22 Comments so far

1. phantastikon February 16th, 2007 3:26 pm

   Anger is Authentic

   What’s to be done? How can you tell if a politician is conning you, again (other than the proverbial “lips are moving” test)? Look for real anger, ‘cause the world we live in ought to inspire anger every waking moment. Hell, it should plague us with angry dreams. I won’t bore you (or tire you out more than you must be already) by recounting the atrocities we live with, have perpetrated in our names, and are doomed to look forward to. Atrocity is the contemporary mode of life for virtually every human being, whether victim or mastermind, criminal or bystander. And you know it.

   But knowing and admitting are two different things: you see atrocity, but you just can’t quite bring yourself to embrace the powerless emptiness that admitting it makes all too real. If you let yourself say “pretty much everything I see, feel, do, think about, even dream about is corrupt, unjust, inhuman,” despair walks in and slams the door on feeling. Living with this to the point of nausea leads in two directions at once, in my experience: a blind, panicked desire to run and hide, and a blind, panicked desire to strike back. Flight or fight? Millennia of civilization reduces to the raw human experience: to live in this society, not to mention on this planet, is to sense your existence as a small, frightened mammal, quivering.

   Public men and women—elected, purchased, propped up by armies and stock markets, corporations and religion—don’t seem to quiver enough. What’s for them to fear? If they choose to fight, they have armies, police power, security forces, courts. If forced into flight, they have the wealth and the connections to leave the current horrors they’ve created, and “move on.” When we elect them, when we agree to their wealth, we make them superhuman. We quiver while they preen.

   Most days I can’t see an antidote. But I can tell you that while civility might encourage the headsman to use a sharper ax, it will never stay the execution: in the world we live in, our fear and powerlessness is their energy; what they need is slaves. Docile slaves do not threaten their masters, never ask to be freed, never show their anger.

   You know when an empire is falling, when a plantation might as well be burnt, when the machines in a factory are about to grind to a halt when you hear angry voices. You know we have to bring this thing to its knees, to neuter it, to kill it if that’s the only choice it leaves us. You know this just as surely as you know that good dreams are a fading memory. It’s permitted to be angry, to use angry words, to appoint representatives who use anger as the judgment of justice. Without authentic anger, humanity is gelded, domesticated, homeless, friendless, and lost.

   A “democratic” victory in November? Nope. Rich folks and soon-to-be-rich folks letting the field hands know that everything’s fine—as long as we’re calm, civil, and quiet.

2. edsall February 16th, 2007 3:58 pm

   What I will say will certainly upset some people who read it. I am not saying it to be mean. I am saying it to make you think.

   What needs to be done to make protests more effective is to make the protest more identifiable for the average American. When you view a protest and what you see is a circus atmosphere or, as some, including me, would put it, a bunch of ex-hippies or hippy wanna-bes trying to recreate the late 60’s, your average American laughs.

   I’ve been involved in my share of protests. I grew up in the 70’s when my older brother was about to be sent to Vietnam. My younger brother was in Iraq last year. What gets people’s attention is people “they” can identify with holding up signs asking for an end to war or to protect their family members.

   But, so long as people see this as a bunch of drum-banging, lentil-eating “lefties” who appear to be divorced from reality, these protests will never get people to support their cause. I probably won’t participate in the March 20th protest held in my town because of these same people.

3. phantastikon February 16th, 2007 4:39 pm

   Lentils? You don’t like lentils? Tough shit… a lot of the world survives on lentils and similar protein sources. You make a good point and then undermine it by taking that one stupid step too far… why would you care about drums or diets? Your point, as I understand it, is that protesters are faking protest. They do it from within “free speech” cages. They’re satisfied that merely showing up is going to be enough. They’re merely nice.

   You “probably won’t participate in the March 20th protest held in my town because of these same people”? So, lentils are more important? Fine. Your delicate sensibilities are very, very important. And, really, you don’t need to eat lentils, either.

   Identifying and discarding pissants like you makes the job easier.

