The Vermont secessionist/separatist/sovereigntist/independence movement is starting to receive a fair amount of press in the mainstream national media, even Fox News has covered it. The largest organization of the movement are the Second Vermont Republic (SVP) and the think-tank The Middlebury Institute. Additionally smaller, more grassroots organizations/networks such as FreeVermont.net and the Green Mountain Anarchist Collective, about which I have previously posted.
After reading some of issues of SVP's newspaper, VT Commons as well as other people's thoughts I have come to form a more complete opinion of the mainstream/reformist portions of the Vermont secession movement. The paper presents a good theoretical basis for the movement, making a solid argument for both the legitimacy and the benefits of Vermont's secession from the union. I enjoy reading the paper and find it well written. Unfortunately the articles border on "high theory," limiting its potential audience somewhat. In terms of political alignment, I find the paper and the mainstream movement as a whole to be insufficiently anti-capitalist. Vermont will not be truly liberated as long as people are oppressed by other people. The movement seems to be almost completely lacking of a working-class component. This may change as the movement grows in size, but at the moment I find myself slightly disgusted by its bourgeois nature.
At its core it is a nationalist movement and as such may fall prey to many of the shortcomings of nationalism. By defining Vermont as a nation-state, an exclusionary discourse of who belongs, and implicitly who does not belong to the nation emerges. Nationalism is also problematic from an anarchist perspective. In this view nationalisms do not aim to dismantle to state apparatus, a hierarchy and therefore does not aim to end oppressive relationship between humans.
I look forward to learning more about the SVR but at this point I am not completely sold. They have worthy aspirations (i.e. the end of an empire) but again, is not sufficiently anti-capitalist. Any viable Vermont secession movement must be led by the proletariat, not the petty bourgeoisie. The movement must be pushed radically towards the left by members of the revolutionary left.
Jul 28, 2008
Jul 26, 2008
Concerning the Alleged Racism of the Second Vermont Republic Organization
via Anarkismo
I realize that I am kinda reporting on this late in the game but I just recently caught wind of the controversy cause by the Second Vermont Republic's alleged ties to racist, right-wing organizations. Although I tacitly support the Second Vermont Republic, as we share a common goal, I have many problems with it and the Vermont Commons, regardless of their political ties. In the near future I will post an article detailing my thoughts on the mainstream Vermont secessionist movements Also see this article from Infoshop News.
Concerning the Alleged Racism of the Second Vermont Republic Organization
Statement of the Green Mountain Collective, NEFAC
The Green Mountain Collective, NEFAC (composed of members of the VT AFL-CIO, the Vermont worker co-op movement, the Student Labor Action Project, and the Vermont Workers’ Center) finds the reports posted online by Thomas Rowley, and Odem on GreenMountainDaily.com alleging that the Second Vermont Republic (SRV) has official ties to racists and right-wing extremists to be very disturbing. The undemocratic, neo-fascist beliefs of such organizations as the League of The South, the Northern League (of Italy) and others cannot and will not be tolerated in the Green Mountains (as we would expect the SVR to agree). As Vermonters we are unflinchingly dedicated to democracy, community, equality, and freedom. Nowhere in this tradition is there a place for racism or bigotry of any kind; nor should there be a place for it in Vermont’s growing separatist movement.
We especially find the presence of Thomas Dirolenzo, and Marco Basani (both NOT Vermonters) on the SVR’s advisory board very troubling. Bassani is a member of a far right Italian Northern League. This party, which advocates secession of the relatively rich Northern part of Italy from the less industrialized central and south, is clearly composed of right-wing extremists who would find little sympathy in the Green Mountains.
“While the [Northern] League leadership dismiss charges of racism, there have been instances of speeches, interviews and banners pointing to that. [party leader] Umberto Bossi himself said that African immigrants, whom he called Bingo-bongos, should not receive popular housing paid for with Lombard money. [Party leader] Erminio Boso proposed to segregate immigrants in different train cars from native Italians. Umberto Bossi, in an interview, suggested opening fire on the boats of immigrants who would disembark in Italy, but after widespread criticism he declared he meant the empty boats. The former mayor of Treviso, Giancarlo Gentilini, talking about those he called immigrant slackers, said that "We should dress them up like hares and bang-bang-bang". In June 2005, at a festival organized by the League, a banner was displayed saying "Rape Pecoraro", (referring to Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, the openly bisexual secretary of the Federation of the Greens); the banner caused outcry… In 2005, Mario Borghezio, MP for the [Northern] League at the European Parliament, was found guilty of arson, for having set on fire the belongings of some immigrants sleeping under a bridge in Turin in 2000.” [from Wicapedia]
As Vermonters, and as people who uphold a basic humanism, we find it deplorable that a member of such a political movement is allowed legitimacy in Vermont, as an official advisor of our separatist movement.
Dirolenzo, for his part, holds extreme anti-worker, anti-working class positions. He regularly calls pro-union workers, and socialists “malcontents” in his writings, and contends that organized labor is a great social evil in American society. For this he sits on the SVR’s advisory board? Here we would remind all that 30,000 Vermonters are union members, and another 70,000 are either retired union members or relatives thereof; that is one in six Vermonters. And again, if, according to Dirolenzo, socialists are malcontents, what does that say about the 65% of Vermonters who just elected socialist Bernie Sanders to the U.S. Senate?
To quote from Dirolenzo’s own writings:
“One of the oldest myths about capitalism is the notion that factories that offer the poor higher wages to lure them off the streets (and away from lives of begging, stealing, prostitution, or worse) or away from back-breaking farm labor somehow impoverishes and exploits them. They are said to work in "sweatshops" for "subsistence wages." That was the claim made by socialists and unionists in the early days of the industrial revolution, and it is still made today by the same category of malcontents - usually by people who have never themselves performed manual labor and experienced breaking a sweat while working. (I am not referring here to the red herring claim that most foreign "sweatshops" utilize some kind of slave labor. This is an outrageous propaganda ploy designed to portray defenders of free markets as being in favor of slavery)… Finally, perhaps one of the strongest virtues of foreign "sweatshops" is that they weaken the hand of American labor unions. With few exceptions, American unions have long been at the forefront of anti-capitalist ideology and have supported virtually all the destructive tax and regulatory policies that have been so poisonous to American capitalism. Unions believe that they cannot exist unless workers can be convinced that employers are the enemies of the working class, if not society, and that they (the workers) need unions to protect them from these exploiters.”
