Welcome to the Ex-Worker: an audio strike against a monotone world! This twice-monthly podcast explores a wide range of anarchist ideas and action. In each episode, we take an in-depth look at a different topic, introducing various manifestations of the struggle for liberation, and round it off with news, reviews, profiles of current anarchist projects, upcoming events, and more. If you're curious about anarchist visions of freedom—or if you dream of a world off the clock—tune in!
#105: Don't Stop: Continuing the Fight Against Cop City
This episode offers an audio version of “Don’t Stop: Continuing the Fight Against Cop City”, published on December 12th. It traces the activities of the movement to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest from June through December 2023, including accounts of the campaign for an Atlanta voter’s referendum on Cop City, the Sixth Week of Action, the relationship between clandestine direct action and public organizing, local Black organizing against the project, the Block Cop City march in November, and potential strategic pathways forward. Tune in for an in-depth evaluation of the latest phase in one of the most critical social struggles of our time. {February 4, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} The Hour Is Drawing Late {2:37} They Don’t Care About You {6:38} The Referendum {8:24} What Mass Organizing Makes Possible {11:19} The Sixth Week of Action {17:58} The New Balance of Forces {22:03} Escalating Tactics {25:20} Atlas Technical Consultants Drops Out {27:45} Scooping the Mid-Range: Repressing Public Resistance {30:16} The Storm Before the Storm {33:26} Escalating Repression: RICO and the Furtherance of the Conspiracy {36:26} RICO in Georgia {39:54} You Can’t Break Us {41:12} The Scope of Repression Broadens {43:30} This is Not a Local Repression Strategy {45:37} Attrition and Conflict {47:51} From Atlanta to Gaza, No Cop City Anywhere {52:22} Black Self-Organization {54:51} Block Cop City {58:05} Building a Common Understanding {1:01:10} Anatomy of a March {1:03:26} Forward, Arm in Arm {1:06:52} Re-Grouping {1:14:16} A Supporter of the Police? {1:15:45} Gauging Success and Failure {1:17:40} Victory and Defeat: A Chimera {1:27:13} Fighting without Assurances {1:29:38} Continuing Forward {1:31:14} Winning by Attrition {1:35:03} Outro/PSA {1:38:54} This episode offers an audio version of “Don’t Stop: Continuing the Fight Against Cop City”, published by CrimethInc. on December 12th. It includes excerpts from “Don’t Panic, Stay Tight: Frontline Reflections on Block Cop City,” an account of the November 13th march in Atlanta. For background on the first two and a half years of the movement, see the following articles and podcast episodes: “The City in the Forest,” (audio version) – chronicles the first year of the movement. “The Forest in the City” (audio version) – chronicles the second year of the movement. “Beneath the Concrete, the Forest” (audio version) – collects first-person accounts from the occupation of Weelaunee forest through the first half of 2022. “Balance Sheet” – explores and evaluates the strategies that different currents in the movement have employed. “Defending Abundance Everywhere” – essays on the webs of relationship linking all creatures and underlying the struggle to defend the forest. “The Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol Are Guilty of Murder” – analysis of the assassination of Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán. “Living in an Earthquake” (audio version) – chronicles February through June of 2023, including the fifth week of action, the repression that followed, and the City Hall mobilizations. “Understanding the RICO Charges in Atlanta” (audio version) – analysis of the new wave of legal repression launched in September 2023. Stay up to date on developments with news from the Atlanta Community Press Collective The Uncover Cop City campaign is targeting the insurers whose coverage makes Cop City possible, including Nationwide Insurance and Accident Fund - follow the links to find office locations and contact information to show your opposition to the project.
2/5/2024 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 9 seconds
#104: Living in an Earthquake—The Fight against Cop City Confronts Unprecedented Repression
At first, it appeared to be an ordinary forest defense campaign aimed at discouraging Atlanta city government from pouring money into an unpopular police training facility. But over the past two years, the fight against Cop City has escalated into one of the fiercest struggles of the Biden era, pitting a wide range of courageous people against a united front of politicians, prosecutors, and police. In their desperate efforts to deflect popular resistance and force through the project, police and prosecutors have pressed trumped-up domestic terrorism charges against almost every defendant arrested since last December; they have killed one forest defender; they have charged those engaged in legal support for the arrestees. In the following account and analysis, published on June 21st as “Living in an Earthquake: The Fight against Cop City Confronts Unprecedented Repression,” participants in the movement in Atlanta trace its trajectory from the fifth Week of Action that began on March 4, 2023 through the City Council vote of June 5. {December 28, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} Preface {2:21} Living in an Earthquake {3:28} February 2023 {5:59} The Fifth Week of Action {8:33} Retaking Weelaunee People’s Park {9:19} The South River Music Festival: A Flower Between Two Abysses {11:49} The March on the Cop City Construction {16:01} Role Reversal {20:15} The Raid on the South River Music Festival {22:12} The Defense of the Music Festival {26:19} A Pyrrhic Victory? {32:31} Jumping to Conclusions {33:20} Defense {36:25} Urban Encampments {38:54} The Limits of Deterrence {43:51} Time and Space {46:14} Controlling Risk {48:21} The Aftermath {52:45} The Week of Action Continues {55:09} Without a Shadow of Doubt {57:07} The Conclusion of the Fifth Week of Action {1:03:14} Clearing Out {1:08:10} Deforestation and Its Consequences {1:14:20} Earth Day Weekend of Resilience {1:15:59} Campus Actions {1:16:50} War by Other Means {1:19:03} The Attack on the Solidarity Fund {1:25:21} The Centrists versus Everyone {1:27:43} However They Vote, We Must Be Ungovernable {1:30:39} The Theory of Failure and Disappointment {1:40:07} Making a Virtue of Necessity {1:42:50} This episode offers an audio version of “Living in an Earthquake: The Fight against Cop City Confronts Unprecedented Repression,” published by CrimethInc. on June 21st. For background on the first two and a half years of the movement, see the following articles and podcast episodes: “The City in the Forest,” (audio version) – chronicles the first year of the movement “The Forest in the City” (audio version) – chronicles the second year of the movement “Beneath the Concrete, the Forest” (audio version) – collects first-person accounts from the occupation of Weelaunee forest through the first half of 2022 “Balance Sheet” – explores and evaluates the strategies that different currents in the movement have employed “Defending Abundance Everywhere” – essays on the webs of relationships linking all creatures and underlying the struggle to defend the forest “The Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol Are Guilty of Murder” – analysis of the assassination of Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán “Understanding the RICO Charges in Atlanta” (audio version) – analysis of the new wave of legal repression launched in September 2023 For our most recent coverage, see “Don’t Stop: Continuing the Fight Against Cop City”, published by CrimethInc. on December 12th; stay tuned for the audio version, soon to be released as Ex-Worker Episode #105. You can find texts, posters, graphics, and more materials about the movement online through Defend the Atlanta Forest: Library. Check out the Atlanta Community Press Collective for ongoing coverage.
12/28/2023 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 7 seconds
#103: The Return of the Ultraliberal Right in Argentina
A so-called “anarcho-capitalist” has just been elected president in Argentina. What does this mean for anarchists and the prospects for revolutionary change in South America? Spoiler alert: it’s not looking good. In this episode, we share an account from an Argentinian anarchist analyzing the recent rise to power of Javier Milei, an extreme neoliberal economist, in the context of the global turn towards fascist and reactionary populist leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro. You’ll get an in-depth look at the history of center-left rule, military dictatorship, and neoliberal austerity that resulting in the powerful popular uprising of 2001, along with an detailed assessment of the economic challenges, disillusionment with the political class, and failures of the left and radical social movements that facilitated Milei’s rise. This is a disturbing but essential exploration of one of the year’s most important political developments, with critical implications for those of us fighting the culture and politics and fascism around the world. {December 10, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} Back to the Future {1:30} “Viva la Libertad!”—Freedom to Work or Starve, to Submit or be Shot {5:53} History Repeats Itself Again {17:30} Ultraliberals, the Military, and Repression: A Love Story {27:18} The “Forces of Heaven” against the Orcs {35:04} Outro/PSA {42:31} This episode offers an audio version of Back to the Future: The Return of the Ultraliberal Right in Argentina, published by CrimethInc. on November 26th. The article quotes from a post-election statement by a coalition of “especifist” anarchist organizations in Argentina. For coverage of recent popular mobilization in Argentina, see our coverage of the 2018 G20 protests in Buenos Aires: Setting the Stage: Background Materials and Logbook November 14–16, Logbook November 17–19: Peronism, Counter-Summit Creativity, and the Schedule of Resistance, and Logbook November 20–22: Security Zones and Shantytowns. This episode discusses in depth the 2001 uprising that succeeded in driving the neoliberal regime from power. The classic zine account is Que Se Vayan Todos: Argentina’s Popular Uprising. Argentina featured one of the world’s largest and most powerful anarchist movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including some of the earliest anarcha-feminist projects. To learn more about this history, you could start with some of these resources: “Anarchism in Latin America” by Ángel Cappelletti, “The Anarchist Expropriators: Buenaventura Durruti and Argentina’s Working-Class Robin Hood” by Osvaldo Bayer, “Anarchism in Argentina” and “Resistencia Libertaria: Anarchist Opposition to the Last Argentine Dictatorship” by Chuck Morse, and “No God, No Boss, No Husband: The world’s first Anarcha-Feminist group.” In case you were confused on this point, “anarcho-capitalist” is an oxymoron. We explore this in more depth in Episode 18 of the Ex-Worker, “What Anarchism Isn’t, Pt 1: Libertarianism and Anarcho-Capitalism.”
12/10/2023 • 42 minutes, 47 seconds
#102: How They Stopped Work at Raytheon
On November 13, 2023, demonstrators in southern California blockaded a facility of Raytheon, a defense contractor, in solidarity with the Palestinians on the receiving end of the bombs that it produces. They managed to block the facility for more than seven hours, supported by waves of hundreds of activists joining the action, and succeeded in shutting down operations for the day. This episode offers an audio version of How They Stopped Work at the Raytheon Facility: Report on a Day of Blockading, published on November 15th. Participants summarize how the action was organized and unfolded, police responses, the background of direct actions against the war machine and mobilization in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, and reflections for future resistance. {November 25, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} The Action {3:25} Background {8:39} Going Forward {11:56} Outro/PSA {12:38} This episode offers an audio version of How They Stopped Work at the Raytheon Facility: Report on a Day of Blockading, published on November 15th. For evaluations of direct action strategies towards Palestinian solidarity, see our previous articles and episodes “Shutting Down the Port of Tacoma: Reflections from the Salish Sea,” also available as Episode 101 of the Ex-Worker; and “Strategizing for Palestinian Solidarity: Expanding the Toolkit From Demands to Direct Action,” also available as Episode 99. Our coverage of the war in Palestine so far includes “From the Galilee to Gaza—A Voice From Palestine” – also available as Episode 98 – and ““A Nuclear Superpower and a Dispossessed People”: An Anarchist from Jaffa on the Escalation in Palestine and Israeli Repression”. For further background, see “A Coup d’État in Israel? The Bitter Harvest of Colonialism” (March 27, 2023) – also available as Episode 92 of the Ex-Worker - “The Revolt in Haifa: An Eyewitness Report” (2021), and “Contemporary Israeli Anarchism: A History” (2013). For classic strategic analysis, you can also read more about why we don’t make demands and what we mean by direct action.
11/28/2023 • 12 minutes, 53 seconds
#101: Shutting Down the Port of Tacoma
On November 6, 2023, several hundred people showed up at the Port of Tacoma in Washington State to block access to a shipping vessel that was scheduled to deliver equipment to the Israeli military. This episode shares an account and analysis of the action published on November 10th as “Shutting Down the Port of Tacoma: Reflections from the Salish Sea.” Participants review the history of port blockades in the Puget Sound, share their experience at the protest, and seek to offer inspiration for continued transoceanic solidarity. {November 23, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:36} Escalating Resistance {1:41} Drawing on Decades of Port Blockades {4:03} Gathering at the Port {7:23} Evaluation {11:27} Outro/PSA {17:36} This episode offers an audio version of Shutting Down the Port of Tacoma: Reflections from the Salish Sea. To read more about this action, see the reportback “The Boat That Wasn’t Blocked” on Puget Sound Anarchists. For background on a previous blockade action in the region, check out Episode 61 on The Olympia Train Blockade of 2017. The recent history of port shutdowns in the Northwest includes the Port Militarization Resistance movement blockades of the ports of Olympia and Tacoma to protest against the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan in 2006–2009; coordination between Occupy/Decolonize Seattle ILWU port workers in Longview that shut down the Port of Seattle among other ports in 2011–12; the Block the Boat action in 2014; the “Shell No” lockdown in 2015, Shell No. and the Block the Boat delay of an Israeli-operated ship for weeks in 2021. Our coverage of the war in Palestine so far includes “Strategizing for Palestinian Solidarity: Expanding the Toolkit From Demands to Direct Action” - also available as Episode 99 of the Ex-Worker; “From the Galilee to Gaza—A Voice From Palestine” – also available as Episode 98 – and ““A Nuclear Superpower and a Dispossessed People”: An Anarchist from Jaffa on the Escalation in Palestine and Israeli Repression”. For further background, see “A Coup d’État in Israel? The Bitter Harvest of Colonialism” (March 27, 2023) – also available as Episode 92 of the Ex-Worker - “The Revolt in Haifa: An Eyewitness Report” (2021), and “Contemporary Israeli Anarchism: A History” (2013). For classic strategic analysis, you can also read more about why we don’t make demands and what we mean by direct action.
11/28/2023 • 17 minutes, 52 seconds
#100: In Memory of Dmitry Petrov
On April 19, 2023, a Russian anarchist named Dmitry Petrov was killed in battle near Bakhmut, Ukraine. In this episode, we offer a eulogy remembering Dmitry as an uncompromising anarchist fighter who participated in an unbelievable amount of radical activity around the region. His extraordinary life spanned anarchist organizing as a teenager in Moscow; environmental defense, radical unionism, and refugee solidarity activism; years of underground direct action against police, military, and profiteers from gentrification; participating in the Maidan protests in Ukraine, uprising against dictatorship in Belarus, and the struggle against the Islamic State in Rojava; co-founding the Anarcho-Communist Combat Organization; and finally taking up arms against Russian imperialism in Ukraine. This episode combines an incomplete biography of his life in combat against all forms of hierarchy and domination, along with a translation of his text “The Mission of Anarchism in the Modern World,” a remembrance published by the Anarcho-Communist Combat Organization titled “Dima Ecolog’s Partisan Path”, and a song inspired by his direct action. Join us in commemorating the life of a powerful anarchist comrade who will be dearly missed. {November 7, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:36} A Life in Combat {5:26} Appendix I: The Mission of Anarchism in the Modern World {38:28} Appendix II: “Dima Ecolog’s Partisan Path” {57:15} Appendix III: “Black Blog Fighter” by Electric Partisans {1:09:55} Outro {1:14:23} This episode offers an audio version of In Memory of Dmitry Petrov: An Incomplete Biography and Translation of His Work, published on May 3rd, 2023. It includes an account of his life and anarchist activity assembled by CrimethInc. operatives (be sure to check out the original article for all the links to the source material), along with Dmitry’s text, “The Mission of Anarchism in the Modern World,” a tribute from his fellow fighters from the Anarcho-Communist Combat Organization titled “Dima Ecolog’s Partisan Path” (here in the original Russian), and a song based in part on his activities called “Black Blog Fighter” by the Russian punk band Electric Partisans. A print version of this text in the form of a small book is available from Active Distribution in Europe. We hope to announce soon that copies will be available for purchase in the US via PM Press; we’ll update this link when that comes to pass. Here is a partial archive of Dmitry’s writings, public statements, and publishing projects: A Collection of Dmitry’s Writings in English—courtesy of the Anarchist Library Dmitry speaking at May Day 2009 in Moscow (starting at 5:23) Dmitry speaking at the Ukrainian House (UkrDom) during the Maidan, in February 2014. (At this meeting, Dima spoke about the experiences of Russian protesters, drew parallels between the liberation struggle in both countries, and proposed the idea of people’s power as an alternative to vertically organized power represented by professional politicians.) You can read Dmitry’s reports from the 2014 uprising in Ukraine in full here: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X “Social revolution in Kurdistan”—A lecture with N.L. Gadaeva on March 30, 2017 Red and Black Devils—A news article about anarchist arsons in Ukraine Life without a State: Revolution in Rojava—A book Dmitry participated in, published in 2017 Kurdistan: Real Democracy in Conditions of War and Blockade—Another book Dmitry participated in Sarah: My Whole Life Has Been a Struggle—Another book Dmitry helped with For a discussion of the complexities of formulating an anarchist anti-war strategy that does not effectively cede the field to state militarism, you could begin with this article from the Russian-language anarchist website Autonomous Action, “In the Spirit of Sholem Schwarzbard - Addressing Confusion about the War in Ukraine” Dmitry Petrov was killed alongside two other anarchist fighters, Cooper Andrews and Finbar Cafferkey. You can read about Cooper’s motivations in his own words here and consult a eulogy from his comrades here. You can learn about Finbar’s lifelong activism here, read an interview with him here, and listen to a song of his here.
11/23/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 18 seconds
#99: Strategizing for Palestinian Solidarity
As the Israeli bombardment of Gaza intensifies, with over 10,000 deaths recorded to date, it is more urgent than ever for people everywhere to take decisive action to stop the war machine. In this episode, we share the strategic reflections of a collective of Jewish anarchists based in the US on Palestinian solidarity. The authors propose a shift from making demands to taking direct action, relying not on appealing to the consciences of politicians but on concretely interrupting the functioning of the businesses and agencies that are enabling the slaughter. After offering historical context to Israeli settler colonialism and Palestinian resistance, this article connects the movement to defend the Weelaunee Forest and Stop Cop City to Palestinian solidarity struggles, and describes approaches used by different collectives involving targeting war profiteers and law enforcement/military exchange programs. A publisher’s afterward reflects on the uses and limits of tertiary targeting through reflections on the SHAC model and the Green Scare. Tune in for vital strategic reflections on what we can do from wherever in the world we’re listening to take action against militarism, displacement, and death in Palestine. {November 7, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} The Ceasefire in Gaza Starts Here {3:43} 75 Years of War {6:06} “Ceasefire now!” {10:33} How to Start a Ceasefire {15:44} Publisher’s Afterword: The Uses and Limits of Tertiary Targeting {19:50} Outro/PSA {22:45} This episode offers an audio version of Strategizing for Palestinian Solidarity: Expanding the Toolkit From Demands to Direct Action, published on November 3rd, 2023. This episode includes the analysis of The Fayer Collective of Jewish anarchists. To learn more about their work, see their text “Finding Our Own Fire” and this article in Jewish Currents. Our coverage of the war in Palestine includes “From the Galilee to Gaza—A Voice From Palestine” – also available as Episode 98 of the Ex-Worker – and ““A Nuclear Superpower and a Dispossessed People”: An Anarchist from Jaffa on the Escalation in Palestine and Israeli Repression”. For further background, see “A Coup d’État in Israel? The Bitter Harvest of Colonialism” (March 27, 2023) – also available as Episode 92 of the Ex-Worker - “The Revolt in Haifa: An Eyewitness Report” (2021), and “Contemporary Israeli Anarchism: A History” (2013). For background on our discussion of tertiary targeting and direct action strategy, check out our critical assessment of The SHAC Model (2008) and the broader context of The Green Scare (2008). You can also read more about why we don’t make demands and what we mean by direct action. The authors connect Palestinian solidarity to the movement to Defend the Weelaunee Forest and Stop Cop City. For our coverage of that movement, see Episodes 85, 86, 96, and 97 of the Ex-Worker for audio coverage; you can also read “The City in the Forest,” chronicling the first year of the movement; “The Forest in the City”, chronicling the second year of the movement; “Balance Sheet,” exploring the strategies that different currents in the movement have employed; and “Living in an Earthquake,” on the most recent wave of repression and resistance.
11/8/2023 • 22 minutes, 28 seconds
#98: From the Galilee to Gaza—A Voice From Palestine
As the Israeli military escalates its slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza and societies around the world fracture and clash over the conflict, we want to amplify anti-authoritarian voices from within the territory to share their experiences and analysis. In this short but moving account, we present the perspective of a Palestinian living in the north of Palestine, who speaks about different aspects of life under colonization and about the struggle for liberation through grassroots organizing and solidarity. {November 1, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:34} A Voice From the Galilee in Palestine {2:18} “Who’s a Terrorist?”—The Manufacture of Consent {6:18} The System versus the People {8:20} PSA / Outro {10:27} This episode is an audio version of the article “From the Galilee to Gaza: A Voice From Palestine”, originally published on October 17, 2023. For more coverage of Palestinian struggles and Israeli anarchist analyses and solidarity efforts, see ““A Nuclear Superpower and a Dispossessed People”: An Anarchist from Jaffa on the Escalation in Palestine and Israeli Repression” (October 8, 2023), “A Coup d’État in Israel? The Bitter Harvest of Colonialism” (March 27, 2023), “The Revolt in Haifa: An Eyewitness Report” (2021), and “Contemporary Israeli Anarchism: A History” (2013).
11/1/2023 • 10 minutes, 44 seconds
#97: Understanding the RICO Charges in Atlanta
Prosecutors in Georgia have charged activists protesting against a planned police militarization facility known as "Cop City" with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has indicted 61 people on RICO charges. In this episode, we explore the ramifications of this more or less unprecedented stage of repression. {Oct 6, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ This episode is an audio version of the September 5th article “Understanding the RICO Charges in Atlanta.” For more information, check out this video recording of an online seminar organized by the National Lawyers Guild: Understanding the RICO Indictments Against Stop Cop City Activists. For more background on the ways that this law has been wielded as a tool of repression against social movements, see “On the Political Use of RICO Charges.” For further coverage and analysis of the last year of struggle in the forest in Atlanta, check out the articles Balance Sheet: Two Years against Cop City–Evaluating Strategies, Refining Tactics {February 28, 2023}, which evaluates the strategic hypotheses that the movement has produced and tested over the past two years and reflects on the risks and possibilities of the next phase of the struggle; Defending Abundance Everywhere: A Call to Every Community From the Weelaunee Forest {March 2, 2023}, a collection of short essays that draws on the struggle to defend the forest to reflect on the abundance that exists in our communities and in the more-than-human world; Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol Are Guilty of Murder: The Evidence and the Motive {April 20, 2023}, which exposes the truth about the police’s killing of Tortuguita in the forest; and “Living in an Earthquake: The Fight against Cop City Confronts Unprecedented Repression” {June 1, 2023}, which explains the latest rounds of repression and domestic terrorism charges. For more Ex-Worker Podcast audio coverage of the movement, check out Episode 85, “Stop Cop City / Defend Weelaunee Forest, Part I: History and Analysis”, which presents an audio version of our April 2022 article The City in the Forest: Reinventing Resistance for an Age of Climate Crisis and Police Militarization; Episode 86, “Stop Cop City / Defend Weelaunee Forest, Part II: Accounts and Solidarity”, which narrates the August 2022 article Beneath the Concrete, The Forest: Accounts From the Defense of the Atlanta Forest; Episode 96, which narrates the February 2023 account The Forest In The City: Two Years Of Forest Defense In Atlanta, Georgia. Stay up to date on the latest developments, calls to action, and more by following Stop Cop City Soliidarity – which includes a very helpful target map to help plan actions against the project’s supporters and funders – the Atlanta Community Press Collective, StopCop.City, Defend the Atlanta Forest linktree, and the Atlanta Solidarity Fund. The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers. You can find episodes from other anarchist podcasts covering the struggle to defend the forest in Atlanta and Stop Cop City, including The Final Straw Radio, This is America, from It’s Going Down, and more.
10/6/2023 • 13 minutes, 52 seconds
#96: The Forest In The City: Two Years Of Forest Defense In Atlanta, Georgia
This episode continues the Ex-Worker Podcast’s coverage of the movement to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest in Atlanta, Georgia. In this episode, we present an audio version of The Forest In The City: Two Years Of Forest Defense In Atlanta, Georgia, originally published February 22, 2023, which continues the chronology of the movement whose origins we reported in episodes 85 and 86. In this eloquent and nuanced narrative, you’ll hear a detailed account of the movement’s second year, from the frenzy of activity in spring 2022 through the third and fourth weeks of action, waves of backlash and repression, and the tragic murder of forest defender Tortuguita, up to the eve of the March 2023 week of action. In addition to a chronology of developments and actions, the article shares insights learned by participants in the movement about relations with the media, the significance of music and the arts in social struggles, the importance of optimism and confidence, the risks of specialization, and many more aspects of revolutionary strategy. We encourage all of our listeners to learn what you can from this account, and to take action to support forest defenders and fight back against Cop City and its world. To learn more, be sure to check out the show notes and links, and stay tuned for forthcoming audio versions of more of CrimethInc.’s coverage of the struggle. {May 25, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} The Forest in the City: Two Years of Forest Defense in Atlanta, Georgia {3:13} The Stakes of the Fight {3:37} Taking the Initiative {9:05} The Spring Was Ours {11:29} Third Week of Action (May 2022) {13:47} Hell is Empty, All the Devils Are Here {16:52} They Don’t Understand Who We Are {20:31} They Tried to Break Us: Post-Week Raid {25:05} Full Court Press {28:30} Speaking for Ourselves {30:00} Momentum Breeds Resistance {39:23} The Tree People {41:18} New Openings {43:40} Luring Them In {46:42} The Fourth Week of Action {49:12} The Sound of Music {49:46} Weelaunee People’s Park {51:59} The Kids Will Have Their Say {57:14} Fall {1:02:48} Gridlock and Innovation {1:05:49} Preparing for a Clampdown {1:11:45} The Repression {1:13:36} We Are All Forest Defenders {1:16:06} Destruction in Weelaunee People’s Park {1:19:02} Regaining Confidence {1:21:24} Injunction Overruled {1:24:40} January 18, 2023 {1:26:38} The Shooting {1:29:21} Tortuguita Vive, la Lucha Sigue {1:32:02} Indomitable Resistance {1:35:30} Is Everything Coming to a Head? {1:42:55} Blood in the Water {1:45:23} This episode offers an audio version of the article The Forest In The City: Two Years Of Forest Defense In Atlanta, Georgia, originally published February 22, 2023. Please note that this audio version does not include the article’s Appendix, which offers a day-by-day chronology of events with links to media coverage; we thought that including this in the audio version would feel redundant for listeners, and the episode is already nearly two hours long! If you’re interested, you can consult the original article to read this and check out the links it includes. For further coverage and analysis of the last year of struggle in the forest in Atlanta, check out the articles Balance Sheet: Two Years against Cop City–Evaluating Strategies, Refining Tactics {February 28, 2023}, which evaluates the strategic hypotheses that the movement has produced and tested over the past two years and reflects on the risks and possibilities of the next phase of the struggle; Defending Abundance Everywhere: A Call to Every Community From the Weelaunee Forest {March 2, 2023}, a collection of short essays that draws on the struggle to defend the forest to reflect on the abundance that exists in our communities and in the more-than-human world; and Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol Are Guilty of Murder: The Evidence and the Motive {April 20, 2023}, which exposes the truth about the police’s killing of Tortuguita in the forest. For more Ex-Worker Podcast audio coverage of the movement, check out Episode 85, “Stop Cop City / Defend Weelaunee Forest, Part I: History and Analysis”, which presents an audio version of our April 2022 article The City in the Forest: Reinventing Resistance for an Age of Climate Crisis and Police Militarization, and Episode 86, “Stop Cop City / Defend Weelaunee Forest, Part II: Accounts and Solidarity”, which narrates the August 2022 article Beneath the Concrete, The Forest: Accounts From the Defense of the Atlanta Forest. Stay up to date on the latest developments, calls to action, and more by following Stop Cop City Soliidarity – which includes a very helpful target map to help plan actions against the project’s supporters and funders – the Atlanta Community Press Collective, StopCop.City, Defend the Atlanta Forest linktree, and the Atlanta Solidarity Fund. The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers. You can find episodes from other anarchist podcasts covering the struggle to defend the forest in Atlanta and Stop Cop City, including The Final Straw Radio, This is America, from It’s Going Down, and more.
5/26/2023 • 1 hour, 52 minutes, 38 seconds
#95: Disasters of State: On the Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
On February 6, 2023, two powerful earthquakes hit southern Turkey and Northern and Western Syria, inflicting tremendous damage and killing tens of thousands of people. But there was nothing “natural” about this disaster: the lethal combination of negligence and repression imposed on the people of the region by the authoritarian regimes of the Turkish and Syrian states is directly responsible for the misery. This episode offers an audio version of the article “Disasters of State: The Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria”, originally published on March 16, 2023. It includes two texts, the first from supporters of the movements for liberation in the regions of Bakur and Rojava and the second from supporters of the revolution in western Syria. These offer different vantage points on how the Turkish and Syrian governments not only failed to protect their subjects but used this catastrophe as an opportunity to consolidate power and target their adversaries via neglect, blockading, and even bombing. Against the opportunism and violence of the state, we are inspired by the international grassroots mobilization with which communities around the world have responded to the earthquake. But in order for these efforts to succeed, we have to understand both the earthquakes and the state as aspects of the same catastrophe and take action against both of them. {May 23, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:37} Disasters of State: On the Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria {2:16} Statement about the Earthquakes from the Bay Area Mesopotamia Solidarity Committee {4:59} In Syria, the Sieve of an Earthquake {12:57} Back to a Revolution {16:30} The Denial of Politics {19:39} Confronting the Ba’ath Regime and Its Supporters {24:03} This episode is an audio version of the article “Disasters of State: The Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria”, originally published on March 16, 2023. The article includes a statement from the Bay Area Mesopotamia Solidarity Committee, and translation of a text by Hamza Esmili and Montassir Sakhi courtesy of some of our comrades from the Syrian Cantina in Montreuil. Some of the solidarity projects recommended by our comrades that you can donate to in support of relief efforts include: The White Helments, Molham Volunteering Team, Association Revivre, and Mehad. CrimethInc. has published many articles on the revolution in Rojava, the Syrian Civil War, struggles against the Turkish state, and the political dynamics of the region in recent years. To read more, we recommend: “War in Ukraine: Ten Lessons from Syria” {2022}, “One Year Since the Turkish Invasion of Rojava: An Interview with Tekosina Anarsist on Anarchist Participation in the Revolutionary Experiment in Northeastern Syria” {2020}, “The Roots of Turkish Fascism and the Threat it Poses” {2019}, “Why the Turkish Invasion Matters: Addressing the Hard Questions About Imperialism and Solidarity” {2019}, “Interview with the Internationalist Commune in Rojava” {2019}, “The Nationalists and the Jihadists Together, and Against Them Only Autonomous Resistance” {2019}, “The Threat to Rojava: An Anarchist in Syria Speaks on the Real Meaning of Trump’s Withdrawal” {2018}, “The Struggle is not for Martyrdom, but for Life” {2017}, “The Syrian Underground Railroad: Migrant Solidarity Organizing in the Modern Landscape” {2017}, [“Rojava: Democracy and Commune” https://crimethinc.com/2016/05/19/rojava-democracy-and-commune) by Paul Z. Simons {2016}, “Understanding the Kurdish Resistance: A Historical Overview and Eyewitness Report” {2015}; “Turkish Anarchists on the Fight for Kobane” {2015}, and “Postcards from the Turkish Uprising” {2013}. We’ve also got a poster featuring Trump and Erdogan you can download. Several past episodes of the Ex-Worker have discussed the situation in the region, focusing on the movements building autonomy in Rojava as well as the political context in Turkey, Syria, and elsewhere in the region. To listen to more, check out Episode 36, “The Rojava Revolution” {May 2015} and Episode 39, “The Rojava Revolution, Part II” {July 2015}; and the four episode “Defend Rojava!” series in October 2019, including #66, “The Turkish Invasion”, #67, “Understanding the Kurdish Resistance”, #68, “The So-Called ‘Ceasefire’ and What’s At Stake”, and #69, “More Interviews on Revolution and Solidarity”. Our friends at The Final Straw Radio have also produced several episodes in recent years on Rojava, Syria, and Turkey. An excellent book to read more about the early years of the Rojava Revolution is A Small Key Can Open a Large Door {2016}.
5/24/2023 • 28 minutes, 20 seconds
#94: The Uprising in Peru
In December 2022, a wave of popular protests led by campesino and Indigenous movements swept across Peru, including a nationwide mobilization in the capital. In response, the government has decreed a state of emergency, and the police have killed more than 60 people and injured thousands. For a direct view of these events, we spoke with Peruvian anarchists, hoping to get perspective on the aspects of this movement that exceed state politics. This episode narrates The Uprising in Peru, an interview conducted by comrades in Latin America with participants in Periodico Libertária, an anarchist publication based in the territory of Peru, originally published on February 19th. The comrades discuss the centrality of campesino and indigenous participation in the uprising, the brutality and racism of the police and their connection to the former dictatorship, the failures and opportunism of the political left, regional tensions across the Peruvian state, and different forms that anarchism takes in the region. (April 20, 2023) -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction: The Uprising in Peru {0:37} Interview with Periodico Libertária {4:25} Conclusion {25:33} This episode is an audio version of The Uprising in Peru: Anarchists Discuss the Revolt Against Police Violence and the State of Emergency, published on February 19, 2023. We interview members of Periodico Libertária, an anarchist publication based in the territory of Peru. Some references made in the interview for which you might want some additional context: the terruqueo, an anti-leftist discourse used by sectors of the Peruvian government to portray their opponents as terrorists; Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path), a Maoist guerrilla group active in Peru; here’s a link to an anti-authoritarian, anti-colonial take on the group from the 1990s.
4/20/2023 • 26 minutes, 30 seconds
#93: France in Flames: The Movement Against Macron's Pension Reform
In France, a powerful protest movement has erupted against the government in response to an attempt to raise the retirement age. Millions have gone on strike and poured into the streets in the most substantial unrest in France since the Yellow Vest movement. President Emmanuel Macron and his henchmen have attempted to crush this movement by escalating police violence to lethal extremes. In this episode, we share two recently published texts on the movement against Macron’s pension reform in France. In France: The Movement Against The Pension Reform—On The Threshold Of An Uprising?, published on March 22nd, we present an introduction and a translation of a French text, which explore the roots of the movement, an overview of its first phase, and an analysis of the issues at stake—which, our correspondents argue, goes beyond the democratic process or social benefits to a rejection of work itself. In France in Flames: Macron Attempts to Crush the Movement against the Pension Reform with Lethal Violence, published on March 30th, we offer a chronology of the events of the previous week, including a translation of an account by one participant in the brutally repressed demonstration at Sainte-Soline on March 25th and a statement from the parents of another who remains in a coma. As anti-government struggles with very different characters rage across the globe, from Peru to Iran to Israel, we’re doing our best to transmit reports from anarchists on the ground about what’s happening, about the possibilities and risks they present, and about how we can think critically about the currents of liberation inside of them. (April 15, 2023) -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Episode Introduction {0:37} France: The Movement Against The Pension Reform—On The Threshold Of An Uprising? {2:22} Bedtime for the Macron Regime? {12:04} Alone against All {13:14} The Best Retirement Is Attack {16:31} A Critique of Violence {19:34} Learning the Lessons of Repression {22:13} Power Is Logistical—Let’s Block Everything {27:40} Towards Infinity and Beyond {33:05} Ex-Worker PSA {34:40} France in Flames: Macron Attempts to Crush the Movement against the Pension Reform with Lethal Violence {35:05} The General Strike of March 23 {36:45} The Strike Continues {39:19} March 25: Bloodbath in Sainte-Soline {40:23} Reportback From Sainte-Soline {44:34} Communiqué from the Parents of Serge on March 29, 2023 {48:29} The Strike Continues {50:16} Conclusion {58:15} This episode narrates two articles: France: The Movement Against The Pension Reform—On The Threshold Of An Uprising? (March 22nd) and France in Flames: Macron Attempts to Crush the Movement against the Pension Reform with Lethal Violence (March 30th). This episode includes a translation of an anonymous report-back from the March 25 protest at Sainte-Soline, and a statement from the parents of Serge, who was critically injured by police violence at the protest. To understand the context for social upheavals in France today, you may want to check out our coverage from recent years, of the Yellow Vest movement of 2018–19—see The Yellow Vest Movement in France: Between Ecological Neoliberalism and Apolitical Movements (November 2018) and The Movement as Battleground: Fighting for the Soul of the Yellow Vest Movement—and of the movements that preceded it, as described in our 2017 article, From the Loi Travail to the French Elections: A Retrospective on Social Upheaval in France, 2015–2017. Our French correspondents argue that what’s really at stake in the protests around the retirement age is a mass rejection of work itself. Well, we’ve had some things to say about work, too, if you want to read or listen. Our friends at Ill Will Editions offer some of the most insightful English-language coverage of social upheavals in France; this episode quotes from their article The Trap of Sainte-Soline. The episode makes reference to the text “Why All Cops Are Bastards”. For more audio resources on similar themes, check out classic Ex-Worker episodes 5, “Still Not Loving Police” and 6, “Making Police Obsolete”. For additional context, check out this article of strategic reflections on the spontaneous demonstrations of March 18 in Paris. If you want to support rebels in France, check out this comprehensive list of solidarity funds from across the country and this anti-repression solidarity fund.
4/15/2023 • 59 minutes, 12 seconds
#92: The Bitter Harvest of Colonialism in Israel
In this episode, the Ex-Worker presents an audio version of A Coup D’Etat In Israel? The Bitter Harvest Of Colonialism, originally published on March 27th. The article assesses the recent attempts by Israeli President Benjamin Netanhayu to strip power away from the judiciary, a power grab that has precipitated the largest protest movement in modern Israeli history. As our correspondent from the region argues, however, the crisis has emerged out of a conflict between competing elites and their respective colonial models. The article provides in-depth context behind the social rifts and political developments that led to the current showdown, and highlights the structural exclusions that make Jewish democracy in Palestine—i.e., ethnocracy—possible. While different sectors within the state of Israel clash over its future and a “reactionary international” supports the most extreme right-wing Zionist currents, determined Palestinian resistance to escalating genocidal violence on the other side of the wall shows that the struggle has many sides. Tune in for an in-depth anarchist analysis of a complex and critical struggle for the future of the Middle East and beyond. (April 12, 2023) -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} Episode Introduction {0:36} A Coup D’Etat In Israel? The Bitter Harvest Of Colonialism {2:17} The Context Behind The “Coup” {4:56} A Field Guide to Ethnic Cleansing {20:39} Meanwhile, on the Other Side of the Wall {31:37} Conclusion {36:21} This episode offers an audio version of the article A Coup D’Etat In Israel? The Bitter Harvest Of Colonialism, originally published on March 27th. Since this article was published, some important developments have taken place. In an extreme provocation denounced by Muslim leaders across the world, Israeli police invaded Al-Aqsa mosque on the first day of Passover and during the middle of Ramadan, beating up worshippers and arresting 450; in response, attacks on Israelis took place through rockets launched from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria into Israeli cities, followed by Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon and Syria. Despite the threat that Netanyahu might attempt to use this escalation to silence the protests and unite Israelis around fear of a common enemy - a common tactic around elections and at times of social unrest - the protest movement remains strong, with some 100,000 demonstrators surging into the streets of Tel Aviv on the past two Saturdays. Also, the Israeli Minister of Defense who Netanyahu fired has been restored to his post. You can see documentation of the violence at the Al-Aqsa mosque here and here, as well as some context for the events. This interview with Mohammed El-Kurd at Democracy Now offers a useful summary of the situation. For more of our coverage from the region, see the May 2021 article The Revolt in Haifa: An Eyewitness Report. Further background on anarchist interventions in the region can be found in our 2013 article Contemporary Israeli Anarchism: A History. Our critical dialogues about democracy provide useful background to the discussion of Israeli democracy in this episode. For more audio content, check out the Ex-Worker’s episode introducing the anarchist critique of democracy and our audio zine of From Democracy to Freedom. There’s also a quote on democracy from To Our Friends by the Invisible Committee, which is also available as an audiobook. The episode makes references to several historical events you might want to read more about, including the Wadi Salib revolts, the Black Panthers in Israel, There are also references to Alfredo Bonanno’s text Palestine, Mon Amour and Emma Goldman’s views on Zionism. The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers. You can find episodes from other anarchist podcasts exploring the situation in Israel from a radical perspectives, including the Dresden Anarchist Network, the Final Straw, and more.
4/12/2023 • 37 minutes, 18 seconds
#91: Elections, Fascism, and Popular Resistance in Brazil
In Brazil, a three-way contest is unfolding between the far right in the streets, the institutional electoral left in the halls of power, and autonomous radical movements caught between them. When authoritarian president Jair Bolsonaro was narrowly defeated at the polls in October, a popular right-wing movement emerged to contest the election results, culminating in a protest in which Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in the capital of Brasilia. In this episode, we share two articles in which Brazilian anarchists analyze these developments: the first, published in October shortly after the election, assesses the limits of electoral strategies as pathways to social transformation or checks to fascist power; the second, published just after the right-wing attack on government buildings in January, analyzes the similarities and differences between the events in the US and in Brazil, and argues for the urgent necessity of autonomous direct action to counter both the limits of the left and the threat of the right. Anarchists in the United States and beyond can learn much from our Brazilian comrades as we strategize to push back against rising fascism in our own contexts. {March 3, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:36} Left Electoralism, Fascist Direct Action, and Anti-Fascist Resistance:The Brazilian Elections of 2022 {3:26} You Don’t Defeat Fascism at the Polls {5:25} Autonomous and Anti-Fascist Resistance {11:28} Shine the Light of a Dead Star {15:18} January 8, the Brazilian January 6: Tracking the Rise of Fascism from the United States to Brazil {21:59} Elections Do Not Stop Fascism {24:41} The Revolt of Those Escorted by Cops {29:59} A Local Manifestation of a Global Fascist Wave {34:35} Conclusion {41:30} This episode narrates two previously published articles: Left Electoralism, Fascist Direct Action, and Anti-Fascist Resistance:The Brazilian Elections of 2022 (November 6, 2022) and [January 8, the Brazilian January 6: Tracking the Rise of Fascism from the United States to Brazil](https://crimethinc.com/2023/01/10/january–8-the-brazilian-january–6-tracking-the-rise-of-fascism (January 10, 2023). If you or folks you know speak/read Portuguese, check out pt.crimethinc.com, where you’ll find dozens of Brazilian Portuguese translations of articles and zines. This episode makes a lot of references—here are some links to learn more about them! The articles speak of the Latin American “Pink Tide” of progressive electoral victories beginning in 2008, which itself drew on momentum from popular uprisings across the region in the preceding decades, including the 1989 Caracazo uprising in Venezuela and the reintroduction of democracy in Brazil and Chile (which didn’t make people free—see the Brazilian anarchist critique of their democracy, or our critique of democracy itself, for some insights as to why). There’s also discussion of the 2013 mass protests against the government’s effort to raise public transportation prices and the 2014 protests against the FIFA World Cup. Want to learn more about resistance in Brazil in recent years? Check out Fighting in Brazil: Three Years of Revolt, Repression, and Reaction (2017), Brazil 2016–17: The Political Crisis and Coup d’État—An Anarchist Analysis (2018), Brazil: Rivers of Blood—Peace Is War, Security Is Hazardous, and Citizens Are the Targets of the State (2018), From Punk to Indigenous Solidarity: Four Decades of Anarchism in Brazil—An Interview (2021), Brazil: Epicenter of the Virus of Populism A Year of Catastrophe and Resistance (2021), and more. You can also listen to past Ex-Worker episodes on the 2014 World Cup protests and the 2013 fare hike protests. Printable zine versions are available for many of these articles, too! To learn more about trucker strikes and blockades as a popular right-wing tactics, see our coverage of the 2022 truck blockades in Ottawa, right-wing Chilean truck blockades in opposition to indigenous Mapuche activism, and a mainstream news account about how the CIA financed trucker strikes in 1972 and 1973 to disrupt the leftist administration of Salvador Allende in Chile.
3/3/2023 • 42 minutes, 25 seconds
#90: Solidarity with Alfredo Cospito, Italian Anarchist Prisoner on Hunger Strike
Italian anarchist prisoner Alfredo Cospito has been on hunger strike for over 100 days, demanding his release from the brutal regime of solitary confinement and severe restrictions known as “41bis.” Despite the mobilization of anarchist and radical networks across Italy in solidarity, as well as actions in support across the world, the Italian state stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his protest, and Alfredo’s life is in severe danger. In this episode, we share three short pieces that introduce you to Alfredo Cospito, explain the context behind the hunger strike and the repressive prison regime in Italy, and describe anarchist efforts to challenge the state’s attempt to bury our comrade. We open with a short solidarity statement about the case, along with a translation of a statement by Italian philosopher Donatella Di Cesare titled “Release Alfredo Now—It’s a Question of Justice.” The episode concludes with an interview with a friend from Rome who locates the hunger strike and solidarity efforts in a broader context of anarchist activity in Italy and beyond. {February 9, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} Episode Introduction {0:37} Solidarity with Alfredo Cospito {2:27} Release Alfredo Now—It’s a Question of Justice {8:30} Interview with Alfredo Cospito Supporter in Rome {16:14} Conclusion {30:10} This episode includes an audio version of Solidarity with Alfredo Cospito, originally published February 3, 2023. The text includes a translation of an article by philosopher Donatella di Cesare. Learn more about Alfredo Cospito and his hunger strike through the following resources: Autonomies article from December; “Scripta Manent: a Political Trial against 20 Years of History of Revolutionary Anarchism” (about Alfredo’s trial and broader background); writings by Alfredo on The Anarchist Library, a June 2022 interview and dialogue with Alfredo, global solidarity statements, and Alfredo’s support page.