4. ctrew February 16th, 2007 5:06 pm

   I was also at the march in DC on January 27. Although there was a sign on the sidelines which said, “Hippies Stink” and there were people that one might call “drum-banging, lentil-eating “lefties”…” I really didn’t see anyone who seemed divorced from reality. What I saw was an amazing cross-section of America … all ages, races, classes, flavors. I won’t go into descriptive detail, but it was a wonderful day with a lot of wonderful people much as Amy Littlefield described it. It is a pity that it wasn’t covered like the President’s Day Parades will be on Monday. Then “average Americans” might have seen and related to the masses of marchers
   There did exist an edgier element, which might have disturbed some of middle America. The cheerleading group whose name I can’t remember was great. Their PG/R rated material was a lot of fun, clever and intelligent. The street theater (a group of individuals dressed and hooded like Abu Graib detainees, accompanied by a large sign) was interesting and mildly disturbing, if one allowed oneself to “go there”.
   But I did feel like we were all very well behaved, probably for several reasons. One is probably that experienced marchers don’t want to scare the new, inexperienced protestors, including some fairly old people and many very young children. But there is also another reason for some of the more paranoid among us. As the lone helicopter circled the rally & march continuously, I wondered if it’s occupants were filming the crowd, not for news but for identification. I was trying to encourage people to hold up their signs toward the copter. I thought it would look cool from up their to see masses of signs flattened for their view and also thought it might be a good way to cover our faces.
   At the end of the march I came upon a group of people sitting in the street chanting something I can’t remember which was followed by a request to “Sit down!” I would love to have done so, but I was afraid. Truth is I don’t want to get arrested. I’m getting old and arthritic, sometimes I have low blood sugar so I want to eat when I need to eat, and I needed to go to work the following day. These are really lowsy excuses considering what I am protesting, and the change I want to help bring about. This group of young people, giving up on the remaining timid crowd, may be the group that tried to garner attention by storming the capitol. Twenty minutes later as I sat and drank a soda, I saw several previously idle police jump into action and into their cars. One man stopped and ran around to the back of his car and got out of his trunk what I assumed was tear gas and some riot gear. He was very excited and I worried for whoever he was going after. Whoever it was, I’m grateful for their energy and determination.
   I need to see “V for Vendetta” again for inspiration. We need to be more energetic in our protest, now and not wait until our country becomes a full fledged facist state. We need to speak up and prevent that from happening.
   We all need to lean toward the “lefties” and the left now. We can straigten up after we get back on course. Think about how you have to swim parallel to a beach to get back on the beach when you are fighting the undertow.
   Right now I’m wondering if I can get away with carrying an anti-war sign in the George Washington Day Parade on Monday. Maybe I can find a good G. Washington quote.

5. ezeflyer February 16th, 2007 6:18 pm

   ctrew wrote about a sign that read
   “Hippies stink”. But hippies were mostly into Eastern thought where cleanliness and daily ablutions are rituals. In fact, Europeans and religious Americans were some of the most stinky people. They thought bathing was an abomination to them and they developed perfumes to cover their stench. Some of the best smelling places were hippie dwellings were incense and natural fragrances were used. And we all had hot tubs. The stinking hippie stereotype was a right wing creation. Dirty junkies, speedfreaks, narks, FBI agent provocateurs and homeless people ripped off hippie’s image and everything else. Real hippies were the cleanest and best people I ever knew. They looked and acted like Jesus and for that they were crucified.

6. cary February 16th, 2007 9:08 pm

   Don’t be afraid to show your courage.
   Amy Littlefield’s piece addresses an important issue. What is it we are trying to accomplish when we gather in large numbers in protest? If it is more than telling the world that we oppose the actions of the US Government (a worthy accomplishment, and these days, an act of courage in itself), then we probably have to do more than parade down a prescribed route chanting slogans, networking and hoping for press coverage. However, the answer is not a half million people gathering in anger. Angry mobs will never produce long-term, positive solutions. The phrase “don’t be afraid to show your anger” is a very interesting one, because as a wise woman once convinced me, it is fear that breeds anger. Perhaps the phrase should be “don’t be afraid to show your courage”. The course that protest takes in the coming months and years is worth considerable thought, discussion and planning. There is a place for parades, and there is a place for actions. One thing that impressed me about the anti-WTO gathering in Seattle was that there was a place for everyone. The main march was huge, inspirational and vocal. It made headlines worldwide. At the same time it was safe for its participants. It was mild enough in rhetoric and in tactics that a huge cross-section of people could come together in agreement. This is a vital part of protest. At the same time there were opportunities for people who were prepared to commit civil disobedience. These people went outside the prescribed places and times allowed by the authorities to actually block access to the WTO meetings. These people made sure they couldn’t be ignored by those who would plan wealth for themselves and misery for the rest of us. These were not angry reactions, but well-thought-out actions. Of course the authorities learned from Seattle, and we’ve seen the results in the ensuing years. We have learned as well. Nevertheless, my point remains: While we have good cause to be angry, we have a great need to be brave.