[from the Green Mountain Daily report]
Instead, Dirolenzo argues the virtues of capitalist economics such as Wal-mart. “Wal-Mart has undeniably been a glorious economic blessing for its mostly low- and middle-income customers; has created hundreds of thousands of new jobs; has enriched thousands of small business owners who supply its products; has invented many new and superior management techniques; and has been a driving force of a large segment of the entire US economy.” [from Dirolenzo’s article ‘Should Wal-Mart Be Broken Up’ 7-19-06]
Here we should not have to remind folks that Vermont was the last state that allowed Wall-mart to enter (under Dean’s watch), and that Wall-mart is an economic institution which hurts our traditional downtown economies and which pays it’s employees far less than livable wages.
These two advisory board member have to go.
Likewise, we do not understand why the SVR would reasonably choose to provide a link on their website to an organization called “The League of The South.” This self styled neo-confederate organization is also cut from the far right. In a recent article posted on their official website, the group questions the very meaning of the word “racist” which they contend was invented as some sort of Marxist conspiracy. They further come to the bizarre conclusion that “Therefore, loyalty to one's cultural traditions, from the way you talk to the faith you profess, is a manifestation of a fear of progress, and progress, as we all know, is the inevitable movement toward globalism and universalism that Marxism promised. Love of one's own people, then, is not love, but hatred of one's neighbors… The motivation of the anti-racist, then, is not justice, brotherhood, or concern for the downtrodden, but the lust for power and treasure.” [‘Lets Drop The ‘R’ Word’ by Michael C. Tuggle, 1-25-07]
With that being said, we understand that such connections and ties, as outlined by the article ‘Second Vermont Republic/Vermont Commons Tied To White Supremacists’ may have developed unintentionally and without the knowledge of SRV’s membership. In fact we have talked to MANY SVR members and supporters across the state, including Vermonters on the advisory board, who had no idea that SVR’s leadership had developed ties with persons holding such far-right beliefs. In addition, many long time members had no idea who Dirolenzo or Basani are or what positions they hold. In many ways, this latest controversy may be systemic of the separatist movement lacking a democratic oversight of the policy positions of the organization.
To support this ‘benefit of the doubt’, the Green Mountain Anarchist Collective points to the previous joint statement of Thomas Naylor of SRV and our collective decrying the right-wing Minuteman organization; an organization with neo-nazi ties which both our collective and Naylor of the SRV called on common Vermonters to resist (and which we successfully did resist). Furthermore, knowing such SVR leaders as Thomas Naylor, Rob Williams, and Jim Hogue in a personal capacity, we attest to the fact that they do not hold racist views, nor have they espoused anything but a vision of ethnic and race equality in their understanding of how an independent Vermont would operate. And again, the SVR has a solid list of outstanding progressive-leftist members/activists including Peter Schumann of Bread & Puppet, anti-Bush activist Dan Dewalt, and others. However, this ‘benefit of the doubt’ must be backed up by immediate corrective measures on the part of the SVR.
These measures must include:
1. The immediate dismissal from SRV’s advisory board of Thomas Dirolenzo (for extreme anti-worker, anti-union views) & Marco Basani (for his connections to the extremist, anti-immigrant, Northern League of Italy).
2. The official cutting of relations between SRV and the neo-Confederate League of the South, as well as any other organizations with ties to right-wing extremists, racists, and/or neo-fascists. The weblink on the SVR website must be deleted.
3. A statement from the SVR recognizing a workers’ right to form unions and the historical necessity for workers to do such insofar as democracy and economic equality are goals which are socially desirable.
4. A statement from the SVR that reaffirms their complete opposition to racism, fascism, bigotry and discrimination.
5. These statements should be posted on the SVR website, and should be printed in the Vermont Commons (which is a sister organization of SVR)
We expect SRV to do the right thing and to comply with the above five conditions insofar as they remain committed to “direct democracy on the farm and in the workplace,” anti-racism, anti-fascism, and the building of a progressive social movement in Vermont and beyond.
In conclusion, the Green Mountain Collective believes that the above outlined links between the SVR and extreme-right wing elements developed through the false idea that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” and that “separatism is the most revolutionary force in the world today”; both ideas have been forwarded by the SVR. Let us remember that Ethan Allan and the Green Mountain Boys once rode into the town of Gilford, Vermont, in order to put down a counter revolution launched by a group of people who’s aim it was to break up the formation of Vermont and to turn back the tide of democracy by themselves separating from the Green Mountains and instead allying themselves to the reactionary New York government. In a word, secession is not revolutionary in itself. If the League of the South separates from the US in order to recreate a Jim Crow south, nothing will have been gained, and much will have been lost. Separatism can only be considered a useful and ethical tool if it is aimed at a truly revolutionary end; that being the reorganization of society according to participatory democracy, social equity, and freedom. Anything else is a sham and a half measure. We invite the Second Vermont Republic to agree.
The Green Mountain Collective, NEFAC
greencollective@chek.com
http://nefac.net
I realize that I am kinda reporting on this late in the game but I just recently caught wind of the controversy cause by the Second Vermont Republic's alleged ties to racist, right-wing organizations. Although I tacitly support the Second Vermont Republic, as we share a common goal, I have many problems with it and the Vermont Commons, regardless of their political ties. In the near future I will post an article detailing my thoughts on the mainstream Vermont secessionist movements Also see this article from Infoshop News.
Concerning the Alleged Racism of the Second Vermont Republic Organization
Statement of the Green Mountain Collective, NEFAC
The Green Mountain Collective, NEFAC (composed of members of the VT AFL-CIO, the Vermont worker co-op movement, the Student Labor Action Project, and the Vermont Workers’ Center) finds the reports posted online by Thomas Rowley, and Odem on GreenMountainDaily.com alleging that the Second Vermont Republic (SRV) has official ties to racists and right-wing extremists to be very disturbing. The undemocratic, neo-fascist beliefs of such organizations as the League of The South, the Northern League (of Italy) and others cannot and will not be tolerated in the Green Mountains (as we would expect the SVR to agree). As Vermonters we are unflinchingly dedicated to democracy, community, equality, and freedom. Nowhere in this tradition is there a place for racism or bigotry of any kind; nor should there be a place for it in Vermont’s growing separatist movement.