2/9/2023 • 31 minutes, 6 seconds
#89: The Battle of York, January 2002—Anti-Fascism, Then and Now
In this episode, we share an audio version of a recently published account from the history of anarchist struggles against fascism. On January 12, 2002, hundreds of neo-Nazis gathered in York, Pennsylvania to promote white supremacy. Anarchists and other opponents of fascism throughout the region mobilized to oppose them, making common cause with locals and sending the fascists packing in a clash that came to be known as “the Battle of York.” Twenty-one years later, a participant in the day’s events recounts the clashes and reflects on what has changed since then, comparing the events in York with those in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017. This account is adapted from a memoir forthcoming on PM Press, entitled The Anarchist International. {February 6, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} January 2022: The Battle of York—Anti-Fascism Then and Now {0:38} The Gathering Storm {1:52} On the Prowl: Saturday, January 12, 2002 {7:29} The Battle of York {17:44} Conclusion {44:36} This episode is an audio version of January 2002: The Battle of York: Anti-Fascism, Then and Now. Want to learn more about anarchist struggles against fascism in the past and today? Start with The Ex-Worker’s two episodes on the subject, [#11, “Never Forgive and Never Forget”](https://crimethinc.com/podcasts/the-ex-worker/episodes/11) and [#12. “Remembering Means Fighting”](https://crimethinc.com/podcasts/the-ex-worker/episodes/12). We’d also recommend CrimethInc.’s previous articles, which include “How Anti-Fascists Won the Battle of Berkeley” (2018) – don’t miss the audio version here – as well as “The Long Struggle Against Fascism in DC” (2018), our poster on the two faces of fascism and flyer on Anti-Fascism as Self-Defense (2017), “Not Your Grandmother’s Anti-Fascism” (2017), “Antifa Sisters” (2017), the point-counterpoint analyses “Does Trump Represent White Supremacy or Fascism?” and “Yes, Trump Represents Fascism” (2016), and more. The author in this episode makes reference to the 2017 fascist rally in Charlottesville which resulted in the death of Heather Heyer. To learn more, check out Ex-Worker Epsiode #56: Triumph and Tragedy in the Struggle Against Fascism, as well as the articles One Dead in Charlottesville: Why the Right Can Kill Us Now, Charlottesville and the Rise of Fascism in the USA: What We Need to Do, From J20 to Charlottesville: Repressing Dissent From Above and Below, Why We Fought in Charlottesville, and The Lessons of Charlottesville a Year Later: How the Terrain Has Changed. We’d recommend the books Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook by Mark Bray and Fascism Today: What It Is and How To End It and Why We Fight by Shane Burley. There’s also a new history of Anti-Racist Action called We Go Where They Go.
2/6/2023 • 45 minutes, 32 seconds
#88: 2022 in Review—A Year to Endure
We’ve survived 2022—and with it, the ebb tide following the upheavals of 2019 and 2020. Both in the United States and around the world, this has been a year of challenges and reversals. In this episode, we offer an audio version of 2022 in Review: A Year to Endure, in which we revisit how we got here, explore the events of the past twelve months, and review our own efforts to contribute to movements for liberation. The year began with our warehouse in ashes, and ended with the world’s richest man personally banning us from Twitter, yet we managed to continue our coverage of the year’s major developments, ranging from the surge in anti-work sentiment and action to resistance to attacks on reproductive autonomy and gender self-determination to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and anti-war movement, and much more. We go into 2023 ready for the next round—and we hope you’ll be right there beside us. {January 31, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} Episode Introduction {0:36} A Year to Endure {1:14} The United States: From 2020 to 2022 {2:37} The Threat of Fascism {12:19} Reproductive Freedom and Gender Autonomy {14:07} Around the World {16:18} History {23:59} Social Media, Print Media {25:11} Facing Forward {25:48} Conclusion {46:06} This episode is an audio version of 2022 in Review: A Year to Endure.
1/31/2023 • 28 minutes, 57 seconds
#87: The Twitter Ban and the End of Social Media
In November, CrimethInc. was banned from Twitter by Elon Musk, part of a concerted campaign by right wing trolls and the world’s richest man to shift global political discourse to the right. Why is this happening now, and what should we do about it? This episode collects three months of our writings and coverage of developments with social media as it enters a new phase of consolidation and cooptation. We open with an article published in October—before our ban—tracing the evolution of Twitter from a protest tool developed by anarchists for use at mass mobilizations into a corporate platform controlled by a right-wing billionaire. Next, we share the statement we issued when Twitter banned CrimethInc. from the platform, as well as a poster developed to take our response offline and into the streets. The episode concludes with Canary in the Coal Mine: Twitter and the End of Social Media, an in-depth analysis of how communications in movements for social transformation have evolved within the shifting landscape of technology, politics, and resistance in the past decades, concluding with suggestions for ways to take action beyond the nightmare of corporate social media. {January 30, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} Episode Introduction {0:36} The Billionaire and the Anarchists: Tracing Twitter from Its Roots as a Protest Tool to Elon Musk’s Acquisition {1:49} Elon Musk Bans CrimethInc. from Twitter at the Urging of Far-Right Troll {14:55} Whose Tweets? Our Streets: A New Poster and Zine for an Offline Media Offensive {19:08} Canary in the Coal Mine: Twitter and the End of Social Media {23:14} Conclusion {46:06} The episode opens with The Billionaire and the Anarchists: Tracing Twitter from Its Roots as a Protest Tool to Elon Musk’s Acquisition. Next, we shared our report on the ban: Elon Musk Bans CrimethInc. from Twitter at the Urging of Far-Right Troll. We went on to share a short article introducing a new poster, Whose Tweets? Our Streets: A New Poster and Zine for an Offline Media Offensive. You can find a direct link to the poster here. Want to put some up around your town? Consult our Field Guide to Wheatpasting for how-to tips. Finally, the episode wraps up with Canary in the Coal Mine: Twitter and the End of Social Media CrimethInc. wasn’t the only radical account banned from Twitter, of course. As The Intercept, Jacobin, and others have reported, other radical outlets who’ve gotten the chop include It’s Going Down and many other anarchist, anti-fascist, and critical journalist accounts. Want to stay connected without Twitter? Follow us on Mastodon and Telegram and subscribe to our RSS feed. You can even find us on YouTube, Tumblr, and Reddit. If you want to help us continue to reach people offline, order stickers and others materials to distribute here.
1/31/2023 • 43 minutes, 24 seconds
#86: Stop Cop City / Defend Weelaunee Forest, Part II: Accounts and Solidarity
In this episode, we continue our coverage of the struggle to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest in Atlanta, Georgia. While Episode 85 offered a history and analysis of the first phases of the movement, today we present a series of anonymous first person narratives from participants who describe their inspiring and transformative experiences in the forest, originally published in August 2022 as “Beneath the Concrete, the Forest.” The episode opens with the text of a solidarity statement we’re encouraging all listeners to sign with groups or as individuals, in response to the police’s murder of forest defender Manuel “Tortuguita” Teran. Around the US and escalating repression of the movement. {January 29, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} Episode Introduction {0:36} Solidarity with the Movement to Stop Cop City and Defend Weelaunee Forest {1:53} Beneath the Concrete, The Forest: Accounts From the Defense of the Atlanta Forest {6:40} The Forest Within Me {11:29} The Forest is a Portal {15:24} Letter from a Treesitter {16:15} When the Barriers Come Down {18:24} A Tour of the Forest {22:15} The Truck Became an Attraction {26:48} Deep into the Future {30:08} This Time, We Were There {32:22} DJing is an Extension of My Everyday Acts of Resistance {35:12} The Sweat Lodge {37:37} To Defend the Forest, Everyone Has to Fight {39:19} Appendix: Not a Music Festival {43:18} Conclusion {46:06} We opened this episode by sharing this solidarity statement to show support for the movement. If you are part of an organization, or just an interested individual, you can sign on by emailing defendweelaunee at riseup dot net. This episode includes anonymous first-person accounts written by participants in the struggle to defend the forest, originally published as Beneath the Concrete, The Forest: Accounts From the Defense of the Atlanta Forest in August 2022. For historical background to the struggle and analysis of its emergence and development, check out The City in the Forest: Reinventing Resistance for an Age of Climate Crisis and Police Militarization – which you can also listen to as Episode 85 of the Ex-Worker. Support forest defenders facing legal charges by donating to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund. To stay updated on developments in the campaign to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest, follow Defend the Atlanta Forest and the Atlanta Community Press Collective on Twitter. You can also access, read, and print zines related to the movement from the Defend the Atlanta Forest library. See here to read or share remembrances of murdered forest defender Manuel “Tortuguita” Teran. You can also donate to a fundraiser for Tortuguita’s family. The Stop Reeves-Young website offers info on the campaigns against the contractors and architects involved in the Cop City project. This Defend Atlanta Forest linktree will connect you to a variety of resources on social media and beyond. The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers. You can find more coverage of the struggle to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest on other CZN projects, including The Final Straw Radio, It’s Going Down, and Kite Line, so check out those projects through the links above if you want to hear more.
1/29/2023 • 47 minutes, 1 second
#85: Stop Cop City / Defend Weelaunee Forest, Part I: History and Analysis
The Ex-Worker is back! Episode 85 introduces the history behind the struggle to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest in Atlanta, Georgia. For nearly two years, a coalition of anarchists, abolitionists, environmental activists, indigenous communities, local residents, and supporters from all over has faced off against police, entertainment and construction companies, politicians, and media intent on destroying a beloved forest to build a police training compound and a film industry sound stage. Recently, the state has arrested over a dozen activists on absurd charges of “domestic terrorism,” and on January 18th, police murdered forest defender Manuel “Tortuguita” Teran. Around the US and beyond, folks are mobilizing in outrage against the killer police and the corporate and political power structures responsible for their murderous repression. In this episode, we present a long article first published in April 2022, titled The City in the Forest: Reinventing Resistance for an Age of Climate Crisis and Police Militarization, which combines a comprehensive history of the campaign to defend the forest with a strategic analysis that locates it in reference to the broader political context and other similar campaigns. Stay tuned for more coverage in Episode 86, including accounts from the forest and a solidarity statement you can sign to show support. {January 27, 2023} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Ex-Worker Introduction {0:01} Episode Introduction {0:35} The City in the Forest: Reinventing Resistance for an Age of Climate Crisis and Police Militarization {3:45} Defending the Forest in the City {4:39} Background {7:40} The George Floyd Protests {12:01} “Institute for Social Justice” {17:24} Timeline {19:57} Coming out with a bang {28:43} First, Attack their Strategy {31:10} Names and Addresses {34:08} First Week of Action {36:51} When Dissent is Not Enough {39:20} The Fight is On {41:35} Second Week of Action {42:54} Taking the Fight to Them {45:47} Stomp dance {47:17} Moves and Counter moves {49:19} The Stakes Go Up {51:22} The Best Defense is a Good Offense {53:24} Defense {53:52} Offense {57:02} Movement Diversity is an Asset {58:22} The SHAC Model {1:00:45} Limits of the SHAC Strategy {1:03:54} Learning Lessons: I–69 and NODAPL {1:06:02} The Shock of Victory {1:09:30} Appendix: The Atlanta City Prison Farm and the Legacy of Carceral Reformism {1:14:49} Do Not Let Them Re-Form {1:19:55} Conclusion {1:21:36} Here’s the original April 2022 article we narrate in this episode: The City in the Forest: Reinventing Resistance for an Age of Climate Crisis and Police Militarization If you are part of an organization, or just an interested individual, you can sign on to this solidarity statement to show your support for the movement. You’ll hear an audio version in our forthcoming Episode 86, too. Support forest defenders facing legal charges by donating to the Atlanta Solidarity Fund. To stay updated on developments in the campaign to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest, follow Defend the Atlanta Forest and the Atlanta Community Press Collective on Twitter. You can also access, read, and print zines related to the movement from the Defend the Atlanta Forest library. See here to read or share remembrances of murdered forest defender Manuel “Tortuguita” Teran. You can also donate to a fundraiser for Tortuguita’s family. The Stop Reeves-Young website offers info on the campaigns against the contractors and architects involved in the Cop City project. This Defend Atlanta Forest linktree will connect you to a variety of resources on social media and beyond. The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers. You can find more coverage of the struggle to Stop Cop City and defend the Weelaunee Forest on other CZN projects, including The Final Straw Radio, It’s Going Down, and Kite Line, so check out those projects through the links above if you want to hear more.
1/27/2023 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 30 seconds
#84: Steal Something From Work Day 2022
April 15th is Steal Something From Work Day! For over a decade, we’ve celebrated the everyday resistance that workers undertake to challenge their exploitation when the boss isn’t watching. Whether in factories or coffee shops, under capitalism or socialism, workers have always pilfered from their workplaces—not just as a way to survive or get revenge for exploitation, but as a way to channel their creativity and humanity. In this episode, we introduce listeners to our favorite holiday, answer common questions about it, and share some fascinating accounts and analyses. A “grocery store guerrilla” shares a story of theft and resistance, while a network of workplace rebels describe how they formed “The Team” to expand their class war efforts. A factory worker in Soviet Hungary relates a fascinating story of how illicitly making personal items in factories provides a window into what free creative activity could look like beyond the world of work, whether enforced by capitalist or socialist bosses. A 2020 analysis from the early days of the pandemic explores what stealing from work at the end of the world can look like, whether you’re an “essential” or remote worker. And we wrap up with a reflection on the revolutionary horizons of struggle against capitalism through and beyond stealing from work. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more audio projects exploring work, capitalism, and resistance! {April 15, 2022} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Steal Something From Work! {8:08} Frequently Asked Questions {10:20} Out Of Stock: Confessions Of A Grocery Store Guerrilla {17:40} The Team Is Real {28:00} Yes, We Even Stole from Work under Socialism {34:44} Stealing from Work at the End of the World {56:24} Beyond Stealing From Work {1:07:00} Conclusion {1:12:35} This episode celebrates Steal Something From Work Day. It includes a range of accounts and analyses, including our Frequently Asked Questions, “Out of Stock: Confessions of a Grocery Store Guerrilla”, which is dedicated to the rebels who attacked a Whole Foods during the 2011 Oakland general strike; “The Team is Real”; “Yes, We Even Stole From Work Under Socialism”, an excerpt from Milos Haraszti’s 1972 book A Worker in a Worker’s State; “Stealing From Work at the End of the World”, written in spring 2020 in the early weeks of the pandemic; and “Beyond Stealing From Work”. But there’s more! If you want to spread the word about Steal Something From Work Day, you can check out all of our outreach materials, including stickers, posters, pamphlets, postcards, and Heist, our journal of workplace theft! Got a story to share? Send in your own account of stealing from work to contact[at]crimethinc[dot]com! Another exciting project of worker resistance is the Russian website “Anti-Job,” whose creators we interviewed last month. On the new unionization campaigns, you can check out our analysis of the graduate student worker’s strike at Columbia, and this report of one pending at the University of Indiana, as well as coverage of the recent Amazon warehouse workers victory. Stay tuned for the forthcoming audio version of our classic book Work! In the meantime, did you know that we have an audio book of No Wall They Can Build and an audio zine version of From Democracy to Freedom? The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers.
4/15/2022 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 6 seconds
#83: Anti-War Resistance in Russia
Even as Russian forces continue their brutal assault on Ukraine, a growing domestic uprising is challenging the empire from within. This episode of the Ex-Worker focuses on the anti-war movement in Russia, analyzing it from an anarchist perspective and assessing the regime's power and vulnerability. The episode opens with a call to action from the March 6th day of protest across Russia and a summary of militant direct actions against the war machine. An anarchist in the provinces shares a first-person reflection on the evolution of the anti-authoritarian movement and its prospects in today's crisis, while an analysis from Autonomous Action considers Putin's miscalculations, the information war, international dynamics, and possibilities for resistance. An independent journalist discusses the nature of the protests, police responses, migration and diaspora, censorship, the role of NATO, and lessons to learn from the invasion and the protest movement. We close out with a Syrian refugee collective's reflections on how their experiences in the Syrian revolution and civil war can inform how international observers relate to the conflict. And just for fun, we throw in some hair-raising Russian songs related to protest and war. We'll continue our coverage of the crises in Ukraine and Russia—and much more—in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. {March 11, 2022} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} [Protester’s Song From a Russian Police Van] {5:29} Spring is Coming: March 6th Call to Action {6:38} Anarchist Fighter on Radical Anti-War Actions {12:57} My Days in Russia {20:31} The Kremlin’s Fatal Miscalculation {32:36} Interview with Dmitrii {47:05} War in Ukraine: Ten Lessons From Syria {1:18:09} Conclusion {1:42:23} This episode includes Spring is Coming: March 6th Call to Action, and the piece “My Days in Russia,” originally published as part of the article “The View From Ukraine, The View From Russia”. The piece “The Kremlin’s Fatal Miscalculation” is a translation of the transcript of the March 6 episode of Trends in Order and Chaos, the podcast from the anarchist media platform Autonomous Action. The roundup of radical actions by Anarchist Fighter included references to an auto attack on a police cordon in Pushkinskaya Square, a molotov cocktail attack on a military registration/enlistment office in Voronezh, an anti-war attack on the Kremlin wall, and the teenage anarchist Mikhail Zhlobitsky, who died in a 2018 attack on the FSB headquarters in Arkhangelsk. During our interview, Dmitrii recommended a few English-language news sources on Russian politics, including Open Democracy, Meduza, and The Russian Reader. By the way: if you have any trouble with the accent or wording in the live interview, you can always read along with the transcription in our full transcript, which is lightly edited for easier understanding. The episode concludes with the piece War in Ukraine: Ten Lessons From Syria, written by participants in La Cantine Syrienne, a transnational collective of Syrian refugees based in the suburbs outside of Paris, France. For further background on the Syrian Revolution, civil war, the refugee crisis it spawned, and “anti-imperialism,” see our coverage on The Syrian Underground Railroad and Understanding the Kurdish Resistance, and other pieces such as “Safe,” by the Edge of Syria, “The Anti-Imperialism of Idiots” by Leila Al Shami, etc. The music we included in this episode includes the spine-tingling singing of a group of young Russian protestors detained in a police van on their way to jail and an old Soviet song sung during the USSR’s doomed Afghan war, “Just don’t tell mom I’m in Afghanistan” – also see a follow-up to the same song from the next Russian regime’s bloody imperial folly, “Just don’t tell mom I’m in Chechnya”. The Ex-Worker is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network, an English-language anarchist radio and podcast network run by radical media makers. Several other CZN participants, including The Final Straw Radio, Elephant in the Room, and This is America by It’s Going Down, have done their own coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so definitely check out those projects through the links above if you want to hear more.
3/11/2022 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 14 seconds
#82: Invasion and Resistance in Ukraine, Part II
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine proceeds, anarchists on both sides of the border are mobilizing to resist. This episode collects a variety of statements and accounts from anti-authoritarians explaining their opposition to Putin's bloodthirsty imperialism while rejecting nationalism and the state. We share messages from the newly formed anarchist Committee of Resistance in Kyiv, as well as from Russian anarchist groups including Food Not Bombs Moscow, Anarchist Fighter, and St. Petersburg's Anarchist Black Cross. These testimonies refute Russian state and authoritarian leftist propaganda about the invasion and emphasize the possibilities for resistance and solidarity. An anarchist refugee attempting to escape the war zone gives a detailed report on daily life in the midst of war, martial law, the political composition of the armed forces, the grassroots mobilization of society for defense and mutual aid, the situation at the border, and ways to show support. Stay tuned for more coverage of anarchist analysis and resistance from the front lines of imperial war. {March 4, 2022} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Russia and Ukraine: Grassroots Resistance to Putin’s Invasion {4:05} Moscow Food Not Bombs Statement {4:35} Interview: The Committee of Resistance, Kyiv {6:23} Additional Statement From the Committee of Resistance {12:04} Russian Anarchists on the Invasion of Ukraine: Updates and Analysis {19:30} Anarchist Militant’s Position on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine {20:39} The Dusk before Dawn {26:06} The Anarchist Black Cross of St. Petersburg Statement against the War {34:40} Interview with Anarchist Refugee In Ukraine {36:31} Conclusion {1:06:09} This episode draws on the materials collected in Russia and Ukraine: Grassroots Resistance to Putin’s Invasion and Russian Anarchists on the Invasion of Ukraine: Updates and Analysis.
3/4/2022 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 32 seconds
#81– Invasion and Resistance in Ukraine, Part I
As Russian tanks encircle Kyiv and hundreds of thousands of refugees flee, our hearts go out to our comrades in Ukraine resisting the Russian invasion—and to the Russian anti-war movement bringing the resistance home. In this episode, we explore the history and background context to the current crisis in Ukraine. A variety of firsthand accounts from the weeks leading up to the invasion discuss differing perspectives on the threat of war, the complexities of anti-fascism, the role of NATO, and possibilities for principled resistance in times of severe threat. We share an excerpt from an interview by Elephant in the Room with a Ukrainian anarchist discussing the political history of Ukraine since the fall of the Soviet empire, Putin's vulnerabilities, and the character of the current Ukrainian regime. A long essay written by group of Ukrainian anarchists maps out the political landscape from the Maidan protests through the present crisis, with special attention to the evolution of the anarchist movement in recent years. And a statement from Russian anarchists on the eve of the invasion highlights the shared commitment of anarchists in the region to resisting Russian imperialism while working towards a broader vision of liberation. {March 2, 2022} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Between Two Fires: Ukrainian Anarchists on the Looming Threat of War {5:18} Interview Excerpt: “Anarchists and War in Ukraine” {18:11} A View From Kyiv {32:18} War and Anarchists: Anti-Authoritarian Perspectives in Ukraine {41:58} The Maidan Protests in Kyiv {43:32} The Role of Anarchists in the Protests of 2014 {47:21} The Beginning of the War: The Annexation of Crimea {50:34} Disinformation {52:12} Armed Conflict in the East of Ukraine {53:38} Supporters of the Unrecognized Republics {57:23} The Rise of the Far Right in Ukraine {59:02} Anarchists’ and Anti-Fascists’ Activity during the War {1:02:39} Pro-Ukrainians {1:03:05} Pro-Russians {1:05:55} Is There a Threat of Full-Scale War with Russia? An Anarchist Position {1:11:28} The Current Situation of Anarchists in Ukraine and New Challenges {1:19:00} Against Annexations and Imperial Aggression: A Statement from Russian Anarchists {1:24:43} Conclusion {1:31:04} We begin the episode with Between Two Fires: Ukrainian Anarchists on the Looming Threat of War. The article includes excerpts from “Why should we support Ukraine?,” by Finnish anarchist Antti Rautiainen, “If Only There Was No War” by anarchists from Belarus, and this communique from Swedish anarchists about their solidarity action with rebels in Kazakhstan. We played some short excerpts from an interview with a Ukrainian anarchist originally released by Elephant in the Room, a Dresden-based anarchist audio project. Highly recommended to listen to the whole interview! You can also read an edited transcription later on in the Between Two Fires article. For more background on the 2013–14 Maidan protests, see “The Ukrainian Revolution and the Future of Social Movements”, “Ukraine: How Nationalists Took the Lead”, or this account from Lviv, February 19–21, 2014. The long essay we share is titled “War and Anarchists: Anti-Authoritarian Perspectives From Ukraine. It references the text by murdered anarchist Sergei Kemsky titled “Do You Hear It, Maidan?” We close the episode with the statement Against Annexations and Imperial Aggression: A Statement from Russian Anarchists from Autonomous Action.
3/2/2022 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 28 seconds
#80 – Ill Winds From Ottawa
Opponents of vaccine mandates have established protest encampments in Ottawa and elsewhere around Canada, blockading several routes crossing the United States border. Far-right organizers and former police officers have prominent positions in this movement, and police have taken a relatively hands-off approach thus far; it appears likely that the model currently being tested in Canada will appear elsewhere around the world shortly. In this episode, we present an audio version of the article Ill Winds From Ottawa: Thinking Through the Threats and Opportunities as a Far-Right Initiative Gains Momentum, in which our correspondent in Montréal explores the sequence of events that led up to these developments, reviews the agendas of the various forces vying for control, and reflects on what we can do in a situation in which the far right has gained the initiative. {February 17, 2022} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Preface: A Movement for “Freedom”? {1:56} Ottawa is Just the Tip of the Iceberg {4:36} Timeline {8:47} Update: Trudeau Invokes the Emergencies Act {16:45} Why Has the Situation in Ottawa Gone on So Long?{18:23} By the Way, We Probably Shouldn’t Call These People “Truckers” {24:02} Beyond Ottawa: The Movement in the Streets {27:23} Obstacles and Hazards {31:57} Conclusion {52:30} This episode offers an audio version of the CrimethInc. text Ill Winds From Ottawa: Thinking Through the Threats and Opportunities as a Far-Right Initiative Gains Momentum. In lieu of a full transcript, please check out the print article for the text, links, and more information. Since the above article was written, an important development has taken place, which we describe in the episode as such: As we prepare to release this podcast, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has invoked the Emergencies Act, temporarily granting the federal government sweeping powers. Among other things, this enables banks to freeze personal and business accounts suspected of being used to further the blockades—and they can freeze them without obtaining a court order. It is easy to imagine how this precedent could pave the way for the US government to freeze bail funds and other accounts serving protesters in the US, as well—including anti-fascists and anarchists. This drives home that we are in a three-way contest with both far-right nationalists and centrist state authorities, in which the enemy of our enemy is not our friend. Any power that we permit either of these adversaries to gain will ultimately be used against us, as well. If we legitimize any repressive measures that the Canadian state takes against these protesters, it will only be easier for the authorities to take the same measures against us when we try to change society for the better. (We made this same point about liberals who celebrated the repressive measures, ranging from facial recognition software to crowdsourced social media snitching, used against right-wing participants in the January 6th disorder at the US Capitol.) This is why grassroots resistance to fascism is so important: it is the only way to defend ourselves and our neighbors without contributing to the development of an invasive and unaccountable centralized power.
2/18/2022 • 53 minutes, 9 seconds
#79 – The *Real* Truth About Today’s Anarchists: The Ex-Worker Responds to the New York Times
Anarchists and anti-fascists in general, and CrimethInc. in particular, have been the focus of intense hostile government and right-wing attention and censorship efforts in recent weeks. The latest salvo comes from the New York Times, which on June 30th published “The Truth About Today’s Anarchists,” drawing on conspiracy theorists and right-wing talking points to argue that violent anarchists are somehow controlling the ongoing countrywide protests, but don’t actually care about Black lives. The article actually calls out The Ex-Worker Podcast by name! While we’re flattered for the attention—who knew we were such a threat?—the article is both inaccurate and dangerous; more importantly, it touches on critical issues about today’s movements for liberation that we need to clarify. So in this episode, the Ex-Worker lays out the truth about “The Truth About Today’s Anarchists”, refuting the article’s bogus claims one by one, and offering a more accurate perspective on the relationships between anarchists and the ongoing movement to end white supremacy and police violence. We conclude with an audio version of an article we published with Agency in June called This Is Anarchy: Eight Ways the Black Lives Matter and Justice for George Floyd Protests Reflect Anarchist Ideas in Action. This episode challenges the myths and distortions about anarchism offered across the spectrum from Trump to the New York Times to provide insight into what anarchists today are really fighting for. {October 5, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} The Truth About ‘The Truth About Today’s Anarchists’: The Ex-Worker Responds to the New York Times {6:21} This Is Anarchy: Eight Ways the Black Lives Matter and Justice for George Floyd Protests Reflect Anarchist Ideas in Action {40:52} Conclusion {1:02:15} This episode focuses on our response to the wretched New York Times opinion piece “The Truth About Today’s Anarchists” by Farah Stockman. We published our rebuttal the following day as “The Truth About ‘The Truth About Today’s Anarchists’: The Ex-Worker Responds to the New York Times.” Our colleagues at It’s Going Down have published a lengthy thread going into many of the specific problems with amateur conspiracy theorist Jeremy Lee Quinn’s reporting (which is Stockman’s main source) in detail, if you want to dig deeper. For a laugh, you can also check out the appallingly bad Network Contagion Research Institute report “NETWORK-ENABLED ANARCHY: How Militant Anarcho-Socialist Networks Use Social Media to Instigate Widespread Violence Against Political Opponents and Law Enforcement”—which Stockman also uncritically promotes. To offer a different perspective on anarchist participation in the Black Lives Matter rebellions of the past months, we’ve also included an audio version of a piece co-published with Agency back in June, “This Is Anarchy: Eight Ways the Black Lives Matter and Justice for George Floyd Protests Reflect Anarchist Ideas in Action.” To read our own account of how the uprising spread and why the authorities themselves were chiefly responsible for the widespread adoption of confrontational tactics, check out the CrimethInc. article “Snapshots from the Uprising.” If you want to know more about what anarchists believe and desire, start with To Change Everything: An Anarchist Appeal. On Facebook’s decision to ban and censor anarchist pages, including CrimethInc.’s, check out our response, “On Facebook Banning Pages Associated with Anarchism, and the Digital Censorshop to Come.” Also check out the open letter of support signed by hundreds of publuishers, journalists, educators, and activists to show solidarity. Also check out media projects like It’s Going Down, who’ve also been under heavy fire from the right wing, as well as The Final Straw, Rebel Steps, and all the other excellent podcasts from the Channel Zero Network. You can find a reference to CrimethInc. around {2:50:46} during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence”, during testimony by one Kyle Shideler, a staffer for the Center for Security Policy—an anti-Muslim hate group, according to watchdog organizations, moonlighting as experts on violent left-wing extremism. For more information on Black anarchism, check out Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin’s Anarchism and the Black Revolution, the recent Anarkata Statement, Vanessa Taylor’s excellent Mic.com article “How Black Anarchists Are Keeping the Protest Movement Alive,” and the recent AK Press books As Black As Resistance: Finding the Conditions for Liberation by Zoe Samudzi and William Anderson and *Anarcho-Blackness: Notes Toward a Black Anarchism by Marquis Bey. For an articulate portrayal of exactly why government elites and right-wing authoritarians feel so threatened by us these days, check out the recent essay “Why Anarchism Is Dangerous.”
10/5/2020 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 47 seconds
#78: June 11th—Prisoner Solidarity, COVID-19, and Anti-Police Rebellion
Today we celebrate June 11th, an international day of solidarity with long-term anarchist prisoners. While this is the sixteenth year this date has been observed, 2020 presents an unprecedented context: both the COVID–19 pandemic and the massive uprising sparked by the police murder of George Floyd have shifted our focus and sense of what’s possible. In solidarity with all prisoners, with particular care for anarchists in long-term confinement, we begin by sharing an excerpt from a history of June 11th as a day of prisoner solidarity along with the June 11th call issued for 2020. To these we add a short interview with a June 11th organizer and supporter of anarchist Green Scare prisoner Marius Mason. As politicians raise the specter of “antifa” to divide and defuse the militant anti-police resistance that has swept the US and beyond, we explore state repression of antifascists through an interview with antifascist prisoner David Campbell and his support crew. Another interview with a participant in the South Florida COVID–19 Hotline for Incarcerated People explores a model for prisoner solidarity in pandemic times. We conclude with updates on several long-term prisoners’ cases and upcoming birthdays. After today’s focus on prisoner struggles, next time we’ll return our focus to the Minneapolis uprising and the international movement to commemorate Black lives lost to police violence. {June 11th, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} June 11th: The History of a Day of Solidarity {6:59} June 11th, 2020: Organizer’s Call {23:42} Interview with a June 11th Organizer {30:52} Interview with Antifascist Prisoner David Campbell {41:02} Interview: Update From David Campbell’s Support Crew {1:19:42} Prisoner Solidarity During the Pandemic: The South Florida COVID–19 Hotline for Incarcerated People {1:34:59} Prisoner Updates and Birthdays {1:57:05} Conclusion {2:01:16} This episode focuses on June 11th, the international day of solidarity with long-term anarchist prisoners. It includes the 2017 article June 11th: The History of a Day of Solidarity and the 2020 call from June 11th organizers. The history refers to two influential solidarity texts, “To Libertarians” and “Revolutionary Solidarity.” Some of long-term anarchist and anti-authoritarian prisoners in the US that you can support today include Marius Mason, Jeremy Hammond, Eric King, Bill Dunne, Alvaro Luna Hernandez, Michael Kimble, and Sean Swain. For a listing of international anarchist prisoners, see the Brighton Anarchist Black Cross page. We shared an interview with antifascist prisoner David Campbell. Here are some tips on writing to him, and this is his address: David Campbell #3101900657 Robert N. Davoren Complex 11–11 Hazen St East Elmhurst, NY 11370 If you want to virtually visit him, here are instructions: Check the Visit Schedule, then click on the month (e.g. “May 2020”): Rikers folks can have up to three visitations as long as they fall under:1 weekday (Wed or Thurs), a Friday, and 1 weekend day (Sat or Sun). Fill out Televisit Request form: You’ll need a photo ID, address, and e-mail to complete the form. You will need to upload a photo of your ID. Up to three people can visit at a time. You will also need to know the incarcerated person’s booking and case number; for David Campbell, his booking and case number is: 3101900657. You will be able to choose up to three potential visit times, unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will get your first choice. Wait for an e-mail or call from Rikers telling you the date and time of your virtual visit. This will happen the day before your scheduled visit. (Note that the slot they give you might be different from any of the dates or times you requested). Also check out “Stickup on Rikers,” an article David wrote on the hunger strike he helped to organize in March. Be sure to also check out the June 11th episode from The Final Straw, featuring interviews with a Marius Mason supporter and with anarchist prisoner Jeremy Hammond. If you’re interested in the South Florida COVID–19 Hotline for Incarcerated People (CHIP), please consider donating to them through GoFundMe, Venmo (@CHIP-Hotline), or PayPal ([email protected]). If you want to volunteer or offer other support, or you’re interested in starting a similar project, you can contact the organizers at C19inmatehotline[at]riseup[dot]net. To understand the history that led to the arrest of Marius Mason and the emergence of June 11th as a day of anarchist solidarity, it’s helpful to learn about the Green Scare, the wave of arrests and state repression against earth and animal liberation movements in the early 2000s. Check out Ex-Worker episodes [#34, “Staying Safe so we can be Dangerous Together”](https://crimethinc.com/podcasts/the-ex-worker/episodes/34), and [#17, “Conspiracy! State Repression Strategies and Anarchist Resistance”](https://crimethinc.com/podcasts/the-ex-worker/episodes/17) for more background and analysis. Check out The Uprise Daily, an exciting new audio project offering a daily rundown of protests and ongoing rebellion in response to police killings. Here is a comprehensive list of bail funds for protestors across the country compiled by the Community Justice Exchange’s National Bail Fund Network. Upcoming Prisoner Birthdays: Jared Chase M44710 Dixon Correctional Center 2600 North Brinton Avenue Dixon, Illinois 61021 {June 12} Stephen Kelly #015634 Glynn County Detention Center 100 Sulphur Springs Road Brunswick, Georgia 31520 {June 12} Smart Communications / PA DOC Jarreau Ayers – NS9994 SCI Huntington PO Box 33028 St. Petersburg, FL, 33733 {June 15} Jason Renard Walker #1532092 Clements Unit 9601 Spur 591 Amarillo, TX 79107 {June 17} Also see this Final Straw interview with Jason Tips for writing to prisoners from It’s Going Down
6/11/2020 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 50 seconds
#77: Minneapolis Uprising, Part 1—How to Abolish the Police
The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police has sparked a nationwide rebellion against the police and global solidarity efforts. One of the most striking developments is the announcement on Sunday, June 7 by a majority of Minneapolis City Council members that they intend to dismantle the city’s police department. In Episode 77 of the Ex-Worker—the first in a series covering the Minneapolis uprising and its national and global implications—we return to the question of abolishing the police. The episode kicks off with our reflections from these unprecedented first two weeks of rebellion, then shares an essay exploring the question we’re all asking: What Will it Take to Stop the Police From Killing? Next, we share an anonymous report on the siege of the Third Precinct in Minneapolis, analyzing how a diverse “compositional” crowd was able to defeat the police. An anarchist from Minneapolis who attended the rally where the City Council declared their intention to end the police department shares their take on the background and context leading to the announcement and how abolitionist organizers, rioters, artists, and others joined forces to make abolition imaginable. We conclude with our thoughts about how the struggle against police might unfold beyond Minneapolis in the months to come. Stay tuned for more episodes soon on the Minneapolis uprising, June 11th, and prisoner struggles, international solidarity with the rebellions, and more! {June 10th, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Essay: What Will it Take to Stop the Police From Killing? {10:49} Analysis: The Siege of the Third Precinct in Minneapolis {30:57} PSA: Staying Safe at Street Actions {53:50} Interview: A Minneapolis Anarchist on the City’s Plan to Dismantle the Police {55:55} The Path Forward to Abolish the Police {1:08:45} Conclusion {1:17:44} This episode draws on the essay “What Will It Take to Stop the Police From Killing?” and the account and analysis “The Siege of the Third Precinct in Minneapolis.” We also played a PSA on Staying Safe at Street Actions from the Channel Zero Network. If you want to actually watch the Third Precinct as it succumbs to the wrath of the people, there’s no better source than the Unicorn Riot livestream (Day 3, Thursday evening, from about 1:14:30 onwards). The Ex-Worker Podcast first tackled the question of abolishing the police in Episode Five, “Still Not Lovin’ the Police” and Episode , “Making Police Obsolete”, during our very first year as a show. Check them out and see what you think; is the analysis still relevant? What has changed since 2013 in our perception of the police and our movements challenging their power? We also covered previous anti-police uprisings in Ferguson, Baltimore, and beyond in Episode 27, “Anti-Police Riots in Ferguson”; Episode 32, “White Supremacy and Capitalism, From 1492 to Ferguson”; and Episode 40, “Struggles Against White Supremacy and Police Since Ferguson”. Check out The Uprise Daily, an exciting new audio project offering a daily rundown of protests and ongoing rebellion in response to police killings. Also check out the excellent coverage of the rebellions from other anarchist podcasts, including The Final Straw, featuring interviews with medics, abolitionists, mutual aid workers, and other participants; It’s Going Down’s podcast on Rebellion, Counter-Insurgency and Cracks within the Ruling Class as well as their This Is America podcast episode From Pandemic to Uprising; and also SoleCast, with reports from Denver, Minneapolis, Eugene, New York City, and Portland. Lots more to come! Check out this comprehensive list of bail funds for protestors across the country compiled by the Community Justice Exchange’s National Bail Fund Network. Prisoner birthdays and updates on prison struggles coming in our next episode about June 11th, the international day of solidarity for long-term anarchist prisoners!
6/11/2020 • 1 hour, 20 minutes, 44 seconds
#76: Anarchist Nurses Speak Out on Survival and Resistance
Here at the Ex-Worker, we continue to navigate the COVID–19 crisis by seeking guidance and insight from three anarchist nurses who are working on the frontlines of the pandemic. First, we hear from an anarchist ER nurse from the southwest US who offers reflections on individual and community health, mutual aid projects, and how to stay safe through the epidemic. You’ll hear a brief discussion of the promise and peril of antibody testing and the concept of an immunity passport. After that, we share a long conversation with two anarchist nurses from New Orleans, Louisiana on a wide range of topics, including harm reduction, how to support healthcare workers, the legacy of AIDS activism, delineating between authority and expertise, and lots more. We close out the show with urgent appeals of support for families at Black Mesa as well as incarcerated radicals , Kijana Tashiri Askari, Leonard Peltier, David Campbell, and all prisoners trapped on the inside through the pandemic. {April 8th, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Survival is Resistance {4:44} Antibody Tests and Immunity Passports {17:28} Interview with Two Anarchist Nurses in New Orleans {20:08} Urgent Appeals for Solidarity {1:47:32} Prisoner Birthdays {1:54:04} Conclusion {1:54:58} Mutual aid projects as a general concept are mentioned in both interviews. To learn more about mutual projects in your area, check out this list put together by our friends at itsgoingdown.org and this guide to Radical Solidarity Through Covid–19 from Mutual Aid Disaster Relief. Antibody tests may be a new tool to fight the spread of the virus, but proposals for an Immunity Passport could lead us farther down totalitarian and dystopian paths. Learn about the long term efforts to defend Black Mesa and the homes, ancestral lands, and future generations of the Dine’(Navajo) and Hopi peoples. And donate to the Navajo and Hopi Families COVID–19 Relief Fund here. Please support efforts to get Leonard Peltier released from federal prison into home confinement by writing to his captors using the info below. (We know, we know-home confinement, ugh! But JUST DO IT, seriously!!) In light of the provisions of the CARES Act meant to decrease the risk to prisoner heath, in response to the COVID–19 pandemic, the U.S. Attorney General has delegated to the Director of the Bureau of Prisons the authority to release certain vulnerable prisoners to home confinement. Currently, the process for identifying appropriate candidates for home confinement have not been solidified but we believe it may help to write to the BOP Director and Southeast Regional Director and ask that Leonard be immediately considered and transitioned to his home on the Turtle Mountain Reservation. Your letters should be addressed to: Michael Carvajal Director, Fed. Bureau of Prisons 320 First Street NW Washington, DC 20534 J.A. Keller Southeast Regional Director Federal Bureau of Prisons 3800 Camp Crk Prk SW, Building 2000 Atlanta, GA 30331 We have not drafted a form letter or correspondence. Your pleas should come from your heart as an individual who has supported Leonard for so many years. Say what you would like but we have put together some talking points that will assist you in your letter writing. Below are some helpful guidelines so your letter touches on the requirements of the Attorney General’s criteria for releasing inmates like Leonard to home confinement. OPENING: Point out that Leonard is an elder and is at risk; for example, “Mr. Peltier is 75 years old and in very poor health; his only desire is to go home to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation and live out the remainder of his years surrounded by his family.” MEDICAL: The AG and CDC guidelines for releasing inmates requires the health concerns cause greater risk of getting the virus. Leonard has the following conditions you can list in your letter: Diabetes, Spots on lung, Heart Condition (has had triple by-pass surgery), Kidney Disease. RISK TO COMMUNITY: To qualify for release to home confinement we must show that Leonard poses no risk to the community. COMMUNITY SUPPORT/RENTRY PLAN: To qualify for release to home confinement we must show that Leonard has a reentry plan. Leonard has support from the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band and has family land on the reservation where he can live. RISK OF COVID–19: To qualify for the release to home confinement must show that Leonard is at reduced risk to exposure of COVID 19 by release than he is at Coleman 1. As of recently Rolette County, ND has no cases of COVID 19, Sumter County has at least 33 cases. Antifascist David Campbell is serving time in Riker’s Island where a COVID–19 outbreak is raging, and supporters are trying to get him released during the pandemic! Write to advocate for his release! Contact politicians via the info at this link, and call Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance with the info here. Script and other info are here. Check out The Final Straw’s stellar and important interview with New Afrikan Black Revolutionary prisoner Kijana Tashiri Askari, who is in urgent need of medical assistance due to a heart condition. UPDATE from supporters: After the first day of calls they changed his medicines to something more appropriate for his heart condition—not just Tylenol, which they had him on (only). That’s the only thing so far. Please help keep up the pressure! Check out these other anarchist media projects that have produced episodes covering organizing efforts both by and for prisoners: The Final Straw, Rustbelt Radio, and This is America by It’s Going Down. You can help bail out vulnerable detainees from immigration detention and jail by donating to the LGBTQ Freedom Fund; with pandemic-related bail reductions, they’ve expanded their focus past LGBTQ detainees to bail out as many people as they possibly can. Upcoming prisoner birthdays: Romaine ‘Chip’ Fitzgerald #B–27527 California State Prison LAC Post Office Box 4490 B–4–150 Lancaster, California 93539 Address envelope to Romaine Fitzgerald, address card to Chip
4/8/2020 • 1 hour, 56 minutes, 24 seconds
#75: Rent Strike!
This April 1st, people around the world will go on strike and refuse to pay rent. In the midst of the pandemic, we are confronted not only with a virus, but with the murderous logic of the market. Before COVID–19 hit, millions already struggled to afford rent, mortgage, or loan payments; today, all but the wealthiest face ruin, caught between either sickness or poverty. It’s inevitable that most of us will not be able to pay the bills next month—but what we do about it is up to us. This episode offers tools, examples, and history to support you and your neighbors in withdrawing your support from the regime of rent and debt and to devote what resources you have to nourishing yourself and your community through mutual aid. We’ll share excerpts from CrimethInc. texts promoting the strike, discuss the 5 Demands framework and anarchist critiques of it, work through concrete tactical suggestions from a rent strike tool kit, present an invitation to a strike from the West Coast and an interview with the radical housing collective Station 40, and offer a condensed version of an inspiring history of rent strikes around the world over the past century. {March 31st, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Refuse to Pay! {2:50} The Five Demands, or Actions, or Not {6:20} Toolkit for Rent Strike Organizing {13:20} Invitation to a Strike {21:55} Interview with Station 40: On Rent Strike against Gentrification and the Pandemic {28:10} Rent Strike? A Strategic Appraisal of Rent Strikes throughout History—and Today {37:35} Historic Strikes {42:32} Common Characteristics {1:06:30} Organizations Specializing in Housing {1:11:20} Some Conclusions {1:20:40} Conclusion {1:22:35} This episode draws on recent CrimethInc. texts including Immunity for All —Invitation to Strike and 5 Emergence Actions for COVID–19 Survival, as well as an On Rent Strike against Gentrification and the Pandemic, an interview with Station 40. We also shared a condensed version of Rent Strike? A Strategic Appraisal of Rent Strikes throughout History—and Today, translated from a Spanish-language text published by Editorial Segadores in Catalunya. To learn more about the global rent strike that has been called for April 1 and beyond, start with the 5 Demands Global site and particularly their very useful toolkit. In the US, find a local rent strike organizing effort here—or check out examples from New York City (see their useful FAQ), Olympia, Durham, Chicago, and elsewhere. Our critique of the 5 Demands model emerges from our classic text Why We Don’t Make Demands. To promote the strike, check out Keep Your Rent, a promo video collaboratively produced by CrimethInc., SubMedia, and It’s Going Down. Also check out It’s Going Down’s article Between Eviction, Infection, and Refusal: What You Need to Know About the April 1st Rent Strike & How to Plug In. Our friends at the Rebel Steps podcast have released an emergency episode on COVID–19 rent strikes —check it out!
