Date: Fri, 02 Jul 1999 10:02:11 -0400
From: Chuck0 <chuck-AT-tao.ca>
Subject: Re: Lame pacifists in Eugene


The main problem with the response of that Eugene pacifist to the
newspaper is that they played into the hands of those who want to
demonize any kind of political resistance. By criticizing the other
protestors publicly, the pacificist demonstrated a significant lack of
solidarity with his comrades. Instead, he should have pointed out to the
reporter how the rage exhibited in the riot may have resulted from
violent actions commited by the state, such as the use of pepper spray
by the Eugene police. He also could have used the opportunity to point
out that the violence perpetrated against Yugoslavia is something that
folks should be more outraged about than a few scared motorists.

The pacifist has every right to advance his philosophy, but there are
better ways to do this, instead of mushing his Birkenstocks in the face
of some vegan who smashed up McDonalds.

My message to pacifists is this: put up or shut up.

Chuck0