Bristolians go beyond the ESF
Ana Key | 11.10.2004 10:33 | Culture | Free Spaces | London
The full programme for Beyond ESF, at Middlesex Univeristy in North London, can be found here http://www.wombles.org.uk/news/article_2004_10_8_5355.php
Beyond ESF is just one of many autonomous spaces and events happening outside of the hierarchical, left-party dominated main ESF, that are either free or donation entry. For a full listing of all these political, cultural and social events, from a womens day to life after capitalism, go to http://www.altspaces.net/
A vote every five years? Our dreams will never fit in their ballot boxes!
Ana Key
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Critique of a Critique
13.10.2004 09:50
As ever, the old "reform vs revolution" debate arises. There may never be a conclusive answer - sorry SWPers but I think I'm denying the historical inevitability of the proletariat revolution. Whether there will be a revolution or not, there are people suffering throughout the world NOW who need our help.
What are Amnesty supposed to say to the many prisoners of conscience whose release they have helped secure? "Sorry, we're too busy working on the revolution."
What should we say to the many thousands of sweatshop workers?
"Sorry, we could boycott Nike, we could fight for your rights, but don't worry, the revolution's on its way"
What about the billions of people in the developing world?
"Sorry, we thought about fighting for fairer trade rules but actually, that would make capitalism look better than it actually is, we'd rather let it get worse a little longer so we can start a revolution."
Fight for the revolution, by all means, but are you fighting for it for global justice or just for revolution's sake? can you not fight for it while working with the many NGOs who also seek the same end result, a fair and just world, free from environmental destruction? Who knows, maybe in the process Amnesty will see the merits of your case, or maybe even you will see the merits of theirs.
There are far worse people to spend your time slagging off. If you have genuine criticisms of them, surely ESF is the place to air them, not some secluded squat where you'll be preaching to the converted.
Good luck with the autonomous spaces, I might criticise its underlying reasons, but it's a good project
ryan