THEORY – The Westcountry Mutineer

THEORY CORNER: GETTING ANGRY

I SPEND A lot of my time talking to ordinary people, whether it is on demos, walking the dog or when just out and about around town. What has really pissed me off is that most people don’t give a shit about anyone else. It is all me me me, with no understanding or empathy towards other people. I guess it is just the society we have been brought up in, capitalism has definitely made people less responsible for their own actions and has created a blame culture, which has led to most people being whining little brats who don’t think about others’ suffering, and if they do have a moment of clarity it is quickly pushed aside for a shiny new i-toy of some sort. The N.H.S. and the benefit system are in tatters, people are being forced into Victorian-style workhouse labour, others are being forced onto the streets, the vulnerable in society are being abused and some people just say ‘well I’m able to survive so why can’t others?’ ARGH! What they don’t seem to understand is that if we don’t stick up for each other then it will be us next. We would rather aspire to be in the minority of rich, controlling bastards than look out for our neighbours. Lets make no mistake; those at the top are bastards. They were born into wealth and are unlikely to let too many share what they have. They sell you the dream of wealth and power, with no intention to let you have any. They make you compete against those who would otherwise help you and share their knowledge and skills with you.

Instead of getting angry and jealous of those around you, get angry and those who have put us all in this fuckstick of a situation. Get to know your neighbours, maybe an elderly neighbour could do with some company, or there might be a single parent that might need some time off. If you have skills in D.I.Y. or cooking, you can offer your skills to others in return for theirs. And from creating this community you will develop more empathy for those around you. Now doesn’t that sound much better than watching the prejudice and hateful bullshit on the news? Keep your hate for those that deserve it… and that really isn’t those who are worse off than you.

ANARCHY VS. CHAOS: A REVIEW

ON SATURDAY 24TH November, Bath’s Black And Red Federation (B.A.R.F) hosted a polite public discussion on anarchism at the Manvers Street Baptist Church, complete with tea and (vegan) cake. Anarchism has received a bad press over the centuries, with anarchists forced into stereotypes of either violent thugs or sandal-footed hippies – caricatures repeated by both the media and political establishment on one side, but also by self-proclaimed anarchists on the other. But many anarchists see it differently: the philosophy had become a relevant and mass movement of hundreds of thousands of everyday people fighting for freedom in 1920s Ukraine and 1930s Spain, however briefly. Far from embracing destruction and chaos, anarchists say that ‘Anarchism is Order’! On the day, 25 attended to hear three local speakers’ presentations, examining the Peterloo Massacre and its repercussions, anarchism in the workplace and the links, if any, between anarchism and violence. The day then broke down into a wider discussion on the challenges facing anarchist organising today; all in all, a well-received and thoughtful day. Keep an eye out for the next one!

https://network23.org/barf

THEORY CORNER: BUT DON’T WE NEED PRISONS?

In recent weeks, Tory bluster about tougher sentences for offenders has been on a steep rise, possibly as a populist smokescreen to divert attention from their disastrous economic policies. However, there is no evidence that tougher punishments are any deterrent for ‘criminals’ – in fact evidence consistently shows that the opposite is true. Anarchists make a very different argument, for a society without prison as we know it and with an emphasis on rehabilitation above punishment.

ONE OF THE things that many people find hardest to accept about anarchist ideas is our rejection of prisons. This is a scary thought, so what would society look like without prisons as we know them?

Well, first of all, we should look at society as it is at the moment, and the current prison population. The vast majority of people in prison are there because of the rotten system that we live in – from people that have had to steal to feed their families, ran up unpayable debts, or got addicted to drugs or alcohol because of the powerless, penniless surroundings they find themselves in. Even a lot of violent crime only happens because people who feel powerless in their workplace, Jobcentre or community end up snapping and taking out their frustration on someone who doesn’t deserve it. And that’s not even mentioning all the new non-crimes recent governments have concocted, like squatting or “interfering with a contractual relationship”(?), or anti-terrorist laws banging people up for going on protests or maintaining a website. We live in a society where people end up inside for nicking a pair of trainers, yet big businesses dodge tax, trash the environment, run sweatshops and provide weapons to fuel brutal conflicts all under the protection, and encouragement, of the law. This is modern ‘justice’ – harsh penalties for petty crimes committed by the poor, while the rich are rewarded for acts of disgusting oppression and exploitation.