We especially find the presence of Thomas Dirolenzo, and Marco Basani (both NOT Vermonters) on the SVR’s advisory board very troubling. Bassani is a member of a far right Italian Northern League. This party, which advocates secession of the relatively rich Northern part of Italy from the less industrialized central and south, is clearly composed of right-wing extremists who would find little sympathy in the Green Mountains.
“While the [Northern] League leadership dismiss charges of racism, there have been instances of speeches, interviews and banners pointing to that. [party leader] Umberto Bossi himself said that African immigrants, whom he called Bingo-bongos, should not receive popular housing paid for with Lombard money. [Party leader] Erminio Boso proposed to segregate immigrants in different train cars from native Italians. Umberto Bossi, in an interview, suggested opening fire on the boats of immigrants who would disembark in Italy, but after widespread criticism he declared he meant the empty boats. The former mayor of Treviso, Giancarlo Gentilini, talking about those he called immigrant slackers, said that "We should dress them up like hares and bang-bang-bang". In June 2005, at a festival organized by the League, a banner was displayed saying "Rape Pecoraro", (referring to Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, the openly bisexual secretary of the Federation of the Greens); the banner caused outcry… In 2005, Mario Borghezio, MP for the [Northern] League at the European Parliament, was found guilty of arson, for having set on fire the belongings of some immigrants sleeping under a bridge in Turin in 2000.” [from Wicapedia]
As Vermonters, and as people who uphold a basic humanism, we find it deplorable that a member of such a political movement is allowed legitimacy in Vermont, as an official advisor of our separatist movement.
Dirolenzo, for his part, holds extreme anti-worker, anti-working class positions. He regularly calls pro-union workers, and socialists “malcontents” in his writings, and contends that organized labor is a great social evil in American society. For this he sits on the SVR’s advisory board? Here we would remind all that 30,000 Vermonters are union members, and another 70,000 are either retired union members or relatives thereof; that is one in six Vermonters. And again, if, according to Dirolenzo, socialists are malcontents, what does that say about the 65% of Vermonters who just elected socialist Bernie Sanders to the U.S. Senate?
To quote from Dirolenzo’s own writings:
“One of the oldest myths about capitalism is the notion that factories that offer the poor higher wages to lure them off the streets (and away from lives of begging, stealing, prostitution, or worse) or away from back-breaking farm labor somehow impoverishes and exploits them. They are said to work in "sweatshops" for "subsistence wages." That was the claim made by socialists and unionists in the early days of the industrial revolution, and it is still made today by the same category of malcontents - usually by people who have never themselves performed manual labor and experienced breaking a sweat while working. (I am not referring here to the red herring claim that most foreign "sweatshops" utilize some kind of slave labor. This is an outrageous propaganda ploy designed to portray defenders of free markets as being in favor of slavery)… Finally, perhaps one of the strongest virtues of foreign "sweatshops" is that they weaken the hand of American labor unions. With few exceptions, American unions have long been at the forefront of anti-capitalist ideology and have supported virtually all the destructive tax and regulatory policies that have been so poisonous to American capitalism. Unions believe that they cannot exist unless workers can be convinced that employers are the enemies of the working class, if not society, and that they (the workers) need unions to protect them from these exploiters.”
[from the Green Mountain Daily report]
Instead, Dirolenzo argues the virtues of capitalist economics such as Wal-mart. “Wal-Mart has undeniably been a glorious economic blessing for its mostly low- and middle-income customers; has created hundreds of thousands of new jobs; has enriched thousands of small business owners who supply its products; has invented many new and superior management techniques; and has been a driving force of a large segment of the entire US economy.” [from Dirolenzo’s article ‘Should Wal-Mart Be Broken Up’ 7-19-06]
Here we should not have to remind folks that Vermont was the last state that allowed Wall-mart to enter (under Dean’s watch), and that Wall-mart is an economic institution which hurts our traditional downtown economies and which pays it’s employees far less than livable wages.
These two advisory board member have to go.
Likewise, we do not understand why the SVR would reasonably choose to provide a link on their website to an organization called “The League of The South.” This self styled neo-confederate organization is also cut from the far right. In a recent article posted on their official website, the group questions the very meaning of the word “racist” which they contend was invented as some sort of Marxist conspiracy. They further come to the bizarre conclusion that “Therefore, loyalty to one's cultural traditions, from the way you talk to the faith you profess, is a manifestation of a fear of progress, and progress, as we all know, is the inevitable movement toward globalism and universalism that Marxism promised. Love of one's own people, then, is not love, but hatred of one's neighbors… The motivation of the anti-racist, then, is not justice, brotherhood, or concern for the downtrodden, but the lust for power and treasure.” [‘Lets Drop The ‘R’ Word’ by Michael C. Tuggle, 1-25-07]
With that being said, we understand that such connections and ties, as outlined by the article ‘Second Vermont Republic/Vermont Commons Tied To White Supremacists’ may have developed unintentionally and without the knowledge of SRV’s membership. In fact we have talked to MANY SVR members and supporters across the state, including Vermonters on the advisory board, who had no idea that SVR’s leadership had developed ties with persons holding such far-right beliefs. In addition, many long time members had no idea who Dirolenzo or Basani are or what positions they hold. In many ways, this latest controversy may be systemic of the separatist movement lacking a democratic oversight of the policy positions of the organization.
To support this ‘benefit of the doubt’, the Green Mountain Anarchist Collective points to the previous joint statement of Thomas Naylor of SRV and our collective decrying the right-wing Minuteman organization; an organization with neo-nazi ties which both our collective and Naylor of the SRV called on common Vermonters to resist (and which we successfully did resist). Furthermore, knowing such SVR leaders as Thomas Naylor, Rob Williams, and Jim Hogue in a personal capacity, we attest to the fact that they do not hold racist views, nor have they espoused anything but a vision of ethnic and race equality in their understanding of how an independent Vermont would operate. And again, the SVR has a solid list of outstanding progressive-leftist members/activists including Peter Schumann of Bread & Puppet, anti-Bush activist Dan Dewalt, and others. However, this ‘benefit of the doubt’ must be backed up by immediate corrective measures on the part of the SVR.
