Should Occupiers be burning the US Flag?

["Mad" Miles]

RE: “black bloc”: Letters and Politics on KPFA. https://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/77663

Hotspring 44,

I just happened to catch the tail end of that on my way to the dentist! Good points made. Although I found the spokesperson for the BB a bit fuzzy. I'm going to stop defending the BB against sweeping and scurrilous attacks, for now. They're doing an able job of defending themselves, for those willing to seek out their opinion. We already know from research that most people argue to confirm what they already think.

["Mad" Miles]

Activists and Anarchists Speak for Themselves at Occupy Oakland

Wednesday 8 February 2012


A Bustle in Hedges’ Row

by RANDALL AMSTER


Black Bloc Tactics - 10 Quick Points!

[The Contractor]

The obvious answer is "no" as it serves no useful purpose and is used by the Power Elite driving the conversion of America into a Marxist country as a way of polarizing people and groups that might otherwise cooperate. The "flag" has done nothing as it is inanimate and symbolic. Preserving the good while ridding the nation of the corrupt political rot needs to remain the sole focus. Infusing an element that provokes visceral responses rather than intellectual discourse simply plays into the hands of the Puppet Masters. NWO media stooge Rupert Murdock will spin flag burning every way possible to portray movement members as the threat to American society thereby diverting attention from the real gangstas causing all the harm, namely, Congress. Smoke and Mirrors is a favorite "slight of mind" tactic of the greedy power brokers ... don't provide them with smoke (pun intended) by engaging in flag burning.

This is the photo that the AP is running with their story about the protest. I think that is a most unfortunate image for the movement. This shouldn't be happening at our protests. If we are going to be successful, the movement needs to be broad based. This is sure to offend many who might otherwise be allies, and rightly so. If it were the corptocracy flag (with logos rather than stars) it might not be so bad, but even that is not appropriate.

We should be embracing the flag! This movement is about restoring american values and restoring american democracy and restoring american dignity. It is about loving and caring for the US, not hating it.

What do you think??

["Mad" Miles]

David Graeber is the Anarchist Anthropology Professor considered most responsible, but not solely, for organizing Occupy Wall Street!, in response to a call by AdBusters Magazine last summer. He's an interesting guy, worth checking out if you're not already aware of who he is, and his contributions to Non-Violent Direct Action organizing in the last decade. Also there are many, many more who have been involved for far longer. He's not "our" leader. He's an influential activist with important things to say. Here he is in response to Chris Hedge's screed vilifying the Black Bloc.

https://nplusonemag.com/concerning-the-violent-peace-police


The comment I was responding to below, was split off in a new thread.
The Power Elite driving the conversion of America into a Marxist

On a completely different note:

"...the Power Elite driving the conversion of America into a Marxist country..."

Whah?

Is The Contractor, aka John Springer, the same John who does rope courses out near Occidental? Cause if so, this doesn't seem in character for you!?

[scamperwillow]

I think it is stupid and inflammatory (so to speak...) and will lose the support of a big chunk of the 99%.

This is the photo that the AP is running with their story about the protest. I think that is a most unfortunate image for the movement. This shouldn't be happening at our protests. If we are going to be successful, the movement needs to be broad based. This is sure to offend many who might otherwise be allies, and rightly so. If it were the corptocracy flag (with logos rather than stars) it might not be so bad, but even that is not appropriate.

We should be embracing the flag! This movement is about restoring american values and restoring american democracy and restoring american dignity. It is about loving and caring for the US, not hating it.

What do you think??