3/31/2020 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 13 seconds
#74: Surviving the Virus—An Anarchist Introduction to Pandemic Life
The COVID–19 crisis presents both extreme dangers and opportunities. As our lives are threatened by a new virus, our freedom is menaced by authoritarians intent on using this opportunity to set new precedents for state intervention and control. On the other hand, the collapse of the global capitalist economy and unprecedented social crisis are opening possibilities for refusal and resistance that we could not have imagined even a month ago. How can we keep ourselves healthy while resisting the intensification of control and pressing our advantage to undo capitalist relations? To open our discussion of life and resistance in the new pandemic landscape, we present the recent CrimethInc. text Surviving the Virus: An Anarchist Guide, which explores how to apply anarchist tools such as affinity groups and security culture to organizing our lives during the pandemic. We discuss the significance of nationalism and xenophobia in political discourse around pandemics today and in history, including the intriguing story of how the so-called “Spanish Flu” of 1918–19 got its name. Comrades in Italy offer us Against the Coronavirus and the Opportunism of the State, their report on the early days of the pandemic and quarantine in and around Milan. The episode concludes with an appeal to our listeners to let us know how we can best support all of you during the challenging times ahead. Please reach out and let us know! Whatever the future brings, we will be with you in solidarity as we confront the challenges and possibilities of pandemic life. {March 31st, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Against the Virus, Against the State {6:43} Surviving the Virus: An Anarchist Guide {12:35} On Nationalism, Xenophobia, and COVID–19 {30:20} Against the Coronavirus and the Opportunism of the State {34:23} About the Ex-Worker, and An Appeal {49:45} Conclusion {53:30} This episode draws on the CrimethInc. text Survivng the Virus: An Anarchist Guide, which discusses how we can use anarchist tools including affinity groups and security culture. We also shared excerpts from a report from anarchists in northern Italy on the early days of the quarantine, Against the Coronavirus and the Opportunism of the State. On resistance during the pandemic, check out this Black Rose Federation article on labor strikes and walkouts. Please let us know what you’d like to see from the Ex-Worker in the weeks and months to come! You can email us at podcast at crimethinc dot com, or hit us up on CrimethInc.’s social media. And be sure to check out our fellow anarchist media projects that are covering the politics of the coronavirus and the pandemic life, including The Final Straw, It’s Going Down, Rustbelt Abolition Radio, Kite Line, Rebel Steps, and SubMedia. All of these and more projects are part of the Channel Zero Network, where you can find all sorts of excellent anarchist podcasts and radical media efforts.
3/31/2020 • 54 minutes, 58 seconds
#73: Radio Evasión—Dispatches from Chile Part 4
DESCARGAR AQUÍ LAS ENTREVISTAS EN ESPAÑOL Just days into the new year, masked encapuchados circle-pitted while burning the church of the Carabineros. That’s how fierce the Friday protests continue to be. Action has somewhat (not entirely!) slowed down on the other days of the week, but anarchists have taken advantage of the extra time to pour energy into organizing: neighborhood assemblies, prisoner defense, and anarchist congresses. Students are burning their university entrance exams—a preview of what’s to come when the school year begins anew in February. We have interviews from the streets, from the anarchist congresses, and with an anarcho-syndicalist healthcare workers’ union. With everything going on, we feel like we have to leave the podcast behind and film a documentary. Check out our wishlist and get in touch if you can help us get the gear we need: [email protected]. {January 17th, 2020} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Help Us Make a Documentary! {:00} Introduction {6:10} December 1–13, 2019 {8:45} Interview: Felíz 13.12 from Concepción! {18:45} December 14–31, 2019 {35:15} New Years Eve in Santiago {45:35} Matías Catrileo Anniversary {58:10} Students Rebel Against the University Entrance Exam {01:05:15} Anarchist Assembly of the Bío-bío {01:08:30} Interview with an Organizer {01:09:50} Interview with a Mapuche Anarchist {01:20:00} Valparaiso Anarchist Assembly {01:28:15} Santiago Anarchist Congress {01:35:10} Interview: Asamblea Libertaria De Santiago {01:36:05} Interview: Grupo Solenopsis {01:42:40} Interview: Grup Eco Anarquista {01:46:35} October 18 Prisoner Defense Coalition {01:51:30} Afusap – Anarcho-syndicalist Healthcare Union {02:08:50} Poetry {02:15:05} Outro {02:18:50} WISHLIST OF ITEMS WE NEED TO FILM OUR DOCUMENTARY (Also shareable on Instagram and Twitter) A Panasonic Lumix g95 camera, or any other camera that shoots in 4K with a decent stability and a good auto-focus A GoPro with a waterproof case A powerful laptop or desktop Mac with plenty of RAM for video processing SD cards External hard drives Cloud storage Batteries Zoom lenses Lens cleaner A lens protection filter A full-face 3M gas mask, with extra cartridges! A monopod and/or a shoulderpod A digital recorder and decent boom microphone Lavalier microphones and a receiver Motion graphics and subtitling volunteers Any kind of hookup or discount on international airplane tickets And, possibly, soundtrack music Write to us at [email protected] if you have gear to donate, or if you can help set up an ongoing, online donations account for supporting anarchists in Chile Write to [[email protected]](mailto: [email protected]) to participate in the February 15 international tattoo fundraiser for prisoners from the uprising in Chile. Check It’s Going Down for an announcement at the beginning of February. There’s a website with more info in both English and Spanish here, and also on Instagram. Trusted fundraiser to support protesters in Chile Our previous coverage/Nuestra cobertura previa: The Ex-Worker #72: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 3 Con el episodio en español a descargar! The Ex-Worker #71: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 2 En español también! Week 2: neighborhood assemblies & daily rioting downtown The Ex-Worker #70: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 1 Reports from fare-dodging to a week of full-blown revolt, en español también Chile: Resisting under Martial Law A Report, Interview, and Call to Action Chile: Resistiendo bajo la Ley Marcial Un reporte, una entrevista y una llamada a la acción On the Front Lines in Chile Six Accounts from the Uprising CrimethInc. already has one excellent documentary about Chilean social struggles: The Chicago Conspiracy. Help us continue this story! Listen to our two-episode special on Chilean anarchism from 2014: Part I, Part II Some of Matías Catrileo’s poetry Galería CIMA, daily livestream of Plaza Italia Mauricio Fredes, the demonstrator who died on the primera línea near Plaza de la Dignidad Prisoner Support: SANTIAGO: Coordinadora por la Libertad de los Prisionerxs Políticxs 18 de Octubre/Defense Coalition for the Freedom of the Political Prisoners of October 18. Also on Instagram CONCEPCION: Red Protestar No Es Delito Gustavo Gática, blinded by Carabineros de Chile The Chilean state’s own National Institute of Human Rights recognizes 300+ cases of eye-damage and 20+ cases of significant loss of vision Angry civilians throw water on leftist politician Gabriel Boric for his vote in favor of the anti-looting law One outlier politician entered the Chilean congress wearing a balaclava and denouncing the president Inti-Illimani playing their classic hit “El pueblo unido jamás sera vencido” on December 13 in Plaza de la Dignidad. More shots of the massive concert and demonstration here The best memes in response to the government’s “intelligence” report that K-Pop is fueling the revolt in Chile Carabineros de Chile ruining a Christmas dinner in Plaza de la Dignidad Can teargas canisters cause fires? Furniture leaping to its doom in solidarity with the students rebelling against the university entrance exam There are some concerning attempts at coopting the uprising for nationalist reconciliation between left and right, but thankfully so far they have very little presence or purchase in the streets When the Chilean ruling class tries to meme Instagrams: Coordinadora por la Libertad de los Prisionerxs Políticxs 18 de Octubre No Pasarán Frente Fotográfico FunaMetro Piensa Prensa - Instagram Prensa Estudiantil Memercurio Evasión Masiva Chile Ongoing movement media from around Chile: Radio Kurruf (Concepción) - Instagram Radio Villa Francia - Instagram Radio Placeres (Valparaíso) Radio Humedales (Concepción) Prensa Opal Rara Señal Music featured in this episode: Underground Reverie Mon Laferte Dirti Lepra Combo Chabela Dela Pills Inti Illimani Sara Hebe Sailor Punk & Niñx Debacle
1/17/2020 • 2 hours, 20 minutes, 13 seconds
#72: Radio Evasión—Dispatches from Chile Part 3
DESCARGAR AQUÍ EL EPISODIO EN ESPAÑOL Has normality returned to Chile? NO! Social peace? Neither! The people don’t want peace without dignity. To borrow a phrase from the situationists, the people don’t want the peace of the graveyard. The revolt has been going on for over a month now. In this episode we have two reports about the day-to-day reality of the demonstrations in downtown Santiago, two interview with anarchists in Santiago and Valparaiso, an analysis on the April 2020 constitutional plebiscite, and a couple of strange, surprise interviews too. If you can help us with Spanish translation or transcription, please write us at [email protected]. {November 29th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} November 25 report {00:02:55} November 12: A view from the streets {00:27:40} Not Falling for It: How the Uprising in Chile Has Outlasted State Repression And the Questions for Movements to Come {00:49:35} Rara Señal interview {01:01:45} Santiago anarchist interview {01:22:35} Faced with the constitutional assembly and the government’s repressive agenda: What is the anarchist proposal in the Chilean revolt? {02:06:55} Joker interview {02:15:20} Total Chaos interview {02:17:50} Trusted fundraiser to support protesters in Chile Our previous coverage/Nuestra cobertura previa: The Ex-Worker #71: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 2 En español también! Week 2: neighborhood assemblies & daily rioting downtown The Ex-Worker #70: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 1 Reports from fare-dodging to a week of full-blown revolt, en español también Chile: Resisting under Martial Law A Report, Interview, and Call to Action Chile: Resistiendo bajo la Ley Marcial Un reporte, una entrevista y una llamada a la acción On the Front Lines in Chile Six Accounts from the Uprising Texts included in this episode/textos y comunicados que se mencionan en este episodio: Not Falling for It: How the Uprising in Chile Has Outlasted State Repression, and the Questions for Movements to Come No nos engañarán: Como la revuelta en Chile ha sobrevivido y burlado la represión del estado y unas preguntas para los movimientos por venir La Ilegitimidad de la Violencia, la Violencia de la Legitimidad: Que quiere decir Piñera cuando habla de “la violencia” The Illegitimacy of Violence, the Violence of Legitimacy A Qué se Refieren Cuando Hablan de Paz? What They Mean when They Say Peace Frente a la asamblea constituyente y la agenda represiva del gobierno: ¿cuál es la propuesta anarquista en la revuelta de la región chilena? Pojects interviewed and mentioned in this episode/iniciativas que incluimos en este episodio: Rara Señal: Reportes del caos desde el accidente geográfico costero de Valparaíso ¡No hay vuelta atrás! LaPeste.org Anarquia.info Contra Info Keep on the look out for the full interview with Rara Señal via Anarchist Radio Berlin Movement art inspired by Negro Matapacos Documental Matapacos Galería CIMA, daily livestream of Plaza Italia Wikipedia: Camilo Catrillanca The case of Macarena Valdés Encapuchados toss a teargas canister into a police vehicle In defense of the Black Bloc: Disproving certain accusations and conspiracy theories against those who wear masks Applause for the “first line” demonstrators The case of Abel Acuña, who fell from the statue in Plaza de la Dignidad. If it hadn’t been for the police he could have lived Motorcycle demonstration rolling in to Plaza Italia the evening of November 25 The first game of professional soccer since the revolt began was cancelled due to demonstrators, and players covered their eyes in recognition of the more than 200 eyes that have been lost due to the pellets that police are shooting at demonstrators Protests fill the luxury malls of bourgeois neighborhoods When they toppled that enormous highway sign in Antofagasta The best flyer ever Washington Post story on the gringo piece of shit who shot at protesters in Reñaca/Viña del Mar. Fuck this fool. A Chilean cop confuses a videoactivist for an undercover Skaters critical mass Demonstrators in Concepción topple a statue of Spanish colonizer Pedro de Valdivida Demonstrators in Plaza de la Dignidad, Santiago, ground a police drone using lasers UPDATED Datadump de Carabineros de Chile (Pacos inculiables) A MASSIVE repository of police and military brutality recorded from individual phones and cameras Instagrams: FunaMetro Piensa Prensa - Instagram Iniciativa Pasaje Justo Evasión Masiva Chile Memes Politiqueros Ongoing movement media from around Chile: Radio Villa Francia - Instagram Radio Kurruf (Concepción) - Instagram Diario Venceremos - Instagram Radio Placeres (Valparaíso) Radio 19 de Abril (Cobertura Colectiva) Radio Humedales (Concepción) Prensa Opal Periódico Resumen (Concepción) Radio Manque (Rancagua) Rara Señal Medio Libre La Zarzamora Radio JGM Kiwicha Comunicaciones Radio Última Frecuencia Waiwen Tv (Osorno) RadioWilliche Mül’ütu (Melipulli – Puerto Montt) Radio Latue (Coyhaique) Revista Caminando (Temuco-Valdivia)
11/29/2019 • 2 hours, 22 minutes, 47 seconds
#71: Radio Evasión—Dispatches from Chile Part 2
Two weeks of revolt in Chile and there are no signs of it slowing down! In this Radio Evasión dispatch, we bring you up to speed on all the developments in the past week: the president’s attempts to quell the protests with reforms, the lifting of Martial Law, and the cancellation of the upcoming APEC trade summit. We have two communiqués translated into English from Chile, and eight interviews! This episode we tried to focus on not just the combative protests at Plaza Italia downtown, but also represent a little bit of how the neighborhoods on the periphery of the city are getting organized with cacerolazos, cultural events, barricades, and people’s assemblies.For feedback, ideas for interview questions, or to contribute material, send us an e-mail at [email protected]. {November 1st, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Update since last episode {1:54} From Civil Disobedience to Popular Insurrection: A Reflection on Revolt and State Repression in the Chilean Region {10:05} Interview 26 October: Cacerolazo in Puente Alto {16:00} Interview 28 October: Downtown in the teargas with an anti-authoritarian legal worker {19:30} Interview 28 October: Coordinating Assembly of High School Students, ACES {30:35} Interview 28 October: Villa Olímpica festival of resistance with Kassandra Romanini {36:40} Interview 29 October: Colegio Paulo Freire in San Miguel {40:55} Interview 29 October: Middle school students’ anti-police demonstration {1:01:26} Interview 30 October: The People’s Assembly in Plaza Bogota {1:03:40} Report from the Olla Común at Plaza Italia {1:07:40} The Right to Live Is Not to be Begged For, It Is to Be Taken! {1:13:18} Outro {1:18:10} En Español {1:19:12} Our previous coverage/Nuestra cobertura previa: The Ex-Worker #70: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 1 Reports from fare-dodging to a week of full-blown revolt, en español también Chile: Resisting under Martial Law A Report, Interview, and Call to Action Chile: Resistiendo bajo la Ley Marcial Un reporte, una entrevista y una llamada a la acción On the Front Lines in Chile Six Accounts from the Uprising Texts included in this episode/textos y comunicados en este episodio: The Illegitimacy of Violence, the Violence of Legitimacy De la desobediencia civil a la insurrección popular: una reflexión en torno a la revuelta y el terrorismo de estado en la región chilena Pojects interviewed in this episode/iniciativas que incluimos en este episodio: Fundraiser to support Chilean protestors Olla Común Plaza Italia Radio Colegio Paulo Freire Radio Comunitaria Villa Olímpica Directory of Ollas Comunes in Chile La Asamblea Coordinadora de Estudiantes Secundarios de Chile - ACES Anonymous Chile hacked the police and leaked their private chats: [#PacoLeaks ~ Datadump de Carabineros de Chile (Pacos culiaos)](https://pacoleaks.rebelside.pw/) A MASSIVE repository of police and military brutality recorded from individual phones and cameras Virtual cacerola machine! Check out these texts from Seattle 1999 and Barcelona 2001, for more context on the mobilizations in the so-called “anti-globalization” movement that we compare the ongoing uprising in Chile with. FunaMetro Piensa Prensa - Instagram Iniciativa Pasaje Justo Evasión Masiva Chile Ongoing movement media from around Chile: Radio Villa Francia - Instagram Radio Kurruf (Concepción) - Instagram Diario Venceremos - Instagram Radio Placeres (Valparaíso) Radio 19 de Abril (Cobertura Colectiva) Radio Humedales (Concepción) Prensa Opal Periódico Resumen (Concepción) Radio Manque (Rancagua) Rara Señal Medio Libre La Zarzamora Radio JGM Kiwicha Comunicaciones Radio Última Frecuencia Waiwen Tv (Osorno) RadioWilliche Mül’ütu (Melipulli – Puerto Montt) Radio Latue (Coyhaique) Revista Caminando (Temuco-Valdivia)
11/1/2019 • 2 hours, 43 minutes, 18 seconds
The Ex-Worker #70: Radio Evasión—dispatches from Chile Part 1
Beginning last Monday, October 14, high school students in Santiago, Chile kicked off a campaign of mass fare-dodging, or evasiones, in response to a 30 peso fare hike. The movement grew quickly and, before anyone knew it, revolt spread all across Chile. On the one hand, the government declared a State of Exception, including a military-imposed curfew. On the other hand, the president and congress have been working hard to offer trablescrap reforms to satisfy the angry and exploited. However, neither the repression nor the reforms have been able to quell the resistance, which today celebrates its anniversary of one week in the streets. To catch you up on what’s been happening, we bring you an overview timeline of the revolt, along with four interviews from the streets. We’re not sure if this will be a one-off episode or the first in a series of updates from Chile, it all depends on how things go—whether they heat up or cool down, but for feedback, ideas for interview questions, or to contribute material, send us an e-mail at [email protected]. {October 25th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {:00} Timeline of the Uprising {2:23} Interview on the Streets with a Preschool Teacher {10:20} Interview about the Looting in Neighborhoods on the Outskirts {13:40} Interview in the Middle of Street Conflict During the General Strike {24:20} Interview with an Anarchist from Valparaiso {27:35} En Español {34:20} Coverage in English: -Chile: Resisting under Martial Law A Report, Interview, and Call to Action -On the Front Lines in Chile Six Accounts from the Uprising Support! Fundraiser to support Chilean protestors Anarchist call for international solidarity Ongoing movement media from Chile: Radio Villa Francia - Instagram Radio Kurruf - Instagram Piensa Prensa - Instagram Diario Venceremos - Instagram Radio Placeres (Valparaíso) -Radio 19 de Abril (Cobertura Colectiva) Radio Humedales (Concepción) Prensa Opal Periódico Resumen (Concepción) Radio Manque (Rancagua) Rara Señal Medio Libre La Zarzamora Radio JGM Kiwicha Comunicaciones Radio Última Frecuencia Waiwen Tv (Osorno) RadioWilliche Mül’ütu (Melipulli – Puerto Montt) Radio Latue (Coyhaique) Revista Caminando (Temuco-Valdivia) Posts and videos: A MASSIVE repository of police and military brutality recorded from individual phones and cameras Students practicing jumping a turnstile Student shot at the evasiones massivas The ENEL electricity company’s building on fire during the first night of riots More information on the claims of torture in Metro station Baquedano An article describing metro station damage and how long to expect for service to return Piñera declares war on social unrest “We are at war against a powerful, implacable enemy, who does not respect anything or anyone.” Decentralized dissatisfaction: protests spread to cities without Metro Virtual cacerola machine!
10/25/2019 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 36 seconds
#69: Defend Rojava! Part 4, More Interviews on Revolution and Solidarity
As the news breaks of a Russian-Turkish alliance determined to stamp out Kurdish autonomy, what’s at stake in the international fight to defend Rojava? This episode continues our exploration of the embattled revolution in northeastern Syria through interviews with a variety of anarchists who have engaged in international solidarity work there. One recounts the women’s movement and the impact on gender roles of the autonomous social experiments in Rojava, while another provides an inside look at the armed forces and the struggle against ISIS. Participants in the Internationalist Commune describe their educational and ecological projects, and two anarchist combat medics serving with the SDF in the war zone describe their experiences. We hope these will deepen your understanding of this complex effort to remake society from the ground up amidst war and fascism on all sides—and strengthen your solidarity efforts, as we fight to support the resistance in Rojava. As we mentioned last time: even though we’re focusing on the crisis in Kurdistan again for this episode, let’s not forget that even as the Turkish bombs are falling, other important rebellions are taking place across the world—in Chile, in Catalunya, in Ecuador, in Haiti, in Lebanon, in Hong Kong, and beyond. We’ll have more coverage of these and other revolts through the Ex-Worker and on the CrimethInc. blog in the days and weeks to come, so stay tuned! {October 23nd, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Interview with the Internationalist Commune {5:29} Interview with Merva {12:13} Interview with Internationalist Volunteer in the YPG {23:22} Interview with Anarchist Combat Medics in Rojava {52:04} Solidarity Song: Go on Home, Turkish Soldiers {1:02:57} Conclusion {1:04:48} This episode includes CrimethInc.’s previously published interview with the Internationalist Commune in Rojava, an excerpt from a Final Straw Radio interview with two anarchist combat medics in Rojava, and this song based on an Irish anti-colonial resistance ballad reworked for Rojava today. One of our interviewees recommends that supporters donate funds to Heyva Sor, a Kurdish medical aid organization that is helping to bring urgently needed medical supplies to the war zone. Want to learn more about the situation in Rojava? Check out podcast episodes from It’s Going Down—This is America #92 includes an interview with an Assyrian anarchist in the region—and The Final Straw. We decided not to include this letter from the PKK to the American people, but we’re including the link so you can read it if you’d like. Although we’re not aligned with all aspects of their perspective, we do think it’s important to hear how some Kurdish militants are framing their struggle to an American audience, and to offer folks here who are working to mobilize people in the US against the Turkish invasion and in solidarity with Rojava tools with which to do so. IMPORTANT: over 100 groups and individuals have signed on to the following “Call to Action: Solidarity with Rojava—Against the Turkish Invasion! An Urgent Call from a Network of Organizations”. If you or your organization agree, you can email the organizers to add your names: coordination.for.rojava at protonmail dot com. This list of demonstrations around the US in solidarity with Rojava and against the Turkish invasion will continue to be updated as we learn about more events. For further background on the radical potential of the Rojava experiment, we encourage you to listen to the two previous Ex-Worker engagements with the topic, Episode 36 and Episode 39. Want to take action? Consider organizing a boycott or direct action using this list of businesses and institutions that are complicit with the Turkish war effort.
10/23/2019 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 44 seconds
#68: Defend Rojava! Part 3, The So-Called “Ceasefire” and What’s at Stake
The revolutionary social experiments in the Kurdish territories of northeastern Syria remain under attack. As SDF forces mount fierce resistance in Sêre Kaniyê and waves of outraged protest sweep the world, the news in recent days has been full of the “ceasefire” negotiated by Turkey and US Vice President Pence. But what is really going on? And why is it so important to aspiring revolutionaries around the world? In Episode 68 of The Ex-Worker, we begin by deconstructing this so-called ceasefire, drawing on an account and analysis shared by anarchist volunteer currently in the war zone. But the bulk of this episode consists of an in-depth interview with an anarchist from the US who participated in a solidarity education delegation in Rojava this summer. She offers detailed insights into daily life amidst revolution and war, the council system and other social and political institutions, the role of military veterans and martyrs in public life, processes for absorbing criticisms and revising revolutionary praxis, and the lessons learned for organizing back in the US. We conclude with a message from another internationalist volunteer sent days ago as the bombs began to fall in Sêre Kaniyê, appealing for action. This episode continues tomorrow as we release a second installment featuring more interviews exploring armed struggle, gender roles, and daily life in Rojava. Even though we’re focusing on the crisis in Kurdistan again for this episode, let’s not forget that even as the Turkish bombs are falling, other important rebellions are taking place across the world—in Chile, in Catalunya, in Ecuador, in Haiti, in Lebanon, in Hong Kong, and beyond. We’ll have more coverage of these and other revolts through the Ex-Worker and on the CrimethInc. blog in the days and weeks to come, so stay tuned! {October 22nd, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} The “Ceasefire” Is a Deadly Fraud: Interview with an Anarchist on the Front in Rojava {6:15} Interview with Shannon, Part 1 {18:50} Solidarity Song by Sabrina Melendez {51:25} Interview with Shannon, Part 2 {52:27} Solidarity Song by Sabrina Melendez, Part 2 {1:24:18} Last Message from an Internationalist Volunteer {1:25:42} Conclusion {1:27:09} This episode draws on “The ‘Ceasefire’ Is a Deadly Fraud: Interview with an Anarchist on the Front in Rojava.” Here is the Twitter thread in which the French volunteer fighting in Sêre Kaniyê makes a final appeal for action. Want to learn more about the situation in Rojava? Check out podcast episodes from It’s Going Down—This is America #92 includes an interview with an Assyrian anarchist in the region—and The Final Straw, whose October 20th episode includes an interview with a couple of anarchists working as combat medics with the SDF in Rojava, and whose October 9th episode is titled “Rojava, War, Imperialism, and Defense: An interview with Gönül Düzer.” IMPORTANT: many groups and individuals have signed on to the following “Call to Action: Solidarity with Rojava—Against the Turkish Invasion! An Urgent Call from a Network of Organizations”. If you or your organization agree, you can email the organizers to add your names: coordination.for.rojava at protonmail dot com. This list of demonstrations around the US in solidarity with Rojava and against the Turkish invasion will continue to be updated as we learn about more events. For further background on the radical potential of the Rojava experiment, we encourage you to listen to the two previous Ex-Worker engagements with the topic, Episode 36 and Episode 39. Want to take action? Consider organizing a boycott or direct action using this list of businesses and institutions that are complicit with the Turkish war effort.
10/22/2019 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 29 seconds
#67: Defend Rojava! Part 2, Understanding the Kurdish Resistance
As the crisis in Rojava deepens and political turmoil spreads across the world, it’s critical for us to understand how we got here. Who exactly are the Kurds, and why have so many thousands of them been willing to risk their lives fighting against ISIS and to defend their autonomy? What can we learn from their struggle? In this episode, we examine the historical background to today’s conflict by looking at the decades of militant Kurdish resistance that led up to the formation of the autonomous cantons of Rojava. You’ll hear an audio version of CrimethInc.’s detailed 2015 essay “Understanding the Kurdish Resistance: A Historical Overview and Eyewitness Report,” which tracks the emergence of the Kurdish Worker’s Party (PKK) and its conflicts with Turkish nationalism, waves of insurgency and repression, the evolution of Kurdish radical thought, the Revolutionary Patriotic Youth Movement, the Gezi Park uprising in Istanbul, the siege of Kobane, and lots more. To bring you up to date on developments since then, we also share an interview with one of the authors of the essay, in which we explore the impact of the failed 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, repression of social movements, Erdoğan’s goals with the invasion, and prospects for resistance and solidarity. Stay tuned later this week for more interviews with people who’ve participated in the social revolution in Rojava. {October 16th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Understanding the Kurdish Resistance {4:44} The Early Days of the PKK {5:30} Öcalan’s Prison Years and the Peace Process {14:27} Gezi {20:25} The Wild Youth of Kurdistan {23:43} The Revolution in Kurdistan {31:44} The Fighters {36:12} Kobanê {43:47} National Liberation from Borders {47:24} Elections and a Massacre {51:03} Interview on Turkey and Kurdish Resistance Today {59:19} Conclusion {1:09:30} This episode centers on the 2015 CrimethInc. article “Understanding the Kurdish Resistance: A Historical Overview and Eyewitness Report”. IMPORTANT: over 100 groups and individuals have signed on to the following “Call to Action: Solidarity with Rojava—Against the Turkish Invasion! An Urgent Call from a Network of Organizations”. If you or your organization agree, you can email the organizers to add your names: coordination.for.rojava at protonmail dot com. This list of demonstrations around the US in solidarity with Rojava and against the Turkish invasion will continue to be updated as we learn about more events. For further background on the radical potential of the Rojava experiment, we encourage you to listen to the two previous Ex-Worker engagements with the topic, Episode 36 and Episode 39. Want to take action? Consider organizing a boycott or direct action using this list of businesses and institutions that are complicit with the Turkish war effort.
10/16/2019 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 58 seconds
#66: Defend Rojava! Part 1, The Turkish Invasion
An urgent crisis is unfolding in northern Syria, with implications for global geopolitics and revolutionary possibilities for years to come. In response to US troop withdrawal and a green light from President Trump, the Turkish military has invaded Rojava, an autonomous Kurdish region within the borders of Syria, killing hundreds and displacing over 100,000 so far. Activists around the world have condemned the invasion as a boon to ISIS, a prelude to ethnic cleansing of the Kurdish population, and an effort to destroy an important experiment in self-organization by an increasingly fascist regime. The Kurdish-led Syrian Defense Forces have just struck a deal with the regime of Bashar al-Assad to bring Russian-backed Syrian government troops into Rojava in hopes of halting the Turkish advance. The experiments in autonomy and democratic confederalism enacted in the cantons of Rojava have been inspiring to many anarchists; but the combination of the dire threat of annihilation by the Turkish military and the painful compromises necessary for survival have put this radical legacy in question. How did this happen? And what can we do? This is the first episode in a series The Ex-Worker will release this week exploring the current crisis. We bring you up to date on the circumstances surrounding the invasion with first-hand reports, analysis, responses to criticisms of solidarity efforts, and more. We conclude with a call to action and info on how to plug in to the global wave of resistance against the invasion. Stay tuned later this week for more historical background, interviews, and more! {October 14th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} “The Threat to Rojava: An Anarchist in Syria Speaks on the Real Meaning of Trump’s Withdrawal” {4:44} About the Experiment in Rojava {13:10} The Factions {15:40} What Does the Troop Withdrawal Mean? {27:58} What Will Happen Next? {31:04} Looking Forward {35:29} In Search of a Third Way {39:02} Why the Turkish Invasion Matters {43:44} Call to Action: Solidarity with Rojava Against the Turkish Invasion {1:04:08} Conclusion {1:07:53} This episode contains excerpts from a variety of texts published by CrimethInc. on Rojava and the developing crisis there: “The Threat to Rojava: An Anarchist in Syria Speaks on the Real Meaning of Trump’s Withdrawal” (December 2018); “The Nationalists and the Jihadists Together—And Against Them, Only Autonomous Resistance” (October 2019); “The Borders Won’t Protect You But They Might Get You Killed (November 2015); “Why the Turkish Invasion Matters: Addressing the Hard Questions about Imperialism and Solidarity” (October 2019). IMPORTANT: over 100 groups and individuals have signed on to the following “Call to Action: Solidarity with Rojava—Against the Turkish Invasion! An Urgent Call from a Network of Organizations”. If you or your organization agree, you can email the organizers to add your names: coordination.for.rojava at protonmail dot com. This list of demonstrations around the US in solidarity with Rojava and against the Turkish invasion will continue to be updated as we learn about more events. For further background on the radical potential of the Rojava experiment, we encourage you to listen to the two previous Ex-Worker engagements with the topic, Episode 36 and Episode 39. Want to take action? Consider organizing a boycott or direct action using this list of businesses and institutions that are complicit with the Turkish war effort.
10/14/2019 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 21 seconds
#65: Greek Anarchists Fight Back in Exarchia
On August 26th, riot police under orders from the newly elected right-wing government stormed and evicted four squatted social centers in the Exarchia neighborhood of Athens, Greece, in a serious attack on both precarious migrants and the anarchist and anti-authoritarian movements. In response, Greek anarchists have organized assemblies and demonstrations, while solidarity efforts have poured out from across the world. Both shaken and inspired by these events, the Ex-Worker podcast has emerged from hibernation to ask anarchists in Exarchia what’s going on and what needs to be done. This episode explores the situation in Exarchia through three interviews with anarchist residents of the renowned radical neighborhood. The first is an audio version of “The New War on Immigrants and Anarchists in Greece,” published on the CrimethInc. blog on August 28th, which gives an in-depth analysis of the evictions with historical context and insight into the dynamics of the Greek anarchist movement, supplemented by an excerpt from the 2015 piece “Syriza Can’t Save Greece.” The second is a long discussion with a squatter from the Lelas Karagianni 37 squat in Exarchia, the oldest squat in Greece and a central hub for assemblies and anarchist organizing in Athens; it touches on the role of the media and the previous Syriza regime in paving the way to this wave of attacks; the anarchist movement’s strategy for regaining the initiative from the state; and the significance of international solidarity. The third and shortest interview with the Void Network reports back on the September 14th anti-repression demonstration in Athens and reflects on the prospects for ongoing resistance. Tune in to learn more about this critical struggle to defend freedom and autonomy in an inspiring enclave of radical experimentation. {September 18th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} The New War on Immigrants and Anarchists in Greece: Intro {4:25} Syriza Can’t Save Greece (2015) {6:08} The New War on Immigrants and Anarchists in Greece: Interview {17:17} Lelas Karagianni 37 Squat: Interview {41:21} Athens Indymedia Call for September 14 Demonstration {1:23:02} Void Network Interview {1:24:04} Clara’s Closing Motivational Speech {1:35:00} Conclusion {1:37:36} In this episode, we present an audio version of “The New War on Immigrants and Anarchists in Greece: An Interview with an Anarchist in Exarchia” and an excerpt from “Syriza Can’t Save Greece: Why There’s No Electoral Exit From the Crisis”, both which originally appeared on the CrimethInc. blog. We interview a participant from the Lelas Karagianni 37 squat in Exarchia. Here is their “Solidarity Will Win” statement; a video promoting the September 14th demonstration in Athens; some photos from the September 14th demo; the Statement of the Anarchist Political Organization Against the Repressive Campaign of the State, and the No Pasarán! poster. We also interview a participant from the Void Network in Athens; you can read the “Solidarity to squats and all spaces of struggle- ASSEMBLY Announcement” from their website. To stay up to date on developments in Exarchia, consult Athens Indymedia or (although we at the Ex-Worker stubbornly insist on discouraging you from using Facebook) this public “Exarchia” Facebook group. Check out this long interview with another anarchist from Exarchia released through the It’s Going Down podcast, which offers more in-depth history and contemporary analysis of the neighborhood and the Greek anarchist movement.
9/18/2019 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 59 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 11: From East to West, Part II: Solidarity, and Home
Welcome to Episode 11, the final installment of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. This episode concludes the book with personal reflections about the author’s own journey in and out of the desert and the unavoidable links that bind all of us across all borders. To become a real force for change, those who would act in solidarity must overcome the limits of privilege politics and guilt, understanding our activities as fighting for our own lives and dismantling the illusion of separation between ourselves and others. What links migrants, solidarity workers, and all people struggling to survive amidst the disorienting nightmare of postmodern civilization is the pursuit of dignity—a sentiment beautifully expressed in a message sent by Rachel Corrie, an American solidarity worker in occupied Palestine, to her mother in 2003 just weeks before she was murdered by an Israeli bulldozer while attempting to stop a home demolition. Two final stories—one chilling and one touching—illustrate the astonishing peril of the desert even for experienced travelers, and the solace that unexpected alliances with creatures of the desert can provide for migrants and solidarity workers alike. Ultimately, the book concludes, to end death in the desert, to rediscover our own humanity, and to have any hope of our survival on this planet, there is one thing in common that we all must do—find our way back home. {June 13th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Who Will Tear Down That Second Border With You? {0:01} Introduction {0:54} Solidarity {1:12} Story #1: Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death {3:38} Dignity {7:18} Rachel Corrie on Dignity {10:52} Story #2: Luther the Tomcat {11:14} Home {16:07} All Our Relations {19:46} Dedication {21:20} In Memoriam {21:36} Conclusion {21:48} Breaking News: the felony trial of No More Deaths volunteer Scott Warren has ended in a hung jury. While this means that the government can still bring new charges against him, for the time being it is a strong victory against the state’s effort to criminalize humanitarian aid for migrants. Read statements by Scott and his lawyer here. Content advisory: this episode includes a discussion of sexual violence from 4:48–5:25. Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 197 to 208. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Over the summer, the Ex-Worker Podcast collective will begin work on our next audio book project, which will begin to appear in the months to come—stay tuned! If you have any suggestions or feedback about this audiobook or other Ex-Worker projects, get in touch at podcast[at]crimethinc[dot]com. Thank you for listening!
6/13/2019 • 23 minutes, 14 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 10: From East to West, Part I - Chaos and Order, and Transformation
Welcome to Episode 10 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. Over the past two months, we’ve explored the ins and outs of irregular migration across the US/Mexico border. Where does it leave us? As the crises produced by climate change and economic exploitations intensify across the world, revolutions turn in to wars, which beget tyranny, which in turn provoke revolutions. In this climate of escalating chaos, what can we do? This episode explores the meaning of revolution in the twenty-first century, looking at the forms it has taken and assessing what it would take to defend it today. The Zapatista struggle offers one of the most durable and promising models of autonomy we’ve seen in recent decades—yet the limits it has encountered point towards unavoidable contradictions facing those who wish to avoid warfare and bloodshed but also cannot defend their achievements against remorseless foes without the force of arms. A harrowing story about the siege of San Juan Copala, an indigenous community whose effort to secure autonomy from the Mexican state was brutally crushed, illustrates the agonizing dilemma that faces would-be revolutionaries today. This episode offers an unflinching look at the perils confronting those who would defy these global systems driving displacement and death, setting the stage for our final installment next week on solidarity and coming home. {June 6th, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} From East to West {0:14} Chaos and Order {6:25} Story 1: The Parable of the River {10:35} Transformation {16:25} Frederick Douglass on Struggle {16:35} Revolution {17:42} A Hard Lesson {20:40} Story 2: The Siege of San Juan Copala {27:10} A Last Word From Malcolm X {39:50} Conclusion {40:04} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 174 to 196. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for the final episode in the series—Episode 11: From East to West, Part II: Solidarity, and Home.
6/6/2019 • 41 minutes, 23 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 9: The North
Welcome to Episode 9 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. The border doesn’t end at the border: the violent regime of citizenship constrains and ruins lives throughout the north, as a chilling story of a narrow escape from death makes clear. Yet this ongoing migration constitutes, against all odds, a powerful form of resistance that is changing the United States in unpredictable ways. This installment begins to explore what it might take to actually end death in the desert—which would also mean dismantling the global systems of exploitation, colonialism, white supremacy, and state power that lie at its roots. We can take inspiration and strategic guidance from some of the stories that appear in this episode, ranging from an extraordinary migrant whose ingenuity and determination helped him to survive multiple crossings against unthinkable odds to a team of civil disobedience activists whose simple action managed to briefly grind part of the migrant detention industrial complex to a halt. Listening won’t offer a single path, program, or tactic that’s guaranteed to work, but rather a way of thinking about resistance at multiple points of intervention that can start wherever you are. Whatever action you take, it’s time to take sides. -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Immigrants {0:43} Story #1: A Solidarity Offering {2:04} Migration as Resistance {3:42} Story #2: The Fragility of a Life {7:53} John Brown’s Prophecy {11:33} Choosing Sides {12:00} Where to Start {17:41} Story 3: A Real American Hero {20:17} Resistance: Points of Intervention {28:35} Story 4: Shutting Down Operation Streamline {31:14} “Live to be Free…” {37:55} Conclusion {38.35} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 153 to 173. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 10: From East to West, Part I - Chaos and Order, and Transformation.
5/29/2019 • 40 minutes, 9 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 8: Designed to Kill, Part II – The Border Patrol, The Game, and The Desert
Welcome to Episode 8 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. This installment continues to explore the reality of border policy by taking a closer look at the agency that enforces it, describing the atrocities that its agents perpetrate and their mindsets to justify it. The Border Patrol is merely one of the largest and most vicious players in a game that brings lucrative profits to a host of players on both sides of the border, at the expense of the vulnerable migrants who are driven into the desert. The episode concludes with a discussion of the environmental landscape of the desert itself and a poignant reflection on its harsh beauty, envisioning the healing of the land when one day it will no longer be scarred by borders. {May 22, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Story #1: Fleeing the Dogs {0:46} Assata Shakur: On Morality and Power {4:32} The Border Patrol {4:49} Story #2: The Hills Have Eyes {10:30} The Game {12:25} The Desert {14:27} Story #3: Under the Blue Sky and the Merciless Sun {16:02} Conclusion {18:52} Important Action Alert: No More Deaths is asking that supporters around the US take a moment this week through May 24th to call the US Attorney’s office in Arizona to demand that the government drop all charges against volunteer Scott Warren, who faces felony charges for humanitarian aid work in the desert. Please follow this link for contact information and a script to follow when you call. It will only take a moment, but will be an important gesture of solidarity. Please do it! For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 140 to 152. Episodes 7 and 8 comprise Designed to Kill, which was originally released as a ‘zine in 2011. You can read or print the zine version here. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 9: The North.
5/22/2019 • 20 minutes, 17 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 7: Designed to Kill, Part I – Who Benefits?
Welcome to Episode 7 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. The Border Patrol, with its swollen budget and lavish technologies, clearly has the technical capacity to stop most, if not all, traffic across the border, yet their behavior seems to be at odds with their stated objective. This installment investigates the actual goal of border policy—which is not to end “illegal immigration,” but to control and manage it. While preventing this migration altogether would have catastrophic effects on the US economy, using selective enforcement to funnel traffic into increasingly remote areas while militarizing and hyper-policing certain areas maintains the labor supply while ratcheting up the profits to be made at every step in the process. A variety of stories—some heartbreaking, some hilarious—illustrate how this approach to enforcement impacts the lives of everyday people as they attempt to travel north into the United States. This episode identifies the various parties—both Republicans and Democrats, private prison and tech corporations, Mexican officials and cartels—who benefit from this counter-intuitive and cruel border policy… while reminding us of its horrific cost in human lives. {May 15, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: “Answer the Question of Who Benefits or Profits Most…” {0:01} Introduction {0:24} Designed to Kill: Who Benefits? {0:53} Story #1: Lost in the Desert {3:01} The Real Objective of the Border Patrol {4:27} Why No One Really Wants to Stop “Illegal Immigration” {6:20} The Politics and Economics of Border Policy {10:03} Story #2: Desperation {20:00} The Profits of Border Militarization {23:35} Dangers Along the Trail {28:00} Story #3: Good Guides and Bad Guides {30:59} The Unholy Trinity: Governments, Corporations, Cartels {33:07} Story #3: Nacho, Chucho, and Don Bigotes {35:32} Conclusion {42:54} Important Action Alert: No More Deaths is asking that supporters around the US take a moment this week and next week to call the US Attorney’s office in Arizona to demand that the government drop all charges against volunteer Scott Warren, who faces felony charges for humanitarian aid work in the desert. Please follow this link for contact information and a script to follow when you call. It will only take a moment, but will be an important gesture of solidarity. Please do it! Content advisory: in the section “Dangers Along the Trail,” beginning around 28:00, there is a brief discussion of the forms of violence, including sexual assault, to which migrants are vulnerable when crossing through the desert. For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 115 to 140. Episodes 7 and 8 comprise Designed to Kill, which was originally released as a ‘zine in 2011. You can read or print the zine version here. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 8: Designed to Kill, Part II – The Border Patrol, The Game, and The Desert.
5/15/2019 • 43 minutes, 58 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 6: The Border
Welcome to Episode 6 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. This installment investigates the three-tiered border and the process of crossing it, focusing on the places where the most deaths occur—southern Arizona and South Texas. The story of Arivaca, a small community of ranchers and hippies, shows how state arrogance and vigilante brutality turned the population towards solidarity with migrants. The complex politics of the Tohono O’odham reservation at Komkch’ed e Wah ‘osithk (Sells) reflect the fraught relationship between migration, colonialism, and the challenges facing indigenous communities today. The barren deserts and army base lands around Ajo mark some of the most grim and hazardous terrain of the entire border, while the recent surge in deaths around Falfurrias indicates the urgent need for further solidarity. Explanation of the actual mechanics of crossing the border, and the terrible perils faced by vulnerable migrants along the way, is supplemented by a poignant story about two flawed heroes of the desert. This episode paints a vivid picture of where and how migration into the United States actually happens, and the dangers stalking every step across the harsh landscape of the borderlands. {May 8, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: If You Hear the Dogs, Keep Going {0:01} Introduction {0:52} The Border {1:11} Arivaca {6:26} Story 1: El Pelón and Crazy Mark {14:05} Komkch’ed e Wah ‘osithk (Sells) {19:22} Ajo {24:05} Falfurrias {26:40} Story 2: Calling 911 {34:08} The Crossing {36:23} Conclusion {39:55} Please take a moment to read this powerful article from the Intercept on the prosecution of No More Deaths volunteer Scott Warren: “Bodies in the Borderlands”. Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 90 to 113. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 7: Designed to Kill, Part I – Who Benefits?.
5/8/2019 • 41 minutes, 10 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 5: The Trip and The Product
Happy May Day, everyone! Welcome to Episode 5 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. Having discussed the political and economic forces that drive migration north, this week’s installment examines how people get from Central America to the US/Mexico border. The routes vary in risk and cost, and are stratified depending on a traveler’s wealth and nationality, from navigating the expensive and infuriating process of attempting to secure a visa to braving La Bestia, the notoriously dangerous freight trains heading north. Some hazard the northeastern route to Reynosa through Zetas cartel territory, while many traverse the northwestern route to Altar through Sinaloa cartel lands and towards the Sonoran desert. The “unaccompanied minors crisis” of 2013–2014 serves as a case study for how the machinations of powerful states, cartels, and corporations can impact the lives of migrants. Understanding the dynamics of border crossing requires an in-depth look at the economics of the marijuana trade, concluding with a thought-provoking analysis of politics of drug legalization and an unflinching look at the customs and border patrol corruption that makes the trade possible. This episode reframes our understanding of the multi-stage process of migrating north and the power relations and economic imperatives that shape the experiences of migrants as they set off into the desert towards the United States. {May 1, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} L.A. Onda, “How To Stop a Wound From Bleeding” {0:13} The Trip {1:13} Story #1: Rethinking the “Unaccompanied Minors Crisis” {12:55} The Product: Capital {16:54} The Product: Labor {25:10} Conclusion {30:21} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week’s episode covers pages 69 to 89. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 6: The Border.
5/1/2019 • 31 minutes, 26 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 4: The South, Part II – Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras
Welcome to Episode 4 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. This week’s installment continues the previous episode’s exploration of the conditions south of the border that drive migration north by surveying the situation in the three countries of the “Northern Triangle.” Guatemala’s malnourished, heavily indigenous population languishes in poverty under oligarchic rule, the legacy of centuries of colonialism and a devastating civil war. Our narrator analyzes the numerous problems plaguing the country and examines the unfinished struggle for freedom and dignity that prompted the war, including its impact on global revolutionary imagination through its influence on the Zapatistas. The horrifying levels of violence in El Salvador trace their roots both to economic pressures and to US support for the former reactionary military regime during a bloody civil war. The section concludes with a hair-raising anecdote about the guerrilla movement’s creative revenge against a genocidal army officer. A brief note on the profound dysfunction of Honduras, stemming from the structure of North American economy, is followed by a discussion of the tensions between these four Central American nations and their inhabitants. This episode rounds out our picture of the recent history of the region and the dynamics that push people from their homelands on the perilous trip towards the US/Mexico border. {April 24, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Guatemala {0:35} Story #1: The Influence of the Guerrilla Movement {16:30} El Salvador {17:40} Story #2: Revenge at El Mozote {25:05} Honduras {28:07} Story #3: A Souvenir {30:52} Tensions {31:22} Conclusion {34:51} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 5: The Trip and The Product.