These measures must include:
1. The immediate dismissal from SRV’s advisory board of Thomas Dirolenzo (for extreme anti-worker, anti-union views) & Marco Basani (for his connections to the extremist, anti-immigrant, Northern League of Italy).
2. The official cutting of relations between SRV and the neo-Confederate League of the South, as well as any other organizations with ties to right-wing extremists, racists, and/or neo-fascists. The weblink on the SVR website must be deleted.
3. A statement from the SVR recognizing a workers’ right to form unions and the historical necessity for workers to do such insofar as democracy and economic equality are goals which are socially desirable.
4. A statement from the SVR that reaffirms their complete opposition to racism, fascism, bigotry and discrimination.
5. These statements should be posted on the SVR website, and should be printed in the Vermont Commons (which is a sister organization of SVR)
We expect SRV to do the right thing and to comply with the above five conditions insofar as they remain committed to “direct democracy on the farm and in the workplace,” anti-racism, anti-fascism, and the building of a progressive social movement in Vermont and beyond.
In conclusion, the Green Mountain Collective believes that the above outlined links between the SVR and extreme-right wing elements developed through the false idea that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” and that “separatism is the most revolutionary force in the world today”; both ideas have been forwarded by the SVR. Let us remember that Ethan Allan and the Green Mountain Boys once rode into the town of Gilford, Vermont, in order to put down a counter revolution launched by a group of people who’s aim it was to break up the formation of Vermont and to turn back the tide of democracy by themselves separating from the Green Mountains and instead allying themselves to the reactionary New York government. In a word, secession is not revolutionary in itself. If the League of the South separates from the US in order to recreate a Jim Crow south, nothing will have been gained, and much will have been lost. Separatism can only be considered a useful and ethical tool if it is aimed at a truly revolutionary end; that being the reorganization of society according to participatory democracy, social equity, and freedom. Anything else is a sham and a half measure. We invite the Second Vermont Republic to agree.
The Green Mountain Collective, NEFAC
greencollective@chek.com
http://nefac.net
1984: The Book and the Condition
I recently reread Orwell's classic dystopian novel 1984. 1984 is one of many books that I was force fed throughout my educational career that were taught as critiques of communism. Other example of this type of book include Animal Farm, Brave New World, and Fahrenheit 451. After reading 1984, I realize how flawed and limited my teachers' interpretations of the text were. I read 1984 not as a critique of communism or socialism but of technology-driven totalitarianism, Soviet-style systems of governances and hierarchical society in general.
Big Brother became fully realized not in "communist" countries but in capitalist countries, where the government can be listening to your phone calls, reading your emails, tracking you and listening to you through your cell phone, monitor and track your movements with CCTV systems and generally strip you of your constitutional and human rights. Perhaps the most genius part of the novel was the insertion of text from "the book." Although it was an analysis of English Socialism, I believe that it was Orwell's way of including his personal views on the world that he lived in. The number of ways in which this book is still an extremely relevant piece of commentary on the contemporary society was kinda scary. A perpetual state of war; Loss of civil liberties; Thought police breaking down political dissidents doors; 2008 is 1984. Watch CNN or Fox News and tell me that they aren't using Doublespeak.
Jul 22, 2008
Range Report: Plinking and More Salvaged Ammo
Saheim and I recently went shooting recently as we were eager to put in some more time with my new AK, my old SKS and Saheim's recently reissued Saiga in .308. We also brought out a Marlin rifle and a S&W pistol, both in .22 lr for some plinking. We both had a great time plinking targets from 75 and 100 yards and shooting our respective AK-variants. I found a bunch of rimfire rounds on the ground and one round of .32 H&R magnum. Although many of the rounds that I have found/salvaged are duds or in calibers that I will never shoot, they can always be taken apart for the power and lead to be used in reloading new rounds.
.22 lr is a great caliber for training for a couple of reasons. To begin with, it is a whole heck of a lot cheaper than any other caliber. Additionally, you develop the same shooting skills no matter what caliber you are shooting. It is also a more comfortable round to shoot a lot because of its low recoil. Both the AR-15 and the 1911 type rifles can be converted to .22 lr and I have been urging Saheim to order the bolt and magazine for his AR.
.22 lr is a great caliber for training for a couple of reasons. To begin with, it is a whole heck of a lot cheaper than any other caliber. Additionally, you develop the same shooting skills no matter what caliber you are shooting. It is also a more comfortable round to shoot a lot because of its low recoil. Both the AR-15 and the 1911 type rifles can be converted to .22 lr and I have been urging Saheim to order the bolt and magazine for his AR.
Jul 17, 2008
Jul 10, 2008
Some Thoughts on the AK-47 Platform
Having recently acquired an AK-variant, a Romanian WASR after a long and exhaustive search, I have had the opportunity to become more familiar with the rifle of my dreams. Now that I have shot it, carried it around on patrol, practiced tactical reloads, etc. I have formulated a more comprehensive evaluation of the platform.
To begin with, as I have previously posted the selection of AKs available in gun stores is pretty disappointing. Almost everything that I have seen for in the past year has been of Yugoslavian or Romanian origin, the bottom tier of quality except for one Galil. I suppose everything else has been bought up by eager investors. The company that imported and rebuilt my WASR, Century Arms is notorious for their poor quality control leading to two issues that I have heard about. The first is that their magazine wells are often too small and need to be dremeled out before they will accept magazines. Even when it does fit without alternations, the magazine rattles around inside the well, creating unnecessary sound which could give away your position to the enemy.The second, which I have encountered with my rifle is that the front sight are canted, making the rifle shoot to the left when using the iron sights. This problem is so common that Century will fix it for free if you send it in to them.
In terms of the physical design of the gun, I am impressed with how easy it is to dissemble/field strip and therefor clean the rifle, a huge plus for the guerrilla. Although heavier than many rifles it is relatively light weight, a refreshing change from the SKS. However, 7.62 x 39mm is a heavy bullet and a fully loaded forty round magazine make the rifle much less pleasant to lug around. Inserting magazines quickly requires some practice as they need to be inserted at an angle and then rocked in. This problem is compounded by cheaply made mags. I bought my WASR used and it looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a while. The gas piston is completely covered in a solid layer of gun powder residue and still functions flawlessly, a testimony of its incredible durability.
