What is Anarchy? To me, Anarchy is freedom. What is freedom but not the idea of thought, expression and action without the coercive acts of some tyrannical force? Anarchy in this sense is merely the active, living context of freedom. The autonomous expression of the individual and society, without fear of coercion and restraint, is to me the highest expression of freedom possible. It is for these reasons that I must oppose our current society. While my nation may claim to be a land of freedom, it acts as one of the most glaring expressions of coercion, authoritarianism and tyranny that our world has possibly ever faced.

Since the beginning of its history, the United States has stood as a symbol of Capitalist exploitation and power, being founded upon the principles of private property and representative democracy. These representatives, far from representing the poor and working class peoples, represents the interests of the Capitalists. Suffice it to say, the state acts to protect the private property of the Capitalists through its use of the military and police. In turn, the Capitalist provides revenue in the form of taxes which feeds the state allowing it to exert more power, which allows the Capitalist to expand further with increased protections and so on.

It is often toted by those who feel nationalistic pride or simply by those who know no other context, that the Capitalist system of our nation is one that is the highest expression of economic freedom. One that allows for an individual to obtain unlimited growth and power, without worry of restrictions or repression. However, it is this very context of unlimited growth and power that causes it to, by its very nature, to be a system based highly in exploitation and authoritarian violence.

The early history of Capitalism itself dispels any ideas about the fairness of the supposed “freedom” that is peddled by the Capitalists. From the early land enclosures in Europe, to the violent land grabs of Native American territory, as well as the vicious enslavement of black people, all of these events act as the historic rhyme of Mark Twain, as the events of the past echo into our own present. The only freedom that is guaranteed by such a system is one in which freedom is the privilege of the white supremacist financial elite, whom are free to exploit all the peoples and lands of the earth.

This is not the freedom that I seek. The freedom I seek is one in which all peoples are able to express themselves in their body, mind and actions without concern of coercion or exploitation. One in which we are able to associate as we please and be able to act upon our own autonomy, whether as individuals or as a society. I am of the idea, that if we are to be able to have our own freedom, we must simply act. That to me is the essence of Anarchy. It is not something that is to be theorized and postulated about. Anarchy is something that is lived whenever we act autonomously, whether it be as an individual or as a society. What is important is that one take action, without restrictions from those who would coerce and exploit us. Anarchy is, in essence, the highest expression of freedom.

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