(I cross posted this to my personal blog. Actually, I would recommend reading it there instead of here, only because in that version it includes a series of links that I think are important to the point I want to make here. I couldn't get it to directly paste the links, and when I pasted the HTML version the links did not come up properly. I don't want to relink everything, and the link button above isn't even working for me right now, so read it there if you want the links too.)
Today, across the West Coast, countless droves of individuals, affinity groups, union members, and others who are associating themselves with the Occupy movement are aiming to shut down the west coast's ports, which should be read as nothing less than a direct attack on capitalism. However, the validity of this campaign has been called into question, and as usual the attacks come from those screaming "JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS" and "MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY."
Note: Nothing contained within here is meant to spur anyone to commit acts of violence. While I am a defender of violence and threats thereof as a tactic, I do not necessarily believe that our movement is in a place to begin committing these acts (though I think we should stand in solidarity with those who choose to do so, such as some in Oakland and elsewhere). It seems to me that, at this stage, it might be most important to build linkages with others outside of our movement, and if violence alienates those individuals, then perhaps it is a tactic best not used in the name of
I intend to write a series of blogs, the goal of which will be to educate people on the historical and theoretical antecedents to our movement. Of course, many people will already be well educated on these matters, and my approach to them is simply my own, and not one that should be understood as universal. Nonetheless, I hope it offers something of value.
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