Shooting the rifle in semi-auto is surprisingly controllable and a whole lot of fun too. It has a very distinctive sound and feeling that I really enjoy. 7.62 x 39mm is well known for it's power and when you shoot non-paper targets, it shows. The gun itself is relatively cheap to buy ($300-600) and shoot (±200/1000 rds.), even with ammo prices today.
Hopefully Saheim will add in his two cents as these are just some initial reactions to the AK-47 and there is much more to be said about the worlds most common military firearm.
To begin with, as I have previously posted the selection of AKs available in gun stores is pretty disappointing. Almost everything that I have seen for in the past year has been of Yugoslavian or Romanian origin, the bottom tier of quality except for one Galil. I suppose everything else has been bought up by eager investors. The company that imported and rebuilt my WASR, Century Arms is notorious for their poor quality control leading to two issues that I have heard about. The first is that their magazine wells are often too small and need to be dremeled out before they will accept magazines. Even when it does fit without alternations, the magazine rattles around inside the well, creating unnecessary sound which could give away your position to the enemy.The second, which I have encountered with my rifle is that the front sight are canted, making the rifle shoot to the left when using the iron sights. This problem is so common that Century will fix it for free if you send it in to them.
In terms of the physical design of the gun, I am impressed with how easy it is to dissemble/field strip and therefor clean the rifle, a huge plus for the guerrilla. Although heavier than many rifles it is relatively light weight, a refreshing change from the SKS. However, 7.62 x 39mm is a heavy bullet and a fully loaded forty round magazine make the rifle much less pleasant to lug around. Inserting magazines quickly requires some practice as they need to be inserted at an angle and then rocked in. This problem is compounded by cheaply made mags. I bought my WASR used and it looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a while. The gas piston is completely covered in a solid layer of gun powder residue and still functions flawlessly, a testimony of its incredible durability.
Shooting the rifle in semi-auto is surprisingly controllable and a whole lot of fun too. It has a very distinctive sound and feeling that I really enjoy. 7.62 x 39mm is well known for it's power and when you shoot non-paper targets, it shows. The gun itself is relatively cheap to buy ($300-600) and shoot (±200/1000 rds.), even with ammo prices today.
Hopefully Saheim will add in his two cents as these are just some initial reactions to the AK-47 and there is much more to be said about the worlds most common military firearm.
Green Anarchy Link List
Over at Green Anarchy's Library, they have a great list of links and other resources, including some military and insurgency/counter-insurgency manuals. Particularly interesting to me was the Rand Corporation and other think-tank reports on the nature of the United State's grand military strategy and of counter-insurgency in the twenty-first century.
Tip of the Day: Get a Haircut Hippy!
I speak from experience on this one, long hair is not conducive to combat and efficient delivery of fire. Brushing your hair out of your face so you can see what you are shooting at is a good way to get shot. Even a bandanna or hat is only a temporary fix and can easily come off. Additionally long hair can be a disadvantage in hand to hand combat as your opponent can grab onto it. So get a hair cut you fucking hippy.
Call of Solidarity with the EZLN and the Indigenous Peoples of Mexico
To the people of Mexico:
To the EZLN:
To the Other Campaign:
To the International Community:
To the media:
As members of diverse collectives and organizations in different corners
of the World, we wish to express our outrage and complete repudiation of
the renewed military invasion of Zapatista communities on June 4th 2008.
Numerous reports from the International Civil Commission of Human Rights
Observation (CCIODH), the Centre for Political Analysis and Socio-Economic
Investigations (CAPISE) and Fray Bartolome de las Casas Human Rights
Centre have raised concerns regarding the continued and increasing
hostility from the Mexican Government towards the Zapatistas. In these
investigations it is clear that this dirty war relies upon a system that
involves paramilitary organizations, institutions such as the Agrarian
Reform Secretary (SRA) and both Federal (PAN) and State (PRD) Governments,
as well as the military occupation surrounding Zapatista territory since
1994.
The Mexican Army's decision to invade La Garrucha, Rancho Alegre
(known as Chapuyil), Hermenegildo Galeana and San Alejandro represents more than the
violation of the Dialogue, Conciliation and Peace in Chiapas Law (1995),
the Mexican Constitution (Article 29), the American Human Rights
Declaration (Articles 21 and 29b) and the International Civil and
Political Rights Convention (Articles 14 and 27). It also represents a
change in the strategy against the Zapatistas. In view of this, we are
extremely concerned for the physical and physiological integrity of our
indigenous Zapatista brothers and sisters. The Mexican Government is
attacking the right of indigenous peoples to freely organize by attempting
to use the outrageous accusation that the Zapatistas cultivate marijuana.
As the Mexican State looks for mechanisms to legitimise open warfare, it
is clear that its real objective is the destruction of the Zapatista
National Liberation Army (EZLN).
We are certain that the Zapatista demands are made peacefully, that these
demands are being organised in conjunction with other indigenous peoples,
cities and states across the Mexican Republic following the release of the
Sixth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle, which calls for peaceful civic
organization called the Other Campaign. The continued aggression towards
Zapatista communities and especially this recent invasion by the Mexican
Army demonstrate that that the Mexican Government is unwilling and
incapable of resolving popular demands and is reliant on repressive
tactics to attempt to extinguish those voices that demand the most basic
of rights.
We demand that the Mexican Government, represented by the President Felipe
Calderón Hinojosa, immediately withdraw the National Armed Forces
strategically deployed in the conflict zone in Chiapas.
We demand that the Chiapas State Government, represented by Juan Sabines
Guerrero, stop all acts of aggression and threats by State Police to
Zapatista communities.
If the Mexican Government continues to attack Zapatista communities we,
the undersigned, will do everything we can to act in solidarity with the
Zapatistas and in rejection of the violent and repressive Mexican State.
Red de Solidaridad Mexico-Australia (MASN) - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne)
El Kilombo - Durham, North Carolina, EUA
Rare Purpose Collective - Florida, EUA
El Colectivo Zapatista de Valencia- El Caragol- Valencia,
Spain.