4/24/2019 • 35 minutes, 59 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 3: Mexico, Part I – The South
Welcome to Episode 3 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. This installment begins exploring the conditions south of the border that drive migration north by exploring the recent history and economy of Mexico. As NAFTA’s “free trade” policies impoverished and displaced millions, border militarization altered previous patterns of seasonal migration and established a permanent undocumented underclass of millions in the United States. The author cuts through myths around the “drug war,” helping to explain the complex web of players from the Sinaloa and Zetas cartels to the Mexican state and the social movements that contest them both—and how the situation might be transformed, if US drug and immigration policies changed. The episode concludes with an inspiring story of the determined and colorful resistance to state violence by the community of San Salvador Atenco. This episode provides a brief introduction to the fierce, many-sided conflicts across Mexico resulting from the actions of the US government and exacerbated by the Mexican state and cartels, but always contested by popular forces. {April 17, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} The South {0:25} Mexico: Labor, “Free Trade,” and the Roots of Migration {1:25} Mexico: Cartels, the State, and the “Drug War” {9:24} Story #1: San Salvador Atenco {23:21} Conclusion {26:34} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 4: The South, Part 2 – Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.
4/17/2019 • 27 minutes, 44 seconds
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 2: Defining Terms, The Aftermath, and The Travelers
Welcome to Episode 2 of No Wall They Can Build, the Ex-Worker Podcast’s serialized audiobook exploring borders and migration across North America. This installment continues last week’s introduction by Defining Terms—just what do we mean by the border, migrants, refugees, solidarity workers, and other key phrases? To begin the long section describing movement From South to North, The Aftermath lays out an unflinching view of the 500-year history of colonization, slavery, and genocide on which today’s capitalist economy and border regimes are based, followed by a harrowing tale of survival by a desert migrant. The Travelers lays out the forces pushing migrants from Mexico and the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras) north towards the United States, illustrating the economics of the situation through a moving story in which migrants and solidarity workers work out the mathematics of international exploitation together. This chapter demystifies the basic dynamics at play in North American migration and evocatively illustrates their human cost. {April 10, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: The United States Is War {0:01} Introduction {0:22} Defining Terms {0:42} The Aftermath {4:24} Story #1 {7:45} The Travelers {10:06} Story #2 {17:11} Conclusion {20:56} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. This week we heard discussion about intervention in a Border Patrol stop in Tucson, AZ and a roundup of resistance to border wall construction and ICE around the country. You can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Stay tuned next week for Episode 3: The South, Part 1 - Mexico.
4/11/2019 • 22 minutes
No Wall They Can Build, Episode 1: Introduction
The Ex-Worker Podcast Collective is kicking off the serialized release of our first full audiobook, No Wall They Can Build: A Guide to Borders and Migration Across North America. We’ve divided this riveting first person account of life and death in the borderlands into eleven chapters, and over the next three months, we’ll be releasing them in weekly installments each Wednesday. Today, you’ll hear Episode 1: Introduction, which describes how the book was written by a solidarity worker along the US/Mexico border over years of trials and tribulations, and lays out a basic framework for understanding the global apartheid enforced by the border regime. You’ll hear a heartbreaking story about the brutality of migrant detention, and an inspiring one about surviving the journey north against all odds. This episode sets the stage for the in-depth analysis and longer stories of the chapters to come. {April 3, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introducing the Border {0:01} Title and Front Matter {1:18} Dedication {2:02} Preface {2:11} Epigraph, from Mojado by Ricardo Arjona {3:37} Story #1 {4:35} Introduction {11:17} Story #2 {18:43} Epigraph, from Edward Abbey {20:44} Conclusion {21:08} Note: For this audiobook, we will not provide full transcripts of the text of each episode as we do for The Ex-Worker or The Hotwire. If you want to read along, you can find the book in PDF. Also, you can check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. As we mentioned in our episode announcing the audiobook launch, the claim made in this episode that no volunteer with No More Deaths has ever been convicted of a crime for their humanitarian work in the desert, while true at the time the book was published, is no longer accurate. For the latest updates on the legal charges facing solidarity workers along the border, keep an eye on the No More Deaths legal defense campaign. If you’re feeling inspired to take action, follow the latest from the #BlockTheWall network. You can also check out this interview by the Final Straw with Comunidad Colectiva, a North Carolina-based group doing rapid response anti-ICE organizing. Stay tuned next week for Episode 2: Defining Terms, The Aftermath, and The Travelers.
4/3/2019 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds
#64: Announcing Our First Audiobook! No Wall They Can Build
The Ex-Worker is back! Over the next three months, we will be releasing an audio version of CrimethInc.’s 2018 book, No Wall They Can Build: A Guide to Borders and Migration in North America, divided into eleven episodes released every week. In this short episode, we reflect on the evolution of the Ex-Worker podcast as a project, and set the scene for the forthcoming audiobook. In the year and a half since the book was released, much attention has focused on the US/Mexico border, and Trump’s anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric have prompted widespread resistance. However, the crisis of raids, family separations, inhumane detention, and death and disappearance in the borderlands was in full swing during the Obama administration, and has roots stretching far back in the history of the United States. To provide context for what’s been going on around the border since the book was published, a volunteer from the solidarity group No More Deaths joins us to talk about changes and continuities between the Obama and Trump eras, the impact of the administration’s efforts to build a wall on communities around the border, updates on state repression against the group’s volunteers, and the wave of resistance and solidarity building towards a world of free movement. Want to learn more? We’ll be releasing the first installment of No Wall They Can Build later this week—stay tuned! {April 1, 2019} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: The Ex-Worker is Back! {0:01} Migration, Borders, and Resistance in the Trump Era {4:05} Interview with No More Deaths Volunteer {10:29} Conclusion {27:30} We’ll be releasing an audiobook of No Wall They Can Build: A Guide to Borders and Migration in North America through eleven weekly episodes over the next three months. You can read the book in PDF or see the Spanish translation; also check out our poster diagramming the North American border regime and immigrant solidarity stickers. Take a moment to learn more about No More Deaths, including their legal defense campaign demanding that the charges be dropped against their volunteers and the [#WaterNotWalls campaign](http://forms.nomoredeaths.org/legal-defense-campaign/waternotwalls/) to ensure their ability to continue to provide humanitarian aid in the desert. Other organizations working to support migrants include Aguilas del Desierto (San Diego, CA), Florence Project, Mariposas Sin Fronteras (Tucson, AZ), People Helping People in the Border Zone (Arivaca, AZ), Protection Network Action Fund, Southside Workers Center (Tucson, AZ), South Texas Human Rights Center, and the Tohono O’odham Hemajkam Rights Network](https://www.facebook.com/tohrn520/). Some useful general resources about the border include the Radiolab podcast “Border Trilogy”, the books Storming the Wall by Todd Miller and The Land of Open Graves by Jason DeLeon, and the Telemundo/Weather Channel documentary “The Real Death Valley”. On “The Wall” and border militarization, see “America’s Virtual Border Wall Is a 1,954-Mile-Long Money Pit”, Tohono O’odham elder Ofelia Rivas’s Censored News Live Video interview “Welcome to Honduras Migrant Caravan”, and the books Operation Gatekeeper by Joseph Nevins and Border Games by Peter Andreas. - On conceptualizing interior checkpoints as an extension of The Wall, see “The 100 Mile Border Zone” by the ACLU, “Checkpoint America” by the Cato Institute, and “The Cost of Crossing” from the New York Times. On anti-immigrant border militias, see the Al-Jazeera article “Desert Hawks”, the Southern Poverty Law Center Report “Investigating Deaths of Undocumented Migrants on the Border”, and David Neiwart’s book And Hell Followed with Her. On the Border Patrol, see the books Migra! by Kelly Lytle Hernandez and Border Patrol Nation by Todd Miller, and the documentary Disappeared: How US Border Patrol is Fueling a Missing Person’s Crisis at the Border, part 1 and part 2.
4/1/2019 • 29 minutes, 18 seconds
The Hotwire #47: Destroy borders—Wallywood—Yellow Vests—Fuck Thanksgiving—Season’s last episode
It’s our last episode of the season! We have a big report on the Yellow Vests movement in France, and how it shows the need to move beyond the loyal opposition of centrism versus fascism. We say fuck Thanksgiving some, fuck the border a lot, fuck border patrol even more, fuck the government, fuck pipelines, fuck Wal-Mart, but thanks so much to all our wonderful listeners. Stay anarchy. {November 28, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Intro {0:00} Headlines {0:48} Fuck Thanksgiving {5:00} Migrant caravan news and interview {7:20} Yellow Vests movement—fuck “apoliticism,” fuck centrism, fuck fascism {21:10} Repression roundup {28:00} Next Week’s News {35:30} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming events/demos/etc: November 30: Mass demonstrations against the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. November 29 - December 2: Anarchist Book Fair in Umea, Sweden Until December 7: There is a call for autonomous actions against the Laval Migrant Prison being built in Laval, Quebec, Canada. December 2: The 5th Annual Howard Zinn Book Fair will be held from 10am–6pm at San Francisco City College Mission Campus, located t 1125 Valencia Street. This year’s theme is Fighting for the Air We Breathe and you can find out more at howardzinnbookfair.com. December 6: To mark the ten year anniversary of the death of Alexis Grigoropoulos, Greek anarchists and students are calling for occupations and student mobilizations throughout the county on December 6. December 9: A call by Stand Up to Racism and Unite Against Fascism to oppose a fascist march in London, England. Meet on Downing St, London at 11am. December 10: There’s an international call from anarchists on four continents for a day of action against borders on December 10. The idea is to kick off the 10th of each month being an anti-border day of action. December 31: Worldwide noise demonstrations outside prisons, jails, and detention facilities to demonstrate support for those held captive inside. January 5–6: the Father Frost Against Putin Festival will take place again in Helsinki, Finland. The intention of the festival is for anarchists to be able to discuss the state of affairs in Russia and the ex-USSR while getting to meet other political activists without the roving eye of police or special service operations. January 15-February 15: The Caravana Wallmapu is a caravan of different autonomous and alternative media collectives from around Latin America and the world, that will be traveling for a month through Mapuche territory in Argentina and Chile to draw attention to the struggles, experiences and voices of the Mapuche people. Check out @carav_wallmapu January 25–26: BLACK FLAGS OVER BROOKLYN 2019 is a new anti-fascist, anti-racist extreme metal festival coming to the dark heart of Brooklyn, New York. Check out @blackflagsovrBK on Twitter to learn more. February 2: Flower United is calling for a large anti-racist mobilization in response to a planned white supremacist rally at Stone Mountain Park outside Atlanta, GA. Check out flowerunited.org for more info. February 23: the New York City Anarchist Mental Health Conference will be held in NYC. The one-day conference is for anarchist, anti-authoritarian, and anti-capitalist mental health care workers and students to skill-share, build community, and discuss how to infuse mental health work with anarchist values. Email [email protected] for more info. In response to the California fires, North Valley Mutual Aid is organizing with community members to provide support for those affected. They’re currently asking for donations via their gofundme. Please also let them know if you have specific materials to donate or otherwise want to get involved on the ground; the Wallywood encampment is in Chico, California, in the Wal-Mart parking lot. And anyone from Paradise and the surrounding communities is encouraged to get in touch with ideas and needs to keep their efforts centered on those impacted directly who might not know their community is here to help in this manner. They can be reached at [email protected]. Check out North Shore Counter Info for developments on the Locke Street case in Hamilton, Ontario. The Unistoten Camp is in need of support to stop TransCanada from coming into their indigenous territory. They’re asking people to come join the efforts, donate, and start solidarity campaigns! Visit unistoten.camp for more information. You can donate to the commissary of water protector Rattler through his support campaign, at freerattlernodapl.com or send him a letter at: Michael Markus 06280–073 FCI Sandstone FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION P.O. BOX 1000 SANDSTONE, MN 55072 Urgent call for a email/phone zap! Supporters of the Virgin Island 3 are imploring folks to help get them released from prison by pressuring the Governor to commute their sentences. Join with the Philly Anarchist Black Cross to help get them free. Because the Governor’s term is ending, time is truly of the essence and NOW is the time to contact him and express support for their commutation applications. You can remind the Governor that one of their co-defendants received a pardon back in 1994 and THERE’S NO REASON these men have been held for an additional 24 years. Please write a letter in support of their commutation, you can mail, email, or fax one in. Email letters to the Executive Assistant to the Governor: [email protected] Call the officials in charge of reviewing the commutation applications: Governor Mapp’s Office: (340) 774–0001 Lt. Governor Potter’s Office: (340) 774–2991 Attorney General Claude Walker: (340) 773–0295 Legal Counsel E. Henderson: (340) 712–2212 Postal mail for commutation support letters: Governor Kenneth Mapp Government House 21–22 Kongens Gade Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas, VI 00802 Lt. Governor Osbert Potter Office of the Lieutenant Governor 1131 King Street, Suite 101 Christiansted St. Croix, VI 00820 Write to the Virgin Islands 3 to show support directly: Warren Ballentine #16–047 Tallahatchie Correctional Facility 415 US Highway 49N Tutwiler, MS 38963 Beaumont Gereau #16–001 Tallahatchie Correctional Facility 415 US Highway 49N Tutwiler, MS 38963 Meral Smith #16–024 Tallahatchie Correctional Facility 415 US Highway 49N Tutwiler, MS 38963 The Vaughn trials are ongoing! You can check out vaughn17support.org for more information. You can watch footage on the ground of resistance against G20 at antenanegratv.com.ar, a rebel tv station occupying the airwaves in Buenos Aires. We’ve also been keeping a daily logbook over at crimethinc.com. Visit hambachforest.org to learn more about the Hambacher Forest and the efforts to protect it, or better yet, if you’re anywhere near Cologne, visit the Hambach Forest yourself to join in on the resistance! To find the best ways to support the migrant caravans travelling to the US-Mexico border, look up Commotion.World. They have lots of useful info—from listing the physical items that are needed, to who you can trust to donate to, to what you can do if you want to actually be on the ground, to a map of ICE detention centers and business that contract with ICE. There is a call out for solidarity actions with anarchists in Russia, who are currently experiencing brutal state repression. You can read more about the situation on rupression.com. Some other great podcasts to listen to, while we’re off the air: The Final Straw This is America From Embers Dissident Island Channel Zero Resonance Audio Distro Over the next month, use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday messages! On December 3, Kevin “Rashid” Johnson, an outspoken revolutionary prisoner active with the New Afrikan Black Panther Party and the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee. Kevin Johnson #264847 Indiana Department of Corrections Reception-Diagnostic Center 737 Moon Road Plainfield, IN 46168 December 4 is the birthday of Reality Winner, the alleged NSA whistleblower who is currently being held while awaiting trial on charges of leaking classified documents to the media. Reality Winner #22056–021 FMC Carswell Post Office Box 27137 Fort Worth, Texas 76127 December 15 is the birthday of Muhammad Burton, one of the Philly 5, a group of men accused of an alleged attack on a police station that killed one cop. Burton has maintained his innocence since his arrest. Fred Burton AF 3896 SCI Somerset 1590 Walters Mill Rd Somerset, PA 15510 USA On December 17, Connor Stevens, one of the “Cleveland 4”, activists entrapped in a bomb plot set up by the FBI in order to repress the Occupy movement. Connor Stevens #57978–060 FCI Jesup 2680 Highway 301 South Jesup, Georgia 31599 Also on December 17, Alejandro Rodriguez-Ortiz, one of the Vaughn 17 prisoners currently facing charges for alleged participation in an uprising in early 2017. Alejandro Rodriguez-Ortiz SBI# 00515700 Sussex Correctional Institution P.O. Box 500 Georgetown DE 19947 On December 30, Casey Brezik, an anarchist prisoner serving time for an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the governor of Missouri. Casey Brezik #1154765 Farmington Correctional Center 1012 West Columbia Street Farmington, MO 63640 And, on December 31 another Vaughn 17 prisoner, Jonathan Rodriguez, celebrates his birthday. Jonathan Rodriguez SBI# 00593313 Sussex Correctional Institution P.O. Box 500 Georgetown DE 19947 Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS In Hotwire 46 we incorrectly reported that Mapuche villager Camilo Catrillanca was 14 years old when he was killed by police. In fact, he was 24 and a father.
11/28/2018 • 45 minutes, 33 seconds
The Hotwire #46: Camilo Catrillanca—Comrades speak out on being doxxed—Mutual aid after Camp Fire
In our second to last episode of 2018, we bring you reports from the anti-fascist counter-demonstrations against right-wing rallies in Philadelphia and Portland. We also bring you a humble, frank letter from anti-fascists who have recently been doxxed in North Carolina. Mutual Aid efforts—organized and spontaneous—are popping up in response to the Camp Fire and to defend the migrant caravan in Tijuana from nationalist haters. From coast to coast, climbers get up in trees and ontop of pipeline construction equipment to defend forests. In Chile, a wave of revolt has spread after the police murder of 14-year-old Mapuche villager Camilo Catrillanca. There is already anti-anarchist repression ahead of the G20 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. {November 21, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Intro {0:00} Headlines {0:55} Reports from anti-fascist rallies in Philadelphia and Portland {10:10} Anti-fascists speak out about being doxxed {15:10} Revolt in Chile after police murder Camilo Catrillanca {21:20} Repression roundup {22:50} Next Week’s News {29:40} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming events/demos/etc: November 24: there’s a call out for an antifascist block to participate in the St Andrews Day antiracist march in Glasgow, Scotland. Gather at the Glasgow Green at 10:30 am. November 25 - December 1: A call for a week of action against the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 25–27 will have popular education and workshops from different groups; the 28 and 29 will feature a People’s Summit, with day one at the Faculty of Social Science of the University of Buenos Aires, and day two in Plaza de los dos Congresos. November 30 is when the big street demonstration will take place. November 25: there will be a march from San Diego down to the border with Tijuana to meet the sanctuary caravans. Here’s a link to the Facebook page. November 25: there’s a call for a feminist demo against fascism in London on the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women. Meet at 5pm on November 25th at BBC Portland Place in London, England. November 25: the Leimert Park Mutual Aid Organizing Committee, in Los Angeles, California, will hold their monthly anti-gentrification free store from 2 to 6pm at the Leimert Park Art Walk. November 26: A meeting](https://freedomnews.org.uk/london-callout-for-solidarity-with-russian-anti-fascists/) in London, England to plan solidarity events for January 19 in support of anti-fascists facing persecution in Russia. The meeting will take place at Mayday Rooms, located at 88 Fleet St. November 29 - December 2: Anarchists in Umea, Sweden are hosting their first ever bookfair! December 10: There’s an international call from anarchists on four continents for a day of action against borders on December 10. The idea is to kick off the 10th of each month being an anti-border day of action. December 17(ish): in Brownsville, Texas, people are planning to Meet the Migrants at the Border, in greeting them food and love! This date is currently tentative, as it is unclear when the migrant caravan will actually arrive. Organizers point out that there are five other points of entry on the Texas border the migrant caravan may try, and are encouraging people to organize more events. Here’s a link to their Facebook page. January 5–6: the Father Frost Against Putin Festival will take place again in Helsinki, Finland. The intention of the festival is for anarchists to be able to discuss the state of affairs in Russia and the ex-USSR while getting to meet other political activists without the roving eye of police or special service operations. February 23: the New York City Anarchist Mental Health Conference will be held in NYC. The one-day conference is for anarchist, anti-authoritarian, and anti-capitalist mental health care workers and students to skill-share, build community, and discuss how to infuse mental health work with anarchist values. Email [email protected] for more info. For beautiful Trans Day of Remembrance works of art available for free download, click here. In response to the California fires, North Valley Mutual Aid is organizing with community members to provide support for those affected. Some of what they’re looking for includes funds, kitchen and first aid supplies (medical and emotional), clean-up and building materials, and organizing spaces. According to their website: “Please also let us know if you have specific materials to donate or otherwise want to get involved on the ground. And anyone from Paradise and the surrounding communities is encouraged to get in touch with ideas and needs to keep our efforts centered on those impacted directly who might not know their community is here to help in this manner.” They can be reached at [email protected]. To find the best ways to support the migrant caravans travelling to the US-Mexico border, look up Commotion.World. They have lots of useful info—from listing the physical items that are needed, to who you can trust to donate to, to what you can do if you want to actually be on the ground, to a map of ICE detention centers and business that contract with ICE. Here’s a link to the full statement from the group Asheville Solidarity on the recent doxxing of activists and anti-racists there. For a rant on why extremism is a bad framework for opposing Nazis, check out Hotwire #7. There is a call out for solidarity actions with anarchists in Russia, who are currently experiencing brutal state repression. You can read more about the situation on rupression.com. Supporters of Todd Wentworth, a prison rebel held by the Michigan Department of Corrections who is currently under duress for whistleblowing on guards’ role in the murder of a fellow prisoner, are asking that people send him letters and notes of support, however short; it would mean a lot to him! Here is his address: Todd Wentworth #400451 Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility (IBC) 1727 West Bluewater Highway Ionia, MI 48846 Additionally, Todd is is seeking a psychologist or someone otherwise qualified to perform psych evaluations who could provide a psych evaluation to send the parole board. If you have leads on this, please let them know. Some folks are raising money for a People of Color Trans Two-spirit Women Action Camp to be held sometime this fall on occupied land. The camp is intended to provide Trans, two spirit, and women of color autonomy from white supremacy and patriarchy and create space to engage in converstaions on colorism, transphobia, disability, privilege around documented status, and antiblackness while building solidarity. To contribute, visit their GoFundMe page. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write a birthday message for Ferguson revolt prisoner Josh Williams: Joshua Williams #1292002 Jefferson City Correctional Center 8200 No More Victims Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 {Birthday: November 25} Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing.
11/21/2018 • 35 minutes, 13 seconds
The Hotwire #45: The empire’s centrism strikes back—Anti-fascism 80 years after Kristallnacht
On the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, liberals and centrists are once more playing right into fascists’ hands. Our feature this episode is a reading of the recent CrimethInc. op-ed “Take Your Pick: Law or Freedom; How ‘Nobody Is above the Law’ Abets the Rise of Tyranny,” about the outrageously liberal demonstrations over Trump firing Jeff Sessions. We also interview an anarchist who was at the protest outside Tucker Carlson’s home in Washington D.C. about what really happened there, Twitter’s banning of anti-fascists, and why it’s important to take the offensive in the struggle against fascism. Friday, November 9 was the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht, and we bring you a round up of fascist, anti-fascist, and centrist actions from the weekend. Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {November 14, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Intro {0:00} Headlines {0:55} Kristallnacht anniversary and #OutliveThem actions roundup {5:55} Interview about Tucker Carlson protest and liberal blowback {10:05} Take Your Pick: Law or Freedom; How ‘Nobody Is above the Law’ Abets the Rise of Tyranny {22:10} Repression roundup {32:45} Next Week’s News {38:12} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming events/demos/etc: November 15: in London, England, there will be a queer dance party outside the Brazilian Embassy against Brazilian president elect Bolsonaro and to save the amazon. It will last from 5:30 PM until 8:30. November 16–18: School of the Americas Watch is hosting a border encuentro directly on the US/Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona and Sonora around the theme Dismantle Border Imperialism! November 16: in Portland, Oregon, there’s a “We Won’t Be Erased” demonstration against transphobia. Meet at 4:30 in the afternoon at City Hall, and follow @WontBeErasedPDX on twitter for more. November 17: In Philadelphia, the Pushback Campaign and anti-fascists are calling for those opposed to Nazis and Proud Boys to gather at 10 AM at the Independence Hall Visitor Center to oppose a planned white supremacist rally. November 17: Anti-fascists are also planning to oppose a misogynistic Patriot Prayer rally in Portland, Oregon. Rose City Antifa are calling for those opposed to rally at 1 PM on Saturday at Terry Schrunk Plaza. November 18: in Aachen, Germany at 3 PM, there is a demonstration planned against the political swing to the right and state repression. November 19: a demonstration against singularity and surveillance in Athens, Greece. Meet at Parko Eleutherias at 11:30 AM. November 25 - December 1: A call for a week of action against the G20 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 25–27 will have popular education and workshops from different groups; the 28 and 29 will feature a People’s Summit, with day one at the Faculty of Social Science of the University of Buenos Aires, and day two in Plaza de los dos Congresos. November 30 is when the big street demonstration will take place. November 26 in London, England: A meeting](https://freedomnews.org.uk/london-callout-for-solidarity-with-russian-anti-fascists/) to plan solidarity events for January 19 in support of anti-fascists facing persecution in Russia. The meeting will take place at Mayday Rooms, located at 88 Fleet St. December 10: There’s an international call from anarchists on four continents for a day of action against borders on December 10. The idea is to kick off the 10th of each month being an anti-border day of action. December 17(ish): in Brownsville, Texas, people are planning to Meet the Migrants at the Border, in greeting them food and love! This date is currently tentative, as it is unclear when the migrant caravan will actually arrive. Organizers point out that there are five other points of entry on the Texas border the migrant caravan may try, and are encouraging people to organize more events. Here’s a link to their Facebook page. Duluth, Minnesota: Anti-fascist and anti-white supremacy People’s General Assemblies will be taking place weekly, Tuesdays at 6 PM in People’s Power Plaza Court support for the Vaughn Trial is welcome! Court is ongoing every weekday from 10am–5pm in Courtroom 8B at 500 N King St, Wilmington, DE. For more information, visit itsgoingdown.org. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair is taking place at The Vera Project from 10–5 each day. The Vera Project is located at Seattle Center, on the corner of Warren Ave North and Republican St. Here’s a map. November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair is taking place at 775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA from 10–8 each day. Here’s a map. November 29 - December 2: Anarchists in Umea, Sweden are hosting their first ever bookfair! Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is on tour until late November! This week’s dates: November 15: Kansas City, MO. 10:00 am @ Kansas City Public Library Lucile H Bluford Branch 3050 Prospect Ave Kansas City, MO 64128 November 17: Columbia, MO. 6:00 pm CST @ Middlebush Hall, Room 132 University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 November 18: Columbia, MO. 12:00 pm CST @ Middlebush Hall, Room 132 University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 November 19: Carbondale, IL. 7:00 pm CST @ Flyover Social Center 214 N. Washington St. Carbondale, IL 62901 November 20:Carbondale, IL. 10:00 am CST @ Flyover Social Center 214 N. Washington St. Carbondale, IL 62901 A complete list of tour dates and locations can be found here. Atlanta Anti-Fascists recently had their PayPal shut down, so they’re temporarily in need of support to offset some of their costs. They’re accepting donations through their fundraising page, or to donate using Bitcoin, their Bitcoin wallet is: 1LdSVFd6Wvj8LeEfux2Xf6Rr2KGKXemiBB (If you prefer to use a single-use address for Bitcoin, you can contact them.) Jace Buras, a prison rebel who helped organize a peaceful protest at Hyde Correctional in North Carolina during the national prison strike, has written Atlanta Anarchist Black Cross to let supporters know that he has been transferred to Bertie Correctional and placed in 180 days of isolation. To show him support, his address is as follows: Jace Buras #1522417 Bertie Correctional PO Box 129 Windsor, NC 27983 Phone zap for prison rebel Dayvon Person! Dayvon was just about to reach his minimum custody requirements in January, when he was charged with inciting a riot at the Craggy Correction Institution in North Carolina. He is asking that people please, please, please call and ask that his appeal against these false accusations is heard. To participate, you can call the Director of the prison, Kenneth Lassiter or call/write the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. Kenneth Lassiter: (919) 838–4000 North Carolina Department of Public Safety: 512 North Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27604 (919) 733–2126 Ke Huelga Radio, an anarchist affiliated pirate radio station that has been squatting Mexico City’s airwaves for over 19 years, is under threat by both media conglomerates and the federal government. Ke Huelga is refusing to give up 102.9 and is urging folks to listen on their site, kehuelga.net, and to continue to try and pick up their signal if you’re in Mexico City. They also are calling for people to protest this interference by the IFT, including call them at 01800 2000 120 and emailing at [email protected]. Visit their website for other means of sending messages of protest! Check out some of our favorites from the Christie Books anarchist film archive: The almighty Class War Federation on reality TV! The incredible story of anarchist counterfeiter Lucio Utah Phillips on Ammon Hennacy The tragic, true story of the Rebellion in Patagonia There is a call out for solidarity actions with anarchists in Russia, who are currently experiencing brutal state repression. You can read more about the situation on [rupression.com.](https://rupression.com/ Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write a birthday message for Cameron Crowley, who is accused of being the anti-racist hacktivist Vigilance. You can write Cameron a letter, or send him a used book! (He especially likes sci-fi.) His address is: Cameron Crowley 855 West 7th Street Saint Paul, MN 55102 {Birthday: November 18} Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS In Hotwire #44 we named Kevin Garrido, prisoner of the Chilean state who was reportedly murdered by another prisoner, as an anarchist. Comrades in and out of Chile have gotten in touch with us to let us know that that is not true, and that Kevin purposefully did not identify as an anarchist, and has even identified with more eco-extremist currents. Sorry for the lazy reporting, but in our defense we even did additional research beyond where we first got the story and multiple other sources identified him as an anarchist or tagged his story under “anarchist prisoners” or something else of the sort. Kevin did extend solidarity to at least some anarchist prisoners for their struggles, anarchists were present in his funeral caravan that clashed with police, and regardless of his politics, we still uphold what we said about, “While the state may charge [another prisoner] with [his] murder, we know that the police and prisons are responsible for the conditions that led to Garrido’s death, and the only kind of justice for his death will come from redirecting any aggression between the oppressed against their oppressors instead, until neither prisons not police can function.”
11/14/2018 • 44 minutes, 39 seconds
The Hotwire #44: Troops at the border—Anarchism vs voting—Remembering comrades who died recently
We kick off the episode with a discussion about anarchism and voting. After a roundup of resistance to capitalism and the state, our feature this episode is about Trump’s deployment of thousands of troops to “defend the border” and how it is in most people’s interest to push back on this latest precedent of using the military against civilian populations. We remember recently deceased anarchists Zhlobitsky Mikhail Vasilyevich and Kevin Garrido. There are calls for mobilizations on the border in the coming weeks, updates from the Vaughn 17 trial, and announcements of anti-fascist actions for the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {November 7, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction: Anarchism vs. Voting {0:00} Headlines {5:10} Turning the Army against the People: Border Militarization and the Migrant Caravan {10:45} Remembering anarchists Zhlobitsky Mikhail Vasilyevich and Kevin Garrido {19:25} Repression roundup {24:30} Next Week’s News {31:15} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming events/demos/etc: November 8–11: International Days of Action against Fascism and Anti-Semitism. November 10: A rally and march in NYC for International Days of Action against Fascism and Anti-Semitism. Gather at 1pm at 83rd and Lexington Ave. November 10: A meeting of the Jewish Antifascist Network of the Triangle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at Peace and Justice Plaza to hold a service for those murdered in the Holocaust and in recent white supremacist and anti-Semitic attacks November 10: A call for counter demos against PEGIDA’s anti-Muslim and anti-refugee demonstration in Toronto. Meet at 12pm in Mel Lastman Square. November 10: a demonstration in Little Rock, Arkansas against the white supremacist National Socialist Movement. Meet at the capitol steps at 500 Woodlane St at 12pm. November 11: this month’s PDX Rad Movie Night, hosted by Portland Anarchist Black Cross and Oregon Jericho, presents The Gentleman Bank Robber, the story of queer revolutionary and former political prisoner Rita Bo Brown. The screening, followed by a discussion, will be taking place at 6PM at the Social Justice Action Center at 400 SE 12th Ave. - November 16–18: School of the Americas Watch is hosting a border encuentro directly on the US/Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona and Sonora. November 17: A Stand Against Proud Boys action in Philadelpha, to counter Proud Boys who are planning to attend a rally called We the People. Meet at Washington Square Park at 6th and Walnut Streets. November 26 in London, England: A meeting to plan solidarity events for January 19 in support of anti-fascists facing persecution in Russia. The meeting will take place at Mayday Rooms, located at 88 Fleet St. December 17(ish): in Brownsville, Texas, people are planning to Meet the Migrants at the Border, in greeting them food and love! This date is currently tentative, as it is unclear when the migrant caravan will actually arrive. Organizers point out that there are five other points of entry on the Texas border the migrant caravan may try, and are encouraging people to organize more events. Here’s a link to their Facebook page. Duluth, Minnesota: Anti-fascist and anti-white supremacy People’s General Assemblies will be taking place weekly, Tuesdays at 6 PM in People’s Power Plaza Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: November 10: Anarchist Book Fair Amsterdam November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair Lastly, anarchists in Umea, Sweden are hosting their first ever bookfair from November 29 to December 2. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is on tour until late November! This week’s dates: November 9: Lincoln, NE. 6:30 pm @ F Street Community Center 1225 F St Lincoln, NE 68508 November 10: Lincoln, NE. 10:00 am @ F Street Community Center 1225 F St Lincoln, NE 68508 November 14: Kansas Cito, MO. 6:00 pm @ Kansas City Public Library Lucile H Bluford Branch 3050 Prospect Ave Kansas City, MO 64128 November 15: Kansas Cito, MO. 10:00 am @ Kansas City Public Library Lucile H Bluford Branch 3050 Prospect Ave Kansas City, MO 64128 A complete list of tour dates and locations can be found here. Other anarchist critiques of voting and democracy: “Voting vs. Direct Action” “The Party’s Over: Beyond Politics, Beyond Democracy” “From Democracy To Freedom” “False Hope vs. Real Change” The Ex-Worker #51: “Anarchism, Voting, and Direct Action: An Audio Zine” The Ex-Worker #48: “From Democracy to Freedom Audio Zine” The Ex-Worker #47: “Introducing the Anarchist Critique of Democracy” Other Crimethinc material referenced in this episode: “Fuck Abuse, Kill Power” “The Thin Blue Line is a Burning Fuse” “Turning the Army against the People: Border Militarization and the Migrant Caravan” “ On the Attack against the FSB in Russia, Including a Statement from the Anarchist Who Carried It Out” The Centro de Cultura Libertária of Cacilhas-Almada, which was founded in 1974 and is the oldest anarchist cultural center in Portugal, is facing eviction due to rampant real estate speculation and gentrification. To help contribute to their crowdfunding efforts, you can donate via the “Contribute” button here on their website. C.C.L. bank account details for donations Holder: CENTRO DE CULTURA LIBERTÁRIA IBAN: PT50003501790000215493029 (Bank: Caixa Geral de Depósitos) To put pressure on the prison where Jason Walker is being held about the cruel treatment he and other prisoners are enduring, you can ring the warden’s office at (936) 295–5756 or try emailing the warden at [email protected]. Court support for the Vaughn Trial is welcome! Court is ongoing every weekday from 10am–5pm in Courtroom 8B at 500 N King St, Wilmington, DE. Supporters of the seven strikers at the Toledo Correctional Institution are calling for a phone zap, especially because strikers have been met with rubber bullets in the past in retaliation. You can call ORDC director at 614–387–0588 or Toledo Correctional Institution at 419–726–7977. Sample script: “I am calling on behalf of David Easley, Richard Harris, Elijah Bowen, and James Ward, and all others on hunger strike. We know they have been severely punished with mace and rubber bullets, and I am asking of you to ensure they are not subjected to any further abuse for their actions. I stand behind their demands against adding more solitary confinement wings, and ask that their concerns are addressed promptly. Solitary confinement is extreme and inhumane, and not a solution to overcrowding… no one should be held in solitary because your facilities are inadequate to house them otherwise. There are also reports of harassment and abuse in the 4B overflow units, and I ask that you immediately take steps to guarantee that guards are not tampering with food or denying prisoners proper meals, and lift any restrictions that would prohibit prisoners from receiving books.” If you have some time, consider joining the campaign to free the Virgin Island 3 with the Philly Anarchist Black Cross. Because the governor will be focusing on the election until late November, save the calls, emails and faxes for after November 20th; in the meantime, you can download and print fliers to distribute and send letters. Suggested letter format. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write a birthday message for alleged Earth Liberation Front prisoner Joseph Dibee, who celebrates his birthday this week: Joseph Dibee #812133 MCDC 1120 SW 3rd Avenue Portland, Oregon 97204 Note: Joseph is pre-trial, so please do not discuss anything about his case, or anything else illegal either! {Birthday: November 10} Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS In Hotwire #43, we said that there was an unpermitted crowd that forced Trump’s motorcade to turn around outside the Tree of Life synagogue. There were massive protests, but despite this report we haven’t been able to confirm that the protests, in fact, disrupted Trump’s motorcade. Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross informed us that political prisoner Ed Poindexter only has one good eye, due to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services denying him much needed cataract eye surgery. If you write him a letter, as we requested last week, please write IN LARGE, BOLD PRINT.
11/7/2018 • 36 minutes, 21 seconds
The Hotwire #43: Interviews with Anarchist Jews on Tree of Life massacre—Bolsonaro wins in Brazil
No news is good news. 60% of wildlife has been wiped off the planet since 1970. Mexican police kill a man in the migrant caravan on the border with Guatemala. Ever since Trump openly declared himself a nationalist last week, there has been an escalation of far-right violence. We interview an anarchist who works at the Tree of Life synagogue where an anti-Semite massacred 11 people on Saturday, as well as two people in the Outlive Them network about the upcoming International Days of Action against Fascism and Anti-Semitism. We also draw connections between the election of Bolsonaro in Brazil and anarchist resistance to Trump and democracy itself in the United States. Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {October 31, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:12} Tree of Life massacre {5:10} Bolsonaro, democracy, elections {24:00} Resistance roundup {33:50} Repression roundup {37:50} Next Week’s News {43:15} Download 29:30 minutes long version. The latest episode of Sub.Media’s webseries Trouble deals with the J20 protests and ensuing legal battle. If anyone out there can help translate the subtitles to Brazilian Portuguese, we know that comrades there would appreciate it! E-mail us at podcast[at]crimethinc[dot]com. Upcoming events/demos/etc: November 2: A call for counter protests against Steve Bannon and David Frum in Toronto. Meet at 5pm outside Ray Thomson Hall located at 60 Simcoe St. November 6: an anti-ICE march in Portland, Oregon at 6pm. Meet at City Hall and check out @OccupyICEPDX on twitter for more information. November 8–11: International Days of Action against Fascism and Anti-Semitism, including this action in New York City on November 10. November 10: A call for counter demos against PEGIDA’s anti-Muslim and anti-refugee demonstration, also in Toronto. Meet at 12pm in Mel Lastman Square. November 16–18: School of the Americas Watch is hosting a border encuentro directly on the US/Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona and Sonora. November 17: A Stand Against Proud Boys action in Philadelpha, to counter Proud Boys who are planning to attend a rally called We the People. Meet at Washington Square Park at 6th and Walnut Streets. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: November 1–2, Anarchist Book Fair in Santiago, Chile November 10: Anarchist Book Fair Amsterdam November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair More about the unpermitted crowd that forced Trump’s motorcade to turn around in Pittsburgh. The Claws of Empire, the Rise of Fascism: Brazilian Anarchist Statement on Bolsonaro Another anarchist perspective on the upcoming midterm elections. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief are still looking for accomplices in their autonomous relief work in North Carolina, as well as supplies. They need: people with any background relevant to repairing homes. food, water, cleaning & building supplies, baby supplies, etc. funds, to go toward these projects, keeping the lights on, keeping it all moving Gift cards and supplies can be mailed to: 102 N Cedar St. Lumberton, NC 28358 If you can come help, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is on tour until late November! This week’s dates: October 31: Olympia, WA. 3:00 pm PDT @ Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505 November 1: Seattle, WA. 7:00 pm PDT @ Pipsqueak Gallery, 173 16th Ave Seattle, WA 98122 November 6: Fort Collins, CO. 7:00 pm MST @ Poudre Valley Public Library, 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524 November 7: Fort Collins, CO. 4:00 pm MST @ Cafe Foco, 201 Peterson St, Fort Collins, CO 80524 A complete list of tour dates and locations can be found here. Duluth, Minnesota: Anti-fascist and anti-white supremacy People’s General Assemblies will be taking place weekly, Tuesdays at 6 PM in People’s Power Plaza Political Prisoner Malik Washington has announced a hunger strike, not only against his conditions, but also against police brutality on streets and inside prison walls, against prison slavery, and against patriarchy and imperialism. If you’d like to send him written messages of support, you can write him at: Keith H. Washington #1487958 McConnell Unit 3100 South Emily Drive Beeville, TX 78103 Write a letter to anarchist prisoner Eric King at: Eric King # 27090045 USP LEAVENWORTH U.S. PENITENTIARY P.O. BOX 1000 LEAVENWORTH, KS 66048 Rashid Johnson, a revolutionary prisoner who is a founding member, and Minister of Defense, of the Prison Chapter of the New Afrikan Black Panther Party, is asking for your help! As de facto retribution for his relentless activism and exposure of the prison system, Rashid is being held in awful repressive conditions. Especially importantly, he takes medication for his blood pressure and the prison is withholding his medicine. Supporters can call Warden Beth Cabell, any day other than Friday, at (804) 834–2678. The focus should be on his medical emergency, as Rashid needs to have his blood pressure checked in order for any adjustments to be made to his medications. A trans woman of color and water protector was arrested on bogus charges in Louisiana on last week. She has since been released, but you can still donate to the ongoing fight at Gofundme.com/NoBBP. In the Philippines, Food Not Bombs volunteer Marco is still in prison awaiting trial on drug charges. His supporters vehemently maintain that he had drugs planted on him and that he is being framed. You can donate to his legal fund here. Friends of Tim Brown Jr are raising legal funds on his behalf for charges he incurred while in jail after being arrested in Charlottesville. The new charges are for allegedly beating up James Fields, the neo-Nazi who murdered Heather Heyer. If you have a few bucks, here’s the link to his gofundme. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write a birthday message for Ed Poindexter, who celebrates a birthday next week: Ed Poindexter #27767 Nebraska State Penitentiary Post Office Box 2500 Lincoln, Nebraska 68542 {Birthday: November 1} Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing.
