Yes we need to confront what oppresses and is tending to destroy our world. Of course big capitalism is definietely part of that oppression and destruction of life. Beyond that, we need to be less ideological ourselves and more self-critical. To do so we might go a bit deeper and examine the psychological terrain which forms the foundation for oppressors and oppressed, consumers and profiteers and other human dichotomies. Otherwise they will rear their heads in new forms even if we, the good guys and girls, should win, and wether we create an anarchist, communist or libertatian order. (Think Lenin, the Ayatollas and the Red Guards.) Such a self-critical examination can only have the most beneficial repercussions on the manner of how we protest, act, oppose and create alternatives. Right now, we are showing some familiar and dangerous trends. Elitism by chosing for the masses what action should be taken at mass demos. Violence, which shows that we see things as an us and them struggle, even though we don't say that "god is on our side" anymore. Sectarianism with our uniforms and anti-racist, anti-hate, anti-homophobic, this party and that party banners and slogans to give us an identity. I could go on. Better we continue what Ghandi, the Quakers, subcommandante Marcos, Marting Luther King, Mandella and others have been showing us about how to start.

Excellent historic overview and analysis!

Much to ponder.

Isidor

Great info, thanks!

We need to forge new understandings of how we can bring down those in power. This is imperative. Direct action is something that has proven very effective as an alternative to reformist politics. Reforms are only band aids on gaping wounds. They are symptomatic fixes at best. Usually they are just distractions from what we need to truly do. Overthrow the system & rebuild it with the new.

The question is... What is the new system?

I totally agree with the writer who says that we must deal with our interactive personal tendencies if we are to acheive sustainable change. That is one of the new fundamentals we must have. We must learn to live in a more open, loving manner towards each other, and truthfully, within ourselves.
But how do we balance that with having to fight for freedom, disagreements over tactics, strategies & interpretations of a given situation?

We need to organize, that's for sure. But how do we retain our individual autonomy under the umbrella of a new manifesto? What will that manifesto say? How can we write one that we all feel reflects our truths and allow us all freedom of expression?

I think we need to have personal & social responsibility. Perhaps we could create "Centering Points"
that we all hold up as ideals. Like...... Love, Acceptance, Freedom, Equality. Etc.
And shit were against. Like........ Oppression, Exploitation, Cruelty, Violence (not self-defense)

Just some thoughts.
And I must say, this has been one of the most thoughtful strings I've read in three days.

In solidarity,

--Marlin