If not us, then who?

[candy331]

(I read this with interest but wonder how viable this would be. I too think that it is up to the people to forge ahead because the ruling class will never relinquish power nor share their wealth and is really putting the country on a course of self destruction..

If not us, then who?

January 9, 2004


This is not about getting one person out of power. This is not about replacing the president. This is not about replacing the cabinet. This is not about replacing George W. Bush with Howard Dean. It goes deeper than that. This is about challenging the structure of the entire system. To some, simply changing the name on the door is sufficient. Frankly, that is not a solution. In fact, it is a threat. It leaves the vital problems of our society unaddressed; both on the local stage and on a larger scale. Issues of class, race, sexuality, poverty, gender, and environment devastation passby unnoticed from the tunnel vision of the political institutions.

Locally, in Boston, no solution is offered to prevent government plans to construct a Level 4 Chemical Weapons Lab in Roxbury. When the Democratic National Convention comes to town in July, millions will be spent on the housing, feeding, and transportation of convention officials. All of this while the poor communities of our city still have no accessible public transportation system. While the homeless of our city freeze to death on the doorsteps of a corporate office building. A building that no doubt has the heater running all night. While the governor of Massachusetts slashes the budgets of public services and cuts taxes on the elite. While the state of Massachusetts spends more on prisons than higher education. While the corporations takeover areas such as Central Square and Kenmore, driving out local interests and community needs. All of these problems, and many more, lay untouched.

Already, plans to act against the coming Democratic National Convention have drawn criticism from those who would prefer to pretend that an election could possibly save us. For some, it is easier to turn away than face reality. The reality is that the system is bankrupt, and has been for years now. Every moment spent on reform could be spent of building alternatives.

When the DNC invades Boston next July, who will stand up to them? Who will cry out in anger against not just this war for territory and money, but against every war for territory and money? Who will dare to say that we have enough of leaders and government and prisons and police and tyranny? Who will stop the beautiful acts of defiance against the empire from being hijacked by a politican? From this far away, it is already evident that liberals will not participate in anything more than 'pressuring the democrats to adopt a more progressive leaning.' All the bosses unions have already given out their endorcements. In fact, before any ballot has been cast, the media has already announced the democratic presidential candidate. We need answers not diversions. The responsibilty to say no to capitalism, no to war, no to poverty, no to racism, no to a police state, no to the elite will fall upon the anarchists.

Boston will be a unique stage to take action. The dynamics will allow for the anarchist community of this nation to make a clear statement of what we are. During the DNC there will be no 'peace is patriotic' rallies; only those out in the streets calling for radical change. This can be a chance to show a true respect for diversity of tactics. This can be a chance to show that anarchism and organization go hand in hand. We can set up autonomous zones and provide for our communities in ways that the state never could. We can defend ourselves. We can create something sustainable. We can create something new.


It didn't start in Seattle, and it won't end in Boston.

It's time to take the power back.


www.blackteasociety.org/calls/who

[MercutioATC]

1. If not now, then when?

Unfortunately, we seem to be content to play it safe with an "establishment" candidate.

I've been wrong before, but i think we're going to PAY for not defining ourselves in this election...

[4morewars]

2. working link

www.blackteasociety.org/calls/who_else.html

[Virgil]

3. I feel what he is saying

Take the point on the media. You can splice it and dice it but the problem is it is way beyond concentrated. When only 5 companies can control so much they need to be busted up. That is what we need to be saying about the media. It is way beyond wrong and the NOW program had people on that said this could lead to the end of democracy in America.

How is this election going to change that wrong?

There is an injustice everytime someone gets arrested for pot. Injustice for one means no justice for everyone. Nobody is forcing anyone to smoke Miracle Plant or do cocaine, but the government does force people to live with a black market. besides that they arrest people when it may not even be a health issue. But how is the injustice of the drug wars going to end when it is not even addressed in the Congressional races or the presidential race?. The WOD cannot take scrutiny and it is primarily defended by silence that employs the complicity of the media.

But yes, there are systemic problems. It is not going to change anytime soon unless we take it issue by issue. Really what we are presented with is soap opera instead of analysis. There are many people that would say that the big issue before us is corruption through and through. Of course you will not see them on television.

Why do you think most people do not vote? They do not know what difference it will make.

[Moderator]

4. Locking

Rules to start discussion threads in the General Discussion forum.

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7. Discussion topics that mention any or all of the Democratic presidential primary candidates are not permitted in the General Discussion forum, and instead must be posted in the General Discussion: 2004 Primary forum.

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