10/31/2018 • 47 minutes, 5 seconds
The Hotwire #42: Migrant Caravan—Antifascist Assembly in Carbondale—NOLA Proud Boy Alert Hotline
We have a flurry of headlines from around the globe, with the migrant caravan from Honduras breaking through the Mexico-Guatemala border, indigenous comrades and their allies building prayer lodges in the path of the line 3 pipeline, London antifascists successfully blocking an anti-Muslim march, anarchists rioting in Barcelona after being evicted from their squat, and accounts of Chilean police attacking student protestors. Water protectors have been hard at work opposing the Mountain Valley Pipeline, and Panama City landlords have begun evicting devastated residents from their homes. You’ll hear from Carbondale anarchists mobilizing against Trump and right-wing reaction, and a hotline created by New Orleans antifascists to document Proud Boy activity—plus much more! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {October 24, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} D-beat news {4:30} Regular news {7:00} Migrant caravan breaks through the Mexican border {9:25} No Wall They Can Build audiobook preview {14:40} Antifascist assembly in Carbondale, IL {20:00} Anti-Proud Boy alert line in New Orleans {24:30} Repression Roundup {27:35} Next Week’s News {32:40} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming events/demos/etc: October 27: A pro-choice counter demo and march in Munich, Germany. Meet at 1pm at Max-Joseph-Platz in Munich. November 6: an anti-ICE march in Portland, Oregon at 6pm. Meet at City Hall and check out @OccupyICEPDX on twitter for more information. November 16–18: School of the Americas Watch is hosting a border encuentro directly on the US/Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona and Sonora. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: - October 26–28: Anarchist Book Fair in Lisbon, Portugal November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair November 1–2, Anarchist Book Fair in Santiago, Chile November 10: Anarchist Bookfair Amsterdam Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is on tour until late November! This week’s dates: October 26: Portland, OR. 6:30 pm @ Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 October 27: Portland, OR. 11:00 am @ Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 October 30: Olympia, WA. 7:00 pm @ Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505 October 31: Olympia, WA. 3:00 pm @ Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505 A complete list of tour dates and locations can be found here. IWOC member and prison rebel, Keith “Malik” Washington is asking for support after being repeatedly strip searched, including while being videotaped. He requests that people call the Texas Department of Corrections executive director, Bryan Collier, at 936–295–6371. 6 pipeline resisters were arrested and are being held on a collective $17k bail — you can donate to their fund here. Visit Appalachians Against Pipelines for more information about this and ongoing/upcoming anti-pipeline actions. It’s Going Down, one of our favorite online sources for anarchist and resistance news, is launching a fundraising campaign to ensure they can keep funding all their bad ass (and important!) revolutionary projects. Visit their website to learn more about how you can donate or otherwise support their very important work. CrimethInc output we cited this episode: Alive in the Land of the Dead Music as a Weapon: The Contentious Symbiosis of Punk Rock and Anarchism. No Wall They Can Build: A Guide to Borders & Migration Across North America Also, check out CrimethInc.’s bandcamp for a newly-uploaded selection of all their old hardcore releases, and check out the related essay. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write a birthday message for Eddie Africa of the MOVE 9, who celebrates a birthday next week: Edward Goodman Africa. #AM4974 SCI Mahanoy Post Office Box 33028 St Petersburg, Florida 33733 {Birthday: October 31} Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
10/25/2018 • 38 minutes, 45 seconds
The Hotwire #41: Proud Boys assaults—Hurricane Michael autonomous relief—squats and rent strikes
Our features for this Hotwire are interviews about the Proud Boys attacks in New York City and Portland, Oregon, and we have an interview about autonomous relief after Hurricane Michael, which is also seeing organizing from neo-confederate fascists. We have a whirlwind of headlines from around the world, with breast-baring feminists burning barricades in Argentina, squatters from Ireland to Germany, and indigenous resistance in Canada. Connor Stevens of the Cleveland 4 is getting out soon, Jalil Muntaqim could use letters of support for his parole hearing, and we have calls to action from the L’eau Est La Vie anti-pipeline camp, plus much more! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {October 17, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {0:38} Hurricane Michael autonomous relief {6:10} Proud Boys attacks in New York City and Portland, Oregon {16:50} Repression Roundup {33:40} Next Week’s News {39:00} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming events/demos/etc: October 19: Benefit punk show for recently released political prisoners in Brooklyn, New York at 8:30 pm in Pine Box Rock Shop October 20–21: The [Knoxville Abortion Doula Collective]((https://www.facebook.com/knoxvilleabortiondoulacollective/) is offering a workshop on Autonomous Pelvic Care in Roanoke, VA October 21: An anti-prison rally at 3 pm, outside the ICPA Conference at the Montréal Marriott Chateau Champlain, near metro Bonaventure October 27: A pro-choice counter demo and march in Munich, Germany. Meet at 1pm at Max-Joseph-Platz in Munich. November 6: an anti-ICE march in Portland, Oregon at 6pm. Meet at City Hall and check out @OccupyICEPDX on twitter for more information. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: October 20–21: Anarchist Festival in London, England; to be part of the festival, email anarchistfestival(at)riseup.net. November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair Autonomous Mutual Aid in the wake of Hurricanes Florence and Michael: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Florida Amazon Wishlist North Carolina Amazon Wishlist Tallahassee DSA Fund Florida People’s Advocacy Center, a safe space for disaster relief, and is trans* inclusive and welcomes undocumented folks. Blue Ridge Autonomous Defense Interfaith Alliance for Climate Justice Mutual Aid Carrboro NC Solidarity Network Tidewater Solidarity Collective Appalachian Medical Solidarity River City Medic Collective Community Advocacy and Healing Project You can support the East Hamilton rent strike by calling the building’s administrative office at 289–426–3001 and telling them to stop repressing tenant organizing. Alternatively, consider contributing to their GoFundMe to help pay for the filing fees ($190 per tenant) required in Ontario of the strikers when they are issued eviction notices, a common retaliation to rent strikes. If you prefer to donate by cheque, please send it to the following address: The Hamilton Tenants Solidarity Network c/o Hamilton Community Legal Clinic Suite #203, 100 Main St. E, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3W4 You can support the Seattle GDC’s campaign to get Proud Boy Nicholas Boling fired by calling Boeing’s commercial airplanes division at 206–655–1131 or the plant in Auburn where he works as a fabricator at (253) 931–2121. Sample script: “I am calling about Boeing employing Nick Boling, who is a member of the violent hate group the Proud Boys, and has misrepresented himself as being a Boeing test pilot when he assaulted a bartender in Bellingham Washington. Boeing should do the right thing and hold him accountable for his reprehensible behavior.” Abraham Hernandez, a Black Mesa supporter, was arrested in Utah and is currently being held captive at an immigration detention center. Here’s a link to a fundraiser to guarantee Abraham’s safety and intentional protection, to contribute to and/or share! Visit rupression.com for ways to support the eight antifascists currently being held captive and tortured by the Russian state. Ways to support them include: sharing on social media, online and physical letter writing, and monetary donations (including several cryptocurrencies). Connor Stevens, one of the Cleveland 4, is being released as soon as November, and there’s a fundraiser to help get him basic necessities when he is released! Here’s also a Paypal to support the rest of the Cleveland 4. Atlanta Antifascists have announced a new campaign against local white nationalist organizer Casey Jordan Cooper. Casey is attending John Marshall Law School and they’re asking people to call the law school at (678) 916–2600 and express your concern about the white power leader attending their school. Here is a sample script provided in an earlier call to action: SHORT SCRIPT: “Why aren’t you doing anything about Casey Cooper’s white supremacist organizing at your school?” LONGER SCRIPT: “Hello, I am contacting you about second-year student Casey Jordan Cooper. AJMLS has known for almost a year that Cooper is responsible for making racist death threats. All the evidence is at caseycooperinfo.wordpress.com. You are also aware that Cooper coordinated white power propaganda campaigns on Metro Atlanta campuses. I am deeply concerned by your school’s inaction. Why does AJMLS still view Cooper as fit to study and practice law? “I am reminding you that the issue is not just Cooper’s bigoted speech, but Cooper clearly threatening to lynch somebody. Doesn’t helping Cooper on his way to a become a lawyer — where he will have greatly increased power over people’s lives — make further harm likely? How is AJMLS working to repair the damage it has already done, to the broader community and to its own student body? The time has come for AJMLS to do better. Thanks for listening today.” EXTRA CREDIT: CONTACT BAR ADMISSIONS We also invite you to contact the Office of Bar Admissions for Georgia, supplying them with information on Casey Jordan Cooper’s conduct. Explain that Cooper is currently in law school but that his white power harassment and death threats reveal that he cannot be trustworthy and reliable as lawyer in the future. This information should be kept on file and Cooper should be denied admission to the bar. Office of Bar Admissions 244 Washington Street, SW Suite 440 Atlanta, GA 30334 404–656–3490 gabaradmissions.org/contact Anarchist prisoner Eric King, who is in lock-up at Leavenworth Federal Prison, was recently thrown into the SHU. It is unclear how long he will be there and could really use some extra support! He has new mail restrictions-all paper has to plain white or lined notebook paper, envelopes have to be straight white or manila, and he is unable to receive cards. To find out more visit supportericking.org. Jalil Muntaquim needs letters of support to get home on parole. Address letters to: Senior Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator Sullivan Correctional Facility 325 Riverside Drive Fallsburg, New York 12733 BUT SEND TO: Nora Carroll The Parole Preparation Project 168 Canal Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10013 The subject line should be “Anthony Bottom 77-A–4283” For more instructions, go here. Itsgoingdown.org, one of our favorite online sources for anarchist and resistance news, is launching a fundraising campaign to ensure they can keep funding all their bad ass (and important!) revolutionary projects, visit itsgoingdown.org to donate or find out other ways you can support their very important work. Court support will be needed in the coming months for the Vaughn 17. Two of the rebels are defending themselves pro se and they could use all the support they can get! Email [email protected] to plug in. There is a call out from L’eau Est La Vie camp to protest banks who are invested in the Bayou Bridge pipeline. The project is funded by a whole slew of banks that are holding employment recruitment events at colleges across the country this fall. L’eau Est La Vie is calling for people to gather their affinity groups and disrupt these recruitment events! Visit nobbp.org or read the full call on itsgoingdown.org. Sales are now OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to Jalil Muntaqim: Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Jalil Bottom) #77-A–4283 Sullivan Correctional Facility Post Office Box 116 Fallsburg, New York 12733–0116 Address envelope to Anthony Bottom, address card to Jalil {Birthday: October 18} We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show. CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS: In Hotwire #40 Riot Dogg said that Laquan was murdered in 2015. He was shot on October 20, 2014. Also, a second degree murder charge in Illinois carries 4 to 20 years, with no mandatory time served. Each account of aggravated assault with a firearm carries a minimum of 6 years, with a max of 30. 85% of time must be served in the state of Illinois. That means if Officer Van Dyke gets the minimum 6 years for all 16 counts it’s a total of 96 years. 85 percent of that is 81.6 so that should be the minimum.
10/17/2018 • 44 minutes, 6 seconds
The Hotwire #40: Van Dyke verdict—Banksy—Gritty—Bolsonaro—anti-Columbus roundup
An anarchist from Brazil fills us in on Bolsonaro, where he came from, and the dangers his presidency poses to social movements. We talk about how it’s not just killer cop Van Dyke in Chicago, or sexual assaulter Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court—it’s the system, and we propose full on ungovernability to render law and order irrelevant. We have roundups on anti-Columbus Day actions, anti-pipeline struggles, and the recent temporary victory at the Hambach Forest. Don’t miss our very special interview with one of the demonstrators at the anti-Trump march in Philadelphia, which debuted Gritty as the hot new anti-fascist mascot. Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {October 10, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Anti-Columbus Day actions and history {0:45} Anti-fascist news {2:58} Gritty {5:05} Anarchists in Brazil on Bolsonaro {7:55} Anarchist art stunts {18:55} 12 years until climate catastrophe {21:05} Temporary victory in the Hambach Forest {26:00} Repression Roundup {27:30} Next Week’s News {36:25} Download 29:30 minutes long version. GRITTY! Gritty, the Philadelphia Flyers’ Bizarre New Mascot, Is Antifa Now Fellow Worker Gritty’s Twitter Antifa activists so effectively claimed Gritty as a leftist icon that the Wall Street Journal was forced to publish an anguished op-ed. The most outrageous Gritty meme we’ve seen yet Upcoming events/opportunities for action: October 13: A unity demonstration against the far right in London, England (contact [email protected] for more information) October 15–18: An action camp with Anti-colonial Land Defense in the NW Lake Superior bioregion that is a two-spirit, trans & womxn friendly action camp that prioritizes POC/indigenous comrades (contact [email protected] for more information) October 19: Benefit punk show for recently released political prisoners in Brooklyn, New York at 8:30 pm in Pine Box Rock Shop October 21: An anti-prison rally at 3 pm, outside the ICPA Conference at the Montréal Marriott Chateau Champlain, near metro Bonaventure Other anarchist material we referenced in this episode: What They Mean When They Say Peace Desert More about far-right Brazilian presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro: This 13 minute British news special about how Bolsonaro is bolstering homophobia and explicit fascism in Brazil. In Portuguese: Motivos pelos quais o sistema precisa de Bolsonaro - Iniciativa Revolução Universal Brazil: #NotHim Women Protest Far-Right Jair Bolsonaro Reddit /Anarchism/ thread about Bolsonaro You can keep up with anarchist efforts in Brazil by following the Kasa Invisivel twitter Ways to support the rent strike at Holgate Manor: Contact Princeton Property Management and let them know what the community thinks of them! Be sure to mention that we can all see their retaliatory tactics, and that they must drop the eviction and STOP TRYING TO BUST THE UNION immediately, make badly needed repairs, and rescind their unaffordable rent increases. You can reach them at 1–800–275–4313, or you can mail their office a letter at 7831 SE Lake Rd #200, Portland, OR 97267. If you have some spare coin, their Strike Fund could still use donations! They’ll be using it for legal defense and assistance for tenants who are retaliated against. You can find it here. Stay tuned to the Alliance Against Displacement on Twitter for how to support the arrestees and further organizing to open up safe housing for the homeless in Nanaimo To support María Chavalan Sut in her fight against deportation, check out facebook.com/handsoffmaria Two Hambach Forest defenders have been released, but three are still in jail! To send them messages of support, email [email protected]. There’s more information about the Spanish prisoner strikes at tokata.info. A support campaign for arrested Water Protector, Rattler. You can also help support him financially through his Paypal. Court support will be needed in the coming months for the Vaughn 17. Two of the rebels are defending themselves pro se and they could use all the support they can get! Email [email protected] to plug in. Kris Thompson, whose wife was murdered by police and is now facing grave charges to cover it up, needs financial support in her fight for justice! Support the Kris Thompson Legal Fund here. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: October 13–14: The anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile October 12–14: Anarchist tattoo and piercing festival in Pelotas, Brazil October 20–21: Anarchist Festival in London, England November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair Autonomous Mutual Aid in the wake of Hurricane Florence and in preparation for Hurricane Michael: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Blue Ridge Autonomous Defense Interfaith Alliance for Climate Justice Mutual Aid Carrboro NC Solidarity Network Tidewater Solidarity Collective Appalachian Medical Solidarity River City Medic Collective Community Advocacy and Healing Project Operation Airdrop Sales are now OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to Ferguson uprising prisoner Jermaine Parker: Jermaine Parker #1185800 MECC 18701 Old Highway 66 Pacific, MO 63069 Birthday: October 15 We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
10/10/2018 • 40 minutes, 25 seconds
The Hotwire #39: Brett Kavanaugh—Killer cops in PDX—words from arrested Hambach forest defenders
Alanis is back! And she reads our feature this episode, an audio version of the recent CrimethInc. text Kavanaugh Shouldn’t Be on the Supreme Court. Neither Should Anyone Else. We also interview an anarchist in Portland, Oregon about the #PatrickKimmons actions at the intersection where police killed him. Winter, one of the anarchists in jail defending Germany’s Hambach Forest in the last couple of weeks, is refusing to surrender their legal identity to the government. However, they did submit a beautiful letter to Rhineland Anarchist Black Cross, which we also read in this episode. Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {October 4, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:40} Interview about #PatrickKimmons actions and memorials in Portland, OR {4:20} Kavanaugh Shouldn’t Be on the Supreme Court. Neither Should Anyone Else {8:45} Repression Roundup {21:40} Next Week’s News {30:55} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Upcoming anti-fascist action: October 6 at the Rhode Island State House in Providence at 10 AM to oppose a “Resist Marxism” rally. October 7, Montreal, Quebec: Mass anti-racist demonstration at 3 PM in Berri Square. October 13 in London, England: Unity Demonstration against a far-right football hooligan event. Other CrimethInc. output we cited in this episode: To Our Compas in Buenos Aires: A Full Retrospective on the 2017 G20 Protests in Hamburg The Ex-Worker #37: The Hambacher Forest Occupation Audio documentary about the Hambacher Forest occupation in western Germany Why We Don’t Make Demands Kavanaugh Shouldn’t Be on the Supreme Court. Neither Should Anyone Else. Fuck Abuse, Kill Power: Addressing the Root Causes of Sexual Harassment and Assault We love this letter from Winter, one of the anonymous anarchists arrested while defending the Hambach Forest, who is refusing to surrender their identity over to the police. A fundraiser for legal costs for Marco, a Food Not Bombs activist in the Phillipines arrested on trumped-up drug charges. Almost there! Contact [email protected] for information on court support for the Vaughn 17, and/or attend the Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement’s orientation to supporting the 17 trial in Brooklyn on Saturday, October 6th. You can check out David Gilbert’s book Love and Struggle here. If you’re in Europe, go to the demo at Buir Train Station in Germany’s Rhineland on October 6 at 12:00 noon to protest the eviction of Hambach forest defenders. A new poster for Greg Curry. You can also write him at this address: Greg Curry #213–159 OSP 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Road Youngstown, OH 44505 Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: October 13–14: The anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile October 12–14: Anarchist tattoo and piercing festival in Pelotas, Brazil October 20–21: Anarchist Festival in London, England November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair November 17–18: The Boston Anarchist Book Fair Autonomous Mutual Aid in the wake of Hurricane Florence Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Blue Ridge Autonomous Defense Interfaith Alliance for Climate Justice Mutual Aid Carrboro NC Solidarity Network Tidewater Solidarity Collective Appalachian Medical Solidarity River City Medic Collective Community Advocacy and Healing Project Operation Airdrop Sales are now OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to Jamil Al-Amin, David Gilbert, Michael Davis Africa, and Malik Smith: Jamil Al-Amin #99974–555 USP Tuscon Post Office Box 24550 Tuscon, Arizona 85734 (Birthday: October 4) David Gilbert #83-A–6158 Wende Correctional Facility 3040 Wende Road Alden, New York 14004–1187 (Birthday: October 6) Michael Davis Africa #AM–4973 SCI Phoenix Post Office Box 244 Graterford, Pennsylvania 19426–0244 (Birthday: October 6) Malik Bey (But address envelope to…) Meral Smith #16–024 Tallahatchie Correctional Facility 415 US Highway 49N Tutwiler, Mississippi 38963 (Birthday: October 8) Support alleged prison strike organizers by calling the director of North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety and telling him to move the prisoners out of segregation and remove the infraction charges against them. Call: 919–733–2126 A sample script: “Hi, my name is ( ), I would like to speak to Kennith Lassiter. I’m calling in regards to four prisoners in the North Carolina DPS system. (If they don’t connect you to Lassiter) I would like to leave a message for the director. I have become aware that DPS is punitively holding four prisoners in segregation and charging them with false charges of rioting. Not only have you chosen to disregard the demands of the protesting prisoners but now you continue to infringe on their basic rights to protest. I am demanding that you drop the infraction charges against Jace Buras, Todd Martin, and Randy Watterson and move all of them out of isolation. I will be following up with each of these men’s case.” Express solidarity with houseless people in Olympia by calling Cooper Realty/Orca Construction and demand that they cancel their contract with Pacific Coast Security. Call Cooper Realty/Orca Construction: (360) 491–4580 A sample phone call has been provided by Olympia Solidarity Network: “Hello Cooper Realty and Orca Construction. It has come to my attention and the attention of hundreds of concerned community members that you hire Pacific Coast Security to do daily patrols downtown and sweep houseless people from alcoves and alleyways from 8 PM to 12 AM. We believe these practices are discriminatory, unethical, and exacerbate the crisis of houselessness in our community and abroad. It appears that Cooper Realty and Orca Construction care more about maximizing profit and property values than the lives of people in living in poverty. We demand that you cancel your contract with Pacific Coast Security.” For general information on supporting anarchist prisoner Casey Brezik, pop over to supportcasey.org. To help with writing parole board letters for Casey, here’s a sample letter: Missouri Board of Probation and Parole 1511 Christy Drive Jefferson City, MO 65101 Regarding: Parole Board Hearing for Casey Brezik #1154765 Dear Honorable Members of the Parole Board, As a concerned citizen who is interested in helping Casey successfully transition into life outside of prison, I am writing to request that you please grant Casey’s parole. Casey has been working hard during his incarceration to address his problems with addiction and mental illness and I believe that he has made substantial progress in these efforts. Despite the mistakes he has made, I believe Casey is ready to meet the challenges of daily life and would be a positive contribution to any community. Casey’s efforts toward meeting educational and personal goals during his incarceration have been inspiring. Casey is passionate about learning and with the help of his support network he has been studying math and science related topics in preparation for pursuing a college degree upon his release while working to support himself and his wife in the meantime. Casey is well supported by a network of people across the country as well as by his family. I am willing to provide financial, emotional and spiritual support to Casey during his transition back to life outside of prison. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
10/3/2018 • 42 minutes, 31 seconds
The Hotwire #38: An anarchist in #OperationAirDrop—Portland anti-cop occupations—IRPGF dissolves
Our feature this episode is an interview with an anarchist involved in one of the more spectacular autonomous relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence—Operation Airdrop. We follow it up with some discussion about the role of anarchist politics in doing autonomous, mutual aid relief work. We also interview someone involved in the new occupation outside campus security on Portland State University’s campus after a grand jury did not indict two killer cops for the murder of Jason Washington. The International Revolutionary People’s Guerrilla Forces is dissolving their organization, but we share their final communiqué in which they encourage us to keep up the struggle against hierarchy in all its forms. Plus, reports on the recent #MeToo McDonald’s workers strike, anti-fascist action in Tennessee, and announcements for anarchist book fairs and ways to support prisoners. Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {September 26, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {0:50} Occupation against the police at PSU {8:20} Autonomous relief after Hurricane Florence and Operation Airdrop interview {12:35} Repression roundup {22:40} Next Week’s News {29:10} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Autonomous Mutual Aid in the wake of Hurricane Florence Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Blue Ridge Autonomous Defense Interfaith Alliance for Climate Justice Mutual Aid Carrboro NC Solidarity Network Tidewater Solidarity Collective Appalachian Medical Solidarity River City Medic Collective Community Advocacy and Healing Project Operation Airdrop Upcoming anti-fascist action: September 29 at Risman Plaza on Kent State University in Ohio from 1–5 PM—demonstrate against the participation of white supremacists from the American Guard in an open-carry on campus rally October 6 at the Rhode Island State House in Providence at 10 AM to oppose a “Resist Marxism” rally October 13 in London, England: Unity Demonstration against a far-right football hooligan event. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief presentations in Tucson, Arizona: Friday, September 28, at 7 PM: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism at Global Justice Center 225 E 26th St Tucson, AZ 85705 Saturday, September 29, at 10 AM: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Global Justice Center 225 E 26th St Tucson, AZ 85705 Visit miantirepression.org for information on FBI harassment in Michigan. Demand an end to the year-long lockdown at Lieber Correctional by contributing to the phone zap: Henry McMaster, SC Governor Phone: 803.734.2100 Fax: 803.734.5167 Lieber Correctional Institution General Number 843–875–3332 Ask for transfer to Captain Haney Warden Randall Williams 843–875–3332 Check out this interview with recently deported anarchist Mapache. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and gatherings: September 28–30: The 12th annual Balkan Anarchist Bookfair in Novi Sad, Serbia October 13–14: The anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile October 12–14: Anarchist tattoo and piercing festival in Pelotas, Brazil October 20–21: Anarchist Festival in London, England November 17–18: The Seattle Anarchist Book Fair Other relevant anarchist media: This is Parkdale, a documentary on tenant organizing in Toronto. Hotwire #35 discusses the struggle over the Artesian Commons in Olympia, Washington. The Ex-Worker #17 has an interview with an anarchist supporter of Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation prisoner Jorge P Cornell. Sales are now OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write Jorge Cornell of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation and Skelly of the Cleveland Four: Jorge P. Cornell #28152–057 FCI Petersburg Low 1100 RIVER ROAD HOPEWELL, VA 23860 (Birthday: September 29) Skelly (but address envelope to…) Joshua Stafford #57976–060 USP McCreary Post Office Box 3000 Pine Knot, Kentucky 42635 (Birthday: October 3) For general information on supporting anarchist prisoner Casey Brezik, pop over to supportcasey.org. To help with writing parole board letters for Casey, here’s a sample letter: Missouri Board of Probation and Parole 1511 Christy Drive Jefferson City, MO 65101 Regarding: Parole Board Hearing for Casey Brezik #1154765 Dear Honorable Members of the Parole Board, As a concerned citizen who is interested in helping Casey successfully transition into life outside of prison, I am writing to request that you please grant Casey’s parole. Casey has been working hard during his incarceration to address his problems with addiction and mental illness and I believe that he has made substantial progress in these efforts. Despite the mistakes he has made, I believe Casey is ready to meet the challenges of daily life and would be a positive contribution to any community. Casey’s efforts toward meeting educational and personal goals during his incarceration have been inspiring. Casey is passionate about learning and with the help of his support network he has been studying math and science related topics in preparation for pursuing a college degree upon his release while working to support himself and his wife in the meantime. Casey is well supported by a network of people across the country as well as by his family. I am willing to provide financial, emotional and spiritual support to Casey during his transition back to life outside of prison. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name] We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
9/26/2018 • 35 minutes, 31 seconds
The Hotwire #37: Evictions in Hambach—Aid & Disaster Relief after Florence—Strikes!
The world is a dangerous place in 2018-Botham Jean is murdered in his own home by a Dallas cop and police are actively raiding the rebel encampment in the Hambach Forest. There’s inspiring strike resistance in Central and South America where striking dockworkers in Chile caused thousands of dollars in damage and a general strike in taking place in Costa Rica. Hurricane Florence took Wilmington by storm and we interview anarchists on the ground doing disaster relief. There are quite a few prisoners who need support and we read excerpts from a heartfelt statement issued by prisoners at the Burnside Prison in Halifax who are ending their strike. Anarchists in London are trying something new! And there’s lots of events coming up! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {September 19, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:15} Evictions in Hambach Forest {5:42} Strikes! in Costa Rica and Chile {11:10} Interview w Anarchists in Wilmington after Hurricane Florence {13:22} Explosions in Hanover {22:31} Repression roundup {25:45} Next Week’s News {34:52} Download 29:30 minutes long version Autonomous Mutual Aid in the wake of Hurricane Florence Donate to Grassroots Hurricane Relief, in Durham, NC, or Mutual Aid Supplies Relief NC You can contact Tidewater IWW in the Norfolk, VA area, Mutual Aid Carrboro, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief or Blue Ridge Autonomous Defense Crew in North Carolina Donate to relief efforts around Andover and Lawrence, Massachusetts after an explosions and fires rocked their communities: Bread And Roses Lawrence, Lazarus House shelter, Elevated Thought , or Greater Lawrence Community Action Council. Upcoming anarchist book fairs and events: September 28–30: The 12th annual Balkan Anarchist Bookfair in Novi Sad, Serbia Anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile October 13 and 14, encuentroanarquista.org. 20 and 21 in London, England, instead of an anarchist bookfair comrades there are organizing a decentralized anarchist festival! Help defend long term anarchist spaces: On September 29, there is a demo at 6 PM in defense of Liebig34, a self-organized, anarcha-queer-feminist collective house and social center in Berlin! And fund new ones: The Aftonomi Space in Yogyakarta, Indonesia is raising funds to equip their infoshop! Upcoming anti-fascist action: September 29: Oppose the League of the South’s rally in Elizabethton, TN. Stay tuned to @HollerNetwork and @knoxradical for updates. Help fund defense for antifa arrested in Newnan, Georgia! In the next episode of Trouble, subMedia explores hiphop as a potent site of revolutionary politics. It drops on September 25th at 8pm on sub.media Other relevant CrimethInc. material: Learn more about the legacy of the September 11, 1973 coup in Chile through the insurrectionary documentary The Chicago Conspiracy Hotwire #3, Hotwire #6, and Hotwire #9 have interviews about mutual aid based, autonomous relief efforts in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Evictions HAVE BEGUN in the Hambach Forest! If you’re in Europe, make your way to the Hambach Forest in Germany to help defend it, and the radical Ewok village of forest defenders who live there. Also, check out our audio documentary about the forest and the defense campaign to stop the cutting. Sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Call in to support Imam Hasan, Silenced on Death Row in Ohio! Sample script can be found here. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write Greg Curry, who was unjustly targeted after the Lucasville uprising: Greg Curry #213–159 OSP 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd Youngstown, OH 44505 USA September 26th is his birthday and he’s asking people to make T-shirts that say “Free Greg Curry” on them, with “GregCurry.org” on the back and send photos of yourself wearing it to his Facebook page! We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show. Corrections and Clarifications The looting discussed in our interview took place at a Family Dollar, not at a Dollar General.
9/19/2018 • 41 minutes, 23 seconds
The Hotwire #36: #PrisonStrike ends—bring back anti-nationalism—economic crisis in Argentina
It’s 17 years and a day after 9/11 and Iraq is still in shambles, so we rip apart liberals for thinking George W. Bush is somehow “cute”. 2001 pops up again when we compare the current economic crisis in Argentina to the wave of worker-led factory takeovers and anarchist media that resisted the last economic meltdown there. We call for anarchists to incorporate a critique of nationalism itself into our anti-fascist strategy and analysis, we include preliminary information for autonomous relief efforts based in mutual aid for #HurricaneFlorence, and we wrap up the National #PrisonStrike with an action report and a bunch of phone-zaps! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {September 12, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} George W. Bush is not cute {0:50} The other 9/11 {2:45} Economic collapse in Argentina… again {4:00} Bringing back the anarchist critique of nationalism {5:25} Here come the hurricanes—time for mutual aid {11:00} #PrisonStrike ends {14:55} Repression roundup {20:35} Next Week’s News {27:40} Download 29:30 minutes long version. Autonomous Mutual Aid in the wake of Hurricane Florence You can contact Tidewater IWW in the Norfolk, VA area or Blue Ridge Autonomous Defense Crew in North Carolina Fundraiser for grassroots hurricane relief after Florence Hurricane Florence prisoner solidarity phone zap Message regarding Hurricane Florence from our comrades in Mutual Aid Disaster Relief. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief will give a brief presentation on September 15th at 10:30am at the Uplift Climate Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Anarchist book fairs this weekend: September 15: The Eastern Connecticut Workers Bookfair in Parade Plaza, New London, Connecticut September 15: The 23rd annual Bay Area Anarchist Bookfair in Oakland, California September 28–30: The 12th annual Balkan Anarchist Bookfair in Novi Sad, Serbia Upcoming anti-fascist action: September 15: Stop the League of the South from disrupting TriPride in Johnson City, TN September 29: Oppose the League of the South’s rally in Elizabethton, TN. Stay tuned to @HollerNetwork and @knoxradical for updates. Argentina: The documentary The Take looks at factory takeovers and a little of the abstentionist anti-voting movement in Argentina as a response to the economic crisis of 2001 Keep up with resistance news in Argentina through Indymedia Argentina and the excellent anti-authoritarian TV channel Antena Negra Other relevant CrimethInc. output: Our take on September 11 Learn more about the legacy of the September 11, 1973 coup in Chile through the insurrectionary documentary The Chicago Conspiracy Hotwire #3, Hotwire #6, and Hotwire #9 have interviews about mutual aid based, autonomous relief efforts in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. Some anarchist critiques of nationalism: Patriotism: A Menace to Liberty by Emma Goldman Peace is Patriotic, and That’s the Problem Against Nationalism by Anarchist Federation Donate to the legal defense fund for anti-racists and anti-fascists arrested in relation to the Silent Sam confederate monument in Chapel Hill, North Carolina Check out this guide on experiences and reflections dealing with undercover police infiltration in Toronto Evictions HAVE BEGUN in the Hambach Forest! If you’re in Europe, make your way to the Hambach Forest in Germany to help defend it, and the radical Ewok village of forest defenders who live there. Also, check out our audio documentary about the forest and the defense campaign to stop the cutting. Pre-sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write imprisoned American Indian Movement warrior Leonard Peltier. Leonard Peltier #89637–132 USP Coleman I Post Office Box 1033 Coleman, Florida 33521 Phone zap for Jason Walker You can contact the TDCJ Ombudsman at [email protected], as well as the Telford Unit’s management at 903–628–3171 and [email protected]. You can speak to the Regional Director’s office at (903) 928–2623, [email protected] and [email protected]. Contact details for TDCJ head office are (936) 295–6371, [email protected] and [email protected] Script for phone calls: “Hello, I am contacting you as I have been made aware of a pattern of bogus disciplinary cases being issued by CO Renitia T. Davis. In particular, I wish to request that you bring in an appropriate outside investigator to fully investigate the recent cases issued to inmates Jason Renard Walker #1532092 and Logan Newsome #2163761 with an eye to getting these fraudulent cases overturned and expunged immediately, as well as conducting a full investigation into Officer Davis’ history. Beyond this, I demand that you cease all forms of harassment and retaliation against Jason Walker, including but not limited to the issuing of bogus cases, the censorship of his correspondence, and the denial of access to heat respite. Please investigate and overturn all recent cases and disciplinary measures issued to Mr. Walker by Telford Unit staff, and investigate the conduct of Lieutenant Estrada, Sergeant Gilstrap, Sergeant Sartin, and Lieutenant Ricks, who have all played a role in the campaign of harassment. Thank you” Phone zap for Kevin Rashid Johnson Monday morning, starting at 9 AM, please phone and email the official in charge of interstate compact: Chief of Corrections Operations David Robinson. You can call the main office number at 804–674–3000 and ask to be transferred to his phone line. Robinson’s email address is [email protected] When leaving a message or talking to Mr Robinson, refer to Rashid by his legal name Kevin Johnson. Explain that he is better off in Virginia, that he has been subjected to serious human rights abuses during previous transfers. We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
9/12/2018 • 32 minutes, 17 seconds
The Hotwire #35: Trans Mountain pipeline paused—Chemnitz: antifa block Nazis—fuck a school board
In this Hotwire we bring you two interviews: one from an anarchist organizer involved in indigenous-led anti-pipeline struggles in Canada about the recent announcement that construction will be halted on the Trans Mountain Pipeline; and we speak with an anti-fascist who was on the streets of Chemnitz, Germany on Saturday when anti-fascists blocked the latest Nazi mobilization there. We also ruminate on common sense anti-racism, whether political campaigns figure into anarchist strategy, and an anarchist approach to school dress code policies. There are plenty of updates from the [#PrisonStrike](https://itsgoingdown.org/prisonstrike/) and LOTS of announcements for action in September, so listen until the end! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {September 5, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {0:50} Antifa block Nazis in Chemnitz {14:05} Trans Mountain Pipeline on pause {20:20} Still tearing down the Confederacy in Chapel Hill and Charlottesville {26:00} Anarchists, stop running for office! {30:25} Repression roundup {34:50} Next Week’s News {36:20} Download 29:30 minutes long version. The 2018 #PrisonStrike is ongoing! Check out the Incarcerated Workers website for more information, resources, and the list of prisoner’s demands. This episode of the excellent podcast Kite Line features statements from two prisoners in South Carolina about the #PrisonStrike, and don’t forget to check out episode #50 of The Ex-Worker, which is all about the 2016 national #PrisonStrike. Upcoming #PrisonStrike related events: September 7, Seattle, 7 PM: noise demo at the youth jail September 8, Columbia, SC, 1:30 PM: rally for prison reform September 8, Albuquerque, NM, 4 PM: prison strike solidarity rally September 9, Seattle, 3 PM: prisoner letter-writing September 9, Vancouver, British Columbia, 6 PM: a benefit screening of From Prisons to Prisons September 21, Minneapolis, MN, 6 PM: letter-writing night Other relevant Ex-Worker and Hotwire episodes: Hotwire #24 has an interview with an anarchist sex worker about the FOSTA-SESTA law. The Ex-Worker #51: Anarchism, Voting, and Direct Action: An Audio Zine Hotwire 3 includes our rant about Labor Day, and its attempt to detract from the real workers holiday, May Day, which is covered by the very first episode of The Ex-Worker. Video of activists shutting down Canadian Border Services in Montreal, from sub.Media. Donate here to support Jeff Winder in paying his $1 fine for punching neo-Nazi Jason Kessler. Check out the following links and social media to keep up with pipeline resistance in Canada: Stop Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Call to Action Camp Cloud at KM Surveillance Post Tiny House Warriors Kwekwecnewtxw - Coast Salish Watch House Stand With Kwantlen Sacred Fire Network If you’re in Europe, make your way to the Hambach Forest in Germany to help defend it, and the radical Ewok village of forest defenders who live there. Also, check out our audio documentary about the forest and the defense campaign to stop the cutting. Upcoming anarchist book fairs: September 15: The Eastern Connecticut Workers Bookfair in Parade Plaza, New London, Connecticut September 15: The 23rd annual Bay Area Anarchist Bookfair in Oakland, California Upcoming anti-fascist action: September 15: Stop the League of the South from disrupting TriPride in Johnson City, TN September 29: Oppose the League of the South’s rally in Elizabethton, TN. Stay tuned to @HollerNetwork and @knoxradical for updates. Pre-sales are OPEN for the 2019 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar! The theme of next year’s calendar is Health/Care, and it features art and writing from current and former political prisoners like David Gilbert, Mike and Chuck Africa, and Laura Whitehorn. If you buy 10 or more, be sure to use the discount code “BULK” to get 10 or more calendars for $10 each—you can then sell the calendars to fundraise for your own organizing. Orders start shipping September 10! Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write Brian Vaillancourt Alex Irwin, and Dion Ortiz. Brian Vaillancourt M42889 Robinson Correctional Center 13423 East 1150th Avenue Robinson, Illinois 62454 Birthday: September 5 Alexander Irwin #1318275 ERDCC 2727 Highway K Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Birthday: September 5 Dion Ortiz Burleigh County Detention Center Post Office Box 2499 Bismarck, North Dakota 58502 Birthday: September 10 We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
9/5/2018 • 42 minutes, 48 seconds
The Hotwire #34: #PrisonStrike update—Nazis mobilize in Germany—Riotization of protest interview
This week, you will hear about an anti-Nazi picnic in Avalon, PA, some brief analysis about the Nazi mob in Chemnitz, Germany and about some folks pushing back against the Pope’s visit in Ireland]. We interview Michael Loadenthal, a social movement academic and former J20 defendant, about the riotization of protest and new strategies the state is using to criminalize dissent. We also continue to highlight the ways police and fascists are aligned. We give an extensive update about what we know so far about the 2018 Prison Strike and we interview two supporters who are championing the strike inside the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington. Finally, we wrap up the show with political prisoner birthdays and next week’s news. But, right before that-the Rebel Girl and the Riot Dog sing a duet, so seriously-listen until the end!!! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {August 29, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {0:50} #PrisonStrike {6:30} Repression roundup {18:45} Next Week’s News {32:50} Download 29:30 minutes long version. The 2018 #PrisonStrike is ongoing! Check out the Incarcerated Workers website for more information, resources, and the list of prisoner’s demands. Also, episode #50 of The Ex-Worker is all about the 2016 national #PrisonStrike. Watch furry minks being liberated here! Check out our essay on Taking a Global View of Repression, exploring how states develop and share repressive strategies, and how anarchists can counter them. Now That’s What I Call Kerkhophony Volume 1, the album dedicated to Jennifer Kerkhoff (the rotten scum of a prosecutor who was responsible for the J20 trials), is available here. And get your burning limo t-shirts while supplies last here. To support water protectors who’ve been arrested in the fight against the Bayou Bride Pipeline, you can donate to L’Eau Est La Vie at gofundme.com/nobbp. Check out this poster to learn a little more about the Vaugh Prison rebellion and to get the addresses of those being repressed in the aftermath. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write Ronald Reed and John Bramble. John Bramble SBI# 450202 Sussex Correctional Institution P.O. Box 500 Georgetown DE 19947 Birthday: September 1 Ronald Reed #2195311 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City 7600 525th Street Rush City, Minnesota 55069–2265 Birthday: August 31 We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
8/29/2018 • 36 minutes, 57 seconds
The Hotwire #33: #PrisonStrike kicks off—racist statue toppled in NC—alt-right get self-doxxed
This week, you will hear updates from the Stony Creek tenant strike in Canada, some creative anti-ICE actions, and about some humorous and some of the alt-right’s recent losses. We interview Maya Little about the recent toppling of a confederate statue in North Carolina on Monday. Maya shares information about the impact of the statue on campus, some history, and some initial feelings after the fall of Silent Sam. We kick off the nationwide prison strike with an interview with an outside supporter of the strike, and a reportback from an attendee of a noise demonstration outside a prison. Finally, we wrap up the show with political prisoner birthdays and next weeks news. We’re glad to be back! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {August 22, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {0:50} #PrisonStrike {7:50} Confederate monument toppling {20:10} Repression roundup {33:00} Next Week’s News {40:55} [Download 29:30 minutes long version.](http://traffic.libsyn.com/exworker/RADIO_VERSION_The-Hotwire_33_PrisonStrike-kicks-off_racist-statue-toppled-in-NC_alt-right-get-self-doxxed.mp3) The August 21 #PrisonStrike has begun! Check out the Incarcerated Workers website for more information, resources, and the list of prisoner’s demands. Also, episode #50 of The Ex-Worker is all about the 2016 national #PrisonStrike. Check out our newest article documenting how the confederate statue, Silent Sam, came down in North Carolina. Check out this article about Joseph Dibee – an alleged ELF fugitive who was just captured, and find out why this case matters. READ these texts written by Black Liberation Army prisoner Russel “Maroon” Shoatz: The Dragon and the Hydra The Real Resistance to Slavery in North America Black Fighting Formations Read this hilarious story about a clever trick used to get people on the far-right to dox themselves! Anarchist prisoner Sean Swain is being held in solitary. Call Director Gary Mohr at 614–387–0588 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] (Administrative Assistant for Mohr). You can use this script: “I am calling on behalf of Sean Swain, inmate #243–205. I am a friend of Sean. I am calling to request the ODRC grant Mr. Swain’s appeal regarding his most recent disciplinary record, drop the charges, and lower his security level from 5b to 2. Mr. Swain is not a physical security risk, and there is no reason to keep him at such a high security rating where he will be unable to get the programming he needs to be eligible for rehabilitation and parole. Thank you for your consideration.” Ramona Africa has been hospitalized and needs monetary support, Donate to he Go Fund Me Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write Joseph Dibee, Erik King and, Russell Maroon Shoats. Joseph Dibee #812133 Multnomah County Detention Center 11540 NE Inverness Drive Portland, Oregon 97220 Eric King #27090–045 USP Florence – High US Penitentiary PO Box 7000 Florence, CO 81226 Russell Maroon Shoatz #AF–3855 SCI Graterford Post Office Box 244 Graterford, Pennsylvania 19426 We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show.
8/22/2018 • 45 minutes, 27 seconds
The Hotwire #32: Summer in Review—Antifascists in Charlottesville & DC—2018 Prison Strike
Our first episode of the new season! This week, we look back at the long, hot summer and give an update on antifascist clashes, pipeline resistance, and ICE occupations. Hundreds gathered in Charlottesville on the anniversary of the defeat of Unite the Right, drawing attention to the increasing cozy relationship between white supremacists and the police. We interview someone from Washington, DC about opposition to the Unite the Right 2 Rally held there this past weekend. Accused ELF and ALF member, Josephy Dibee was extradited to the US from Cuba and is being held in jail in Oregon. There are updates on the nationwide prison strike set to start on August 21 and list a whole slew of solidarity events you could attend. Finally, we wrap up the show with political prisoner birthdays and next weeks news. We’re glad to be back! Send us news, events, or ideas on how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {August 15, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Hot Summer Recap {2:20} Commemorating #Charlottesville {9:20} Fighting Fascism in DC {17:40} Repression Roundup {32:00} Next Week’s News {37:50} Download 29:30 minutes long version. We have a Twitter! Follow @HotwireWeekly and send us news that we should include in the show. Read the flyer passed out by UVA Students United about why they chose to boycott the police-controlled rally at the site of last year’s fascist torch march in Charlottesville. Get involved in the #PrisonStrike, August 21-September 9 It’s Going Down has a comprehensive list of #PrisonStrike resources and support activities you can get active with. August 21 noise demos outside prisons and jails: Boston, 6 PM: a vigil at the South Bay House of Corrections. Corona, California: at 7:30 PM outside the Institution for Women Los Angeles: at 7:30 PM outside the Twin Towers Jail Minneapolis: Elliot Park at 8 PM Brooklyn, New York: at 7 PM outside the Metropolitan Detention Center Philadelphia: outside the Juvenile Justice Services Center at 7 PM Seattle: Red Square at 1 PM Leipzig, Germany: outside the US Consulate at 5 PM Anarchist texts and podcasts for this Hotwire: The Ex-Worker #50: The History and Future of Prison Strikes and Solidarity “Last Year They Came with Torches—This Year They Come with Badges”—A Report from Charlottesville, August 11, 2018 To the Charlottesville Anti-Fascists: A Message from the Mothers of Murdered Anti-Fascists in France Who Needs Fascists When We Have Police? Reflections on the Anti-Fascist Mobilization in Portland of August 4 It’s Going Down’s Twitter thread about the influence of the alt-right on how police treat anti-fascists Check out this photo gallery of a very good riot dog, Loukanikos. Bork bork! Anarchist prisoner Sean Swain is being held in solitary. Call Director Gary Mohr at 614–387–0588 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] (Administrative Assistant for Mohr). You can use this script: “I am calling on behalf of Sean Swain, inmate #243–205. I am a friend of Sean. I am calling to request the ODRC grant Mr. Swain’s appeal regarding his most recent disciplinary record, drop the charges, and lower his security level from 5b to 2. Mr. Swain is not a physical security risk, and there is no reason to keep him at such a high security rating where he will be unable to get the programming he needs to be eligible for rehabilitation and parole. Thank you for your consideration.” Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write Joseph Dibee, [Hanif Shabazz Bey]((https://www.thejerichomovement.com/profile/hanif-shabazz-bey), and Little Feather. JOSEPH DIBEE #812133 Multnomah County Detention Center 11540 NE Inverness Drive Portland, Oregon 97220 Joseph is pre-trial, so remember not to refer to his case or write about anything illegal HANIF SHABAZZ BEY Tallahatchie Correctional Facility 415 US Highway 49N Tutwiler, MS 38963 Address envelope Beaumont GereAu LITTLE FEATHER Michael Giron 25201–075 USP Hazelton U.S. Penitentiary PO Box 2000 Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 address envelope to Michael Giron
8/15/2018 • 47 minutes, 47 seconds
The Hotwire #31: Repression in Indonesia—Hamilton rent strike—J20 on May 14—events all summer
Our last episode of the season! This episode is chocked full of May Day repression updates—from FBI visits in Washington state to the dozens of anarchists rounded up in Indonesia. The New School in New York City is occupied once again, and we have an audio report! The next J20 trial begins in less than a week. Teachers, tenants, and fast food workers are getting organized and striking back against their bosses and landlords. We close the episode with a long list of summertime anarchist fun that you can get into before we’re back in the fall with more Hotwires. Make sure to check out our listeners survey and e-mail it to us! {May 9, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines: {1:22} Repression Roundup {15:40} Next Week’s News {24:20} Download 29:30 minutes long version LISTENER SURVEY (please e-mail to [email protected]) 1) How often do you listen to the Hotwire? - More than once a week - Weekly - Once a month - Once a month or more, but I binge multiple episodes at once 2) How often, if ever, do you use… - The shownotes? - The phone numbers for call-in campaigns? - Next Week’s News announcements? - References to past episodes and other podcasts 3) What are the Hotwire’s greatest strengths? Biggest weaknesses? 4) Our shows have progressively increased from 30 minutes to up to 45 minutes. Is keeping the show to strictly 30 minutes important? How long is too long for an episode? 5) What topics are most useful/interesting when we cover them? What kind of coverage is lacking? Dozens of anarchists have been rounded up in Indonesia, and legal defense funds are needed. Go here to find out how to help. J20 support: Countering State Repression With Daniel McGowan Thursday, May 10 at 7 PM St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church 1525 Newton St NW, Washington DC, 20010 Free Rally to Drop J20 with Chelsea Manning and former defendants Friday, May 11 at 12:30 PM Franklin Square, Washington DC Call-in campaign May 10–11. Please be aware that your calls are likely recorded and we do not advise answering any questions about your identity. Please use your best discretion if referencing anything that occured on January 20th so as to not negatively impact the ongoing case. Jennifer Kerkhoff – Lead Prosectuor on the case, Deputy Chief of the Felony Major Crimes Trial Section (202) 252–7380 Lisa Greene – The Deputy Chief of the Superior Court Division, Kerkhoff’s direct supervisor (202) 252–7485 Richard Tischner – The Chief of the Superior Court Division, Kerkhoff’s direct supervisor (202) 252–7274 US Attorney for DC Jessie Liu – The person in charge of the US Attorney’s office, a Trump appointee (202) 252–7566 Rizwan Qureshi - Assistant J20 prosecutor (general line - use directory/operator) (202) 252–7679 John Gidez – The Chief of the Felony Major Crimes Trial Section, Kerkhoff’s colleague (202) 252–6752 John Borchert - Assistant J20 prosecutor (esp. Dreamhost and Facebook warrants) (202) 252–7679 Here’s a sample script to get you started! “Hello. My name is __________. (first name is fine) I am calling about the inauguration day protesters still facing trumped up criminal charges. Your office needs to drop these remaining charges. There is no good reason your office should be pursuing these charges when six people have already been found NOT GUILTY on all counts in the first trial. Again, your office should drop the remaining charges. Over the last year these prosecutions have pushed all limits: Intimidation to coerce plea deals by making inflated charges. Shielding law enforcement from public accountability by issuing gag orders. Disrupting people’s lives by making overblown charges and using those to justify intrusive, extensive investigations meant to build those cases. overall strategy to intimidate activists, disrupt social movements and silence dissent by weaponizing the use of trumped up charges is not going unnoticed. Your office has the power to end the repression and intimidation. Drop the charges now.” Sub.Media’s Spring 2018 Media Mash-up Tour: May 11, Portland State University Workshop 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Public screening 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Smith Memorial Union 026 Hosted by Radical Education PSU May 12, The University of Oregon 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hosted by Radical Organizing and Activism Resource Center & the Civil Liberties Defense Center May 13, Seattle University May 14, Olympia, Washington Chop Chop Video Making workshop Multimedia Lab 1404 in the Library Building Monday, May 14th 2018 * Workshop from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. *Ten participant limit! Email [email protected]. Public Screening at Traditions Fair Trade 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia, WA Hosted by The Black Cottonwood Collective Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour May 11 at 6 PM at Bad River Dept of Social & Family Services 72772 Elm Street, Odanah, WI 54861 May 12 at 10 AM at Bad River Dept of Social & Family Services 72772 Elm Street, Odanah, WI 54861 May 14 at 4 PM at YWCA Wausau 613 5th St, Wausau, WI 54403 May 16 at 7 PM at The Train Station 302 S Story St., Appleton, WI 54914 May 17 at 7 PM at The Train Station 302 S Story St., Appleton, WI 54914 May 18 at 7 PM at Breakaway Social Center 2424 S. Western Ave (rear) Chicago, IL 60608 May 19 at 9 PM at Breakaway Social Center 2424 S. Western Ave (rear) Chicago, IL 60608 May 20 at 10 AM at Art In 1444 E. Washington Ave Madison, WI 53703 May/June: a month of anarchy in Quebec The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) June 11, the international day of solidarity with long-term anarchist prisoners, is coming up soon. Start planning a letter writing night, a solidarity action, or some other way to let our comrades on the inside know that they are in our hearts and minds. Check out The second annual Institute for Advanced Troublemaking July 21–29 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write to a birthday letter to Xinachtli, formerly Alvaro Luna Hernandez: Xinachtli* #255735 James V Allred Unit 2101 FM 369 North Iowa Park, Texas 76367 *Address envelope to Alvaro Luna Hernandez. (Birthday: May 12, 2018) Anarchist prisoner Sean Swain has called for a campaign to get his communication turned back on. Please call: Kevin O’Donnell Stanek, Asst. Chief Counsel to Governor Kasich: (614) 466- 3555; State Representative Doug Green (614) 644–6034; State Representative Hearcel F. Craig (614) 466–8010; State Representative Greta Johnson (614) 466–6037. Sample script: “I’m calling to bring to your attention an illegal effort by prison officials to terrorize an Ohio prisoner. The prisoner, Sean Swain, is a model prisoner, a published writer and a radio personality on a globally-syndicated radio show. Because Sean exposed how prison employees who were directed by ODRC Counsel Trevor Clark intercepted and stole Sean’s mail from courts to hide their crimes, prison officials have shut down all of Sean’s communication to the outside world…to his family, his friends, and even to the courts. Prison officials are blocking Sean’s phone, email, and even regular mail. Their goal is not just to silence him, but to cut him off from everyone who loves him and drive him to suicide. “I want you to know that I’m signing an online petition that has 50,000 signatures already, demanding that the director of prisons resign, and I’m urging your office to make arrangements to speak with Sean. You can contact him by phone at the prison by calling his Case Manager K. Baessler at: (513) 932–3388, ext. 84405 or ext. 84410. Please know that if anything happens to Sean while he’s being illegally silenced, I know a lot of registered voters, including me, who will hold your office responsible. The eyes of the world are watching.“ CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS: For last Hotwire’s May Day roundup we reported that a Wells Fargo in Seattle had been smashed up and graffitied, but it in fact was in Olympia, Washington. Also, the US Bank that was smashed in Olympia was on May 2, not May 1.
