Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 00:01:57 -0700
From: Chris Carlsson <ccarlsson-AT-shapingsf.org>
Subject: AUT: Multitudes of Robin Hoods


I basically lurk on this list, and have followed the intense news and
debates about Genoa pretty closely. I was in Seattle and DC in April
2000 (with the Committee for Full Enjoyment), but nothing since. I'm
frustrated with the dead-end of a quasi-militaristic siege strategy.
This idea just struck me and I float it out there to inspire rebuttal,
amendment, enthusiasm or indifference. 

We Are All Robin Hood!
The Potlatch Perimeter:

A disarming answer to state violence.

A subversive, exhilarating taste of a real alternative.

A carnavalesque gathering of the multitudes.

Free stuff for everyone-take what you want.

Bring the best gifts you can. Take giving seriously.

No more militaristic besieging of targeted meetings.

No pointless street fighting.


More World. Less Bank.

More Change. Less Money.

We live in a rich society. There are desperately poor people and lots of
folks in between. There is enough of everything for everyone, if fairly
distributed. On September 29, 2001 come and make a Potlatch
Perimeter around [a worthy site in your town] to protest the IMF-World
Bank meetings in
Washington D.C. Then on Nov. 10-11 we'll do even more amazing potlatch
perimeters around [even more worthy sites in your city] in conjunction
with 1,000
actions around the world protesting the WTO meeting in Qatar.

The Diggers in the 1960s became adept at taking food and clothing and
making it available through Free Stores, mostly in the Haight-Ashbury. 

Let's take that idea and expand it, gather ("liberate" "steal" "borrow")
goods over the next month and then be ready for a gigantic giveaway on
September 29.

Abundance and sharing instead of
Contrived scarcity and the Economy

*****************

I'd also like to let you all know that the new (and first for 7 years)
Processed World is available for $10 postpaid in the U.S. and $13
outside from us at 41 Sutter St. #1829, SF CA 94104.
(http://www.processedworld.com).

--Chris Carlsson


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