Anarchists reject this twisted logic. We believe that most ‘crimes’ are caused by the unfair, unequal society that we live in. In a fair world where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, and feels like a valued and important member of their community, the majority of modern crime just would not happen.

Of course, this doesn’t explain how we would deal with the proper wrong’uns – the remaining tiny percent who want to rape, harm and kill – but do today’s laws or prisons deter these people? Looking at crime statistics, the answer seems to be ‘no’.

We don’t believe that some people are safe to walk the streets and cause more harm and distress to their victims, or potential victims, but we place far more importance on education and rehabilitation over punishment. Look at the sky-high re-offending rates – does the current ‘justice’ system work for either the victim or the offender?

We also reject the idea that some wigged-up bastard in a court room is capable of giving a fair judgement. Let’s not forget that today’s laws were dreamt up by the rich and powerful, mainly for the protection of them and their wealth and that judges work for the most violent organisation going – the state. It is not laws, or punishments, that prevent crimes such as rape and murder, it is that fact that most of us have reached a consensus that such actions are wrong. We believe that problems affecting a community need to be solved directly by that community. For example, a woman who has killed her abusive husband in self-defence will probably still do time today, whereas her neighbours and community would be far better placed to decide whether an actual crime has been committed.

So, when we say ‘no prisons’, we don’t mean ‘no justice’, we just don’t trust the government to decide what is right and what’s not – as with everything else, the justice system would work better if we ran it ourselves!

ANARCHY VS. CHAOS: AN INTRODUCTION TO ANARCHISM

Black And Red Federation
bathactivistnet[at]yahoo.co.uk

16/11/12

MEDIA RELEASE – for immediate use
Anarchy vs. Chaos: An Introduction to Anarchism

ON SATURDAY 24TH November, from 3 until 6pm in the Coffee Lounge of Manvers Street Baptist Church in Bath (a minute’s walk from Bath Spa train station), the Black And Red Federation will be organising a discussion on anarchism, and invite members of the public to come along and take part. The group feels that recent government policy and business lobbyists have made the UK a better place for millionaires and rightwing politicians, but an increasingly uncertain and unhealthy place for everyone else.

Anarchism has received a bad press ever since its birth 219 years ago, with anarchists forced into stereotypes of either violent thugs or sandal-footed hippies – caricatures repeated by both the media and political establishment on one side, but also by self-proclaimed anarchists on the other. But many anarchists see it differently: the philosophy has come a long way since its roots amongst the Taoists of ancient China and the Christian heretic Anabaptists of 16th Century Europe, promoting mutual respect, equality and rationality, and opposing oppression wherever it appears. Indeed, anarchism had become a mass movement of hundreds of thousands of everyday people fighting for and winning freedom in 1920s Ukraine and 1930s Spain, however briefly. Far from embracing destruction and chaos, anarchists say that ‘Anarchism is Order’!

In Bath on the Saturday, a handful of local speakers will make short presentations on the ideas and history of this important but controversial political philosophy, before breaking down into longer group sessions where all present are invited to discuss and offer their two cents. The group will ask whether, in this current climate of biting austerity and growing global unrest, anarchists and their ideas have any role to play?

Entry is free, food and hot drinks will be available, as will stalls of literature, and all are welcome to come along and join them on the day!

Notes to the Editor:

If you would like any further information, please email bathactivistnet[at]yahoo.co.uk

You may also want to check out any of the following:

network23.org/barf
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THEORY CORNER: ON THE RECEIVING END

In the first of a three-part series on heightened ‘security’ culture, we look at the increase in oppressive policing, surveillance and militarization of society, explore the state’s reasons for this and begin to suggest ways to fight back.