5/9/2018 • 39 minutes
The Hotwire #30: May Day 2018 Roundup
Our annual roundup of worldwide May Day actions. We have interviews with participants in May Day actions in Puerto Rico, where there was a general strike, and Paris, whose black bloc didn’t only take the cake, they took the whole damn bakery! Indonesia saw black blocs erupt all over the country, and now a wave of politically-motivated arrests there are targeting anarchists. In the USA, opposition to ICE and deportations was one clear theme, and the calls for decentralized actions did yield some spikey vandalism in the Pacific Northwest. We also have a short update about what’s happening at La ZAD. {May 3, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} The importance of supporting anarchist media {2:00} Worldwide May Day headlines {3:40} Interview: Paris May Day {10:50} Interview: ZAD update {18:10} North America May Day headlines {22:50} Interview: May Day general strike in Puerto Rico {32:50} Repression Roundup and Next Week’s News {40:00} Download 29:30 minutes long version North American May Day roundup Worldwide May Day roundup In case you didn’t catch it, for May Day we released a very special episode with the best of anarchist news reporting over the last few centuries May/June: a month of anarchy in Quebec The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write to an anarchist prisoner and wish them a happy beltaned May Day. You can find a list of anarchist prisoners in the Americas here. Also, please write a letter to Cedar, a comrade in Ontario who is in jail over conspiracy charges stemming from the March 5 anti-gentrification march in Hamilton, Ontario. Please address the envelope to Peter Hopperton and the letters to Cedar: Peter Hopperton Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre 165 Barton St East Hamilton ON L8L 2W6 J20 support resources: POSTER: The J20 Prosecution—Trumped up Charges J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Tell the prosecutor’s boss to drop the charges by calling (202) 252–7566
5/3/2018 • 44 minutes, 11 seconds
The Hotwire #29: MAY DAY Special—The best of anarchist news reporting from the vaults (uncensored!)
Happy May Day! Find an action near you HERE. To celebrate the anniversary of the strike that led to Haymarket, and the 8 anarchists executed for it (two of whom were anarchist media producers themselves!) we bring you our favorite anarchist news reporting from throughout history. As an anarchist news show ourselves, we wanted to pay homage to all the anarchist newspapers, zines, and other media projects that have inspired us. You’ll hear reports from as far back as the Paris Commune, the punny and irreverent 1980s British organization Class War, a 1977 article in Fifth Estate about this newfangled thing called punk rock, coverage of the very first nationwide-called-for black bloc in the US, a firsthand report from the streets of Seattle in 1999, and much more. We’ll even have guest appearances by other anarchist podcasters, like MC Sole, the Stimulator, The Final Straw’s William Goodenuff, and our friends from Resonance Audio Distro. We’ll air our regular weekly episode on Thursday, May 3—a day late—so that we can include as much May Day 2018 coverage as possible. Please e-mail us your May Day action reports by May 2 at [email protected]. {May 1, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} May Day and colonial desertion in the new world {2:55} The Paris Commune {9:55} Haymarket {11:40} May Day 1971: mass coordinated direct action and repression in Washington D.C. {15:08} When punk was new(s) {16:25} Class War UK {26:15} The first American black bloc {32:40} N30: Seattle 1999 {38:20} A choir of criminals {1:00:40} News from the balcony with Waldorf & Statler {1:11:55} Trotsky’s ash cookies {1:21:10} G20 Toronto 2010: the end of the world as we know it, or the beginning of the revolution? {1:23:40} Find a May Day celebration or demonstration near you and HIT THE STREETS! Listen to the history of Haymarket and May Day on our very first episode of The Ex-Worker. Anarchist texts related to this Hotwire: The incomplete, true, authentic and wonderful history of May Day by Peter Linebaugh March 18, 1871: The Birth of the Paris Commune A Narrative Address of August Spies The Liberation News Service, a Washington DC-based collective with anarchist participants. They collected resistance and counter-culture news from all over the world and syndicated it to different underground publications in the 1960s and 70s—sort of like a radical Reuters. Ending a war, inventing a movement: Mayday 1971 Punk Rock: Musical Fad or “Radical Kernel” from the December 1977 issue of The Fifth Estate, the longest running English language anarchist publication in North America The Power is Running: A Memoir of N30 Shutting Down the WTO Summit in Seattle, 1999 Green Anarchy Magazine The May Days: Snapshots from the History of May Day About our Black Bloc historiography: we put in a few hours researching the history of the Black Bloc in North America before making the claim that the 1991 anti-Gulf War actions in DC saw the first Black Bloc in North America. While Black Bloc tactics, including dark clothing and masks, featured in protests in Berkeley, Minneapolis, and New York in the late 80s, as far as we can tell the first call including the term “Black Block” was for the anti-Gulf War protest in Washington DC in 1991. We’re willing to be proven wrong though! Fundraising: Donate to the legal support fund for the four people charged over last year’s May Day actions in Olympia. Our guest podcasters include: William Goodenuff from The Final Straw MC Sole from The Solecast Resonance Audio Distro The Stimulator Start gearing up for a summer of anarchy in Quebec! The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to send May Day greetings to some anarchist prisoners, like Cedar, a comrade in Ontario who is in jail over conspiracy charges stemming from the March 5 anti-gentrification march in Hamilton, Ontario. Please address the envelope to Peter Hopperton and the letters to Cedar: Peter Hopperton Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre 165 Barton St East Hamilton ON L8L 2W6 J20 support resources: POSTER: The J20 Prosecution—Trumped up Charges J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Tell the prosecutor’s boss to drop the charges by calling (202) 252–7566
5/1/2018 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 13 seconds
The Hotwire #28: Anti-government revolt in Nicaragua—more treesits in WV—Bakunin beats Satanism
This Hotwire we bring you an interview with an anarchist in Managua about the past few weeks of anti-government revolt in Nicaragua. We also report on the arrests of anti-fascists in Georgia, a school bus drivers’ strike also in Georgia, a hunger strike in San Diego’s jails, and community resistance to ICE raids in North Carolina. Next week we’ll bring you our regular episode a day late, but look out for a May Day special we’re releasing to tide you over—and don’t forget to e-mail us your May Day action reports at [email protected]! {April 25, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:30} Interview: A Week of Revolt in Nicaragua {16:40} Repression Roundup {27:10} Next Week’s News {32:55} Download 29:30 minutes long version Events this weekend: April 26–29: The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp in the smoky mountains of western North Carolina. Find out more by e-mailing [email protected]. April 26–28: the Anarchist Black Cross solidarity festival at EKH in Vienna, Austria. April 28–29: The Revolutionary Organizing Against Racism Conference (ROAR) returns to Ohlone land, the so-called Bay Area, California, in both Oakland and San Francisco. April 29: MACC in NYC is hosting a pre-May Day gathering in Tompkins Square Park at 1 PM. MAY DAY! In Montreal, anarchists will gather at 6 PM on the corner of Amherst and Sherbrooke. New York City: anarchist contingent in the big May Day march. Durham, NC: autonomous actions and a march starting at the old Durham Police headquarters at 6 PM. Seattle, WA: decentralized, autonomous actions Olympia. WA: decentralized, autonomous actions Portland, OR: coordinated, decentralized actions Eugene, OR: a really free market at the First Christian Church on Oak Street. Los Angeles, CA: a disruptive march Make sure to e-mail your May Day action reports to [email protected] by May 2 so we can include them in our May Day roundup. Fundraising: Donate to the anti-fascists arrested in Newnan, Georgia on Saturday while protesting against neo-Nazis. Donate to the legal support fund for the four people charged over last year’s May Day actions in Olympia. Other podcasts mentioned on this Hotwire: Unicorn Riot and End of the Line podcast are keeping people up to date as the struggle against the Mountain Valley Pipeline unfolds. We sample Alanis’ aetheistic rant from The Ex-Worker Holiday Special before we lambast The Church of Satan. Hotwire 19 describes the anti-ICE organizing going on in Koreatown, Los Angeles. Episode 50 of The Ex-Worker has an interview with about the Lucasville prison uprising and how it informs contemporary prison rebellion and organizing We sampled the 99% Invisible episode “Church (Sanctuary, Part 1)” when discussing the sanctuary movement of the 1980s. Part 2 is also great. Get inspired to do something AWESOME for May Day by listening to the very first episode of The Ex-Worker, which is all about Haymarket. Anarchist texts related to this Hotwire: From Confronting Fascists to Facing the Police State: Reflections on the Anti-Fascist Mobilization in Newnan, Georgia God and the State by Mikhail Bakunin June 11: The History of a Day of Anarchist Prisoner Solidarity The May Days: Snapshots from the History of May Day Start gearing up for a summer of anarchy in Quebec! The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour April 25, 26, and 27 at 5:00 PM at Youth Initiative High School 500 East Jefferson St Viroqua, WI 54665 April 28 at 5:30 PM at Menomonie Market Food Co-op 814 Main Street E Menomonie, WI 54751 April 29 at 10:00 AM at Family & Learning Center 523 Cedar Ave. E. Menomonie, WI 54751 May 2 at 6:00 PM at Walker Community Church 3104 16th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407 May 3 at 6:00 PM at UROC 2001 Plymouth Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to political prisoner Janine Phillips Africa. Janine Phillips Africa #006309 SCI Cambridge Springs 451 Fullerton Avenue Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania 16403 {Birthday: April 25} Also, please write a letter to Cedar, a comrade in Ontario who is in jail over conspiracy charges stemming from the March 5 anti-gentrification march in Hamilton, Ontario. Please address the envelope to Peter Hopperton and the letters to Cedar: Peter Hopperton Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre 165 Barton St East Hamilton ON L8L 2W6 Phone zaps: Call the warden of Central Ohio Correctional Facility at 330–743–0700 and use this script: “Hello, my name is _____. I’m calling to demand you reverse Friday’s policy changes that imposed new restrictions on prisoners impacted by the Lucasville uprising. None of these prisoners violated any rules and there’s no justification for rolling back important policies that help them survive the 25 years of solitary confinement the ODRC has cruelly subjected them to.” Support the 200+ hunger strikers in Santa Clara County Jails by calling the Sheriff Administration at 408–808–4900 or the Board of Supervisors at 408–299–5001 and demanding that they enter into negotiations with the hunger strikers. Call DeKalb County, GA School Superintendent Stephen Green at 678–676–1200 to demand immediate reinstatement, with no pay lost, of all fired drivers. You can use this script: “Hello, my name is ________. I would like to let you know that I support the school bus drivers. I think it is shameful that the immediate reaction in response to the sick- out was to fire drivers, rather than to negotiate with them. The drivers have a right to organize without fear of retaliation, including by withdrawing their labor. I support their efforts to improve their jobs, and demand that the district immediately reinstate all fired drivers, with no pay lost and no other kind of discipline. None of the drivers who participated should be retaliated against. I also demand that the district immediately recognize the drivers committee and begin negotiating with them. Will you agree to rehire the drivers and recognize their committee?” Call the City of Olympia prosecutor’s office at 360–753–8449 to demand they drop the charges against the four May Day defendants. J20 support resources: POSTER: The J20 Prosecution—Trumped up Charges J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Tell the prosecutor’s boss to drop the charges by calling (202) 252–7566
4/25/2018 • 40 minutes, 12 seconds
The Hotwire #27: Legal victory for the Tarnac 9—calls for May Day actions—Vive la ZAD!
It’s been a week of battle at La ZAD, and we share a day-to-day play-by-play of the resistance to the government’s eviction operation. Elsewhere in France, the Tarnac Nine’s legal victory shows that with a little luck and courage, we can beat the state. Direct action gets the goods for a university occupation against a racist student body president at Texas State University in San Marcos, we finally have an address where you can write Cedar, who is in jail on charges of conspiracy over the anti-gentrification prole stroll in Hamilton, Ontario, and we close the episode by sharing calls for May Day actions in Los Angeles, Eugene, Portland, Olympia, and Seattle. {April 18, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Down with the state and its taxes! {0:33} A week of battle over La Zad {3:25} Headlines {11:00} Legal victory for the Tarnac Nine! {20:25} Next Week’s News {26:56} Download 29:30 minutes long version Check out these full reports of resistance to the eviction of la ZAD. Enough is Enough continue to have live updates in English from la ZAD. E-mail [email protected] for ways to support those facing multiple charges for allegedly defacing a police station in Arizona the same weekend as an anti-fascist, anti-colonial gathering. To hear more about Turning Point USA’s alt-lite politics and campaigns of harassing leftist and anarchist presences at universities, check out the Black Rose Anarchist Federation’s interview with Kristina Khan, or the IGDcast interview with Tariq Khan, an anarchist PhD candidate at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. CALLS FOR MAY DAY ACTION: Los Angeles: a disruptive march Eugene, Oregon: a really free market Portland, Oregon: coordinated, decentralized actions Seattle: coordinated, decentralized actions Olympia: coordinated, decentralized actions Other shows mentioned on this Hotwire: Hotwire #26 has our interview with a participant in the Syrian Revolution, who states, “freedom and justice… can only be achieved through a struggle against all authoritarian murderous parties, whether Assad or Islamist jihadists on the one hand or Russia and the U.S. on the other hand.” Episode 50 of The Ex-Worker has an interview with about the Lucasville prison uprising and how it informs contemporary prison rebellion and organizing Get inspired to do something AWESOME for May Day by listening to the very first episode of The Ex-Worker, which is all about Haymarket. Anarchist texts mentioned in this Hotwire: We Don’t Need Gun Control, We Need To Take Control June 11: The History of a Day of Anarchist Prisoner Solidarity The May Days: Snapshots from the History of May Day Start gearing up for a summer of anarchy in Quebec! The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp, taking place April 26–29 in Western North Carolina, has had their donation page shut down twice, so if you have some bucks to spare you can donate at PayPal.me/setwac2018. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tourdates this week: April 18 at 6 PM at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee 2200 E Kenwood Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53211: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 19 at 5 PM at University of Wisconsin – Rock County 2909 Kellogg Ave Janesville, WI 53546: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 20 at 12 PM at Angelic Organics Learning Center 1545 Rockton Rd Caledonia, IL 61011: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 25 at 5:00 PM at Youth Initiative High School 500 East Jefferson St Viroqua, WI 54665: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to political prisoners Mumia Abu-Jamal and Janine Phillips Africa. Mumia Abu-Jamal AM8335 SCI Mahanoy 301 Morea Road Frackville, Pennsylvania 17932 {Birthday: April 24} Janine Phillips Africa #006309 SCI Cambridge Springs 451 Fullerton Avenue Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania 16403 {Birthday: April 25} Also, please write a letter to Cedar, the comrade in Ontario who was arrested last week over conspiracy charges stemming from the March 5 anti-gentrification march in Hamilton, Ontario. They are currently being held in segregation, so these letters are especially crucial for helping break the isolation they might experience in prison. Please address the envelope to Peter Hopperton, but address the letters to Cedar: Peter Hopperton Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre 165 Barton St East Hamilton ON L8L 2W6 J20 support resources: POSTER: The J20 Prosecution—Trumped up Charges J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Tell the prosecutor’s boss to drop the charges by calling (202) 252–7566
4/18/2018 • 38 minutes, 6 seconds
The Hotwire #26: La ZAD resists eviction—direct action against pipelines & police academy—#Douma
As we go to press, hundreds of squatters and eco-rebels are battling against cops at La ZAD in France. We interview someone there, as well as a participant in The Syrian Revolution about the no-state-solution to the Syrian government’s ongoing attacks on rebel areas. The treesits in West Virginia against the Mountain Valley Pipeline are expanding. Anarchist prisoner Sean Swain needs support. {April 11, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:30} Rebellion across France {5:07} Interview about Douma, Syria and the Syria Revolution {17:54} Repression Roundup {25:40} Next Week’s News {33:53} Download 29:30 minutes long version J20 support resources: POSTER: The J20 Prosecution—Trumped up Charges J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Tell the prosecutor’s boss to drop the charges by calling (202) 252–7566 Enough is Enough has live updates in English from the resistance to the eviction of la ZAD. Check out the Anarchy in Action page about the Syrian Revolution for more anarchist perspectives on it. Please donate to help The Tower anarchist social center in Hamilton, Ontario recover from a fascist attack on their space. Other shows mentioned on this Hotwire: End of the Line, an ongoing podcast about the pipeline struggles in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. The Fucking News from Sub.Media The Final Straw: Charlotte Uprising: Repression and Resistance Go On Episode 50 of The Ex-Worker has an interview with about the Lucasville prison uprising and how it informs contemporary prison rebellion and organizing Get inspired to do something AWESOME for May Day by listening to the very first episode of The Ex-Worker, which is all about Haymarket. Anarchist texts mentioned in this Hotwire: We Don’t Need Gun Control, We Need To Take Control June 11: The History of a Day of Anarchist Prisoner Solidarity The May Days: Snapshots from the History of May Day La ZAD: Another End of the World Is Possible The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp, taking place April 26–29 in Western North Carolina, has had their donation page shut down twice, so if you have some bucks to spare you can donate at PayPal.me/setwac2018. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour April 11 at 6:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church 510 W Ottawa St Lansing, MI 48933: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 13 at 6 PM at The Boiling Point 143 Burr Oak Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 14 at 12 PM at The Boiling Point 143 Burr Oak Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 15 at 6 PM at Girls, Inc 1108 W 8th St Bloomington, IN 47404: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 16 at 3 PM at Girls, Inc 1108 W 8th St Bloomington, IN 47404: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 17 at 6 PM at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee 2200 E Kenwood Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53211: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 18 at 6 PM at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee 2200 E Kenwood Blvd Milwaukee, WI 53211: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to political prisoners Janet Holloway Africa and Walter Bond. Janet Holloway Africa #006308 SCI Cambridge Springs 451 Fullerton Avenue Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania 16403 {Birthday: April 13} Walter Bond #37096–013 FCI Terre Haute - CMU Post Office Box 33 Terre Haute, Indiana 47808 {Birthday: April 16} Herman Bell still needs help to secure his release from prison: 1) CALL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office NOW: 518–474–8390 2) EMAIL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office 3) TWEET at Governor Cuomo: use the following sample tweet: “@NYGovCuomo: stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after more than 40 years of incarceration, his release is overdue. #BringHermanHome.” Use this script for phone calls and emails: “Governor Cuomo, my name is __________and I am a resident of [New York State/other state/other country]. I support the Parole Board’s decision to release Herman Bell and urge you and the Board to stand by the decision. I also support the recent appointment of new Parole Board Commissioners, and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today than on the nature of their crime committed years ago. Returning Herman to his friends and family will help heal the many harms caused by crime and decades of incarceration. The Board’s decision was just, merciful and lawful, and it will benefit our communities and New York State as a whole.” Start gearing up for a summer of anarchy in Quebec! The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City)
4/11/2018 • 40 minutes, 23 seconds
The Hotwire #25: Kentucky & Oklahoma teachers strike—anniversary of MLK’s death—report on Gaza
As we go to press, anti-police protests are ongoing over the police killing of Stephon Clark, students at Howard University in DC are still occupying the recently re-named Kwame Ture Student Center, and teachers in Kentucky and Oklahoma are on strike. This week we interview Uri Gordon, an anarchist from Israel, about the deadly repression in Gaza. We also reflect on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plus announcements for upcoming bookfairs, gatherings, and protest mobilizations. {April 4, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:45} Remembering Paul Z. Simons {5:07} Interview about deadly repression in Gaza {6:34} Teachers strike in Kentucky and Oklahoma {11:05} 50th anniversary of the assassination of MLK {13:25} Repression Roundup {26:15} Next Week’s News {32:00} Download 29:30 minutes long version There’s a day of solidarity with J20 defendants called for April 10. The next trial is coming up April 17! Use this poster to spread awareness about the case, or call those responsible for the repression themselves and tell them to drop ALL the charges. J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Resources for the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reflection On Doctor King by Black anarchist and former Black Panther Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin This nonviolent stuff’ll get you killed - Charles Cobb Dixie Be Damned: 300 years of insurrection in the American South - Neal Shirley and Saralee Stafford “It’s a Police State Mentality” — J20 and the Racist Origins of Criminalizing Protest – Sam Adler-Bell Dr. King’s Long Assassination – Paul Street The Ex-Worker #53: “Anti-Globalization” Walking Tour of Washington, D.C. features some history on the uprising in DC after Dr. King’s assassination, including an interview with one of the more militant participants. Events this weekend: April 6–8: Anti-Colonial & Anti-Fascist Community Defense Gathering in Flagstaff, Arizona. Registration IS required, which you can fill out here. April 6–8: The Opening Space for the Radical Imagination at Oregon State University in Corvallis. More than a few anarchist-sympathetic speakers, like Walidah Imarisha and Hillary Lazar are speaking. April 6–8: The fourteenth Zagreb Anarchist Bookfair in Croatia. For more info in Croatian and English, go to ask-zagreb.org. April 7: The Liverpool Anarchist Bookfair in England. Anarchist texts mentioned in this Hotwire: We Don’t Need Gun Control, We Need To Take Control Remembering Paul Z. Simons An Unyielding Anarchist, Author, and Rebel Anarchists Against the Wall: Direct Action and Solidarity with the Palestinian Popular Struggle Dixie Be Damned: 300 years of insurrection in the American South Rojava: Democracy and Commune From Democracy to Freedom Start gearing up for a summer of anarchy in Quebec! The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The Montreal International Anarchist Theatre Festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27 in Montreal) The North American Anarchist Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp, taking place April 26–29 in Western North Carolina, has had their donation page shut down twice, so if you have some bucks to spare you can donate at PayPal.me/setwac2018. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour April 4 @ 7 PM at Glitter Box Theater 460 Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 6 @ 6 PM at Guide to Kulchur 5222 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 7 @ 12 noon at Guide to Kulchur 5222 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 8 at 2 PM at Off Center 64 N. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 9 at 6:30 PM at Capital Area District Library – Downtown 401 S Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 11 at 6:30 PM at First Presbyterian Church 510 W Ottawa St Lansing, MI 48933: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to political prisoner Romaine ‘Chip’ Fitzgerald. Romaine ‘Chip’ Fitzgerald #B–27527 California State Prison - LAC Post Office Box 4490 B–4–150 Lancaster, California 93539 Address envelope to Romaine Fitzgerald, address card to Chip {Birthday: April 11} Herman Bell still needs help to secure his release from prison: 1) CALL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office NOW: 518–474–8390 2) EMAIL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office 3) TWEET at Governor Cuomo: use the following sample tweet: “@NYGovCuomo: stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after more than 40 years of incarceration, his release is overdue. #BringHermanHome.” Use this script for phone calls and emails: “Governor Cuomo, my name is __________and I am a resident of [New York State/other state/other country]. I support the Parole Board’s decision to release Herman Bell and urge you and the Board to stand by the decision. I also support the recent appointment of new Parole Board Commissioners, and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today than on the nature of their crime committed years ago. Returning Herman to his friends and family will help heal the many harms caused by crime and decades of incarceration. The Board’s decision was just, merciful and lawful, and it will benefit our communities and New York State as a whole.” Robert Seth Hayes, one of the longest-held political prisoners in the U.S., who was active in the Black Panther Party and, later on, formed the Black Liberation Army, is in the infirmary and is need of support. The Jericho Movement calls on people to call the superintendent at Sullivan Correctional Facility and demand that Robert Seth Hayes be taken immediately to the Albany Medical Center. Superintendent Keyser’s number is 845–434–2080.
4/4/2018 • 38 minutes, 18 seconds
The Hotwire #24: Sacramento against killer cops—#DefendAfrin actions—Anti-G7 mobilizing in Quebec
As we go to press, protests in Sacramento and beyond are ongoing over the police murder of Stephon Clark. We interview an anarchist sex worker about the new FOSTA-SESTA bill and its impact on sex workers’ safety and organizing. We also feature an interview with a comrade from Quebec about the anti-capitalist mobilization against the G7 summit in Quebec in June. Don’t miss our roundup of #DefendAfrin actions that took place on March 24, or our reflections on the political moment we’re in after the March For Our Lives. {March 28, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:35} FOSTA-SESTA interview {5:23} Sacramento against killer cops {11:07} March For Our Lives {12:35} #DefendAfrin actions roundup {16:50} Repression Roundup {24:25} Next Week’s News {29:45} Download 29:30 minutes long version CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: We Don’t Need Gun Control, We Need To Take Control Why the Torture Cases in Russia Matter: How the Tactics that the Russian State Uses against Anarchists Could Spread Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: In Hotwire 22 we cover the controversial anti-gentrification black bloc in Hamilton, Ontario The Ex-Worker #53: “Anti-Globalization” Walking Tour of Washington, D.C. This Is Parkdale, a documentary about grassroots tenant organizing in Toronto Start gearing up for a summer of anarchy in Quebec! The Montreal Anarchist Bookfair (May 26–27) The anarchist theatre festival (May 22–23 in Montreal) The anarchist film festival (May 17–20 in Montreal) The North American Studies Network Conference (June 1–3 in Montreal) Anti-G7 mobilization (June 7–9 in Quebec City) Fundraising: Crimean anarchist political prisoner Evgeny Karakashev is in need of support. You can donate by PayPaling money to [email protected], and please mention “for Evgeny Karakashev.” In the wake of FOSTA-SESTA, there are groups like Saint James Infirmary, Red Light Legal, and a new group called New Whore-izons which are all focusing in different ways on redistributing both and wealth and resources by sex workers and for sex workers. The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp has had their donation page shut down twice, so if you have some bucks to spare you can donate at PayPal.me/setwac2018. Indigenous water protector Mason Neck is also in need of help. You can donate to his commissary here (TO MASON NECK, HUGHES COUNTY), and you can send him letters and books here: MASON NECK HUGHES COUNTY PRISON 3100 E. HWY 34 PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA 57501 Author Mark Bray speaking about his book Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook Thursday, March 29: Appalachian State University, NC, 7 PM in Belk Library, Room 114 Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour March 30 @ 6 PM at The Park Church 208 W Gray St Elmira, NY 14901: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 31 @ 10 AM at The Park Church 208 W Gray St Elmira, NY 14901: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 2 @ 6:30 PM at Pittsburgh Public Library, Pittsburgh, PA: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism April 3 @ 7 PM at Glitter Box Theater 460 Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness April 4 @ 7 PM at Glitter Box Theater 460 Melwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write birthday greetings to political prisoners Chuck Sims Africa and Delbert Africa. Charles Sims Africa #AM–4975 SCI Dallas 1000 Follies Road Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612 {Birthday: April 2} Delbert Orr Africa #AM–4985 SCI Dallas 1000 Follies Road Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612 {Birthday: April 2} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Corrections & Clarifications: We were just going to press last week when reports about actions for the week of solidarity with Russian anarchist prisoners were coming in. We want to update our list to mention that solidarity rallies and marches were also held in Stockholm; Helsinki; Kharkiv; Prague; Turku, Finland; Brno; Barcelona; Bern; Leipzig; and Canberra, Australia. Last episode we incorrectly reported that Herman Bell was released. Rather, he was granted release on parole after over four decades in prison—hurrah! But now New York City’s mayor, the governor, and the police unions are trying to reverse that decision. Here’s what you can do to support Herman: 1) CALL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office NOW: 518–474–8390 2) EMAIL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office 3) TWEET at Governor Cuomo: use the following sample tweet: “@NYGovCuomo: stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after more than 40 years of incarceration, his release is overdue. #BringHermanHome.” Use this script for phone calls and emails: “Governor Cuomo, my name is __________ and I am a resident of [New York State/other state/other country]. I support the Parole Board’s decision to release Herman Bell and urge you and the Board to stand by the decision. I also support the recent appointment of new Parole Board Commissioners, and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today than on the nature of their crime committed years ago. Returning Herman to his friends and family will help heal the many harms caused by crime and decades of incarceration. The Board’s decision was just, merciful and lawful, and it will benefit our communities and New York State as a whole.”
3/28/2018 • 39 minutes, 47 seconds
The Hotwire #23: Historic school walkouts—Alt-right unravels—Solidarity with anarchists in Russia
Hundreds of thousands of high school students defy adult authority and walkout against mass shootings; anti-pipeline camps hold strong from Virginia to West Virginia to so-called British Columbia; we interview an anarchist in Brazil as protests erupt there after an anti-police brutality politician was assassinated; the annual march against police brutality in Montreal beats cops back; Russian anarchists explain in an interview why it’s not just Putin that’s the problem, or Trump for that matter, but the systems of power they inhabit; plus a repression round up, announcements for Saturday’s international day of action to #DefendAfrin, and calls for exciting upcoming anarchist bookfairs and speaking tours. {March 21, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:50} Interview: anti-police brutality protests erupt in Brazil {6:47} Interview: anarchists stand up to elections and repression in Russia {15:05} Historic student walkouts roundup {21:02} Repression Roundup {26:55} Next Week’s News {32:27} Download 29:30 minutes long version Youth liberation texts, possibly to be used by anti-authoritarian youth looking to connect with others at March For Our Lives events on March 24: Gun Control? No, Youth Liberation! Mass Shootings—School Walkouts—Getting Free No! Against Adult Supremacy The Child and its Enemies Youth Liberation Anarchism and Youth Liberation The Teenage Liberation Handbook Make sure to check out the new blog Cutting Class, counterinfo for the ungovernable generation. Saturday, March 24 is also the international day of solidarity to defend Afrin. Find an event near you. J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: Check out this video report from the March 15 demonstrations against police brutality in Montreal This video report documents some of the anti-pipeline resistance from Camp Cloud up in Burnaby Mountain, British Columbia. Check out episode 30 of The Ex-Worker to listen to an interview with Tortuga, an anarchist in Chile who openly admits to attempting to bomb a closed bank and who faced anti-terrorism charges for it. Watch this documentary about the 2010 Caso Bombas repression case in Chile. In Hotwire #21 we report on the opposition Richard Spencer and the alt-right faced in Michigan In Hotwire #19 we explain why radical social movements are better equipped to solve the problem of mass shootings than the state is In Hotwire #16 we announced Herman Bell’s parole efforts Trouble #9: Learning to Resist Trouble #10: School’s Out IGDcast: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief on Building Dual Power & Upcoming Tour You can read The Coming Insurrection here, we particularly enjoyed the sixth circle. We also recommend watching Glenn Beck’s hilarious review of the book. Fundraising: Donate to the anti-Mountain Valley Pipeline treesitters in West Virginia. Donate here to support Alejandra Pablos, an undocumented activist in the clutches of ICE as a result of her outspokenness. You can PayPal money to support anarchists and anti-fascists facing repression in Russia through [email protected]. We recommend to send euros or dollars, as other currencies are automatically converted to euro according to PayPal rates.In case you need another option for money transfer, including digital crypto currencies, please contact the Anarchist Black Cross of Moscow: [email protected] Author Mark Bray speaking tour on his book Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook Thursday, March 22: The Civic Theatre, Nelson, British Columbia, Canada Monday, March 26: Brooklyn Historical Society, Brooklyn, NY Tuesday, March 27: Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY Thursday, March 29: Appalachian State University, NC, 7 PM in Belk Library, Room 114 Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour March 21 @ 3:00 PM at Friends Meeting House 1104 Forest St. Charlottesville, VA 22903: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness March 23 @ 7 PM at The Base 1286 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11221: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 24 @ 12 PM at The Base 1286 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11221: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness March 27 @ 5:30 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 42 N Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06268 : Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 28 @ 1 PM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 42 N Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06268 : Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write to political prisoner Jaan Laaman of the United Freedom Front: Jaan Karl Laaman #10372–016 USP McCreary Post Office Box 3000 Pine Knot, Kentucky 42635 {Birthday: March 21, 2018} You can support Alejandra Pablos, an outspoken undocumented activist in the clutches of ICE, by signing this petition and donating here. Show valve turner Michael Foster some love as he has been transferred to a new prison. Write a letter or send a book to: Michael Eric Foster #51974 Missouri River Correctional Center P.O. Box 5521 Bismarck, ND 58506 You can help Mexican anarchist political prisoner Luis Fernando Sotelo, who has been imprisoned in Mexico since 2014, by e-mailing the supreme court at [email protected] or by tweeting them at @SCJN on Twitter about Luis and the unconstitutionality of Article 362, under which he was imprisoned. Herman Bell was released on parole after over four decades in prison—hurrah! But now New York City’s mayor, the governor, and the police unions are trying to fuck with him—FUCK THAT! Here’s what you can do to support Herman: 1) CALL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office NOW 518–474–8390 2) EMAIL New York State Governor Cuomo’s Office 3) TWEET at Governor Cuomo: use the following sample tweet: “@NYGovCuomo: stand by the Parole Board’s lawful & just decision to release Herman Bell. At 70 years old and after more than 40 years of incarceration, his release is overdue. #BringHermanHome.” Use this script for phone calls and emails: “Governor Cuomo, my name is ________and I am a resident of [New York State/other state/other country]. I support the Parole Board’s decision to release Herman Bell and urge you and the Board to stand by the decision. I also support the recent appointment of new Parole Board Commissioners, and the direction of the new parole regulations, which base release decisions more on who a person is today than on the nature of their crime committed years ago. Returning Herman to his friends and family will help heal the many harms caused by crime and decades of incarceration. The Board’s decision was just, merciful and lawful, and it will benefit our communities and New York State as a whole.”
3/21/2018 • 39 minutes, 31 seconds
The Hotwire #22: Int’l Women’s Day actions—#DefendAfrin solidarity—WV teachers’ strike ends
This episode we bring you two roundups: one for women’s strike actions on International Women’s Day, and another for #DefendAfrin actions across Europe. We also share a call for and international day of solidarity to #DefendAfrin on March 24. The West Virginia teachers’ strike has ended, and we share our complicated takeaways from the longest strike in West Virginia history. The alt-right is unraveling, but anti-fascists arrested in Michigan last week still need your help. Things are heating up in Hamilton, Ontario as anarchists demonstrate against gentrification and face right-wing backlash for it. Listen until the end for announcements of speaking tours, J20 updates, political prisoner birthdays, and upcoming anarchist bookfairs. {March 14, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:30} International Women’s Day roundup {5:30} #DefendAfrin solidarity {10:50} West Virginia teachers’ strike ends {14:40} Repression Roundup {21:10} Next Week’s News {26:50} Download 29:30 minutes long version March 15 is the 22nd annual March Against Police Brutality in Montreal. The march meets at 7:30 PM at Parc LaFontaine. March 24 is the Defend Afrin International Day of Action. Go to TheNAKA.org to find out more about the day of action or to register your own local event. J20 support resources: West Coast J20 solidarity speaking tour J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: The Ex-Worker #49 contains the excerpt we used about spreading anti-cop sentiment through service worker solidarity. We are currently in the middle of a week of solidarity with anarchists in Russia. To find out more about the repression anarchists face in Russia, check out this recent episode of The Final Straw podcast, which has an interview with someone from Moscow Anarchist Black Cross. For a history of the amazing occupation of the Hambacher Forest, check out episode 37 of The Ex-Worker. The episode “Striking Gets the Goods” on the number one anarcho-comedy podcast Street Fight Radio has a really great on-the-ground interview with one striking West Virginia teacher. CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: Brazil 2016–2017: The Political Crisis and Coup d’État, an Anarchist Analysis From Democracy to Freedom Fuck Abuse, Kill Power: Addressing the Root Causes of Sexual Harassment and Assault Fundraising: Anti-fascists arrested for confronting the alt-right in Michigan need legal defense funds. The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp in late April has had their fundraising page shut down TWICE. If you have some bucks to spare you can donate to the action camp at PayPal.me/setwac2018. J20 Legal Defense Fund National Jericho Movement 20th anniversary celebration fundraiser J20 solidarity speaking tour: March 14: Los Angeles, CA – The Y (1811 Johnston Street, Suite C), 7:00 PM March 15: San Diego – Metate Infoshop March 16: Flagstaff, AZ – Taala Hooghan Infoshop (1704 N. 2nd St) March 17: Phoenix, AZ March 18: Tucson, AZ – Global Justice Center (225 E. 26th St) From Democracy to Freedom Speaking Tour by CrimethInc.. March 17: St. Louis, MO – 3:00 PM at Foam Coffeehouse If you’d like to arrange a presentation in your town or at your university, just contact [email protected]. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour March 18 @ 7:00 pm at Soft Web Collective 3110 W. Leigh St. Richmond, VA 23220: The Birdhouse 800 N 4th Ave Knoxville, TN 37917: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 19 @ 12:00 pm at Soft Web Collective 3110 W. Leigh St. Richmond, VA 23220: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness March 20 @ 7:00 PM at Friends Meeting House 1104 Forest St. Charlottesville, VA 22903: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 21 @ 3:00 PM at Friends Meeting House 1104 Forest St. Charlottesville, VA 22903: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross to write to political prisoner Ruchell Cinque Magee: Ruchell Cinque Magee #A92051 B3–138 California Mens Colony Post Office Box 8103 San Luis Obispo, California 93409–8103 {Birthday: March 17, 2018} Political prisoner Robert Seth Hayes is in need of support. Please call 518–457–7073 and 845–434–2080 to respectfully demand that Robert Seth Hayes gets new insulin sensors and the medical treatment he deserves.
3/14/2018 • 36 minutes, 47 seconds
The Hotwire #21: Lansing protests fascists—teachers’ strike grows & spreads—3 cheers for anarchy
This episode we bring you two interviews. The first is an on-the-ground report from the days of anti-fascist action against Richard Spencer’s visit to Detroit and Lansing, with a plea for bail funds to help arrested anti-fascists. Next, we interview a West Virginian anarchist about what makes the teachers’ strike there so unique and important. We plug a call from the West Virginia IWW for how to support and spread the strike. Throughout the episode we make the case for an international, revolutionary movement that can do away with all forms of hierarchy and kyriarchy! {February 28, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:40} Interview: Michigan holds it down against fascism {12:50} Interview: West Virginia teachers strike—how to support and spread it {20:20} Next Week’s News {29:50} Go here if you’d like to join the L’eau Est La Vie anti-pipeline camp in Louisiana. Support and spread the West Virginia teachers’ strike! Check out this article from the West Virginia Industrial Workers of the World on how to support and spread the strike. Tidewater IWW are hosting an education workers’ assembly in Norfolk, VA on March 9 to explore the possibility of spreading the West Virginia teachers’ strike to Virginia. They’re encouraging other anticapitalists in Virginia to host similar assemblies. If you’re within driving distance, go to the strike and bring agitational materials like this, this, this, this, this, this, this, [this]https://crimethinc.com/posters/capitalism-is-a-pyramid-scheme), this, this, this, and these. IGDcast Audio Report: Teachers’ Strike Enters Second Week Donate to the West Virginia IWW solidarity fund for the teachers’ strike here. Donate to the official teacher’s strike fund here. Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: IGDcast: Appalachia Resists the Mountain Valley Pipeline The Final Straw: Anarchist Perspectives on DACA Hotwire #19 has an overview of the Koreatown popular assembly, which has organized a grassroots alert system for responding to ICE raids Trouble #9: Learning to Resist Fundraising: Anti-fascists arrested for confronting the alt-right in Michigan are STILL IN JAIL as we go to press. Please donate to help get them out of jail and to support their upcoming legal battles. Donate to the anti-Mountain Valley Pipeline treesitters in West Virginia. The Southeast Trans and/or Women Action Camp in late April has had their fundraising page shut down TWICE. If you have some bucks to spare you can donate to the action camp at PayPal.me/setwac2018. Donate to the West Virginia IWW solidarity fund for the teachers’ strike here. Donate to the official teacher’s strike fund here. J20 solidarity speaking tour: March 8: Chico, CA – Pageant Theater (351 East 6th Street), 7:00 PM March 9: Sacramento, CA – Organize Sacramento (1714 Broadway), 5:00 PM March 10: San Francisco, CA – Station 40 (3030 16th Street, Suite B), 7:00 PM March 11: Oakland, CA – Hasta Muerte Coffee (2701 Fruitvale Ave @ East 27th Street), 5:00 PM March 13: Santa Cruz, CA – Freight Building (119 Center Street), 6:30 PM March 14: Los Angeles, CA – The Y (1811 Johnston Street, Suite C), 7:00 PM From Democracy to Freedom Speaking Tour by CrimethInc.. March 7: Pittsburgh, PA – 7:00 PM at the Mr. Roboto Project, 5106 Penn Avenue March 9: Cleveland, OH – 7:00 PM at Guide to Kulchur, 5222 Lorain Avenue March 10: Bowling Green, OH – 6:00 PM at The Common Good, 113 Crim Street March 11: Chicago, IL – 7:00 PM at 2424 S. Western Avenue. Organized by Breakaway Chicago March 12: Bloomington, IN – 7:00 PM at the Monroe County Public Library March 13: Carbondale, IL – 7:00 PM at The Flyover, 214 North Washington. If you’d like to arrange a presentation in your town or at your university, just contact [email protected]. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour March 7 @ 2:00 pm at The Birdhouse 800 N 4th Ave Knoxville, TN 37917: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness March 9 @ 7:30 pm at Firestorm Books & Cafe 610 Haywood Rd Asheville, NC 28806: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 10 @ 12:00 pm at Firestorm Books & Cafe 610 Haywood Rd Asheville, NC 28806: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness March 13 @ 6:00 pm at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts 423 West King St Boone, NC 28608: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 14 @ 6:00 pm at SAMS Community Center 707 W Main St Unit A Wise, VA 24293: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism J20 support resources: West Coast J20 solidarity speaking tour J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained
3/7/2018 • 37 minutes, 26 seconds
The Hotwire #20: West Virginia teachers strike—Student walkouts everywhere—Youth liberation NOW!