CGT-Comisión Chiapas - Spain
Mutiny Collective - Sydney, Australia
Electronic Disturbance Theater - San Diego, EUA
XISPA CON TITA COLECTIVO Chicana Radio Network
Collectives and Individuals from La Otra San Diego (California Coalition
Against Poverty, Colectivo Zapatista San Diego, Colectivo Zapatista
Tzajalek 32, San Diego Indymedia, dj lotu5 y otr@s) - EUA
Local to Global Justice - Tempe, EUA
Mexico-Australia Solidarity Network (MASN) - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne,
Australia
Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET)
Proyecto Ya Basta, EEUU
The Revolution Script, EEUU
Al Pueblo Mexicano:
Al EZLN:
A la Otra Campaña:
A la sociedad civil internacional:
A los medios de comunicación:
Nosotras y nosotros, personas de distintos colectivos y organizaciones de
diferentes rincones del mundo manifestamos nuestra indignación y rechazo
total por la incursión militar nuevamente en las Comunidades Zapatistas el
dÃa 4 de Junio del presente año.
A través de números informes de la Comisión Civil Internacional de
Observación de Derechos Humanos (CCIODH), el Centro de Análisis PolÃtico e
Investigaciones Sociales y Económicas (CAPISE) y el Centro de Derechos
Humanos Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas sabemos que el hostigamiento contra
las comunidades Zapatistas no ha cesado y a partir del año pasado se ha
ido incrementando. En estos investigaciones se detalla la utilización de
las organizaciones paramilitares, las instituciones como la Secretaria de
la Reforma Agraria (SRA) y los Gobiernos Federal (PAN) y Estatales (PRD)
además del cerco militar que ha permanecido alrededor del territorio
Zapatista desde 1994.
Sin embargo la incursión del Ejercito Mexicano el 4 de Junio en los
poblados de la Garrucha, Rancho Alegre (conocido como Chapuyil),
Hermenegildo Galeana y San Alejandro representa además de la violación de
la Ley para el Dialogo, la Conciliación y la Paz Digna en Chiapas (1995),
la Constitución Mexicana (Articulo 29), la Convención Americana de
Derechos Humanos (ArtÃculos 21 y 29b) y el Convenio Internacional sobre
Derechos Civiles y PolÃticos (ArtÃculos 14 y 27) marca un cambio en la
estrategia contra Zapatista. Por lo cual estamos sumamente preocupados por
la integridad fÃsica y psicológica de nuestros hermanos indÃgenas
Zapatistas. El Gobierno Mexicano no solo esta atentando en contra de su
derecho a organizarse libremente como pueblos indÃgenas sino que además
bajo el ridÃculo pretexto de la siembra de marihuana. Tememos que pueda
abrirse una guerra abierta que el Estado Mexicano intente legitimar pero
cuyo verdadero objetivo es destruir el Ejercito Zapatista de Liberación
Nacional (EZLN).
Sabemos que las justas demandas de los pueblos Zapatistas se han llevado
de forma pacifica, que a partir de la Sexta Declaración de la Selva
Lacandona estas demandas se están organizando junto con las demandas de
otros pueblos, ciudades o estados de la Republica Mexicana, en un
movimiento nacional, civil y pacifico llamado la Otra Campaña. Por lo
tanto las permanentes agresiones y el hostigamiento en contra de las
comunidades indÃgenas Zapatistas a si como la reciente incursión del
Ejercito Mexicano muestran claramente que el gobierno Mexicano no tiene ni
la voluntad ni la capacidad de resolver estas demandas y que por el
contrario solo esta buscando medidas represivas para acallar a las voces
que exigen sus derechos mas fundamentales.
Exigimos al Gobierno Mexicano representado por el Presidente Felipe
Calderón Hinojosa que retire a las Fuerzas Armadas de la Secretaria de la
Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) destacamentadas estratégicamente en la zona de
conflicto en el Estado de Chiapas.
Exigimos al Gobierno del Estado de Chiapas representado por el Gobernador
Juan Sabines Guerrero el cese inmediato de las agresiones y el
hostigamiento que la policÃa del Estado ha realizado en contra de las
comunidades Zapatistas.
Si el Gobierno Mexicano continua atacando a las comunidades Zapatistas
utilizaremos todos los medios a nuestro alcance para generar
movilizaciones en solidaridad con nuestros compañeros Zapatistas y de
repudio a la polÃtica militar y represiva del Estado Mexicano.
Red de Solidaridad Mexico-Australia (MASN) - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne)
El Kilombo – Durham, North Carolina, EUA
Rare Purpose Collective - Florida, EUA
El Colectivo Zapatista de Valencia- El Caragol- Valencia,
Spain.
CGT-Comisión Chiapas - Estado Español
Mutiny Collective - Sydney, Australia
Electronic Disturbance Theater - San Diego, EUA
XISPA CON TITA COLECTIVO Chicana Radio Network
Colectivos e Individuos de La Otra San Diego (California Coalition Against
Poverty, Colectivo Zapatista San Diego, Colectivo Zapatista Tzajalek 32,
San Diego Indymedia, dj lotu5 y otr@s) - EUA
Local to Global Justice - Tempe, EUA
Red de Solidaridad con America Latina (LASNET)
Proyecto Ya Basta, EEUU
The Revolution Script, EEUU
To the EZLN:
To the Other Campaign:
To the International Community:
To the media:
As members of diverse collectives and organizations in different corners
of the World, we wish to express our outrage and complete repudiation of
the renewed military invasion of Zapatista communities on June 4th 2008.
Numerous reports from the International Civil Commission of Human Rights
Observation (CCIODH), the Centre for Political Analysis and Socio-Economic
Investigations (CAPISE) and Fray Bartolome de las Casas Human Rights
Centre have raised concerns regarding the continued and increasing
hostility from the Mexican Government towards the Zapatistas. In these
investigations it is clear that this dirty war relies upon a system that
involves paramilitary organizations, institutions such as the Agrarian
Reform Secretary (SRA) and both Federal (PAN) and State (PRD) Governments,
as well as the military occupation surrounding Zapatista territory since
1994.
