The Future I Hope for Occupy
Symptoms:
Most people believe the entire bay area is Occupy Oakland.
Most people believe Occupy is “violent”.
Critical Mass has disappeared.
Public is enjoying Riot Porn, and missing the Occupy message.
Diagnoses:
Misunderstanding
Unable to Communicate
PR War
Treatment:
Discussion Forums
Direct Action Training
Art & Culture
Large Assemblies
Forgiveness
Fun
For the Occupations suffering hard hits from the media war, I actually fear for their sustainability. The military-like responses to Occupy Protests have planted seeds of paranoia into protestors that spread like weeds, and has captivated many. This obsession has proven the use of excessive force across the nation, and I can say, it is time to move on.
As the Police Departments are finally under scrutiny from the Superior County Systems and Federal Government, the best response, for the sake of critical mass, is to avoid confrontation. Now many, like myself, who have been involved in Police Brutality may be wondering how do we prevail while being thwarted? Make it fun.
I believe Occupy 3.0 needs to incorporate Direct Action training. This winter, while we were marching on FTP marches, and taking over buildings; the Progressive Democratic Caucus was organizing the “99% Spring, Direct Action Training”. Sure enough, the word “violent” started trending. This word being spun off the 99% Spring language, which used the term “Non Violence”. Non Violence, in the terms of Ghandi is not meaning to harm or kill another human being. Ghandi believed in defying unjust laws, Ghandi was Civilly Disobedient. The result of this “99% Spring” training was an older, more liberal generation breaking away from the younger, more radicalized generation. Radical loosely defined as someone who is civilly disobedient, but constructed as a violent, black bloc, anarchist. This disconnect severed relations with labor and other organizations that outreached critical mass. The divide was caused by a poor education. Lines of communication were severed on both sides due to violent language, and the two never took the time to understand they were just misinterpreting what each other were saying.
Direct Action training should include an open discussion about Diversity of Tactics. A forum where people come to listen and ask questions without emphasizing disagreement. In addition, it should educate people on the different types of techniques that can be used during arrests. Linking arms, singing and chanting, escaping restraints, jail solidarity, different forms of resistance, and the differences between legalities and lawfulness. Many new people are completely uninformed because of the mainstream media, and incredibly fearful of the Police because of their military like responses. If we can have fun while resisting, and provide a rich cultural diverse environment for people to express themselves with a proper education; as well as a developed respect of each other – oh my goodness. In addition, many of us have reached a point where we can admit we need time to heal; and a rich, cultured environment helps. Creating this artistic, educational, cultural environment of human beings assembling to petition their government for redress does require a collective or communal space. From what we have learned about communal spaces, 7-14 days is enough time for some real solidarity building to happen. A well thought out plan could accomplish holding down spaces long enough to hold a constructive assembly. This is something that has been done before. We know how to do this. We are capable. Lets focus. Lets invite the media and the police out to the Circus, the show must go on!
Oh.. and did you hear?
Occupy Anniversaries are coming up, lets not allow our Birthday be crashed by elections and the democratic party.
May 18, 2012 Leave a comment
United Against Abortions, and the Democratic Agenda
Yesterday at a United Against the War on Women’s Rally In Sacramento California, I heard a lot of people use the phrase “Abortions on Demand”, I responded to my friend Taylor, “What, like Pay Per View”? I have to say the focus on pro-death made me pretty nauseous.
I am pro choice. Which means there are plenty of choices out there, and each human being should be free to make the choice. I would hope it’s an educated choice; one where they utilized birth control, condoms, the morning after pill, and at least 3 months of missed periods to get that shit done before you kill a tiny human being. But those are my values. I don’t feel like ramming them down everyone else’s throat though.
Seriously though. Condoms, birth control, morning after pill, abortion pill, accessible women’s clinics, and the choice. There is no reason for women to get late term abortions other than “I am irresponsible and I didn’t know”. You actually feel pregnant. I remember going to the doctor feeling very sick for a very long time, and it was because I was pregnant. In addition, there are many stable families would pay a lot of money for a new born baby, or gladly take the child out of someones arms for free.
I hate a lot of things about this country and the divisiveness of its political agendas. It sometimes forgets to remind people that analytical thinking and conscious decisions is part of the formula that makes liberty and freedom so beautiful. Sometimes they will say and do anything to oppose an opponent.
I do not agree with “Abortions on Demand” without serious health concerns.
I recommend everyone check out the National Geographic Series called “In the Womb – Humans”. It really is taking a life at a certain point, but the level of guilt associated with that is up to each human being.
April 29, 2012 Leave a comment
Expressing Myself
I’ve been in the closet my entire life, and I’m pretty exhausted by judgement. There are so many things that I’ve always wanted to share about myself, that made me unique from other beings that I shy’d away from. All because of judgement.
Well, at 26. Judge me. This is the new home of my perversions, craft, and journey. Welcome.
April 25, 2012 1 Comment