Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 08:33:58 -0800 (PST)
From: Thomas Seay <entheogens-AT-yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: AUT: Re: Weekend Demos Around The World


--- anthony hayes <antyphayes-AT-yahoo.com.au> wrote:

> if the above does not seem either graceful or
> helpful,
> well maybe that's because i'm wondering i) to what
> extent do our rulers care about well heeled
> *respectable* opposition other than as an adjunct to
> their own machinations (cf. the leaders of germany &
> france) and ii) i'm depressed... a little...


Anthony, I know what you mean.  I think there are
different levels of political commitment.  It is fine
if one's level of commitment against the war is to
bring out your baby and dog and go for these "stroll
in the park" type demonstrations.

HOWEVER, if other people want to take more radical
actions they SHOULD and MUST.  These types of
demonstrations only become problematic if we limit
ourselves to them
or if the organizers of those marches try to impose
their program on the march (ie it must be a "peaceful"
march).  

We have a lot of experience here in the US with this
same problem in the anti-war movement.  In the
aftermath of 9/11 there was, I think, a moment of
confusion within the anti-globalization movement.  It
was not clear how to respond.  In that vacum the front
organization for a leninist sect was able to establish
hegemony over the movement.  Oh they want peaceful
protests that follow all the rules.

The interesting things is that they have slowly lost
that hegemony...not because anyone really actively
opposed them but because people stopped listening to
them.  I call them the Kim Il Jong Bus Company (they
support North Korea), because, for the most part, they
have become bus organizers for these marches.  

Anyway, yes, you are right, numbers dont mean that
much if we all follow the rules.  It could be just
another form of the ballot-box: a more or less empty
excercise of democracy.  On the other hand when the
multitudes get together (not "united") and go outside
of the parameters of "proper behavior" then NEW things
can begin to happen.  Who was aware beforehand that
Seattle would have the impact that it did?

So when we dont follow the rules, I think numbers do
become important...for the very reason that there are
a larger number of creative acts and tactics which can
then be shared or inspire new acts and novelty.  

Anyway, that's a brief thought on the matter from me.
I agree that it is good to think about why and if
these demonstrations are important.  I think they are.

-Thomas

====<<Be like me!  The Primal Mother, eternally creative, eternally impelling into life,
    eternally drawing satisfaction from the ceaseless flux of phenomena.>>
    -Nietzsche, "The Birth of Tragedy"

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