The Mexican Army's decision to invade La Garrucha, Rancho Alegre
(known as Chapuyil), Hermenegildo Galeana and San Alejandro represents more than the
violation of the Dialogue, Conciliation and Peace in Chiapas Law (1995),
the Mexican Constitution (Article 29), the American Human Rights
Declaration (Articles 21 and 29b) and the International Civil and
Political Rights Convention (Articles 14 and 27). It also represents a
change in the strategy against the Zapatistas. In view of this, we are
extremely concerned for the physical and physiological integrity of our
indigenous Zapatista brothers and sisters. The Mexican Government is
attacking the right of indigenous peoples to freely organize by attempting
to use the outrageous accusation that the Zapatistas cultivate marijuana.
As the Mexican State looks for mechanisms to legitimise open warfare, it
is clear that its real objective is the destruction of the Zapatista
National Liberation Army (EZLN).
We are certain that the Zapatista demands are made peacefully, that these
demands are being organised in conjunction with other indigenous peoples,
cities and states across the Mexican Republic following the release of the
Sixth Declaration of the Lacandon Jungle, which calls for peaceful civic
organization called the Other Campaign. The continued aggression towards
Zapatista communities and especially this recent invasion by the Mexican
Army demonstrate that that the Mexican Government is unwilling and
incapable of resolving popular demands and is reliant on repressive
tactics to attempt to extinguish those voices that demand the most basic
of rights.
We demand that the Mexican Government, represented by the President Felipe
Calderón Hinojosa, immediately withdraw the National Armed Forces
strategically deployed in the conflict zone in Chiapas.
We demand that the Chiapas State Government, represented by Juan Sabines
Guerrero, stop all acts of aggression and threats by State Police to
Zapatista communities.
If the Mexican Government continues to attack Zapatista communities we,
the undersigned, will do everything we can to act in solidarity with the
Zapatistas and in rejection of the violent and repressive Mexican State.
Red de Solidaridad Mexico-Australia (MASN) - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne)
El Kilombo - Durham, North Carolina, EUA
Rare Purpose Collective - Florida, EUA
El Colectivo Zapatista de Valencia- El Caragol- Valencia,
Spain.
CGT-Comisión Chiapas - Spain
Mutiny Collective - Sydney, Australia
Electronic Disturbance Theater - San Diego, EUA
XISPA CON TITA COLECTIVO Chicana Radio Network
Collectives and Individuals from La Otra San Diego (California Coalition
Against Poverty, Colectivo Zapatista San Diego, Colectivo Zapatista
Tzajalek 32, San Diego Indymedia, dj lotu5 y otr@s) - EUA
Local to Global Justice - Tempe, EUA
Mexico-Australia Solidarity Network (MASN) - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne,
Australia
Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET)
Proyecto Ya Basta, EEUU
The Revolution Script, EEUU
Al Pueblo Mexicano:
Al EZLN:
A la Otra Campaña:
A la sociedad civil internacional:
A los medios de comunicación:
Nosotras y nosotros, personas de distintos colectivos y organizaciones de
diferentes rincones del mundo manifestamos nuestra indignación y rechazo
total por la incursión militar nuevamente en las Comunidades Zapatistas el
dÃa 4 de Junio del presente año.
A través de números informes de la Comisión Civil Internacional de
Observación de Derechos Humanos (CCIODH), el Centro de Análisis PolÃtico e
Investigaciones Sociales y Económicas (CAPISE) y el Centro de Derechos
Humanos Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas sabemos que el hostigamiento contra
las comunidades Zapatistas no ha cesado y a partir del año pasado se ha
ido incrementando. En estos investigaciones se detalla la utilización de
las organizaciones paramilitares, las instituciones como la Secretaria de
la Reforma Agraria (SRA) y los Gobiernos Federal (PAN) y Estatales (PRD)
además del cerco militar que ha permanecido alrededor del territorio
Zapatista desde 1994.
Sin embargo la incursión del Ejercito Mexicano el 4 de Junio en los
poblados de la Garrucha, Rancho Alegre (conocido como Chapuyil),
Hermenegildo Galeana y San Alejandro representa además de la violación de
la Ley para el Dialogo, la Conciliación y la Paz Digna en Chiapas (1995),
la Constitución Mexicana (Articulo 29), la Convención Americana de
Derechos Humanos (ArtÃculos 21 y 29b) y el Convenio Internacional sobre
Derechos Civiles y PolÃticos (ArtÃculos 14 y 27) marca un cambio en la
estrategia contra Zapatista. Por lo cual estamos sumamente preocupados por
la integridad fÃsica y psicológica de nuestros hermanos indÃgenas
Zapatistas. El Gobierno Mexicano no solo esta atentando en contra de su
derecho a organizarse libremente como pueblos indÃgenas sino que además
bajo el ridÃculo pretexto de la siembra de marihuana. Tememos que pueda
abrirse una guerra abierta que el Estado Mexicano intente legitimar pero
cuyo verdadero objetivo es destruir el Ejercito Zapatista de Liberación
Nacional (EZLN).
Sabemos que las justas demandas de los pueblos Zapatistas se han llevado
de forma pacifica, que a partir de la Sexta Declaración de la Selva
Lacandona estas demandas se están organizando junto con las demandas de
otros pueblos, ciudades o estados de la Republica Mexicana, en un
movimiento nacional, civil y pacifico llamado la Otra Campaña. Por lo
tanto las permanentes agresiones y el hostigamiento en contra de las
comunidades indÃgenas Zapatistas a si como la reciente incursión del
Ejercito Mexicano muestran claramente que el gobierno Mexicano no tiene ni
la voluntad ni la capacidad de resolver estas demandas y que por el
contrario solo esta buscando medidas represivas para acallar a las voces
que exigen sus derechos mas fundamentales.
Exigimos al Gobierno Mexicano representado por el Presidente Felipe
Calderón Hinojosa que retire a las Fuerzas Armadas de la Secretaria de la
Defensa Nacional (SEDENA) destacamentadas estratégicamente en la zona de
conflicto en el Estado de Chiapas.
Exigimos al Gobierno del Estado de Chiapas representado por el Gobernador
Juan Sabines Guerrero el cese inmediato de las agresiones y el
hostigamiento que la policÃa del Estado ha realizado en contra de las
comunidades Zapatistas.
