Hi everyone,
While I’m saddened about the raid yesterday, I think 18 mayors gave us all a great opportunity for all of us occupiers and allies to collectively breathe, rest and think about our next move.
I urge everyone to think outside the box and think outside the camp. Our struggle is more than a physical occupation. Camping is indeed a tactic, as Jean Quan knows. I personally would like to see in Oakland the resurgence of the social programs the Black Panther Party created, such as the Free Breakfast Program. (In the ’60s, the Black Panthers with the help of churches, managed to feed poor children breakfast before school started). If the State can’t or isn’t willing to take care of people, then it should help people who want to take care of themselves.
Let’s remember that our struggle is for the long haul and for the improvement of our lives. Yes this is a struggle, but it’s not a war. The 1% make war. We make peace. The last thing we want to do is to think like the 1% and get dragged down into the “let’s make war” mindset. They’ve been at it for many, many years, and that’s what they want with us. At the same time, I’m not saying don’t resist, but rather waging war shouldn’t be on our prefrontal cortex. It shouldn’t be our priority because it’s a battle that is ancillary. Our primary concern should be, “How do we make this thing fair and work for everyone?”. This takes time, and it’s not as exciting as a confrontation with the cops can be. Anyway, there’s not much one can do for the betterment of society behind bars (except maybe if your name is Mumia or Leonard).
Take care,
Tlahtolli
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