I reject the pledge put forth by the SF working group “Be The Change Nonviolence”.
I reject the characterization of the “diversity of tactics” as an embrace of violence. I reject the notion that damage to non-sentient objects which may occur in the course of or as a result of struggle is categorically “violent” or immoral.
I reject any attempt to create schisms within the occupy movement by launching ad-hominem attacks meant to derail the movement from gaining momentum and support from the public.
I believe that restricting protest and struggle to voicing dissent validates the memes of a corrupt and spiritually bankrupt system which has validated unconstitutional police-state measures.
I believe that the attempt to exclude those who embrace a diversity of tactics is an self-aggrandizing attempt to knowingly channel the momentum of the Occupy movement into a self-defeating set of tactics suitable only for voicing dissent and making symbolic statements. We cannot limit ourselves to voicing dissent in full knowledge that doing so is not sufficient to challenge the power of the corporate police state.
I believe that a counterproductive effort to demean others who are risking life and limb and freedom to challenge the system is creating a negative and toxic environment.
I believe that when people stand firm in their principles and convictions, they gain respect.
I believe that we are faced with a necessity of challenging the system imposed by the 1% in a material manner and that we must do so effectively.
I believe that mass-action is the key to success in gaining tactical and material victories for the movement. These actions must send a clear message that escalation by the forces of the corporatocracy such as those precedented by COINTELPRO and the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Judi Bari will be met with a determined response.
I believe that a decent regard for human life is compatible with crafting effective responses to state terrorism.
If the Occupy movement cannot come to terms with itself on this issue, it should split into “Actual Occupy” and “Symbolic Statement Occupy” factions; neither speaks for the 99% as each represents only a fraction of the overall population.
Here’s the text from the “Be the Change” wg:
What We Do: Our primary mission is to help transform ourselves and our society into truly nonviolent and compassionate individuals within a community dedicated to the common good of all humanity. We actively support and participate in the Occupy Movement.
Our Pledge:
As a participant in the Occupy movement, I hereby commit my whole self to nonviolence.
Therefore to the best of my ability:
I am firmly committed to nonviolence as a way of life, not merely as a tactic.
I meet violence with compassion for others and myself.
I walk, talk and act in love and nonviolence.
I refrain from verbal and physical violence.
I do not accept “a diversity of tactics” when those tactics are violent or damage property.
I am open, respectful, and kind with everyone I encounter.
I invite the 1% to join us and will not insult them.
I seek justice and reconciliation so that we are all winners.
I avoid both selfishness and power trips.
I strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health as we work to build a just and democratic society.
I’d like to know what “diversity of tactics” are being promoted if its possible to quantify them. I don’t have the capacity to do much more than argue cantankerously as I’m actually extremely careful as an individual about which tactics I would use under which cirucmstances. My involvement with Occupy is limited as I have not been involved with any affinity groups and I don’t want to wind up being ass-raped and waterboarded in some black site prison somewhere. Still, I feel the need to confront those that want to march around and feel better about themselves but can’t do so because they feel guilty about not putting their ass on the line like others do and so they have to shut them out.
Thank you Shawn for asking me to go the Farm, it is beautiful! –