7. ktabery February 16th, 2007 11:36 pm

   I would simply add or re-emphasize that it is long past time for more numerous, more significant acts of civil disobedience. You will recall Fredrick Douglas’s pertinent comments as to the relationship between power and the demands made upon it, what form it must take. Unbridled anger is just adolescent, but righteous anger can help bring focus to this struggle.

8. ctrew February 17th, 2007 1:30 am

   What about a general strike on May 1? (someone elses idea)

9. MLowe February 17th, 2007 1:31 am

   Wow, some very interesting posts. I am really enjoying the new? feature.

   Amy, I appreciate you openess and courage in addressing such an important subject.

   Unfortunately, I was not able to attend Jan 27. I can say however, in response to edsall above, I have attended MANY rallies in the last few years and do not take any exception with your comments other than to encourage you to at least get out and see for yourself. As others have commented (accurately in my experience) there is a huge diversity of people. However, in my experience in Southeastern MI, the vast majority of folks are what one would describe as “normal.” My assumption is that if you are reading commondreams, you must have a clue at this point what is going on. If you are appalled by the administrations policies–do something about it. If marching is not your thing, or potentially associating with “hippy-lentil-types” no big deal-pick up the horn and call your Senator and request funding to be witheld. Sorry to go on, but I thought you recieved a somewhat unecessary lashing up there.

   As for Amy’s piece, I often want to do more, wonder what I could do to call attention, not harm anyone, not lose my job, upset my family, etc. It is tough. As is the essential question of a still burgeoning peace movement, do you try to grow it by behaving and being inclusive, or do you radicalize it as in SDS transition into the Weatherman group. Obviously, Amy is not suggesting Weatherman tactics, although I’m sure there are elements of the movement contemplating this.

   A historical question I have been thus far unable to answer is what degree did social instability (Berrigan Brothers, Weatherman, fragging, desertion) influence the administrations initial steps to leave Vietnam–versus to what extent these “radical” actions allienated those Americans who opposed the war but were unwilling to join the movement? The Nixon tapes shed some light and actually illustrate he wanted to extend the war (further) into Cambodia…realities on the ground in Vietnam certainly didn’t help.

   Cary, well said, Courage not anger seems our best course. The greatest hurdle most of us face is risking our own comfort. We need to overcome this with courage–not anger. Our brother and sisters depend upon it. I hope too and soon.

   Have a great weekend everyone

10. MLowe February 17th, 2007 1:38 am

    Ctrew,

    I would really love to see a sustained action connected locally accross US for several weeks 6–12? (Saturdays or Sundays). I know in many cities this is happening, but I would like to see greater central organization, media blitzing. Fact is in MI at least, many folks I knew that wanted to go in Jan could not do so…now we feel like we need to wait for March 20? Tough to sustain, but I feel given the current mood it would grow weekly

11. Alan8 February 17th, 2007 2:23 am

    Amy, I agree: Simple, polite protests, while important, are too easy to ignore. When thousands or even tens of thousands of people are involved, with a little coordination there’s the potential to generate a lot of disruption with little effort.

    When the government becomes destructive of the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it’s our duty to alter or abolish it. Our superior numbers can be used to stop business as usual by a tyrannical and destructive government.

12. Babygoat February 17th, 2007 7:49 am

    I appreciate anyone who will march! And will march with them. So what if it’s a carnival atmosphere, it mostly calls the “bluff”, we don’t buy the lies and we’re not afraid. We are united, we come from everywhere and we are everybody.
    Peace activist will insist on peaceful marches. The angry element will get angrier and most likely shot. (Tiananmen Square)…This government is not above killing all of us. If they are willing to “nuke” they’re already killing us.
    What we don’t need are more stereotyping! Lentil-eaters? Shame on you! You can march with your McBag over your head but it is important that you show up!