NOW MORESO THAN ever, those of us who don’t fit in with the aims of the state are under attack. As the economic situation worsens and people fight back, these attacks carried out by the state and their supporters will grow, and take various forms. Young people, the unemployed, trades unionists, travellers, the sick and disabled, migrants, and protesters (amongst others) are demonised in the media and calls are made for them to be controlled.

There is an unprecedented attack on benefits claimants – through cuts, sanctions and the use of ATOS to penalise the disabled. Workfare is used as a form of slave labour, obliging the unemployed to work for free. In terms of surveillance, Britain now has more C.C.T.V. cameras per head than any other country and the authorities are calling for tighter controls on our phone calls and e-mails.

Through the so-called ‘justice’ system last year, poor rioters were tried straight away and handed top-heavy sentences by special courts, while the rich and powerful get away with crimes like tax evasion scott free. Even the high profile friends of the David Cameron charged with corruption and phone hacking are yet to see proper trial. The right to protest is being eroded. This year the courts have ruled it legal to kettle demonstrators and to arrest and hold people before they commit any offence, like those arrested during last year’s royal wedding.

Ian Tomlinson is the most well-known of those who have died at the hands of the police, but 15 people have died in/following police custody between 2011 and 2012. Also, remember that no police officer has been successfully prosecuted for a death in this country since the 1960’s. Events like the Olympics and the Jubilee are used in two ways by the state: to both increase security (military, police or private security) firms erasure of rights, and to get the public used to seeing soldiers on the streets. What was once rare in the security field now becomes the norm. People who complain, or refuse to comply, are branded as ‘subversive’ or, worse, ‘unpatriotic’, and requires control.

So what can we do about the increased militarisation of the forces against us?

Firstly, we need to publicise what is happening. Secondly, we need to join with others on what unites us, not what divides us. Through organisations like anti-cuts campaigns, we can increase our numbers and build up our strength. Thirdly, we must not be intimidated by the authorities: some leftwing groups now ask for the permission to demonstrate, which just leads to more restrictions on our right to protest. We need to remember that the streets are ours, not theirs.

THEORY CORNER: WHY DO THEY ONLY CALL IT CLASS WAR WHEN WE FIGHT BACK?

Each month, Theory Corner will look at and explain a different idea or action. This month, we will look at what is meant by the often misunderstood term ‘class war’.

EACH TIME A group of workers walk out on strike, or ordinary people target or criticise a boss or millionaire, right-wing rags such as the Sun and Daily Mail start screaming about ‘Class War’. To an extent, they’re right, but that’s only half the story.

Class war is not just about ordinary people attacking the rich and powerful: rather, it is a fact of everyday life that gets played out in hundreds of different ways, every day. We live in a society divided into classes. At its most basic, there are two broad classes – bosses and workers. It is rare that these two classes co-exist happily, as the power and wealth of one depends on the oppression and poverty of the other. When a boss increases his profits, he does so at the expense of the worker, through increased workload, pay reductions, redundancies or other cost-cutting measures. When a worker wins a strike for more pay, or against bullying, she does so at the expense of some of the wealth or power of the employer. ‘Class war’ simply describes the fact that there can be no real peace in the world while one class owns all the wealth and power and the other, far larger, class has none.

Class war is all around us all of the time. When the government allows big banks to get away with fraud and financial crimes, but bangs up ordinary people for the same thing, this is class war. When the rich send in police to break up a strike or demonstration, this is also class war. In this class war, most of us are fighting our corner. Sometimes, this involves large actions like strikes or workplace sabotage. Often, it is small things like pinching supplies from work or pulling a sickie. This may not sound like much, but would we need to do it if we were treated fairly at work?

So, class war is not just riots or strikes, it is a description of the tension that arises from the fact that the rich tries to maintain its power and privilege at our expense. Sometimes, we win, sometimes the boss class wins, but class war is something that is all around us all the time – not something that some of us have chosen to fight, but a struggle that is going on whether we like it or not. The question is, how can we, the ordinary people, win? As Warren Buffet, investment banker and one of the world’s 10 wealthiest men likes to say, “There’s class warfare all right, but it’s (often) my class, the rich class, that’s making war”.