We don't want your bloody wars: Against terrorism, against the state
A statement from the Northeastern Federation of Anarcho-Communists (NEFAC)...
As a result of the terrorist attacks that took place on Tuesday, September 11,
over 6,000 people are still missing or confirmed dead. We anarchists stand with
the rest of the world in expressing our deep sorrow and disbelief over this
devastation which took place in New York City, Washington DC, and rural
Pennsylvania. It goes without saying that we are against the deliberate and
indiscriminate use of violence as a means to achieve political ends, and firmly
believe that terrorist activity runs contrary to our own vision of radical
social change. Although the targets of these recent attacks may be viewed as
symbolic centers of global capitalism (World Trade Center), and U.S. militarism
(Pentagon), a majority of the victims of these atrocities were ordinary, working
class people, and this is indefensible. Our hearts go out to the families and
friends of the missing and dead.
TERRORISM: RELIGION, CAPITAL, AND STATE
Although the United States has promised a drawn out 'war against terrorism', we
will not allow ourselves to be manipulated into supporting this war effort. As
anarchists, we stand against terrorism in all its forms, and make no distinction
between terror used by religious extremists, capitalist exploiters, or that of
the State. The terrorism of religious extremists is a very real threat in the
world today, and can be seen in the form of abortion clinic bombings by
far-right Christian fundamentalists, the massacre of Palestinians by
ultra-orthodox Jewish settlers, and now the recent attacks on the east coast of
the United States (which has been blamed on Islamic extremists). These are, of
course, inexcusable acts of terrorism used by religious zealots to cause
bloodshed and instill fear amongst the public. However, these acts of terrorism
are often eclipsed by even more violent and destructive forms of terrorism
embodied in capitalism and the State. The capitalist philosophy of 'profit over
people' has a long and bloody history, which has resulted in obscene wealth for
the few and widespread death and suffering for the majority of the world's
population. From the early roots of slavery and colonization, to the more recent
phase of globalization, capitalism has always used the terrorist actions of the
State to violently enforce it's rule. As the most powerful capitalist State
(politically, economically, and militarily), the United States has been a prime
motivating force behind many devastating terrorist campaigns. From the atomic
bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to the more recent bombing of the Al Shifa
Pharmaceutical company in Sudan; from the installation of dictatorships in Latin
America, to the financial and military aid of murderous regimes in Israel,
Turkey, Colombia, and elsewhere; from the deliberate cluster-bombing of a
crowded Yugoslav marketplace to ongoing economic sanctions against Iraq which
have culminated in over 500,000 children dead; and now, in a new 'war against
terrorism' abroad, we can expect to see a new chapter in the terrorist legacy of
the United States. These events are not historical exceptions, rather they are a
necessary component of maintaining the economic and political dominance of a
powerful capitalist State.
NATIONALISM AND RACISM: ENEMIES OF THE WORKING CLASS
As popular support for the belligerent reaction of the US government grows in
the wake of the recent terrorist attacks, we can once again see racist attacks
in the streets as nationalism rear its ugly head. Nationalism has traditionally
been the process in which the ruling class uses racism, patriotism and religion
as a means to get the working class to identify with the State and it's values.
The fear and powerlessness felt in the aftermath of the recent attacks has been
channeled into blind patriotism and racist attacks, which only serves the
interests of the ruling class. The increasing violence against Arabs, Moslems,
peoples of Middle Eastern decent (and people perceived to be members of those
ethnic and religious groups) will be exploited in an effort to reinforce the war
effort abroad, and keep the working class divided at home. We anarchists extend
our full solidarity to those currently under racist attack as a result of the
nationalist backlash, and will actively take part in any defense of these
communities if necessary (while respecting their autonomy and
self-determination). We will promote, as always, anti-racism and
internationalist working class solidarity as our strongest weapon against the
global ruling classes and their wars. NO WAR BETWEEN NATIONS, NO PEACE BETWEEN
CLASSES We do not see this current war effort as a war against terrorism, but
rather, a war against humanity. The U.S. government is prepared to invade
numerous countries and cause untold atrocities and destruction in a multi-front
war against an invisible and unknown enemy. Like all wars fought by the State,
this is a war of power. The United States is not prepared to combat the real
root causes of terrorism, which would require fundamental change in it's own
foreign policy. Rather it wants to consolidate it's position as the dominant
world power. The tragic human toll of the recent terrorist attacks will be used
as a justification to slash education, housing, health care and social programs
in order to finance an already gluttonous military budget. A heightened state of
repression will exist for everyone as civil liberties are lost in exchange for a
false sense of security and justice. And finally, national pride and patriotism
will be used to send young, working class victims off to be human fodder in an
effort reinforce U.S. imperialist domination. Anarchists, and all progressive
movements, must stand in opposition to this military aggression as we would any
other. It is only through active struggle against all forms of terrorism, be
they religious, capitalist, or that of the State, that we can bring the global
cycle of violence to an end once and for all.
FINDING HOPE IN TRAGEDY
From within the unspeakable tragedy and devastation that took place on Tuesday,
September 11, we see seeds of hope that point to a brighter future. Thousands of
ordinary people have been lining the streets to help with the rescue effort,
often risking personal safety and well being. Blood donation clinics are filled
to capacity. Food, clothing, supplies and shelter are freely shared among the
survivors and rescue workers in a completely spontaneous and self-organized
network of solidarity and mutual aid. It is in these selfless acts that we see
the seeds of hope for a future self-managed, egalitarian, classless, stateless
society free from all forms of hierarchy and domination.
An anarcho-communist future is possible!
signed;
Northeastern Federation of Anarcho-Communists
http://flag.blackened.net/nefac
Federation des Anarcho-Communistes du Nord-est
http://www3.sympatico.ca/emile.henry/nefac.htm