There have been many other solid articles written on the violent fascist threat that Patriot Prayer, the Proud Boys, and their neo-nazi buddies represent. We won’t focus on that here, but instead we will attempt to articulate a strategy, not only for defeating them on August 4th but also for preventing future demonstrations.

We believe that the strategy of popular mobilization is a solid one. We cannot act merely as specialized cadres, but must bring out the masses for anti fascist community defense. We are glad to see that Portland has been on the ball in this regard, but we feel that some more ideas ought to be conveyed as to what people can do beyond simply showing up.

We believe that another chaotic brawl would be somewhat counter-productive. These brawls have happened at most of the recent Patriot Prayer demonstrations, but have not seriously impeded their ability to organize and recruit. As we saw on June 30th, all the fascists need is to land a single decent punch amidst the fighting in order to spin it for their propaganda and recruitment purposes.

Look, we aren’t pacifists. By all means, these people deserve to have their asses beat. But perhaps daylight rallies surrounded by thousands of cameras and cops are not the most strategic place to deck these fascists in their smug faces. It’s hardly a win for our side if you punch a nazi but catch charges for it. We need our fighters to stay free. We need to fight in such a way that we are not depleted by the attrition of a repressive surveillance state that works in concert with our enemies.

We believe that the best way to stop this rally, and to prevent recruitment for future rallies, is to humiliate and emasculate the fascists. Surround them completely, not with hundreds, but with thousands. Drown them out completely, blast sound systems, blow vuvuzelas; let them be unable to hear themselves think over the beautiful cacophony of an anti fascist noise brigade. Humiliate them; cover them in glitter, in paint, in flour and sugar water to attract bugs. Get creative; there are endless ways to fuck with these dipshits.

Of course, they will lash out and swing on people. We must be prepared at this point to end any charges quickly and decisively. This means shield walls, helmets and padding. It means discipline, holding the line and not letting them through.

Again, this is not a call to liberal pacifism, but to be strategic and disciplined in our application of force. A lasting victory will be achieved only when the fascists are massively overwhelmed by our mobilization, when they leave demoralized and humiliated, their dumbass polo shirts covered in glitter and paint. When they know this is what they can expect each and every time they show up. When thousands of people within our community share the collective joy of shutting down these fascists, and know that they to are antifa.

Solidarity

Mycelium Press