a first communique from two uncitizens of arterial bloc
There have been many calls for Arterial Bloc to come forward and "justify" their tactics during the G20 protests. The following statement is not a justification of specific actions; it is an exploration of politics. This statement has not been written for or on behalf of the Bloc; it has been written from within the Bloc. None of us can be leaders or spokespeople for each other.
We apologise for the delay. We were not able to head straight from the streets to the internet. We have been dealing with the consequences of achieving more than perhaps we thought we would, and the aftermath of repression. We have been caring for each other, talking to each other, trying to find out what happened to those arrested and injured; remembering to breathe and sleep and eat. (more…)
(This is an edited version of an email I sent to Mutiny Bloc, in reply to this message when it was posted to the organise list. I have deleted irrelevant bits, but the message remains the same)
Firstly I would like to say I respect your position and understand your arguments. But I disagree with your conclusion. Before I get into that, I would like to say that no good can come from stereotyping certain types of protesters. Be they ‘mature/disciplined protesters’ or any other label.
I understand that property damage and direct confrontation can have a place and serve a specific purpose. But I believe that the property damage that occurred on Saturday does not belong to this category. It was massively overstated and misrepresented - no doubt, but it still seemed to have no consequential or utilitarian justification. I know when you speak generally and metaphorically, this kind of confrontation can be broadly justified, but we need to deal with specifics here, because specifics matter. Had Paul Wolfowitz been inside that infamous van, or had it been about to run over some protesters, or had it been part of a revolutionary process perhaps, I could understand the attack. But as it happens, there was no such purpose.
Now all of this would be academic, except that the consequences of these small actions have been so enormous. From a public relations perspective, in the mind of Joe Average it has totally confirmed the stereotypes of protesters that we all fought so hard to dispel. Now the views of Joe Average cannot be dismissed, simply because he/she is on the other side of the distorting lens of the corporate media. The views of Joe Average have a very direct impact on the success or failure of movements.
And the broader left has abandoned us. Some of the people who spoke at the library on Saturday, have indicated that they will not do so again. This kind of reaction is pouring in from unions, and various non-violent groups, and all sorts of individuals who are normally sympathetic. Next time such an event is held - perhaps at APEC - the media, the public, and the cops will be baying for our blood, and the broader left will not come to our aid. This will place protesters in danger, and result in thin numbers at events.
Now I understand that you may believe that I am exaggerating the consequences of those few actions on Saturday. Maybe it won’t be quite so bad. But the point I am making is given that those actions have had such a devastating impact on the momentum of the broader movement, those actions require a specific and powerful justification, one which is not forthcoming.
If this makes me a ‘mature protester’ or a sell-out or anything else, so be it. But it needs to be said and it needs to be addressed. Even supposing my view is wrong, it is a view held by too many people for it to be brushed aside.
I do not write this as an attempt to blame you or any group for anything - the reality is I do not know who was responsible, and I don’t really care. It is the actions that I want to condemn, and I think we as a movement need to face up to this in order for us to progress in solidarity beyond this point. Your statement was a good start in this process.
When the dust settles, and everyone is safe, I sincerely hope that everyone can get together in a positive environment, and really work through these issues. Otherwise this will just happen again and again. Division and disunity are bad, but will only fester if people do not get their views out. (this blog is a fantastic idea, and a great outlet)
I hope everyone is OK, and I look forward to hearing about any campaigns to assist those in trouble with the law. Peace to you all,
Matthew.
Comment by Matthew Price — December 1, 2006 @ 1:07 am