While students walk out of classes all over the country (and occasionally fight cops) we make the pitch for an anarchist youth liberation movement. In wild, wonderful, and apparently rebellious West Virginia, striking school employees have shut down every public school in the state, while treesitters are putting up resistance to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. We also share calls to support political prisoner Joy Powell, as well as a fundraising drive for a radical café in Istanbul. Listen until the end for announcements of three different speaking tours in March: one about anarchist responses to natural disasters, one about the anarchist critique of democracy, and one all about the J20 case and why the remaining 59 defendants deserve your utmost support. {February 28, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:30} Youth liberation now! {9:20} Repression Roundup {21:35} Next Week’s News {23:00} Download 29:30 long version Check out the Hamilton, Ontario anarchist bookfair this weekend! Join antifascists in Lansing, Michigan at noon on March 5 as they gather to oppose white nationalist Richard Spencer’s visit to Michigan State University. J20 support resources: West Coast J20 solidarity speaking tour J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: End of the Line #12: Irreparable This is Parkdale, documentary about tenant organizing and rent strike in Toronto In Hotwire #19 we explain why radical social movements are better equipped to solve the problem of mass shootings than the state is Trouble #9: Learning to Resist Trouble #10: School’s Out IGDcast: Audio Report from the Picket Lines of the West Virginia Teachers’ Strike IGDcast: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief on Building Dual Power & Upcoming Tour Also, check out the decades of prison radio done by ex-death row political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal. Youth Liberation Texts, possibly to be used by anti-authoritarian youth looking to connect with others at March For Our Lives events on March 24: No! Against Adult Supremacy The Child and its Enemies Youth Liberation Anarchism and Youth Liberation The Teenage Liberation Handbook Fundraising: Donate to the anti-Mountain Valley Pipeline treesitters in West Virginia. Support Kris Thompson, the widow of Kiwi Herring, a black trans woman who was murdered by St. Louis police, who is now facing charges Donate to the new International Anarchist Defence Fund, even though they spell “defense” all weird Please support Komşu Kafe, a radical spot in Istanbul that exists for everyone, “overwhelmed and disillusioned by exploitation, hierarchy, inequality and hate.” J20 solidarity speaking tour: March 3: Seattle, WA – Pipsqueak Gallery (173 16th Ave), 7:00 PM March 4: Olympia, WA – New Moon (113 4th Ave W), 7:00 PM March 5: Portland, OR – Cider Riot (807 NE Couch), 6:30 PM March 6: Eugene, OR – Wesley Center (2520 Harris St), 6:30 PM From Democracy to Freedom Speaking Tour by CrimethInc.. March 7: Pittsburgh, PA – 7 pm at the Mr. Roboto Project, 5106 Penn Avenue If you’d like to arrange a presentation in your town or at your university, just contact [email protected]. Mutual Aid Disaster Relief tour March 3 @ 5:00 pm CST First Congregational Church (Fight For 15 office) 1000 S. Cooper St. Memphis, TN 38104: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 4 @ 12:00 pm CST First Congregational Church (Fight For 15 office) 1000 S. Cooper St. Memphis, TN 38104: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness March 6 @ 6:00 pm EST The Birdhouse 800 N 4th Ave Knoxville, TN 37917: Protectors v. Profiteers: Communities in Resistance to Disaster Capitalism March 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST The Birdhouse 800 N 4th Ave Knoxville, TN 37917: Giving Our Best, Ready For The Worst: Community Organizing as Disaster Preparedness Write to political prisoner imprisoned Reverend Joy Powell: Reverend Joy Powell #07G0632 Bedford Hills CF Post Office Box 1000 Bedford Hills, New York 10507–2499 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Also call in to Superintendent Joseph at 914–241–3100 and Don Venetozzi at 518–457–2337 and say, “Hello, I am calling to ask that DSS Michael Daye, Lt. McBride and Sgt. McDaniels NOT be allowed to harass inmates and violate the legal and medical safeguards of Joy Powell #07G0632 and that Joy Powell be released IMMEDIATELY from SHU, as she is a senior citizen with health issues, and has been placed in there in retaliation for speaking to the media about the abhorrent conditions at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility! I also request that she be allowed to have snacks on her at all times, that she be allowed to monitor her blood sugar three times daily and that she be free of harassment when going to and from the law library.”
2/28/2018 • 33 minutes, 27 seconds
The Hotwire #19: Florida School Shooting & Gun Control—Koreatown Against ICE Raids—TN Antifascism
This episode is packed to the gills with news! There is antifa activity in Tennessee and folks in the Northwest continue to hold it down against the fascist creep. Solidarity for Afrin spreads and an inspiring model to fight ICE raids emerges out of Koreatown, Los Angeles. We offer some analysis about the school shooting in Parkland, FL and interview both an anarchist attending the student led rallies there and an anarchist author who’s written about gun control. There is a short update on the repression Florida prisoners are enduring due to Operation Push. Walter Bond is in need of support and we have some good news about accused confederate statue topplers in Durham, NC. To wrap things up, there are loads of upcoming events, so stay tuned until the end! {February 21, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:25} Parkland school shooting & interviews {11:30} Repression Roundup {25:40} Prisoner Birthdays & Next Week’s News {29:55} Antifascists in Washington, D.C. are calling for protests this Saturday, February 24 against a fancy alt-right dinner. This weekend, February 23 to the 26, the Earth First! Winter Rendezvous will take place near Kiln, Mississippi. There will be workshops, trainings, and movement building. J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: The Ex-Worker #62: Support, Healing, and Redefining Resistance—2017 in Review, Part II The Hotwire #7 The Hotwire #12 An audio account on It’s Going Down about the ongoing #OperationPush prison strike in Florida CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: What We Need from You How You Can Help with CrimethInc. Projects Escaping Washington for Freedom (Also, check out this informative Twitter thread about why every single American president was a scumbag.) Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters No Wall They Can Build CrimethInc. is taking their new book From Democracy to Freedom on tour in the Midwest in March! Here at the dates: March 7: Pittsburgh, PA March 8: Morgantown, WV March 9: Cleveland, OH March 10: Bowling Green, OH March 11: Chicago, IL March 12: Bloomington, IN March 13: Carbondale, IL March TBD: St. Louis, MO If you’d like to arrange a presentation in your town or at your university, just contact [email protected]. Legal fundraiser for Scott Warren, a humanitarian aid worker on the border who is now facing charges of human trafficking in retaliation for his solidarity work. Daniel McGowan’s article on the restrictive Communications Management Units, also called “little Guantanamos.” Call in to support Joy Powell, a prisoner being retaliated against for exposing conditions at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Call the superintendent at 914–241–3100. You can find a sample call-in script here. Write to recently transferred Animal Liberation Front political prisoner Walter Bond: Walter Bond 37096–013 FCI Terre Haute CMU PO Box 33 Terre Haute IN 47808 Political prisoner birthdays: Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) #0001150688 Augusta State Medical Prison, Building 13A–2 E7 3001 Gordon Highway Grovetown, Georgia 30813 Address envelope to Freddie Hilton, address card to Kamau {February 19} Oso Blanco (Byron Chubbuck) 07909–051 USP Victorville Post Office Box 3900 Adelanto, California 92301 Address envelope to Byron Chubbuck, address card to Oso Blanco {February 26} For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Last week we reported that Michael Foster, the valve turner who temporarily halted the flow of tar sands oil in TransCanada’s Keystone pipeline in October 2016, was sentenced to three years, but in fact he is only serving one. Thanks to the listener who caught that, and we’ll still post Michael’s address once we have it so you can write him letters.
2/22/2018 • 36 minutes, 58 seconds
The Hotwire #18: Toxic Waste in STL—Labor Struggles in the Techno Age—A Rant on Love
The second episode of our second season! There is antifa activity in Olympia, Athens, and Seattle. Vaneesa Hopson died while in the custody of Olympia police and we report on the death and the subsequent protests.. There are strikes by delivery drivers across Hong Kong and Europe, by prisoners detained at an immigrant detention center in Washington, and walkouts across the country as part of the Fight for 15 campaign. We interview an anarchist active in the resistance to the Westlake Landfill. In honor of Valentine’s Day there’s a rant against conventional love. Stay tuned until the Repression Roundup to hear about the Black Pride 4. {February 14, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:23} Interview {10:00} Rant on Love {17:40} Anarchist media roundup {23:12} Repression Roundup {24:15} Next Week’s News {29:12} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful dos and don’ts Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: [IGDCast from May 11, 2017, Featuring an Interview with Maru Mora]https://itsgoingdown.org/igdcast-maru-villalpando-on-hunger-strikes-northwest-detention-facility/) Ex-Worker 32: White Supremacy and Capitalism, From 1492 to Ferguson Ex-Worker 40: Struggles Against White Supremacy and Police Since Ferguson. The Ex-Worker 36: The Rojava Revolution The Ex-Worker 39: The Rojava Revolution, Part II The Final Straw: Şoreş Ronahi on Turkish assaults on Afrin Canton, Rojava, Syria CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: What We Need from You How You Can Help with CrimethInc. Projects “Join the Resistance, Fall in Love” Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters No Wall They Can Build Go here are more details about the hunger strike at the Northwest Immigrant Detention Center in Tacoma, WA. View the video on Rojava’s new ecological initiative here View the Submedia video on the Kinder Morgan pipeline lockdown here Full report on housing struggles [taking place across the country](https://itsgoingdown.org/across-the-us-tenants-are-launching-rent-strikes/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter Go to the this Facebook page to find out how to support the Black Pride 4. Check out this statement of support for Tariq Khan from the Campus Antifascist Network. To support Tariq, please send respectful but firm e-mails to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution, Assistant Dean of Students, Rony Die: [email protected] and Associate Dean of Students, Justin Brown: [email protected]. The full interview done by It’s Going Down, can be found here. Write to imprisoned CopWatcher Ramsey Orta: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 112 Scotch Settlement Rd Gouverneur, NY 13642 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross.
2/14/2018 • 34 minutes, 59 seconds
The Hotwire #17: ZAD interview—anarcho-syndicalism isn’t for losers—anti-pope actions in Chile
The first episode of our new season! This week we run down the list of antifascist confrontations from San Diego to Olympia, Washington. We also share a call for opposing Richard Spencer in Lansing, Michigan on March 5. Fast food workers in Portland, sex workers in New Orleans, and Uber drivers in Indonesia are all getting organized. Camille, Camille, and Camille from the ZAD explain their complicated victory over the planned airport at Notre-Dame-des-Landes, and Flint Arthur from Stand With Afrin phones in with an update on the Turkish assault on Rojava. Stay tuned until the Repression Roundup to hear about a new wave of repression against humanitarian aid workers on the US-Mexico border. {February 7, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:05} Turkish military’s assault on Rojava {8:00} Chilean resistance to the Pope’s visit {10:00} J20—where things stand a year later {13:25} The ZAD beat the airport! {20:05} Repression Roundup {27:50} Next Week’s News {32:00} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: A radio-play adaptation of The Dispossessed The new Global Uprisings documentary ANTIFA The Ex-Worker 63: Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One. Achievements, Failures, and the Struggles Ahead The Ex-Worker 36: The Rojava Revolution - The Ex-Worker 39: The Rojava Revolution, Part II The Ex-Worker 37: The Hambacher Forest Occupation The Final Straw: Şoreş Ronahi on Turkish assaults on Afrin Canton, Rojava, Syria CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: What We Need from You How You Can Help with CrimethInc. Projects We Will Remember Freedom: Why It Matters that Ursula K. Le Guin was an Anarchist - Government Shutdown Doesn’t Go Far Enough: Make the Shutdown Comprehensive and Permanent Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters No Wall They Can Build Writings by Ursula K. Le Guin: The Dispossessed Le Guin writings on the Anarchist Library Grin and Bare It All, an anarchist, feminist essay on sex work written by a worker from the industry. Congratulations to acquitted J20 defendant Alexei Wood for beating bogus J20 related charges for a second year in a row… and for leaving the world one more entertaining anti-MAGA hat video. Full reports on the successful confrontations against Patriot Prayer in Olympia, Washington. A .gif of the Chilean police horse who threw a cop off her back and next to the popemobile. Go to the this Facebook page to find out how to support Tamara Sol Vergara and her family after her injuries sustained during an escape attempt. Check out this statement of support for Tariq Khan from the Campus Antifascist Network. To support Tariq, please send respectful but firm e-mails to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution, Assistant Dean of Students, Rony Die: [email protected] and Associate Dean of Students, Justin Brown: [email protected]. Write to imprisoned CopWatcher Ramsey Orta: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 112 Scotch Settlement Rd Gouverneur, NY 13642 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross.
2/7/2018 • 36 minutes, 6 seconds
#63: Anarchists in the Trump Era, Year One: 2017 in Review, Part III
In Episode 63 of the Ex-Worker, we conclude our series of reflections on 2017 with an audio version of the recently published essay “Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One.” It analyzes five key turning points in 2017, assessing how anarchists took part and what lessons we can learn for the battles ahead. While recognizing all we’ve accomplished under incredible stress, it argues for the importance of broadening our efforts to challenge authority and dismantle hierarchy in every area of our lives and our societies in 2018. Afterwards, Clara and Alanis debate themes from the essay and our year in review episodes, around relating to non-anarchists on the left, organizational formats, resiliency and care, and more. {Feb 7, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One {2:02} Dawn of a New Apocalypse {3:43} J20: A Call to Revolt {6:20} The Airport Blockades: A Message to the Center {13:02} Shutting Down Milo in Berkeley: A Risky Escalation {16:16} Charlottesville: Moment of Truth {19:58} The First J20 Trial: Pushing Back the Reaction {26:25} What We Lost Along the Way {31:25} The Challenges Ahead {33:22} The Centrists {33:53} The Authoritarian Left {38:52} In Conclusion: Expanding the Anarchist Palette {43:09} Reflections {45:58} Prisoner Birthdays and Conclusion {58:45} This episode is based on the recently published CrimethInc. essay “Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One.” The analysis we share in this episode is by no means comprehensive; for a detailed timeline of anarchist activity throughout 2017, check out the this report by It’s Going Down. Prisoner birthdays this month: Veronza Bowers, Jr. 35316–136 FMC Butner Post Office Box 1600 Butner, North Carolina 27509 {February 4th} Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) #0001150688 Augusta State Medical Prison, Building 13A–2 E7 3001 Gordon Highway Grovetown, Georgia 30813 Address envelope to Freddie Hilton, address card to Kamau {February 19th} Oso Blanco (Byron Chubbuck) #07909–051 USP Victorville Post Office Box 3900 Adelanto, California 92301 Address envelope to Byron Chubbuck, address card to Oso Blanco {February 26th}
2/7/2018 • 1 hour, 16 seconds
#62: Support, Healing, and Redefining Resistance—2017 in Review, Part II
As we reconnect to plan a new year of resistance this January 20th, what lessons can we take from the inspiring but traumatic year that was 2017? In Episode 61 of the Ex-Worker, we interview three anarchists who reflect on their role on the front lines of struggles against the state and fascism over the past year. Hex, who survived a shooting attack by a fascist at a Seattle anti-fascist demonstration last January 20th, offers perspective on questions of justice, violence, patriarchy, and compassion, the critical importance of healing, and redefining resistance. An anarchist of color from Charlottesville discusses how the events there have impacted anti-fascist resistance and updates us on court cases, grand jury proceedings, and opportunities to show solidarity. And Miel, who was recently acquitted on all charges in the first trial of J20 defendants from the DC counter-inaugural protests, traces the significance of the J20 case, state strategies of repression, and lessons we can take with us as we move forward into a new year of struggle. The episode wraps up with updates from several other anarchist media projects about their plans for the new year, prisoner birthdays, and more. {January 20, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Getting Started: Why the Right Actually Can’t Shoot Us {2:35} Interview with Hex, Survivor of Fascist Shooting in Seattle {9:35} Interview with Anarchist of Color from Charlottesville {52:30} Interview with Miel, Acquitted J20 Defendant {1:10:16} 2018 Previews from Other Anarchist Media Projects {1:35:04} Prisoner Updates and Birthdays](https://nycabc.wordpress.com/pppow-birthday-calendar/) {1:43:26} Conclusion {1:46:45} On January 20th, mark the one year anniversary of counter-inaugural and anti-Trump protests by connecting with others and laying plans for the next year of resistance! Check out this listing of events around the country. The Hotwire, our weekly anarchist newscast, will return in February, so stay tuned! For some background on our conversation with Hex, check out this radio interview in which he discusses his experience of the shooting, or skim the edited transcript of it here; also see CrimethInc’s piece “What Counts as Violence: Why the Right Can Shoot Us Now”, and the article An Anarchist is Shot in Seattle from Fifth Estate magazine. Hex makes reference to No New Youth Jail campaign and “Block the Bunker”, two campaigns against the prison industrial complex led by youth of color in the Seattle, which contributed to his radicalization around issues of incarceration and restorative justice. Also be sure to check out the Greater Seattle IWW General Defense Committee, a local affiliate of the Industrial Workers of the World and their General Defense Committee. We’re excited to be part of the Channel Zero Network, a collective platform for anarchist audio and radio projects. Some of our sibling projects from CZN we highlighted in our 2018 anarchist media discussion include Resonance Anarchist Audio Distro, The Final Straw Radio, It’s Going Down, SubMedia, and SoleCast. Check ’em all out! In our discussion about the aftermath of the August 12th demonstrations with an anarchist of color from Charlottesville, we heard about several ways to show support for anarchists and anti-fascists there. Stay updated through Solidarity Cville, also on Twitter and Medium. You can also donate to the Charlottesville Resilience Fund. Since defeating the Unite the Right rally in August, radicals in Charlottesville have been on a roll: shutting down UVA Bicentennial celebration under the slogan “”200 years of white supremacy,“ with three people arrested; shutting down an October 10th Planning Commission meeting declaring ”No More Business as Usual"; and a whole week of resistance events. On February 2nd, there will be a court date for some of the comrades against whom fascist Jason Kessler is pressing charges for shutting down his attempt to have a press conference the day after Heather Heyer’s murder; turn out to show support if you can, or stay posted for updates. Miel, recently acquitted J20 defendant, referred to Defend J20 Resistance and their ongoing fundraising campaign to support the remaining 180+ defendants facing charges for protesting Trump’s inauguration. Many J20 events this year will be screening the new film by our friends at Global Uprisings, titled “Antifa.” Check it out! Warm greetings of solidarity to our friends at Black Mosquito, an anarchist distribution project in Germany, who were recently targeted in a probable fascist robbery and attack. Take a moment to write to anarchist prisoner Eric King, who’s grieving the loss of his brother. Eric King # 27090045 FCI FLORENCE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION PO BOX 6000 FLORENCE, CO 81226 The New York State prison system has issued an absurd and harmful new set of restrictions on what prisoners can receive in packages from friends and family. Read info about it from NYC ABC (page 15), sign a petition to roll back the new regulations, send the scumbags in charge a postcard demanding that they stop this madness, etc. Jay Chase from the NATO 3 is currently in segregation and is in need of some books; please send a few if you can. Prisoners in Illinois can receive used books in the mail. Jay likes to read sci-fi, fantasy fiction and history; Jay also has an Amazon wish list here. Segregation is very tough on anyone as you are confined to your cell at least 23 hours a day. Please show Jay some solidarity and support at this tough time. Jared Chase M44710 Dixon Correctional Center 2600 North Brinton Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 There are a lot of prisoner birthdays this month! Take a moment to send a letter or card to: Jeremy Hammond #18729–424 FCI Milan Post Office Box 1000 Milan, Michigan 73189 {January 8th} Abdul Aziz (Warren Ballantine) #16–047 Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex Post Office Box 6300 Florence, Arizona 85132 Please address envelope to Warren Ballantine, card/letter to Abdul (Aziz) {January 9th} Herman Bell #79-C–0262 Shawangunk Correctional Facility Post Office Box 700 Wallkill, New York 12589 {January 14th} Sundiata Acoli (Clark Squire) #39794–066 FCI Cumberland Post Office Box 1000 Cumberland, Maryland 21501 Please address envelope to Clark Squire, card/letter to Sundiata Acoli {January 14th} Joseph Bowen #AM 4272 SCI Coal Township 1 Kelley Drive Coal Township, Pennsylvania 17866–1020 Nickname: Joe-Joe {January 15th} Marius Mason #04672–061 FMC Carswell Post Office Box 27137 Fort Worth, Texas 76127 Please address envelope to Marie, card/letter to Marius {January 26th}
1/20/2018 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 55 seconds
#61: The Olympia Train Blockade
In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the blockade in Olympia, WA that stopped a train carrying fracking supplies for twelve days. {January 19, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:05} How Did This Happen? {10:07} It Was Fun! {24:42} Can It Be Repeated? {32:53} Tensions and Disagreements {39:27} Media and the “General Public” {57:12} Conclusion {1:08:20} Additional Resources Demands from the Libertarian Socialist Caucus Satirical demands And for updates on ongoing struggle in the region, go to: pugetsoundanarchists.org Audio The Hotwire #15 Solecast On the Olympia Blockade IGD Cast on the Olympia Blockade Audio Report Behind the Olympia Fracking Blockade Video Native News Interview 2017 raid video Communiques and Analysis How do we turn olympia stand into the Olympia Commune Letter Of Solidarity from the Year 3017 Decolonize Turtle Island Shabbos Behind The Barricades Otherworlds #4 Commune Against Civilization A Requiem For the Olympia Blockade Autonomous Not Atomized Solidarity Actions Block Friday call for solidarity (In Spanish) (In German) Another call for solidarity actions Solidarity action in Nebraska Solidarity action on the Columbia River Solidarity action in Medford, OR Solidarity from Suburbia Solidarity From the Bay Area
1/19/2018 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 55 seconds
#60: 2017 in Review, Part I: Anti-Fascism in the Bay Area and Beyond
In the first of two episodes looking back over 2017, we present an audio version of the recently published CrimethInc. feature “How Anti-Fascists Won the Battles of Berkeley: 2017 in the Bay and Beyond: A Play-by-play Analysis.” The article charts the rise and fall of the alt-right through the lens of the conflicts that erupted in the San Francisco Bay Area, and how anarchists and anti-fascists successfully built coalitions to stop them. We also review the last year’s worth of articles, books, posters, and podcasts from the CrimethInc. Ex-Worker’s Collective. {January 8, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} How Anti-Fascists Won the Battles of Berkeley: 2017 in the Bay and Beyond {2:25} 2016: A New Era Begins {4:45} Starting the Year off with a Bang {12:27} The Real Dangerous Faggots {15:37} A Repulsive Rainbow of Reaction {21:48} The Alt-Right Strikes Back {26:18} The Turning Point {35:41} The Final Battle of Berkeley {47:30} Make Total Decomposition {1:00:16} Solidarity is Our Most Powerful Weapon {1:06:47} CrimethInc’s 2017 Year in Review {1:12:01} The Rebel Girl on the Hotwire’s Year in Review {1:21:38} Conclusion {1:24:28} This episode narrates the recent CrimethInc. feature “How Anti-Fascists Won the Battles of Berkeley: 2017 in the Bay and Beyond: A Play-by-play Analysis.”. If you’re interested in reading broader reflections on antifascism within the anarchist movement today, check out our episode Not Your Grandparents’ Antifascism. The Hotwire, our weekly anarchist newscast, will return in February, so stay tuned! We’re excited to be part of the Channel Zero Network, a collective platform for anarchist audio and radio projects.
1/10/2018 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 34 seconds
The Hotwire #16: Repression from #J20 to #G20—New Year’s noise demos—antifascist student actions
Our final episode for the season! But we’ll be back in February. This week, antifascist students were active with a #StopSpencer week of action at the University of Michigan and shutting down Lucian Wintrich at the University of Connecticut. Racist remarks keep coming up during police testimony at the [#J20 trials](https://itsgoingdown.org/drop-j20-podcast-update–3-police-take-stand/). We have updates on the massive, sweeping raids against anti-capitalists in Germany over the successful protests against the G20 in Germany in July. New York City Anarchist Black Cross call for international New Year’s Eve noise demonstrations outside prisons, jails, and detention centers. Finally, we get mushy and grateful for the past year of resistance. Let us know how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at [email protected]. {December 6th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:05} Anti-fascism worldwide {5:27} Repression Roundup {11:39} Looking back, looking forward {20:40} Anarchist media roundup {27:20} Next Week’s News {29:35} The New Orleans Anarchist Bookfair Saturday, December 9 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Clouet Gardens, near the corner of Clouet Street and Royal, New Orleans J20 support resources: Seven Things You Can Do to Support the J20 Defendants As the Trials Get Underway J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info-video Unicorn Riot’s regular trial updates A useful, concise summary of the case so far Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know Call-in campaign to #DropJ20: Call Mayor Bowser’s Office at 202–727–6263. Find a sample script to use here. Noon, December 16 at Union Square in San Francisco: Anti-fascist counter-protest against the racist March Against Sanctuary Cities. International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations at prisons, jails, and detention centers from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Community Self-Defense Conference Lansing, Michigan January 19–21 Hosted by Solidarity and Defense January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Detailed information on the recent raids in Germany can be found in English here and in German here. Great anarchist media and news sources to enjoy until The Hotwire returns in February: It’s Going Down The Final Straw The Earth First! Newswire Insurrection News Worldwide Sub.media Unicorn Riot CrimethInc. In this episode, we do a brief overview of all the exciting action anarchists have taken over the past year. For a video that compiles much of the last year of rebel activity, check out A Chorus of Versus: 14 Months of Rebellion in the “United States” from NC Piece Corps. Other anarchist shows related to this Hotwire: [#J20 Podcast Update #3](https://itsgoingdown.org/drop-j20-podcast-update–3-police-take-stand/) Trouble #3: Refugees Welcome PSA Charlottesville documentary, Part 1 & Part 2. Check out the recent episode of the anarchist podcast The Final Straw with an interview about the forest occupation and re-contextualizing forest defense in a time of climate change. CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity Seven Things You Can Do to Support the J20 Defendants As the Trials Get Underway This Is Not a Dialogue: Not Just Free Speech, but Freedom Itself, with an anarchist Free Speech FAQ Preparing for Round Two Coming to Blows with the Trump Regime Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters The text Fight Capitalism! Win Millions of Dollars in Prizes! has details on the civil suits faced by police in Washington, D.C. after previous mass arrests of protesters. The Rise of Neo-Fascism in Germany Alternative für Deutschland Enters the Parliament The last year of resistance, in chronological CrimethInc. reports: The Ex-Worker #55: The J20 Protests and Beyond: Anarchists Bring in the Trump Era Don’t See What Happens, Be What Happens Continuous Updates from the Airport Blockades It’s Not Your Speech, Milo. Understanding the UC Berkeley Protests Interview: The Standing Rock Evictions (Audio and Transcript) The Ex-Worker #57: Reports from the G20 in Hamburg DON’T TRY TO BREAK US–WE’LL EXPLODE. The 2017 G20 and the Battle of Hamburg: A Full Account and Analysis The Ex-Worker #56: Charlottesville - Triumph & Tragedy in the Struggle Against Fascism One Dead in Charlottesville Why the Right Can Kill Us Now Hotwire #2 includes an interview with someone at the anti-confederate commune in Chapel Hill, NC right after Charlottesville. We take an excerpt from the inspiring interview with a comrade at the Olympia Blockade that we included in Hotwire #14. The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Write to imprisoned CopWatcher Ramsey Orta: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 Franklin Correctional Facility P.O. Box 10 Malone, New York 12953–0010 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. 70-year-old black liberation prisoner Herman Bell needs his letters for the Parole Board before December 15. Go here to find out how you can support his efforts for parole. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign
12/6/2017 • 37 minutes, 10 seconds
The Hotwire #15: No thanks given for #ThingsTaken—Olympia blockade reveals their demands—#DropJ20
The Rebel Girl goes over the last week of anti-colonial, anti-#ThingsTaken actions across Turtle Island. The anti-fracking blockade in Olympia is going strong, opening up space for struggle and churning out innumerable demands. Anarchists in Chile demonstrate what anti-electoral action looks like, and decentralized mutual aid is spreading across Puerto Rico. Stay tuned until the end for updates on the first J20 trial and a new guide to supporting the defendants. We also have announcements for anarchist book fairs, marches, and other calls to action. {November 29th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:15} No thanks given for #ThingsTaken {9:45} Olympia Blockade {13:30} Repression Roundup {20:45} Next Week’s News {26:15} The New Orleans Anarchist Bookfair Saturday, December 9 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Clouet Gardens, near the corner of Clouet Street and Royal, New Orleans J20 support resources: Seven Things You Can Do to Support the J20 Defendants As the Trials Get Underway J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know [Call-in campaign to #DropJ20]: Call Mayor Bowser’s Office at 202–727–6263. Find a sample script to use here. January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity Antifa: The Anti-fascist Handbook book tour: Bowdoin College on November 29 The University of Southern Maine on November 30 The Harvard Coop in Cambridge, MA on December 1 7 PM 1400 Mass Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 Phoenix Books in Burlington, VT on December 5 7 PM 191 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401 Here are our favorite communiqués from the Olympia blockade so far: 20 demands from the Olympia Commune Commune Against Civilization: Dispatches from Olympia Blockade Commune Against Civilization: Dispatch #2 from Olympia Blockade How do We turn Olympia Stand into the Olympia Commune? Donate to the Olympia Stand here. Puerto Rico’s DIY Disaster Relief by Molly Crabapple Check out the support poster for the Vaughn Correctional prison rebels, and write them an uplifting letter while you’re at it. Use this prisoner letter writing guide. Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement’s new Support Through the Walls prison literature distribution campaign. Support Peike from Amsterdam, one of the prisoners from the G20 resistance in Germany. The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Black Snake Killaz, Unicorn Riot’s brand new documentary about the indigenous-led resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. Anti-Rape and Police Abolition march in New York City November 30 6:30 PM, Washington Square Park, New York City The Transgender Day of Remembrance website Hudson Valley Earth First! is hosting an action camp from December 1–4. RSVP or ask questions by emailing hudsonvalleyearthfirst[at]riseup[dot]net or by going to hudsonvalleyearthfirst.org. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: Trouble #7: No Permission Needed covers the autonomous, mutual aid relief efforts in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Trouble #8: Hack the World Hotwire #12 has our anarchist argument against standardized time. The Ex-Worker #57: Reports from the G20 in Hamburg This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: Scout Schultz: Remembering Means Fighting; Mourning a Queer Activist and Anarchist Murdered by the Police Why We Don’t Make Demands DON’T TRY TO BREAK US–WE’LL EXPLODE. The 2017 G20 and the Battle of Hamburg: A Full Account and Analysis The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign
11/29/2017 • 33 minutes, 23 seconds
The Hotwire #14: Olympia blockade—J20 opening statements—Build the Base call to action
This week’s episode is packed with resistance news from across Turtle Island and beyond. Struggles led by water protectors against gas and oil infrastructure are happening, seemingly, everywhere. This past week, students have been busy, while prisoners have not. We have a brief update on the work stoppage and Holman Prison. We also have interviews with a comrade at the anti-fracking blockade in Olympia, WA, and with a J20 supporter about the trials that have just begun. Stay tuned until the end for CrimethInc.’s call for January 20, 2018: “Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity.” {November 22nd, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:55} Pipeline Resistance {7:20} Olympia Blockade Interview {12:20} Repression Roundup {17:45} Next Week’s News {23:10} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book How to Support the First Round of J20 Trials Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know Call-in campaign to #DropJ20: Call Mayor Bowser’s Office at 202–727–6263. Find a sample script to use here. Supporters have called for a rally to support J20 defendants outside the courthouse in DC for the morning of November 27. Keep up with @DefendJ20 on Twitter for more info. January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Call Burgerville corporate at (360) 694–1521 to demand they call off the use of private security against picketing workers. The full communiqué from the occupation of the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh, PA. An introduction to the Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement – Inland Empire, California. Black Snake Killaz, Unicorn Riot’s brand new documentary about the indigenous-led resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. Anti-Rape and Police Abolition march in New York City November 30 6:30 PM, Washington Square Park, New York City Hudson Valley Earth First! is hosting an action camp from December 1–4. RSVP or ask questions by emailing hudsonvalleyearthfirst[at]riseup[dot]net or by going to hudsonvalleyearthfirst.org. The RojiNegro infoshop in Bogotá, Colombia needs your help to establish a permanent space. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: An audio report about the anti-Klan rally held Monday at the University of North Florida. This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. Videos & Pictures Camp Makwa water protectors locking down to disrupt Line 3 construction in so-called Minnesota. The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Political prisoner birthdays: Check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Josh Williams #1292002 Jefferson City Correctional Center 8200 No More Victims Jefferson City, MO 65101 {November 25} Corrections & clarifications: Last Hotwire we reported that anti-fascists had driven a professor out of his job at Virginia Tech University. He wrote directly to It’s Going Down to state that he still has his job and position at the university. Check out what he had to say here.
11/22/2017 • 29 minutes, 33 seconds
The Hotwire #13: J20 trials begin, worldwide anti-fascism, squatting for the win in Chicago
Today is the beginning of the J20 inauguration protester trials in DC. There are some important developments in the case, so we interview Sam from DC Legal Posse about what’s going on and how to support the defendants. We also interview a Polish anti-fascist from Warsaw about this weekend’s 60,000 person far-right march that was littered with Nazi slogans. The folks at the IRL squat in Chicago called us to talk about resisting their eviction and squatting as a window to a world outside of capitalism. Stay tuned until the end for exciting calls for upcoming action camps and decentralized days of action. {November 15th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:45} Ultranationalist march in Poland {9:50} IRL squat in Chicago {18:00} J20 updates{25:50} Next Week’s News {30:50} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know The Nation published a really good article, found here, on the importance of supporting the J20 inauguration day defendants. The Intercept: Group Investigating Police Conduct On Inauguration Day Has History Of Siding With Police Anti-capitalists in Montreal are holding an anti-G7 organizing assembly on November 18 at … 1PM to 5PM Comité social Centre-Sud 1710 Beaudry Near the Beaudry metro station. The room is wheelchair accessible. On November 21 at 8 PM EST, tune into CrimethInc.com for a live video presentation in which an experienced legal support worker will explain what grand juries are, how they work, and how to resist them. Donate here to support the Rojinegro anarchist infoshop in Bogotá, Colombia. Call in to Wabash Valley Correctional Facility and the Indiana Department of Corrections to demand that prisoners on strike stop being harassed by guards, be removed from camera cells, and that guards stop tampering with prisoner mail. Wabash Valley Warden Richard Brown: (812) 398–5050 IDOC Commissioner Robert E. Carter Jr.: (317) 232–5711 IDOC Chief of Staff Randy Koester: (317) 232–5711 Here is the Facebook page for Northwest Detention Center Resistance in Tacoma, WA. The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Anti-fascist organizing resources: This Is Not A Dialogue The Anti-Fascist Action chapter of Recipes for Disaster Episodes 11 and 12 of The Ex-Worker podcast Torch Anti-Fascist Network, the IWW’s General Defense Committee, Antifa International Notes on Anti-Fascist Self-Defense Training: 10 Lessons from the Russian Anti-Fascist Experience Tour dates for Mark Bray speaking on his new book Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook: 11/15 Davis, CA: University of California, Davis- Voorhies Hall 126 7PM 11/16 Stanford University: 3:30- Building 320, Room 105, Braun Corner (Geology Corner) 11/16 San Francisco: City Lights (at night) 11/17 LA: Skylight Books 11/18 Berkeley: South Berkeley Senior Center (2939 Ellis St) 7PM 11/19 San Francisco: Howard Zinn Bookfair Full event details, including specific locations and times, can be found here. Writings by Greek anarchist political prisoners Pola Roupa and Nikos Maziotis: Their most recent statement Oral declaration to the court – Pola Roupa Political Letter to Society – Kostas Gournas, Nikos Maziotis, Pola Roupa Statement to the Athens Criminal Court – Nikos Maziotis Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: The latest IGDcast has an interview with Indiana Department of Corrections Watch, who are organizing support for the hunger strike at Wabash Valley Correctional. This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with two latinx organizers about DACA and the DREAM act. The brand new episode 59 of The Ex-Worker podcast has first-hand stories and lessons from anarchists who resisted grand juries. This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: Make Your Own Effigies: A Tactic for Delegitimizing Authority and Rendering Dissent Visible Videos & Pictures Anarchists in Moscow commemorating the centennial of the Russian Revolution Why to support the J20 defendants The captured white nationalist banner which was corrected to now say “It’s Ok To Be… Antifascist Action.” The older women who sat and blocked the nationalist march in Warsaw, Poland on November 11 The Mi’kmaq blockade of the Alton Gas Project in Nova Scotia The flyer handed out in the neighborhood of the IRL squat in Chicago The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Corrections & Clarifications Last Hotwire we repeated an uncredible claim that the Department of Homeland security considers Antifa a terrorist group. For a thorough debunking of that claim, check out Taking Out the Trash: Fact Checking Politico’s “Antifa Attacks”. Now, it is true that New Jersey’s Department of Homeland Security has written up a profile of anti-fascists, but they don’t explicitly call Antifa a terrorist group.
11/15/2017 • 36 minutes, 23 seconds
The Ex-Worker #59: Surviving a Grand Jury
In this episode, we share the first-person stories of three comrades on the frontlines of grand jury resistance. As the state escalates repression through a new grand jury investigation in North Carolina against longtime anarchist Katie Yow, this episode offers perspectives from those who have successfully fought a grand jury summons. Tune in to demystify the process of how and why to resist testifying at a grand jury. For more information on her case and to support Katie, check out https://ncresiststhegrandjury.com/ and to learn more about resources available for those resisting and their supporters, check out https://saynothing.noblogs.org/grand-jury-resources/. For more information on how to stay strong during state repression, see our article How to Survive a Felony Trial. To hear more about North Carolina Grand Jury Resistance and other cases of ongoing state repression, listen to this episode of The Hotwire. {November 13th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction: Grand Jury Resisters Past and Present {00:00} What is a Grand Jury {01:17} A Knock on the Door {4:51} Breathing Fire {19:35} Facing the State {24:19} Life on the Run {35:11} Trees and Mirrors—Surviving Solitary {38:31} Release {45:53} Back from the Underground {50:47} Conclusion: We Can Survive This {54:45} Support NC Grand Jury Resister Katie Yow {56:16} Statement from Katie Yow {57:17} On November 21, at 8 pm Eastern Time, we will broadcast our third live video presentation, in which an experienced legal support worker will explain what grand juries are, how they work, and how to resist them—then answer any questions you have. View the video here on this page or via facebook.com/CrimethIncDotCom. Tune in to learn about the grand jury process, its legacy of repression, and how you can support resistance to grand juries. List of resources: https://ncresiststhegrandjury.com/ https://saynothing.noblogs.org/grand-jury-resources/
11/13/2017 • 59 minutes, 12 seconds
The Hotwire #12: White masculine mass shooting in Texas, down with daylight saving, J20 updates
This week we have a greater amount of animal liberation actions to report on than usual. We interview Sam from DC Legal Posse about the first J20 trials beginning next week, and what people can do to support the defendants. After the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas on Sunday, we explore whether it makes sense to designate white men as the “real terrorists.” We also interview an anarchist in Brazil about the Operation Érebo repression campaign against anarchists there. Anarchists from throughout history travel forward in time to warn us about the horrors of state socialism and about the dangers of standardized time itself!. {November 8th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:40} Texas Shooting and White Masculinity {6:15} Daylight Saving {9:30} Anarchist Media Jingles {16:40} Repression Roundup {18:00} Next Week’s News {27:38} Upcoming anarchist book fairs: Boston Anarchist Book Fair November 11–12 775 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Thunderclap social media campaign Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know The Nation published a really good article, found here, on the importance of supporting the J20 inauguration day defendants. Look at this insane picture of a protest against mining in the Hambach Forest, Germany. Anti-capitalists in Montreal are holding an anti-G7 organizing assembly on November 18 at … 1PM to 5PM Comité social Centre-Sud 1710 Beaudry Near the Beaudry metro station. The room is wheelchair accessible. Bail and legal support fundraiser for anti-pipeline Camp White Pine in Pennsylvania. Donate here to support the Rojinegro anarchist infoshop in Bogotá, Colombia. Full report on the ongoing anti-Wells Fargo occupation going on at Reed College in Portland, OR. Here in the Facebook page for Northwest Detention Center Resistance in Tacoma, WA. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: The latest episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. Hotwire 7 has a fleshed out anarchist critique of the use of the word “terrorism”. Hotwire 11 introduces the zombie anarchists on Twitter rising from the grave to set the record straight on state communism. Episode 54 of The Ex-Worker details an anarchist response to the election of Donald Trump. Ex-Worker episode 55 is all about the J20 inauguration protests in DC. The giant German coal mine we mentioned is in the middle of the Hambacher Forest, which was covered in Episode 37 of The Ex-Worker. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: The Illegitimacy of Violence, the Violence of Legitimacy AlieNation: The Map of Despair One Hundred Years after the Bolshevik Counterrevolution Weathering Jail and Prison: Tips from Anarchist Prisoners Dane Powell and Joseph Buddenburg The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign
11/8/2017 • 32 minutes, 3 seconds
The Hotwire #11: Fascists fail in Tennessee, Catalan independence interview, No Justice No Pride
This week we bring you two interviews: one with a southern anarchist who went to Tennessee to oppose the failed “white lives matter” rally on Saturday, and another with an anarchist in Catalonia about developments and reflections on the independence process there. Our headlines and repression roundup take us around the world, from anti-capitalist queer and trans action in DC to general revolt in Haiti to sweeping anti-anarchist repression in Brazil and even back in time to the Russian Revolution! Listen until the end for announcements of upcoming anarchist book fairs and calls to action. {November 1st, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:00} Fascists fail in Tennessee {9:35} Catalonia {14:25} Repression Roundup {23:00} Welcome home Dane Powell {24:18} Anti-anarchist Operation Érebo in Brazil {25:55} Next Week’s News {27:15} Upcoming anarchist book fairs: Boston Anarchist Book Fair November 11–12 775 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA Click on the following links to support two active logging blockages happening in the Pacific Northwest. The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest, while the Save the Mattole’s Ancient Forest campaign in Humboldt County, California have maintained occupations and blockades of the forest since June! Check out this full report on the bungled neo-Nazi rally in Tennessee this past Saturday. As police and FBI ramp up their investigations related to August’s Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, we recommend acquainting yourself with this useful guide to understanding investigations and repression as related to anti-fascism. Go here to donate to J20 political prisoner Dane Powell’s release fund. You can find the DropJ20 drop-the-charges call-in campaign here. The Nation published a really good article, found here, on the importance of supporting the J20 inauguration day defendants. The CNI Revolutionary Cooperative for social libertarian revolution has issued an open call for anarchist tech guerrillas over the next three years. An overview of Colombia’s indigenous, land-based resistance Video of feisty demonstrations in Santiago, Chile in memory of disappeared, dead anarchist comrade Santiago Maldonado. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: We say we reported on the burning cop car case in France last Hotwire, but it was actually on October 18. Our bad. In October 11’s Hotwire, we reported on the prison uprising in McCormick, South Carolina after prisoners were rationed down to one cup of water per day. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: Restless Specters of the Anarchist Dead: A Few Words from the Undead of 1917 Make Your Own Effigies: A Tactic for Delegitimizing Authority and Rendering Dissent Visible The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Here is the sample script and instructions for the call-in campaign to support McCormick prison rebels in South Carolina. Call Bryan P. Stirling, Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections at 803–896–8555 or fax 803–896–3972. You can also e-mail [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Political prisoner birthdays: Ed Poindexter #27767 Nebraska State Penitentiary Post Office Box 2500 Lincoln, Nebraska 68542 For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross.