13. 3cheersfromAthensGreece February 17th, 2007 2:50 pm

    Prompted by the previous exchanges I wish to salute you all and express my support for what I see as a substantial and potentially fruitful dialog. Let me first ask Phantastikon to quit bickering and not lose sight of the enemy for the lentils! Babygoat’s got the right spirit: we aren’t one too many! Coming now to the crux, Amy I understand your frustration and fully agree with your point about anger. The whole setup in the US is rigged to suppress it, keep people ‘inside’ “doped with religion and sex and TV”. Iraq signals a rude awakening and anger is bound to mount like a tidal wave to the extent that the movement grows and finds ways of expressing it and putting it to good use. But I also agree with Cary that courage should be at the helm and courage comprises love and compassion, understanding and solidarity. What’s at stake is democracy, never a ‘given’, always a ‘must’. Clearly, the old representative democracy has failed us, is incapable of ruling the transnational corporations and controlling the attendant lobbies so the issue is not just Iraq or militarism. The crucial question is do we want a market economy in the service of society and thus regulated by the state or do we accept a ‘free’ market inevitably ruling both society and state? The former requires nothing less than reinventing the republic. Not just a question of ‘seizing’ political power but rather redefining it in the interests of society.

14. ctrew February 18th, 2007 5:59 pm

    I believe that we need to evolve quickly or become extinct, and I believe that “a market economy in the service of society and thus regulated by the state” is our best chance to pull that off.
    I don’t know how we can bring that about but it will require at the very least a more active electorate and accurate, verifiable voting machines. If we stop saying that things (like impeachment, or electing Kucinich) are impossible then we might be able to make some of the necessary changes. We really can’t afford to wait until the ‘08 elections though.
    We need to empower the progressive dems and rebublicans with our loud, vocal, incessant support. Daily, I email and call my representatives, but I think we need to flood the capitol with post cards, because they are tangible, can be delivered directly(no need to go through security like envelopes do) and can be easily read by everyone along the way.
    Tell everyone you know about the March 17, March on the Pentagon, which begins with a rally at the Viet Nam Memorial.

    I’ve been thinking about some new signs, slogans.

    Don’t let the GOP destroy the USA!
    Stop throwing money and bodies at Iraq!
    If we are going to borrow money, use it to really support the soldiers, vets and their families, not the mission.
    Pass a new Boland Amendment! (to avoid an attack on Iran)
    Bring the troops home to rebuild New Orleans, and get the electricity running in America.

    Okay, these would be lame, as signs, but I just want to put some memes into the ether. They would fit on postcards. Any more ideas?

    MLowe, do you know specific web sites about strike type actions?

15. jbwestwood February 19th, 2007 1:25 am

    Rallies and marchs, neutered by civility or fear of prosecution, can be too easily ignored by cushy politicians.

    What I think might “get attention” is the targeting of one or two particularly egregious administration sycophants for recall by their constituents. I’m legally naive thus am not sure if general dislike of performance (as opposed to illegality) would pass a state’s legal muster but more disgraced Tom Delays and Duke Cunninghams would remind the pols for whom they really work.

    Might be less costly and get more press coverage than a march! Question is who’ll select and organize?

16. towanda February 19th, 2007 9:03 am

    Right on, Amy Littlefield.

    While clever slogans, satire-soaked signs and high-minded intellectual arguements might entertain those of us who are among the “liberal troops” in this war of public opinion, George W. Bush knows that our self-serving groupie get-togethers do nothing to stop him. Despite our witticisms, he’s the one laughing at us.

    It’s about time that someone suggested we fight fire with fire. Thanks for speaking up.

17. blessthebeasts February 19th, 2007 6:10 pm

    It’s unfortunate that the corporate media has
    made a conscious decision to marginalize the
    anti-war movement. Also ironic, since it has
    been so active since before the war started.

    A general strike would be impossible to ignore, but only if it was massive and widespread. May 1st, International Workers
    Day, would be very appropriate.

    By the way, there is a recall campaign underway against Bloody John McCain in Arizona.

18. MLowe February 19th, 2007 10:01 pm

    Ctrew,

    No–nothing on the level of a strike–just marches/rallies such as united for peace and justice, answer, and the locals that attach to them

    Again, the question I would like to pose for consideration here is what makes more sense at the present moment: radicalizing the existing anti-war movement (e.g. staging strikes, sit-ins, and other forms of serious civil disobedience)in hopes of getting more bang for our buck–but likely scarring away some potential activists, or do we continue down the same “tame” path we have been on, in hopes of enlarging the movement by attracting so called “average Americans”? Or is there a more fruitful answer in between?

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