutionary, it is not as clear as some here seem to think
point being, people in glass houses and all. wut you really doing that so revolutionary??
To a-feminist:
“The FNB that I used to know was exactly what you described, and what goes on now, while not a bad thing by any means -- feeding poor people is never a mistake, unless the organizers are using free food as bait with which to peddle their religion and get converts -- is not the catalyst that it used to be. Bike projects tend to be the same way -- little in the way of conceptualizing an actual strategy, it's just "that thing I do which is cool and helps people". It's sort of tepid.” –
Again, not to sound redundant, but I really go into detail about this in Vengeance #2, which you can download from indybay.org, or on my blog at http://wewillhaveourvengeance.blogspot.com
“can't help but wonder jumping in and out of this conversation what it is that MAC holds up as their shining example of effective revolutionary street actions today, or are you just trying to spur someone else to do it?” –
Can’t help but wonder why you think that after I’ve said over and over again, that Vengeance is a personal project, why it somehow is the blueprint for MAC’s strategy. I think our literature that we put out and the projects that we’ve worked around show what we believe.
“surely attacking the softest of targets in the world, commie pamphleteers, at the book fair wasn't very revolutionary.” –
Who said it was? But, it was a situation where something was happening and we responded directly. We put up a funny communiqué online to talk about it and give everyone a smile and we get scolded like children for it.
We’re not saying that a revolutionary strategy should be solely based on throwing water on the RCP (I think that's pretty clear and easy to understand, nor has anyone in MAC ever said other wise); why would anyone think that. We’ve put a lot of work into many other projects and if this is the only thing out of town people know us for then it just shows that you don’t know what you’re talking about.
RCPers at the bookfair wouldn't leave, we threw water on them. We made them leave. That's pretty much a wrap. Get over it.
“ why not attack cops or banks or military recruiters or anything that actually holds power in this society?” –
MAC is an above ground group. We support and participate in collective class and community struggle in the areas in which we live. But we also give support through our literature and propaganda to various groups and individuals which use direct action to attack class enemies. Any look through our publications will show you this. Again, do your homework before you put us in a box. We know ourselves very well and you obviously don't.
“ that's riskier, that's why. when you've got hundreds of anarchists around, it's not very bold and actually cowardly to act like a gang of over-excited chimps and throw water on 3 or 4 commies. and then to post a score on indybay like your high school just won the football game, well, the silliness of that speaks for itself” –
Yes, you’ve got us pinned to a tea. Know what you're talking about before you sling mud. Otherwise, you just look like shit.
“The FNB that I used to know was exactly what you described, and what goes on now, while not a bad thing by any means -- feeding poor people is never a mistake, unless the organizers are using free food as bait with which to peddle their religion and get converts -- is not the catalyst that it used to be. Bike projects tend to be the same way -- little in the way of conceptualizing an actual strategy, it's just "that thing I do which is cool and helps people". It's sort of tepid.” –
Again, not to sound redundant, but I really go into detail about this in Vengeance #2, which you can download from indybay.org, or on my blog at http://wewillhaveourvengeance.blogspot.com
“can't help but wonder jumping in and out of this conversation what it is that MAC holds up as their shining example of effective revolutionary street actions today, or are you just trying to spur someone else to do it?” –
Can’t help but wonder why you think that after I’ve said over and over again, that Vengeance is a personal project, why it somehow is the blueprint for MAC’s strategy. I think our literature that we put out and the projects that we’ve worked around show what we believe.
“surely attacking the softest of targets in the world, commie pamphleteers, at the book fair wasn't very revolutionary.” –
Who said it was? But, it was a situation where something was happening and we responded directly. We put up a funny communiqué online to talk about it and give everyone a smile and we get scolded like children for it.
We’re not saying that a revolutionary strategy should be solely based on throwing water on the RCP (I think that's pretty clear and easy to understand, nor has anyone in MAC ever said other wise); why would anyone think that. We’ve put a lot of work into many other projects and if this is the only thing out of town people know us for then it just shows that you don’t know what you’re talking about.
RCPers at the bookfair wouldn't leave, we threw water on them. We made them leave. That's pretty much a wrap. Get over it.
“ why not attack cops or banks or military recruiters or anything that actually holds power in this society?” –
MAC is an above ground group. We support and participate in collective class and community struggle in the areas in which we live. But we also give support through our literature and propaganda to various groups and individuals which use direct action to attack class enemies. Any look through our publications will show you this. Again, do your homework before you put us in a box. We know ourselves very well and you obviously don't.
“ that's riskier, that's why. when you've got hundreds of anarchists around, it's not very bold and actually cowardly to act like a gang of over-excited chimps and throw water on 3 or 4 commies. and then to post a score on indybay like your high school just won the football game, well, the silliness of that speaks for itself” –
Yes, you’ve got us pinned to a tea. Know what you're talking about before you sling mud. Otherwise, you just look like shit.
We receive a lot of response from the community on the journal & newsletters. They are mostly appreciative something like the journal & newsletter exists. I also would like to add that we live in the meth capitol, along with a rooted conservative & white supremacist mutated culture (just to name a few things wrong with Modesto). Anarchism is very un-heard of in these parts & I think (all arrogance aside) that we have been a part of doing a fine job of getting a popular movement out to other, simple minded, common working class folks.
No comment on fake commies splashed with water. It is what it is!
No comment on fake commies splashed with water. It is what it is!
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