> Any thoughts from CGFers about the J18 demos in London and elsewhere?
>
Dear Fraser, Gavin, fellow CGFers,
I'm glad that you also felt somewhat empowered by the events on
Friday. It meant a tremendous amount to me - just being there and
getting involved in a small way! Arriving a little after 12.00 from
Swansea - late 'cos the Circle line was out - I was greeted by
the amazing scene of Liverpool Street station alive with people,
whistles, anticipation, not rushing anywhere.
Just as I got through the tube exit the Samba band kicked off and the
party started. Amusing to see the lack of certainty at first: in the
station, out of the station, back into the station again, but finally
some of the streets were reclaimed...
Not having seen the TV news that night I'm not sure quite how it came
across. I can guess though, given the next day newspapers focus on
the predictable small minority. (As far as I could see the `trouble'
seemed to really start after the woman was knocked down along London
Wall area and, as regards attacks on the police, it was more sound
than fury. I, too, shed no tears for the Futures Exchange, although
I didn't see any of that. By around 5pm, when the riot police
heavies decided to clear the streets, people were already starting to
disperse - it had been a tiring day - and I'm not quite sure why it
was felt necessary to clear the streets then...) For most of the thousands of us
there the event was I feel very empowering; okay, it was a gesture,
but one which made many of those who left that day feeling they
wanted to do a lot more in the future...
> I recall Guy Debord writing that 'revolutionary theory is the sworn enemy of
> revolutionary ideology - and it knows it', as if to say that a critical
> theory not practiced is no theory at all.
>
A big issue that one, Fraser! I certainly think that we all should
get our hands dirty in the streets sometimes i.e. get out there and
take part even if the event itself, those involved, tactics etc may
be far from ideal. The future cannot be set into clearly delineated
acts, boxes, lines etc and to treat it as if it could be is a sure
fire recipe for doing nothing at all. Okay, I knbow thats an old one
but it still rings true...
Anyway, must get on now... See you on the streets soon!
Keith
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