blasts from the past

while researching my delayed response to the still thought-provoking thread on the yinsurgent's open letter to "anarchists" who voted for obama i came across the crimethinc far east blog.

laura and i were loosely affiliated with some of the folks who began the crimethinc "ex-workers collective" for many years and still promote some of their early works.

i had long ago written off the web presence of crimethinc due to some seriously stupid web forums, and to a certain extent grown indifferent to their continuing literary and artistic output.

however, i found the blog compelling and refreshing. i was unaware of their new biannual journal, rolling thunder and it looks a positive venture. i'll read some of the pdfs soon, and maybe buy one.

they had their own take on the obama debate... it focused more directly to an anarchist audience than their less-confrontational 2004 effort, but similarly posed some good ideas.

among them was the notion of side-stepping the pro or anti obama debate altogether to focus on the direct economic and environmental threats facing us regardless.

one commenter brought up the notion of very localized efforts, promoting debtor's cartels in response to the economic mess. i've always found local action more appealing.

overall i am honored to debate the issue with such bright folks, and i think everyone is making good points. it may be a distraction from rioting, but debate is healthy.

the real stuff will always be autonomy, food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and the sacredness of the environment. i'll detail how i pick which tactics when i write my response.