Si el Gobierno Mexicano continua atacando a las comunidades Zapatistas
utilizaremos todos los medios a nuestro alcance para generar
movilizaciones en solidaridad con nuestros compañeros Zapatistas y de
repudio a la polÃtica militar y represiva del Estado Mexicano.
Red de Solidaridad Mexico-Australia (MASN) - Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne)
El Kilombo – Durham, North Carolina, EUA
Rare Purpose Collective - Florida, EUA
El Colectivo Zapatista de Valencia- El Caragol- Valencia,
Spain.
CGT-Comisión Chiapas - Estado Español
Mutiny Collective - Sydney, Australia
Electronic Disturbance Theater - San Diego, EUA
XISPA CON TITA COLECTIVO Chicana Radio Network
Colectivos e Individuos de La Otra San Diego (California Coalition Against
Poverty, Colectivo Zapatista San Diego, Colectivo Zapatista Tzajalek 32,
San Diego Indymedia, dj lotu5 y otr@s) - EUA
Local to Global Justice - Tempe, EUA
Red de Solidaridad con America Latina (LASNET)
Proyecto Ya Basta, EEUU
The Revolution Script, EEUU
Jul 6, 2008
The Third North American Secessionist Convention
Via Attack the System:
Although I will not be able to attend this year, I encourage all who are interested to attend this event and make the voice of the revolutionary left heard.
THE THIRD NORTH AMERICAN SECESSIONIST CONVENTION
November 14-16, 2008 in Manchester, New Hampshire
CALL Issued March 31, 2008
MARCH 31—The Middlebury Institute has announced that the Third North American Secessionist Convention will be held in Manchester, New Hampshire, on November 14-16, 2008.
Delegates are expected from a majority of the three-dozen current secessionist organizations in the United States and Canada. As in the two previous conventions—in Burlington, Vermont, in 2006, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2007—delegations will give reports on the activities in their areas in the previous year and trade information on strategizing, organizing, and politicking.
In previous years, participants have uniformly expressed enthusiasm for the conventions as showcases for the secessionist movement and workshops for the down-home business of spreading the secessionist message. Both meetings issued declarations of purpose and policy, available on the website, MiddleburyInstitute.org.
One highlight of the meeting will be a presentation of the idea of an independent Atlantic federation of Canadian maritime provinces and northern New England states. The proposal has been around for a number of years, but recently there has been renewed interest, especially in Canada, and this venue will provide a way to introduce it in this country in an impactful way.
In addition to delegates mandated by individual secessionist groups, individuals with a general interest in secession and separatism, or who might be considering organizing such a group, are invited to attend. All who intend to attend must contact the Director@MiddleburyInstitute.org, and of course the sooner the better.
As in the past, the Middlebury Institute is willing to underwrite the travel costs for some of the mandated representatives, especially from the West, who are genuinely unable to pay their own way.
Details of the convention follow:
Radisson Hotel Manchester
700 Elm St.
Manchester, NH 03101
603-625-1000
Reservations: 603-206-4109, or 1-800-333-333. A block of rooms at a special rate of $119 a night (single, double, or triple) is being held by the hotel, and individuals should indicate they are with the Third North American Secessionist Convention. Online reservations should use the following PAC CODE: SEC08 at www.radisson.com/manchesternh. Reservations must be made by October 24 at 12 p.m. to get this rate.
Schedule:
Friday, November 14
Registration 3 p.m. on, in Lobby.
Cash bar 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, November 15
9-5 p.m., Convention, in Theater.
News conference—5-5:30 p.m.
Banquet—6:30-9:30 p.m. Frost/Hawthorne.
Manchester has a major airport. The hotel provides transport from it and back.
Kirkpatrick Sale
Director, Middlebury Institute
MiddleburyInstitute.org
Although I will not be able to attend this year, I encourage all who are interested to attend this event and make the voice of the revolutionary left heard.
THE THIRD NORTH AMERICAN SECESSIONIST CONVENTION
November 14-16, 2008 in Manchester, New Hampshire
CALL Issued March 31, 2008
MARCH 31—The Middlebury Institute has announced that the Third North American Secessionist Convention will be held in Manchester, New Hampshire, on November 14-16, 2008.
Delegates are expected from a majority of the three-dozen current secessionist organizations in the United States and Canada. As in the two previous conventions—in Burlington, Vermont, in 2006, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2007—delegations will give reports on the activities in their areas in the previous year and trade information on strategizing, organizing, and politicking.
In previous years, participants have uniformly expressed enthusiasm for the conventions as showcases for the secessionist movement and workshops for the down-home business of spreading the secessionist message. Both meetings issued declarations of purpose and policy, available on the website, MiddleburyInstitute.org.
One highlight of the meeting will be a presentation of the idea of an independent Atlantic federation of Canadian maritime provinces and northern New England states. The proposal has been around for a number of years, but recently there has been renewed interest, especially in Canada, and this venue will provide a way to introduce it in this country in an impactful way.
In addition to delegates mandated by individual secessionist groups, individuals with a general interest in secession and separatism, or who might be considering organizing such a group, are invited to attend. All who intend to attend must contact the Director@MiddleburyInstitute.org, and of course the sooner the better.
As in the past, the Middlebury Institute is willing to underwrite the travel costs for some of the mandated representatives, especially from the West, who are genuinely unable to pay their own way.
Details of the convention follow:
Radisson Hotel Manchester
700 Elm St.
Manchester, NH 03101
603-625-1000
Reservations: 603-206-4109, or 1-800-333-333. A block of rooms at a special rate of $119 a night (single, double, or triple) is being held by the hotel, and individuals should indicate they are with the Third North American Secessionist Convention. Online reservations should use the following PAC CODE: SEC08 at www.radisson.com/manchesternh. Reservations must be made by October 24 at 12 p.m. to get this rate.
Schedule:
Friday, November 14
Registration 3 p.m. on, in Lobby.
Cash bar 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, November 15
9-5 p.m., Convention, in Theater.
News conference—5-5:30 p.m.
Banquet—6:30-9:30 p.m. Frost/Hawthorne.
Manchester has a major airport. The hotel provides transport from it and back.
Kirkpatrick Sale
Director, Middlebury Institute
MiddleburyInstitute.org
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