11/1/2017 • 33 minutes, 39 seconds
The Hotwire #10: Anti-fascism in Gainesville, J20 trials, anarchist Kurds against capitalist wars
In this Hotwire we have three different interviews about the alt-right’s defeat in Gainesville. As democratic confederalist Kurdish forces in Rojava are beating back ISIS, the nationalist, capitalist Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq is threatening civil war with the Iraqi military. In response, Kurdish anarchists speak out against war and the state. The discovery of Santiago Maldonado’s body in Argentina has sparked the fiercest clashes with police that the South American country has seen in years. Some good news: the first J20 political prisoner is about to be released; but hundreds more are awaiting trial and facing years in prison. Listen until the end for announcements of anarchist bookfairs, anti-fascist action, and east coast CrimethInc. speaking events this week. {October 25, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:10} Anarchists in Kurdistan {7:10} Catalonia {10:05} Anti-fascists win the day in Gainesville {11:55} Jingles {24:55} Repression Roundup {25:55} Next Week’s News {28:30} Alerta! This Saturday, October 28, anti-fascists are mobilizing against white supremacists in Murfreesboro, TN. Upcoming anarchist book fairs: The Los Angeles Anarchist Book Fair takes place October 28 and 29 at Leimert Park Plaza. The London Anarchist Book Fair also takes place on Saturday, October 28 at Park View School. Support the folks arrested protesting the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philly this weekend by donating here or here. Go here to support the Makwa Frontline Camp.. They’re in need of towtrucks, carpenters, firewood, and people experienced in direct action training. This damning leak from Atlanta Anti-Fascists shows how the involvement of the would-be murderers arrested after Richard Spencer’s talk in Gainesville was planned and sanctioned by Spencer’s National Police Institute. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Support the Cascadia Forest Defenders website who are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest. Go here to donate to J20 political prisoner Dane Powell’s release fund. You can find the DropJ20 drop-the-charges call-in campaign here. The Nation published a really good article on the importance of supporting the J20 inauguration day defendants. For current information on how to support folks still facing charges from No Dakota Access Pipeline actions at Standing Rock, visit FreshetCollective.org. CrimethInc. “From Democracy to Freedom” presentations this week: Friday, October 27, 7 PM Wooden Shoe Books 704 South Street Philadelphia, PA Monday, October 30, 7 PM Lamplighter Coffee Roasters 26 N. Morris Street Richmond, VA 23220 To bring a CrimethInc. speaking event to your town, just email [email protected]. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: Episodes 36 and 39 of The Ex-Worker delve deep into the revolution in Rojava. Episodes 47 and 48 introduce the anarchist critique of democracy. The latest IGD Cast from ItsGoingDown.org has an interview with members of the CNT on the question of Catalan independence. Resonance audio-distro have an audiozine version of This Is Not A Dialogue. Not Just Free Speech but Freedom Itself. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: Catalunya: Facing Two Bad Options, Choose the Third. On the Showdown between Spain and Catalunya. This Is Not A Dialogue. Not Just Free Speech but Freedom Itself. To Change Everything The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Here is the October 2017 Political Prisoner Birthday Poster, which you can use to organize a letter writing night. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Political prisoner birthdays: Edward Goodman Africa #AM–4974 SCI Mahonoy 301 Morea Road Frackville, Pennsylvania 17932 {October 31}
10/25/2017 • 34 minutes, 7 seconds
The Hotwire #9: Puerto Rico—breaking with the state, J20 trials approach, ducks of the east
In this Hotwire we share the anti-fascist call from Florida to oppose Richard Spencer in Gainesville on October 19. We discuss the upcoming J20 trials in which nearly 200 protesters are charged with conspiracy for protesting the inauguration, as well as the outcome of the burning cop car case that just concluded in Paris. Considering the bullshit repression and liberal lawsuits in the wake of #Charlottesville, we make the case about why anti-fascism must mean anti-statism. We also borrow part of a great interview with Puerto Rican anarchist Frank Lopez on mutual relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Stay tuned until the end because we have some important calls to support political prisoners, calls to support forest defenders in Oregon, political prisoner birthdays, announcements for upcoming anarchist book fairs, and the repression roundup. {October 18, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:42} Puerto Rico: Mutual Aid vs. the State {11:35} Anti-Fascism means Anti-Statism {18:40} J20 Trials Start Soon {23:32} Next Week’s News {27:30} TOMORROW: Anti-fascists in Florida are calling for anti-racists to oppose Richard Spencer, who will speak at the University of Florida in Gainesville on Thursday, October 19. Check out this call to mobilize against white supremacists in Shelbyville, TN on October 28. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, check out this tour of pipeline saboteurs coming to a city near you: October 18th – Phoenix, OR Phoenix Branch Library 510 W 1st St, Phoenix, OR 97535 6:30 – 9:30 pm October 20th – Portland, OR First Congregational Church 1126 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205 7:00 – 9:00 pm Olympia, WA Date and Location TBD October 25th – Seattle, WA Pipsqueak Gallery 173 16th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 6:30 – 8:30 PM Upcoming anarchist book fairs: The Los Angeles Anarchist Book Fair takes place October 28 and 29 at Leimert Park Plaza. The London Anarchist Book Fair also takes place on Saturday, October 28 at Park View School. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign There’s a call to disrupt the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia from October 21 to 24, including a march starting at Thomas Paine Plaza at 10 AM on October 21. Read the call to action here.. They also have set up a bail fund that you can donate to for anyone who gets arrested protesting the IACP. The Unist’ot’en camp in so-called British Columbia could use your help building houses in the path of planned pipelines. Support the Cascadia Forest Defenders website who are fighting against the logging of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest. Fund an internationalist anti-fascist’s return from fighting in Rojava. You can find the DropJ20 drop-the-charges call-in campaign here. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: Episodes 36 and 39 of The Ex-Worker delve deep into the revolution in Rojava. Hotwire #8 describes the police-facilitated photo-op that fascists enjoyed in Charlottesville last week. IGDcast’s interview with Frank Lopez about Mutual Aid Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico. While not anarchist by any stretch of the imagination, The Gun Show episode of More Perfect has some good history on the origins of gun control as a tool for controlling black rebellion. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: The Poetry of Flames: French Tales of Arson The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Corrections & clarifications: In Hotwire #7 we stated that the Las Vegas shooting was the deadliest mass-shooting since the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. However, we discovered at least one other in the time since then. In 1898, white supremacists seized the city of Wilmington, North Carolina and massacred at least 60 black folks. Political prisoner support: Supporters of the anti-police brutality activist Reverend Joy Powell have organized a phone blast in support. Political Prisoner Seth Hayes is in urgent need of medical attention. His supporters are asking people to call the supervisor at Sullivan Correctional to demand that he be taken to Albany Medical Center as soon as possible. You can write Reverend Joy Powell at… Reverend Joy Powell 07G0632 Bedford Hills Correctional Facility P.O. Box 1000 Bedford Hills, NY 10507–2499 Here is the October 2017 Political Prisoner Birthday Poster, which you can use to organize a letter writing night. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Political prisoner birthdays: Jalil Muntaqim (Anthony Jalil Bottom) #77-A–4283 Sullivan Correctional Facility Post Office Box 116 Fallsburg, New York 12733–0116 Address envelope to Anthony Bottom, address card to Jalil {October 18}
10/18/2017 • 34 minutes
The Hotwire #8: #FuckColumbusDay, fascists return to Charlottesville, McCormick prison uprising
This week we bring you a slew of reports from anti-Columbus Day actions across so-called North America. We also fill you in on an inspiring prison uprising that took over McCormick prison in South Carolina. Prisoners even got on the roof! The political crisis in Catalonia continues, this week with violent fascist and pro-Spanish reaction. White supremacists descended on Charlottesville again this weekend, and there are some upcoming calls to anti-fascist action in the south, so listen until the end. Plus, we got all of our regular features like political prisoner birthdays, announcements for upcoming anarchist book fairs, and the repression roundup. {October 11, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:53} #FuckColumbusDay {6:40} Charlottesville Anti-Fascism Interview {12:20} The Opioid Crisis and White Despair {15:58} Repression Roundup {20:55} Prisoner Birthdays {24:55} Next Week’s News {25:47} Upcoming anarchist book fairs: The sixth annual anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile will take place on October 14 and 15. The Los Angeles Anarchist Bookfair takes place October 28 and 29 at Leimert Park Plaza. The London Anarchist Bookfair also takes place on Saturday, October 28 at Park View School. Alerta! Alerta! Anti-fascists in Florida are calling for anti-racists to oppose Richard Spencer, who will speak at the University of Florida in Gainesville on October 19. Unicorn Riot reports that up to half a million dollars may be spent on security for Spencer’s event, even though no one at the University of Florida has invited him to speak. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs Puerto Rico: Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign #FuckColumbusDay actions reportback found here. A must-read for this year’s Columbus Day is this article by Indigenous Action Media about the limitations of Indigenous People’s Day. Also check out the essay Resistance is Disaster Relief, published on Columbus Day by Mutual Aid Disaster Relief. Action items and reportback from the anti-fascists who opposed the white nationalist photo-op in Charlottesville, VA this weekend. Go here to donate to the bail and legal fund for those arrested in St. Louis after the no-guilty verdict for killer cop Jason Stockley. Go here for the bail fund for those arrested protesting the murder of queer anarchist Scout Schultz. We mention the new episode of Submedia’s excellent show Trouble. This month’s episode is on counter-insurgency. Submedia does great work, so throw them some taco money while they are fundraising this month. There’s a call to disrupt the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia from October 21 to 24, including a march starting at Thomas Paine Plaza at 10 AM on October 21. Read the call to action here.. You can find the DropJ20 drop-the-charges call-in campaign here. Freshet Collective is organizing legal support for the nearly 400 cases are still pending from Standing Rock. Natasha Lennard covers how 6 of the cases are nearly unprecedented federal charges faced by native activists. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: Episode 32 of The Ex-Worker, titled “White Supremacy and Capitalism, From 1492 to Ferguson.” Ex-Worker episode #56 about Charlottesville. Hotwire #4 has an interview with an anarchist DREAMer about how to support undocumented folks. Hotwire #5 covers the fatal police shooting of Scout Schultz, a queer anarchist Georgia Tech student. IGDcast’s Audio Report From CVille: Media & Police Facilitate Nazi Photo Op. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: How and Why to Organize Your Own Copwatch Group Green Scared? Preliminary Lessons of the Green Scare Catalunya: Facing Two Bad Options, Choose the Third. On the Showdown between Spain and Catalunya Democracy, Red in Tooth and Claw. On the Catalan Referendum: The Old State, a New State, or No State at All? From 15M to Podemos: The Regeneration of Spanish Democracy and the Maligned Promise of Chaos The Opioid Crisis: White Despair and the Scapegoating of People of Color Scout Schultz: Remembering Means Fighting. Mourning a Queer Activist and Anarchist Murdered by the Police The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available for bulk pre-orders. Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Video of the two baby piglets freed by Direct Action Everywhere this past summer. Corrections & clarifications: In our reporting on the neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement’s march in Gothenburg last week, we were ignorant of some pretty important details. Namely, the fact that they specifically chose to march on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur and that their originally proposed march route was chosen to pass by a synagogue, a clear act of intimidation, if not staging for an outright attack. Anti-Semitism is growing along with right-wing nationalism, and the targeting of Jewish sites and symbols is something anarchists should not ignore—not in the least because of the rich history of Jewish anarchism and anti-fascism! Check out this delightfully cheeky book review for a brief introduction to the history of Jewish anarchism. Here is the October 2017 Political Prisoner Birthday Poster, which you can use to organize a letter writing night. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Political prisoner birthdays: Robert Seth Hayes #74-A–2280 Sullivan Correctional Facility Post Office Box 116 Fallsburg, New York 12733–0116 {October 15} Jermaine Parker #1185800 MECC 18701 Old Highway 66 Pacific, MO 63069 {October 15}
10/11/2017 • 31 minutes, 52 seconds
The Hotwire #7: Community relief means abolishing capitalism; Catalonia: new state or no state?
This week we go on a bunch of rants. We rant about why no state is better than a new state in Catalonia. We rant about why anti-fascists should not allow the state to position itself as the principal force protecting people from Nazi violence. We rant about how mutual aid and community relief must mean opposition to capitalism and a redistribution of wealth. Rant rant rant! Rah rah rah! {October 4, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:42} Does Catalonian freedom mean a new state, or no state? {7:55} Is fascist violence terrorism, or just plain old fascism? {14:20} Mutual aid means abolishing capitalism {18:57} Repression Roundup {24:45} Anarchist Podcast Jingles {27:47} Prisoner Birthdays {29:42} Next Week’s News {31:05} Upcoming anarchist bookfairs: The sixth annual anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile will take place on October 14 and 15. Grassroots relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs Puerto Rico: Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Go here. to donate to the bail and legal fund for those arrested in St. Louis after the no-guilty verdict for killer cop Jason Stockley. The Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement’s call to deface Columbus Day on October 9 has a dope video here. We mention the new episode of Submedia’s excellent show Trouble. This month’s episode is on counter-insurgency. Submedia does great work, so throw them some taco money while they are fundraising this month. There’s a call to disrupt the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia from October 21 to 24., including a march starting at Thomas Paine Plaza at 10 AM on October 21. Read the call to action here.. Alerta! Alerta! Anti-fascists in Florida are calling for anti-racists to oppose Richard Spencer, who will speak at the University of Florida in Gainesville on October 19. You can find the DropJ20 drop-the-charges call-in campaign here. Donate to the Counter Repression Spokes Ride to support the nearly 200 people facing 8 or more felonies each after being mass-arrested at protests of the presidential inauguration. Keep up with the latest at defendj20resistance.org. Consider coming down to DC to pack the courtroom during the first trial at the end of November 2017. And don’t forget to write a letter to political prisoner Dane Powell, the first of the J20 defendants to serve time. He recently wrote a call to moibilize support for the remaining 194 J20 defendants. Write Dane a letter: Dane Powell BOP Register number 82015007 Federal Correctional Institution – Low PO Box 1031 Colman, Florida 33521 Learn more about the difficult situation anarchists in Belarus are in through Anarchist Black Cross Belarus. Freshet Collective is organizing legal support for the 414 cases are still pending from Standing Rock. Natasha Lennard covers how 6 of the cases are nearly unprecedented federal charges faced by native activists. Go here to find out about the anti-nuclear camp in Bure, France happening on October 21 and 22. The video and reportback from the anarchist disruption of a fundamentalist Christian conference in Australia. Friends and family Black Panther Party political prisoner Herman Bell are asking for people to email the New York Department of Corrections after Herman was viciously beaten by guards. Comrade Malik is facing retaliation from prison staff for prisoner organizing, and is asking supporters to email the Texas Ombudsman to prevent any further action being taken against him. Video of badgers being liberated in the UK! ICYMI: So many police were concentrated in Catalonia that in Madrid, 86 migrants took advantage of the shortage of police and escaped from an immigrant detention center. As we go to press, 47 of them are still free! Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: Ex-Worker episode #56 about Charlottesville. Hotwire #3 has an interview with an anarchist DREAMer about how to support undocumented folks. The anarchist podcast Bilda Kedjor (break the chains) out of Sweden has great stuff! Their podcast is in Swedish, but the interviews are in English. Definitely worth a listen. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: Anarchists on the Catalan Referendum: Three Perspectives from the Streets The Rise of Neo-Fascism in Germany: Alternative für Deutschland Enters the Parliament After the Crest: What to Do while the Dust Is Settling Get your pre-orders in now for the 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, Crimethinc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Single copies of the calendar will be available for purchase in a few weeks. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Political prisoner birthdays: (For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross.) Jamil Al-Amin #99974–555 USP Tuscon Post Office Box 24550 Tuscon, Arizona 85734 {October 4} David Gilbert #83-A–6158 Wende Correctional Facility 3040 Wende Road Alden, New York 14004–1187 {October 6} Michael Davis Africa #AM–4973 SCI Graterford Post Office Box 244 Graterford, Pennsylvania 19426–0244 {October 6} Meral Smith* #16–024 Saguaro Correctional Center 1252 East Arica Road Eloy, Arizona 85131 *Address letter to Malik (Smith) {October 8}
10/4/2017 • 35 minutes, 28 seconds
The Hotwire #6: St. Louis stays rebel, mutual aid relief continues, ‘free speech’ has no meaning
This week we have a ton of headlines about rebellion and cooperation, resistance and mutual aid, from all over the world. Protests in St. Louis continue into their second week after the not guilty verdict for a white cop who viciously murdered Anthony Lamar Smith, a young black father. We weigh in on the chatter about whether the NFL #TakeAKnee protests are about white supremacy or the first amendment. Meanwhile, the so-called “free speech week” hosted by far-right students in Berkeley has utterly failed. The mutual aid relief efforts we’ve covered in Texas and Florida still need support, as well as in Mexico and Puerto Rico after the earthquakes and hurricanes there. {September 27, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:28} Repression Roundup {22:15} Anarchist Podcast Jingles {25:18} Prisoner Birthdays {26:59} Next Week’s News {28:35} Upcoming anarchist book fairs: The fourth annual Radical Book Fair in Gothenburg, Sweden from September 28 to October 1. That same weekend, the neo-Nazi Nordic Resistance Movement will try to march through Gothenburg. Read the anti-fascist call to action here. The sixth annual anarchist book and propaganda gathering in Santiago, Chile will take place on October 14 and 15. Grassroots relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs Puerto Rico: Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund Get your pre-orders in now for the 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Single copies of the calendar will be available for purchase in a few weeks. Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. For current information on how to support folks still facing charges from No Dakota Access Pipeline actions at Standing Rock, visit FreshetCollective.org to find out how to help and for their comprehensive update on NoDAPL cases. It’s also worth reading this great piece by Natasha Lennard on the courtroom battles that Water Protectors are now facing. Cop cars on fire in France. Cop cars getting crushed in Illinois. Go here. to donate to the bail and legal fund for those arrested in St. Louis after the no-guilty verdict for killer cop Jason Stockley. For an in-depth anarchist critique of “free speech,” check out the essay This Is Not A Dialogue. The Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement’s call to deface Columbus Day on October 9 has a dope video here. We mention the upcoming new episode of Submedia’s excellent show Trouble. This month’s episode is on counter-insurgency. Submedia does great work, so throw them some taco money while they are fundraising this month. From Submedia: “The straw that finally broke the camel’s back was when alt-right shitlords targeted us last month with a mass snitching campaign, and successfully got Paypal to cancel our account – wiping out, in the push of a button, a monthly sustainer base that had taken us ten years to build up. The time has come to #BringBackStim and unleash him full-force on these fucks. We want to give him a new show – a weekly digital pulpit where he can expose and ruthlessly antagonize far-right personalities, while also covering topical news segments from an anarchist lens. But in order to do that, we need to grow our collective so that we can handle the increased workload. And in order to do that, we need your support.” If you’re near Vancouver, BC, there’s a building materials supply drive going on until October to support the Secwepemc people’s tiny homes blockade of the proposed Kinder Morgan TransMountain tar sands pipeline. The Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons is going international with a UK roadshow this fall, from September 28 to October 6. There’s a call to disrupt the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia from October 21st to the 24th. Read the call to action here.. Donate to the Counter Repression Spokes Ride to support the nearly 200 people facing 8 or more felonies each after being mass-arrested at protests of the presidential inauguration. Keep up with the latest at defendj20resistance.org. Consider coming down to DC to pack the courtroom during the first trial at the end of November 2017. You can also find action items at DropJ20.org. And don’t forget to write a letter to political prisoner Dane Powell, the first of the J20 defendants to serve time. He recently wrote a letter to all of us. This video shows Dane’s courage on the streets that day. Write Dane a letter: Dane Powell BOP Register number 82015007 Federal Correctional Institution – Low PO Box 1031 Colman, Florida 33521 Ex-Worker podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: #37 is all about the Hambacher forest occupation. #41 has an in-depth interview with an anarchist from the anti-Fenix anti-repression crew in the Czech Republic. #17 has an in-depth interview with an anarchist supporter of King J from the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation. Hotwires #3 and #4 have interviews with anarchists doing autonomous relief work in Texas and Florida, respectively. The Final Straw’s interview with Yellow Hammer Alternative, an Alabama-based far-left group doing mutual aid support along the Gulf Coast. The Final Straw’s interview on the Catalonian independence referendum on October 1. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Political prisoner birthdays: Brian McCarvill #11037967 Snake River CI 777 Stanton Blvd Ontario, OR 97914–8335 {September 27th} Jorge P. Cornell #28152–057 FCI Petersburg Medium P.O. Box 1000 Petersburg, VA 23804 {September 29} Joshua Stafford* #57976–060 USP McCreary Post Office Box 3000 Pine Knot, Kentucky 42635 *Please address card/letter to Skelly, envelope to Joshua Stafford {October 3rd} Here is this month’s Political Prisoner Birthday Calendar.
9/27/2017 • 34 minutes, 40 seconds
The Hotwire #5: St. Louis against the cops, Struggalos, & cops kill queer student Scout Schultz
This week we speak with two folks who’ve been active on the street of St. Louis since white ex-cop Jason Stockley was let off for the murder of black father Anthony Lamar Smith. We also remember Scout Schultz, a 21-year-old queer student organizer killed on Saturday by Georgia Tech police. There’s lots of reports from anti-fascist actions, with a particularly woop-worthy one from the Juggalo March this past weekend in Washington, D.C. At the end we announce some anarchist book fairs and upcoming actions against the alt-right in Berkeley and neo-nazis in Sweden. {September 20, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:55} Feature: Report from the streets of St. Louis after the Stockley verdict {12:13} Repression Roundup {23:25} Prisoner Birthdays {27:35} Next Week’s News {29:00} Upcoming anarchist bookfairs: The Radical Book Fair pavillion at the Baltimore Book Festival September 22–24. The Houston Anarchist Book Fair on September 24 located at MECA, 1900 Kane St., Houston, Texas. The fourth annual Radical Book Fair in Gothenburg, Sweden from September 28 to October 1. That same weekend, the neo-nazi Nordic Resistance Movement will try to march through Gothenburg. Read the anti-fascist call to action here. The alt-right’s so-called “free speech” week begins Monday at UC Berkeley. In response, there are actions planned against white supremacy and nationalism. Saturday, September 23: March Against White Supremacy Noon at 63rd and Adeline in Berkeley Monday, September 25: Rally Against White Supremacy Noon at Crescent Lawn The FBI has been visiting anarchists and others lately in North Carolina. There’s not better time than the present to brush up on what to do if the FBI approaches you to talk, or even if the police knock on your door. Print out this handy .PDF poster and hang it by your front door so you’ll have an easy reference in the case of an unwanted visitor from the state. Get your pre-orders in now for the 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, Crimethinc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. Go here. to donate to the bail and legal fund for those arrested in St. Louis after the no-guilty verdict for killer cop Jason Stockley. Bail funds are also needed for people arrested at a memorial march for Scout Schultz, the 21-year-old queer student organizer killed by Georgia Tech police. We mention Submedia’s excellent show Trouble, which has an upcoming episode this month on counter-insurgency. They do great work, so throw them some taco money while they are fundraising this month. From Submedia: “After years of suffering the Stimulator’s taco farts in silence, we’d reached our limits. Plus, we wanted to shift gears and embark on an ambitious new project – a monthly documentary series called Trouble, intended to be screened collectively as a tool to help spark critical conversations around local organizing. So when we pitched the idea to Stim and he refused to go along with this new direction, we decided he had to go. Well… turns out we fucked up. It’s not that we regret launching Trouble, or have any plans to stop making new episodes. Far from it. We’ve received tons of positive feedback on the project, and are stoked to see trouble-makers have started dozens of screening collectives in cities across the world. What we didn’t realize was exactly how much work goes into producing a 30 minute interview-driven documentary every month, and how little time that would leave us for our other projects. So, suffice to say… we’ve been reconsidering our decision for some time now. But the straw that finally broke the camel’s back was when alt-right shitlords targeted us last month with a mass snitching campaign, and successfully got Paypal to cancel our account – wiping out, in the push of a button, a monthly sustainer base that had taken us ten years to build up. The time has come to #BringBackStim and unleash him full-force on these fucks. We want to give him a new show – a weekly digital pulpit where he can expose and ruthlessly antagonize far-right personalities, while also covering topical news segments from an anarchist lens. But in order to do that, we need to grow our collective so that we can handle the increased workload. And in order to do that, we need your support.” If you’re near Vancouver, BC, there’s a building materials supply drive going on until October to support the Secwepemc people’s tiny homes blockade of the proposed Kinder Morgan TransMountain tar sands pipeline. Here is a Unicorn Riot livestream of direct action against the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline in Wisconsin, in which someone locked down to a flipped over car to halt construction. The Campaign to Fight Toxic Prisons is going international with a UK roadshow this fall, from September 28 to October 6. There’s a call to disrupt the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia from October 21st to the 24th. Read the call to action here.. A bunch of calls to support political prisoners were made last week, but are still needed: 69 year old Black Panther Party political prisoner Herman Bell was (assaulted by guards](https://itsgoingdown.org/political-prisoner-herman-bell-assaulted-guards/). Please write Herman a get-well card at his new address: Herman Bell #79-C–0262 Five Points Correctional Facility P.O. Box 119 Romulus, N.Y. 14541 Anarchist, disabled, latinx prisoner Coyote Acabo is in need of fundraising and letters. Please write him at: Coyote Acabo #316348 YJC Yakima Co. Dept. Corrections 111 N Front Street Yakima WA 98901 Ramsey Orta is coming up on one year of incarceration after the NYPD retaliated against him for filming Eric Garner’s death in 2014. Please send Ramsey some letters to let him know we have his back. You can use this online form or his inmate address: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 Franklin Correctional Facility P.O. Box 10 Malone, New York 12953–0010 We’re two months out from the first trials in the unprecedented J20 case. There are various ways to support the nearly 200 people facing 8 or more felonies each after being mass-arrested at protests of the presidential inauguration. Keep up with the latest at defendj20resistance.org. Consider coming down to DC to pack the courtroom during the first trial at the end of November 2017. You can also find action items at DropJ20.org. And don’t forget to write a letter to political prisoner Dane Powell, the first of the J20 defendants to serve time. This video shows Dane’s courage on the streets that day. Write Dane a letter: Dane Powell BOP Register number 82015007 Federal Correctional Institution - Low PO Box 1031 Colman, Florida 33521 {September 7} For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Political prisoner birthdays: Steven Martin #01141003 ERDCC 2727 Highway K. Bonne Terre, MO 63628 {September 22nd} Greg Curry #213–159 Ohio State Penitentiary 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd Youngstown OH 44505–4635 {September 26th} Here is this month’s Political Prisoner Birthday Calendar.
9/20/2017 • 33 minutes, 45 seconds
The Hotwire #4: Autonomous Hurricane Irma relief, DREAMer resistance, prisoners need our support
This week we speak with Dezeray, an anarchist involved in Mutual Aid Disaster Relief organizing in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Next, we interview Sam, an anarchist DACA recipient, about undocumented youth resistance. A number of political prisoners are in urgent need of support. Victorious striking workers show that direct action gets the goods. We remember Attica, the September 11 military coup in Chile, and Charlottesville. At the end we announce some anarchist book fairs and the Juggalo March on Washington. {September 13, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:25} Feature: Autonomous relief after Hurricane Harvey {7:25} Interview with an anarchist DACA recipient {15:30} Repression Roundup {22:55} Prisoner Birthdays {26:55} Next Week’s News {28:30} We interview an anarchist in Florida with Mutual Aid Disaster Relief. You can get the latest updates on autonomously organized relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma from their website and their facebook page. No Walls No Borders is also organizing in Florida after Irma. If you’re undocumented and want to get involved in DREAMer activism, check out the United We Dream site to find a group near you. Back in February, CrimethInc. published a text titled “What Would it Take to Stop the Raids?” that seems even more pressing now that the president has announced the end of DACA. We also have new anti-border stickers and posters you can print or order, and a new book titled “No Wall They Can Build,” which charts 10 years of migrant-solidarity work along the US-Mexico border. Upcoming anarchist bookfairs: The Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair in Oakland, CA on September 16 at Omni Commons, 4799 Shattuck Ave, Oakland, California 94609. The Radical Book Fair pavillion at the Baltimore Book Festival September 22–24. The Houston Anarchist Book Fair on September 24 located at MECA, 1900 Kane St., Houston, Texas. The Insane Clown Posse released a useful promo for what to expect at the Juggalo March on Washington this Saturday, September 16. The promo complains about Juggalos not being able to join the military, which might turn some anarchists and radicals off from showing solidarity. The IWW’s General Defense Committee and Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee’s joint statement supporting the march argues that we should support the anti-repression efforts of Juggalos even though not every juggalo’s politics will be perfectly in line with anarchism. Join a Running Down the Walls 5K fundraiser on September 17. Find out about runs near you here. Get your pre-orders in now for the 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, Crimethinc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. There’s a call to disrupt the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Philadelphia from October 21st to the 24th. Read the call to action here. Past Ex-Worker episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: #29: Anarchism in Chile, Part I: From Popular Power to Social War #30: Anarchism in Chile, Part II #50: The History and Future of Prison Strikes and Solidarity #58: Not Your Grandparents’ Antifascism We also mention The Chicago Conspiracy documentary about contemporary revolt in Chile and the recent interview with a Chilean anarchist that we published for the anniversary of September 11. For more anarchist podcasts, check out the excellent weekly anarchist radio show The Final Straw to hear anarchist prisoner Sean Swain’s irreverent and lively radio productions. You can find out about a whole bunch of other anarchist podcasts through the new anarchist podcast network Channel Zero. Check out these reflections on last year’s National Prison Strike, organized in large part by the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee of the IWW. We mention that almost 100,000 prisoners in Florida were not evacuated and left to the mercy of Hurricane Irma. Supporters organized a phone zap for September 9, but it’s probably still a good idea to keep the pressure on and let the prison staff know that we are monitoring their inaction and that we stand with our incarcerated brothers and sisters on the inside. A similar phone zap was organized for prisoners outside of Houston after Hurricane Harvey, and it’s probably still a good idea to keep the pressure on there as well. A bunch of calls to support political prisoners have been made this week: 69 year old Black Panther Party political prisoner Herman Bell was (assaulted by guards](https://itsgoingdown.org/political-prisoner-herman-bell-assaulted-guards/). Please write Herman a get-well card at his new address: Herman Bell #79-C–0262 Five Points Correctional Facility P.O. Box 119 Romulus, N.Y. 14541 Anarchist, disabled, latinx prisoner Coyote Acabo is in need of fundraising and letters. Please write him at: Coyote Acabo #316348 YJC Yakima Co. Dept. Corrections 111 N Front Street Yakima WA 98901 Ramsey Orta is coming up on one year of incarceration after the NYPD retaliated against him for filming Eric Garner’s death in 2014. Please send Ramsey some letters to let him know we have his back. You can use this online form or his inmate address: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 Franklin Correctional Facility P.O. Box 10 Malone, New York 12953–0010 We mention Dane Powell’s courage on the streets of DC during Trump’s inauguration. This video spells it out. 196 of Dane’s codefendants are still pending trial, check out DefendJ20Resistance.org to learn more. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Political prisoner birthdays: Sean Swain #243–205 Warren CI P.O. Box 120 Lebanon, Ohio 45036 {September 12} Leonard Peltier #89637–132 USP Coleman I Post Office Box 1033 Coleman, Florida 33521 {September 12} Here is this month’s Political Prisoner Birthday Calendar.
9/13/2017 • 33 minutes, 6 seconds
#58: Not Your Grandparents’ Antifascism
In episode #56, we covered the repercussions of the violent showdown that took place between fascists and counter-demonstrators in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12. The month since then has seen massive anti-fascist demonstrations around the US and a backlash in which liberal “centrists” have joined the far right in attempting to portray those who resist fascism as being no better than the fascists who murdered Heather Heyer in Charlottesville in the course attempting to bring about another Holocaust. In this episode, we back up a bit to offer some background on contemporary fascism and the struggle against it, refute hostile propaganda from the corporate media, and present some points of departure from which to strategize the future of the anti-fascist movement. Along the way, we hear from author Mark Bray, debunk myths about “free speech,” and break up with Noam Chomsky, who helped get some of us into this stuff but is really losing his grip in his old age. This episode includes complete audio versions of several important texts that have appeared on crimethinc.com recently, including “Not Your Grandfather’s Antifascism,” “Why We Fought in Charlottesville,” and the interview “Squaring off against Fascism: Critical Reflections from the Front Lines.” {September 12, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Excerpts from Ex-Worker Episode 11 {2:03} It’s Over, Noam {9:30} Essay: ‘Myths about Antifa’ by Spencer Sunshine {15:47} Free Speech FAQ {17:49} Democracy Now Interview with Mark Bray {25:56} CrimethInc. Essay: Why We Fought in Charlottesville {36:52} CrimethInc. Essay: Squaring off against Fascism {46:29} CrimethInc. Essay: Not Your Grandfather’s Antifascism {1:06:06} Conclusion {1:32:11} We included excerpts from our discussion of fascism and anti-fascism from Ex-Worker Episode 11; we’d recommend revisiting that episode for an analysis of contemporary fascism and the resistance anarchists have mounted to it, including the history of Anti-Racist Action. The episode also contains interviews with One People’s Project and New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Spencer Sunshine’s “Debunking the 3 Biggest Myths About Antifa” is an essay we quote at length in this episode to point out some of the ways that anti-fascist action in Charlottesville and around the country has helped shut down fascist organizing. We included an excerpt of our Free Speech FAQ from Ex-Worker Episode 12; check out this episode in full for a look into how anarchists fought against Franco in the Spanish Revolution and beyond, as well as interview with Occupied London about fascism and resistance in Greece, as well as some lively anti-fascist movie reviews. Mark Bray just published a new book, Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook. In this episode, we excerpt from a great two-part interview he did with Democracy Now. Part 1 / Part 2 This episode includes complete audio versions of several important texts that have appeared on crimethinc.com recently, including “Not Your Grandfather’s Antifascism,” “Why We Fought in Charlottesville,” and the interview “Squaring off against Fascism: Critical Reflections from the Front Lines.” Tune into The Hotwire, our new 20–30 minute weekly anarchist newscast. New episodes premier every Wednesday this fall.
9/12/2017 • 1 hour, 33 minutes, 23 seconds
#57: Reports from the G20 in Hamburg
Welcome back to the Ex-Worker! Our topic this time is a look at the recent G20 protests in Hamburg, Germany. This summer’s G20 saw some of the most pitched clashes to occur in Northern Europe in years. Despite bringing the full force of one of the world’s most powerful governments to bear against the population, the authorities were unable to repress the courageous revolt of the people of Hamburg and the opponents of the G20. Tune in for first-person accounts of what happened on the ground, from the comrades who were there. {September 8, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ You can read our full report on the G20 protests, Don’t Try to Break Us—We’ll Explode, complete with extensive video footage, citations, hyperlinks, further reading, and additional maps and photographs. The text of the report is available as a zine you can print and distribute where you live. You can also print out our poster celebrating the G20 resistance, “Everyone dreams of a better world—our crime is making it a reality.”
9/8/2017 • 34 minutes, 1 second
The Hotwire #3: Hurricane Harvey responses, Labor Day vs. May Day, and DACA
This episode we bring you an overview, and an interview, about the anarchist and autonomously organized relief efforts in response to Hurricane Harvey. -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:14} Feature: Autonomous relief after Hurricane Harvey {14:15} Repression Roundup {23:29} Prisoner Birthdays {24:50} Next Week’s News {25:50} Hurricane Harvey grassroots relief efforts: You can donate to Bayou Action Street Health here or consult their resource wishlist. You can also contact them directly via [email protected]. Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, and Houston Food Not Bombs are all coordinating relief efforts as well. Protests against the rollback of DACA are taking place across the country as we go to press. We have a downloadable poster against borders here. Despite the liberal blowback against antifascism in the media, some principled pieces have been written defending antifascism and debunking the lies about the movement. Spencer Sunshine’s “Debunking the 3 Biggest Myths About Antifa” is particularly good. “Why it’s just bonkers to compare fascists to the activists trying to stop them,” “Waiting for a Perfect Protest?,” and “Liberals enable white power by lazily attacking Antifa” have some interesting points too. For the best overview of where antifascism is at strategically, check out the CrimethInc. text “Not Your Grandfather’s Antifascism Anti-Fascism Has Arrived. Here’s Where It Needs to Go.” To brush up on anarchist arguments about the question of free speech for fascists, check out this essay and FAQ. Consult this list of targets for a week of actions against the oil lobby, in solidarity with the fight against Junex in Gaspesie: going on right now until September 10th. Rose City Antifa have put out a call for community defense against a Patriot Prayer rally on September 10th in Portland, OR. We mention Dane Powell’s courage on the streets of DC during Trump’s inauguration. This video spells it out. 196 of Dane’s codefendants are still pending trial, check out DefendJ20Resistance.org to learn more. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. If you’re near Asheville, North Carolina, show some love for anti-authoritarian students during their Radical Rush Week this week. Upcoming prisoner birthdays: Dane Powell BOP Register number 82015007 Federal Correctional Institution - Low PO Box 1031 Colman, Florida 33521 {September 7} Leonard Peltier #89637–132 USP Coleman I Post Office Box 1033 Coleman, Florida 33521 {September 12}
9/6/2017 • 31 minutes, 13 seconds
The Hotwire #2: Antifascism after Charlottesville, Grand Jury Resistance, and Eclipsing the Empire
Welcome to the first episode of The Hotwire! Our feature for this episode covers the upswing in antifascist action post-Charlottesville. We also bring you an interview from Hurricane Harvey, The Hotwire horoscope, and news of resistance and rebellion from around the world. Listen until the end for prisoner birthdays and announcements of upcoming anarchist events and bookfairs. -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Solidarity efforts for Hurricane Harvey {1:10} Headlines {4:42} Feature: Antifascism after #Charlottesville {8:29} Repression Roundup {24:45} Prisoner Birthdays {29:45} Next Week’s News {31:14} Hurricane Harvey grassroots relief efforts: You can donate to Bayou Action Street Health here or consult their resource wishlist. You can also contact them directly via [email protected]. Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, and Houston Food Not Bombs are all coordinating relief efforts as well. Legal fund for anti-fracking arrestee Freddy Stoneypoint. Security culture! Learn to protect your communications, protect yourself from doxxing, and how to respond when police come knocking. For a comprehensive list of resources on resisting grand juries, check out NCResistsTheGrandJury.com We speak about felony riot charges being used from DC to New Orleans to Durham this year. For more on the use of riot charges to suppress resistance, check out Natasha Lennard’s wonderful article “How the Government Is Turning Protesters Into Felons” We also mention Dane Powell’s courage on the streets of DC during Trump’s inauguration. This video spells it out. 196 of Dane’s codefendants are still pending trial, check out DefendJ20Resistance.org to learn more. For a good introduction to writing prisoners, check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. If you’re near Asheville, North Carolina, show some love for anti-authoritarians during their Radical Rush Week next week. If you’re near Chapel Hill, their Radical Rush Week calendar can be found here. Upcoming prisoner birthdays: Ronald Reed #2195311 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City 7600 525th Street Rush City, Minnesota 55069–2265 {August 31} Alexander Irwin #2016012934 St. Louis County Jail P.O. Box 16060 Clayton, MO 63105 {September 5} Please note that Alexander is pre-trial. Do not write about illegal activity and assume that any charges from the state are alleged and falsely accused. Brian Vaillancourt M42889 Robinson Correctional Center 13423 East 1150th Avenue Robinson, Illinois 62454 {September 5} Dane Powell BOP Register number 82015007 Federal Correctional Institution - Low PO Box 1031 Colman, Florida 33521 {September 7}
8/30/2017 • 33 minutes, 51 seconds
#56: Charlottesville - Triumph & Tragedy in the Struggle Against Fascism
On August 12th, 2017, a massive alt-right and neo-Nazi rally took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. While a large counter-demonstration successfully confronted the fascists, one drove a car into a crowd of protestors, killing at least one and injuring many more. In this special report from the Ex-Worker, we hear the story of the Charlottesville demonstrations from anarchists who put their bodies on the line to stop fascism. This episode includes context and background to understand how the organizing took place, narratives from the streets, and reflections on lessons learned and the state of our struggles moving forward. We also share essays analyzing what we need to do to fight fascism, how the right wing built their murderous momentum, and what their war on protest tells us about the threat to their agenda posed by our resistance. We dedicate this episode to the memory of Heather Heyer, who died at the hands of a fascist this weekend, and to the commitment we share to fighting by any means necessary to ensure that this never happens again. {August 14, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Background to the Charlottesville Demonstrations {2:02} Interview: An Anonymous Anarchist of Color on the Charlottesville Demonstrations {12:15} Essay: “Charlottesville and the Rise of Fascism in the USA: What We Need to Do” {36:47} Interview: Two Virginia Anarchists on the Charlottesville Demonstrations {47:37} Essay: “One Dead in Charlottesville: Why the Right Can Kill Us Now” {1:21:59} Essay: “From J20 to Charlottesville: Repressing Protest From Above and Below” {1:25:40} Conclusion {1:38:24} Check this ongoing list of solidarity actions around the world to find a way to get involved in remembering Charlottesville and resisting fascism. Here are links to some of the various solidarity and medical support funds our comrades have vouched for, if you want to make a donation: Dre Harris Medical Fund, Memorial fund by the Democratic Socialists of America, Heather Heyer’s Family, #DefendCville Med Fund, VA Youth Rally Victims; Help Queers Defend Cville, SolidarityCville, Natalie Romero Medical Fund, Alexis and Noelle Morris Medical Fund, Black Lives Matter Charlottesville, Black Student Alliance at UVA, Tracye Redd, The Women’s Initiative Cville, Allie’s Fund We shared two essays originally published on the CrimethInc. blog: “Charlottesville and the Rise of Fascism in the USA: What We Need to Do” and “One Dead in Charlottesville: Why the Right Can Kill Us Now.” We also included a short excerpt from our discussion of resistance to white supremacy in Episode 40; we’d recommend revisiting that episode for background on the anti-police and anti-racist rebellions of 2014–2015. Now is an important time to show support for your local antifa group or project, and to show up when they call to confront white supremacists and fascists. The folks at Three Way Fight have assembled this vouched list of trustworthy antifa resources and groups. Beware, however, of signing up for just any antifa feed—many of them are fake accounts used to doxx genuinely antifascist newcomers to the movement. For a reportback on the July 8th anti-KKK demo in Charlottesville that preceded the August 12th rally, see this episode of The Final Straw. If you’d like to learn more about fascism and the history of anarchist opposition to it, check out the Ex-Worker’s Episode 11 and Episode 12. Historian James Loewen has explored the true history of Confederate monuments, and the brutal histories they represent, in his books Lies My Teacher Told Me and Lies Across America. Here’s more info about The Hotwire, our forthcoming weekly anarchist newscast.
8/14/2017 • 1 hour, 40 minutes, 4 seconds
The Hotwire #1: A Preview of Our New Weekly Anarchist News Show
So, this isn’t quite the Ex-Worker, and I’m not Clara or Alanis. I’m here to tell you about the Ex-Worker’s new anarchist news show, the Hotwire, with me, the Rebel Girl. We’ll have new episodes coming out every Wednesday this fall. The last year has been one of the craziest years for anarchist struggle in our lifetime. Black blocs, prison uprisings, warrior camps and anti-pipeline sabotage, antifascist clashes with nationalists and the alt-right—we’ve been doxxed, shot, stabbed, raided, arrested and imprisoned, we’ve been put on blast by the president himself, but resistance is still catching on like wildfire. With so much happening, it can be difficult to get caught up with the latest important news while still surviving capitalism’s daily grind. However, being informed and up-to-date is crucial for our resistance to be effective. That’s why we’re bringing you The Hotwire, a weekly 20–30 minute anarchist news show that comes out every Wednesday this fall. We’ll have the latest resistance news, along with repression round-ups, political prisoner birthdays, and announcements for upcoming activities that you can tap into in real life. We’re making this podcast not only for you to better consume the news, but for you to better act on it too. For those of you who miss The Ex-Worker, don’t fret, they’ll be back periodically with their wonderful full-length episodes on anarchist ideas and history, but unfortunately the latest upswing in activity has meant that Clara and Alanis have had their hands full with other revolutionary obligations. In the meantime, we hope that you’ll tune into The Hotwire. Our first season will launch on August 30th and last until December, then we’ll pick back up in the spring. As always, we encourage submissions and feedback. Get in touch with us at [email protected]. You can subscribe to the show for free via iTunes, Pocket Casts, or Overcast. We’re a co-conspirator in the Channel Zero anarchist podcast network. You can also listen to new episodes for free on our website, Crimethinc.com, where you’ll find the full archive of past Ex-Worker episodes. Stay informed. Stay rebel. Plug into The Hotwire.
8/11/2017 • 2 minutes, 56 seconds
#55: The J20 Protests and Beyond: Anarchists Bring in the Trump Era
January 20th, 2017 saw perhaps the fiercest resistance to ever take place at an American presidential inauguration. Episode 55 of The Ex-Worker podcast surveys the day’s momentous protests in DC and beyond, mass media reactions to anarchist resistance, and lessons for the future of radical protest. We begin with an interview with an organizer from Disrupt J20, evaluating the blockades, marches, and disruptions, commenting on state and right-wing repression, reflecting on the spokescouncil model, and sharing visions for the future, as well as info on how to support the 200-plus comrades arrested in the streets that day. Our friends at Agency, an anarchist media relations project, share a detailed report on mass media coverage of the demonstrations and of anarchists and anarchism over the past weeks, including plenty of hilarious quotes and clips. From an anonymous arrestee from DC’s J20 protests, we offer an analysis of how to make the best of mass arrests. We then share reports from a few of the hundreds of protests and actions that took place outside of Washington, DC on January 20th, including arrests leading to serious charges against anarchists in New Orleans and the shooting of an antifascist protestor in Seattle. The episode wraps up with an analysis about how to “Take the Offensive: Moving from Protest to Resistance”. All this, plus news, prisoner birthdays, updates from international struggles, and plenty more! -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} The Hot Wire {6:55} Interview with Disrupt J20 Organizer {12:30} Legal Support for DC J20 Arrestees{31:56} Agency on Anarchists in the Mass Media {35:21} “Making the Best of Mass Arrests: 12 Lessons from the Kettle During the J20 Protests” {1:04:02} J20 Protests Beyond Washington, DC {1:25:55} “Take the Offensive: Moving from Protest to Resistance” {1:42:15} International Updates and Calls for Solidarity {1:54:32} Prisoner Birthdays {2:00:38} Conclusion {2:01:27} Support the folks arrested in the streets on January 20th at the counter-inaugural protests! Check out this video produced by SubMedia that lays out the situation, and donate to the bail and legal support funds at disruptj20.org/legal-fund/. We shared two recently published texts in this episode: “Making the Best of Mass Arrests: 12 Lessons from the Kettle During the J20 Protests”, and “Take the Offensive: Moving from Protest to Resistance”. We also shared an excerpt from Disrupt J20’s blog post, "Fuck Yeah We Disrupted It! Our friends over at Agency, an anarchist media relations project, produced the comprehensive overview of mass media coverage of anarchism on J20 and beyond. Stay posted to their site for updates on anarchist appearances in the mass media, and drop them a line if you’re interested in being part of their Not Just In the Streets: Anarchists in the Media speaker’s bureau. Fifteen people identified in the mass media as anarchists face serious charges after a January 20th march in New Orleans. Check out this online fundraiser for New Orleans J20 arrestees. For reflections on the shooting of an anarchist protestor by a right-wing troll in Seattle, check out the CrimethInc. piece “What Counts As Violence? Why the Right Can Shoot Us Now”, which appeared shortly after the shooting. Supporters from the IWW have put up a fundraising page to raise money for the medical costs of our injured comrade; we’ve got the link posted on our website. For links to all the the reportbacks we cited during the “J20 Beyond DC” section, check the full transcript. Comrades from the Greek anarchist radio project Radio Fragmata have announced a new initiative of solidarity for anarchist and anti-authoritarian prisoners; to support or find out more, contact them at radiofragmata[at]espiv[dot]net. Comrades from the Hambacher Forest occupation in Germany have issued a call for supporters around the world to prepare an anti-repression response](http://hambachforest.blogsport.de/2017/02/09/call-for-anti-repression-response/) at German embassies and offices of the energy corporation RWE, in case of an anticipated eviction of forest tree sits and a meadow encampment. To learn more about the years-long struggle to defend one of Germany’s ancient forests against brown coal mining, visit HambachForest.blogsport.de, or listen to our audio documentary about the occupation in Episode 37. The G20 summit will be meeting in Hamburg, Germany; see this video on our website made by activists who are planning to disrupt it for info. Folks at the ZAD are raising funds for an herbal medicine clinic at the anti-airport occupation in western France. Email plantesmedicinaleszad[at]riseup[dot]net for more info. To hear an interview with a resident of the ZAD, check out Episode 14 on squatting. Recent and upcoming prisoner birthdays: Veronza Bowers, Jr. 35316–136 USP Atlanta Post Office Box 150160 Atlanta, Georgia 30315 {February 4th} Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) #0001150688 Augusta State Medical Prison, Building 13A–2 E7 3001 Gordon Highway Grovetown, Georgia 30813 Address envelope to Freddie Hilton, address card to Kamau {February 19th} Oso Blanco (Byron Chubbuck) #07909–051 USP Hazelton Post Office Box 2000 Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 Address envelope to Byron Chubbuck, address card to Oso Blanco {February 26th} Reverend Joy Powell #07G0632 Bedford Hills CF Post Office Box 1000 Bedford Hills, New York 10507–2499 {March 5th}
3/7/2017 • 2 hours, 2 minutes, 40 seconds
#54: Anarchist Resistance in the Trump Era
What will resistance look like in the Trump era? What role can anarchists play? In Episode 54 of The Ex-Worker podcast we grapple with these questions as they will unfold on January 20 and beyond. It’s true, we incorrectly predicted a Clinton victory—reaction has advanced faster than we’d realized, but this apocalyptic scenario has catalyzed a flurry of rebellion and defiance. We begin the episode by recounting our analysis of the risks and possibilities of this political moment produced in the immediate aftermath of the election, as well as the “No Peaceful Transition” call that dozens of anarchist and antifascist groups have endorsed. On our recent speaking tour, some Ex-Workers traveled through the Northeast and Midwest, discussing the economic and political context framing Trump’s victory and learning about the initiatives to fight back and build autonomy going on across the country. We share an audio recording of the presentation, and complement it with an excerpt from a history of anarchist counter-inaugural protest, recently published hot on the heels of our Washington, DC anti-globalization walking tour. You’ll also hear an announcement about the new CrimethInc website, prisoner birthdays, and more. Whether or not you can make it to DC, let’s make sure that in the days and weeks to come we set a tone for uncompromising, ungovernable resistance to Trump and the world that makes him possible. {January 18, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} President Trump: Countdown to Apocalypse {2:06} No Peaceful Transition: Call to #DisruptJ20 {8:46} “Resistance in the Trump Era”: CrimethInc. Speaking Tour Presentation {13:45} “Whoever They Vote For, We Are Ungovernable: A History of Anarchist Counter-Inaugural Protest” (excerpt) {1:06:20} Under No Management: The New CrimethInc.com {1:25:42} