Disorder in the Streets

Today the San Francisco Chronicle ran an article entitled Anarchists who helped kill Occupy worry anti-Trump activists. The author interviewed organizers who worry the “black bloc” will harm the current protests. It also quoted anarchist supporters. I recommend the piece.

The black bloc and other provocateurs lie to others and themselves. In their quest to make the situation “ungovernable” they empower a police state. No matter what government exists, it won’t stand for the willful destruction of property and threat to lives. The black bloc argues its tactics lead “revolution.” But I respond “what’s your plan to seize the means of production and your ability to hold it.” I hear either crickets (silence) or some fantasy about everyone rushing to join them. See 1919 Spartacist Uprising Germany for how well this works. Or better yet show me where it has worked.

Despite Republican gerrymandering and voter suppression, electoral politics provides safest way to seize this power. Protests help to raise awareness and sway the politicians currently in power. Once we get power back we deal with the gerrymandering and suppression.

These are extraordinary times. The recent peaceful protests have pulled police toward our side and away from Trump. Allow the black bloc free reign will kill the nascent cooperation.

Here are the pest control solutions:

Protesters, especially march organizers, have no obligation to protect marchers set on destruction. Point them out to police and get out of the way. This will cause friction as National Lawyers Guild observers or ACLU will not condone cooperation with the police. It’s a principally correct stand, which doesn’t apply to organizers and marchers.

Hiring security remains a viable option. However, I have never seen problems at union organized marches because their selected observers act more proactively than legal observers. They perform two different functions so this makes sense. Paid security might do a better job but I don’t always trust mercenaries. I would reach out to veterans.

Stand as far away as possible. At gay pride, or other parades, organizers must supply their own security (volunteers who help with crowd control). Training is given prior to the march but generally you only need one training. Cordon off most marchers to protect against infiltration. Given the volunteer security special shirts or vests (better given cold).

In college and high school classrooms speak bluntly about what role violence has played in movements. Point out how letter bombings gave support for the destructive Palmer Raids. Or just show them the SF Chronicle Article up top.

I distinguish between movement violence and more spontaneous responses to long simmering injustice like the Watts Riots or Rodney King Riots. Although the black bloc believes it’s on par with the Watts or Rodney King riots, they delude themselves as their ski masks allow them to slip back to their middle class lifestyle (honey if you are not working 2-3 jobs, hooking, or robbing, it’s all middle class; especially if your skin is white).

The situation with Trump could escalate to point where we all need masks. But it hasn’t gotten there yet. Moreover, when it happens let it be our decision as opposed to idiots playing dress up.