Discussion

For discussion of things related to Occupy. Generally, you will want to leave the comments on.

Hedge’s Hypocrisies: The Surgeons of Occupy

Posted by

from Counterpunch by PETER GELDERLOOS In his February 6 article entitled, “The Cancer of Occupy,”Chris Hedges attempts to analyze the political beliefs and practices of the black bloc, a group he characterizes as the scourge of the Occupy movement. Although Mr. Hedges evidently conducted at least a little to research his article, he does not quote a single proponent or participant of a black bloc, neither within the Occupy movement nor from any of the many other black blocs that have been organized in the United States. Such research would … Continued

19311

Chris Hedges’ Very Public Meltdown

Posted by

From Daily Kos Many people have been taken aback by Chris Hedges’ vehement and incendiary denunciation of “the Black Bloc anarchists” in his latest Truthdig effort titled “The Cancer in Occupy.” While Hedges has long been known for pulling no rhetorical punches when it comes to the High and the Mighty, the Ruling Elites, the Liberal Class, and so forth, this piece seems distinctly out of character for him. As a rule, he does not attack the powerless, nor does he dispute the necessity for rebels and activists to “stand … Continued

19309

To Be Fair, He Is a Journalist: A Short Response to Chris Hedges on the Black Bloc

Posted by

by Don Gato of Facing Reality It was a little weird to wake up today to an article by Chris Hedges on a website called “Truth-Out” when “truth” is in such short supply in the piece. Hedges was trained as a journalist and worked for years at such luminaries of lies like the New York Times, so it shouldn’t be a secret where he’s gotten his sensationalism, his tendency to lie, his hyperbole, and, most of all, his seeming inability to do rudimentary research. Nonetheless, when activist celebrities like Hedges … Continued

19317

Hedging Our Bets on the Black Bloc

Posted by

from infoshop news Chris Hedges has written some of the most insightful analysis of the U.S. war machine in recent years. His 2009 book “The Empire of Illusion” was an exploration of how exhibition has eclipsed truth and meaningful connection in American society. His acknowledgment of the ease in which one can buy into such spectacles is a small part of why it was so odd to read his article on Truthdig attacking both anarchists and black bloc tactics entitled “The Cancer in Occupy.” It is patently clear that Hedges’ … Continued

19315

Stop using my city as your ideological playground

Posted by

I understand that it takes 90% to pass a resolution at GA.  The most annoying part of this is that there is NO resolution that I have heard of that approves the violence (aka diversity of tactics). So, what we need to do is get those of us who want the violence to stop to show up at a GA and pass the resolution that the violent faction has been blocking.  Maybe we should pick a day to try and get the people out to one of these GA meetings. … Continued

19148

What I hope Occupy Oakland can avoid

Posted by

Foreword: I do not know who took the picture at the end of this essay. I chose it because I think it illustrates a critical point, and it’s also an amazing photo. If the photographer wants me to remove it or if they would like to me to include attribution, please submit a comment to that effect. Update 2/12/12: Though I’m not 100% sure the picture was taken by Ezra Silk, it appears to have first been posted here. I’m attempting to contact Silk and will post updates accordingly. Update … Continued

19078

Chris Hedges’ Epic Fail – Solidarity with Anarchists

Posted by

there is so much to laugh at in Hedges’ recent smear campaign against anarchists within the occupy movement.  Except it’s not funny; he is doing the work of the police and FBI in dividing and criminalizing certain elements of the movement. Blood will be on his hands when the OPD uses these same arguments for increasing their violent crack downs on Occupy Oakland. Yet I still have to laugh when I read his piece calling the young people who wear masks and aren’t afraid to confront the police ‘a cancer’. … Continued

19039

The Difference Between Nonviolence and Pacifism

Posted by

The Difference Between Nonviolence and Pacifism A tremendous amount of controversy is being stirred up in Occupy Oakland by the tactics of a small minority of demonstrators, some calling their group the “Black Bloc.” I agree with the assessment some have put forth that throwing things and provoking the police to respond violently is counterproductive and endangers everyone participating in an action, particularly the least mobile demonstrators who are often children and the elderly. Having said that, I would like to clarify my feelings on the philosophy of nonviolence, which … Continued

18998

Self-Critical Reflections from the Santa Rita Jail

Posted by

Reposted from Viewpoint Magazine Santa Rita, I Hate Every Inch of You Posted by Jeb Purucker ⋅ February 6, 2012 Twenty-four hours into my incarceration in Santa Rita Jail, I found myself in yet another tactical conversation, dissecting the numerous failures that had led to the kettling and mass arrests of about 400 Occupy Oakland demonstrators. This is one of the few upsides of a mass arrest. After getting the rowdy activists off the streets, the police find themselves hosting a three-day strategy conference inside the jail. Whenever a conversation begins … Continued

18774

Did DOT Pass GA?

Posted by

I expect there will be more shortsighted dismissals of Hedges critique and even more choosing to ignore it.  The problem, however won’t go away.  The once great potential of Occupy Oakland has been greatly compromised by the ineffective and immature tactics of the BB.   Josh Healy, Osha Neuman, the Anonomyous post,  Hedges, John Reimann, and Joseph Anderson have all stuck their necks out attempting to warn us. If the BB has such an irrepressible need to battle the cops let them call their own actions instead of using OO actions … Continued

18769
Older Posts
Newer Posts