Interesting post – which I fully support – on the London Anarchists e-mail list which I think is worth reprinting here:
As many you know the “United Campaign Against Police Violence” http://www.againstpoliceviolence.org.uk/
is organising a demo on May 23rd from Trafalgar Square to New Scotland Yard in an attempt to Kettle the Met (albeit the New Scotland Yard building). After some criticising of the lack of a response after G20 (beyond the media outrage) it might be a useful thing to put all our idealogical differences aside, sceptism of working with the SWP and join that campaign. The reason I say that is I think we isolate ourselves thinking we can compete with, and not rely on, these campaigns as and when they arise. Why make it hard for ourselves, why don’t anarchist groups in London just join these (supposedly) mass campaigns and affiliate, for the purpose of at least getting a foot hold in the decision making process and offering alternatives.
I remember when London was selected as the location for the European Social Forum in 2003. At the initial european meeting at the GLA over 400 people attended with around 100 anarchos/autonomists/independents/horizontals that basically dominated all the working groups – at one point it looked like we managing to complete transform a social democratic trot event into something a bit more interesting. Obviously it didn’t last long and the RMT (ex DAM member Alex Gordon) stated that unless all the working groups that had been formed are dissolved then RMT will not back the event!
The point still stands, lets just join in, make our own contacts, argue our case – and if we are shafted, then let the world know. At the end of the day it will gives us more ammo against the trots, and make us look good.
3 Comments
May 10, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I agree that people should get involved with UCAPV, but I think it important that people retain their well-founded suspicions of the SWP. The SWP aren’t in this for altruistic reasons, they’re in this to gain influence and members, and should they fail to control it, it’s a fair bet that they’d do their best to undermine it like they have organisations from at least the poll tax through the Socialist Alliance and Respect.
May 10, 2009 at 7:29 pm
it might be a useful thing to put all our idealogical differences aside, sceptism of working with the SWP and join that campaign.
Can only end well…
May 10, 2009 at 9:44 pm
. Unite with our fellow repressed brothers and sisters? Great idea, the more the merrier.Bring back flying pickets
“workers, united, will never be defeated”
Though I cant see some of the more … rigid-thinking anarchists relishing the idea of mixing with the commies and trots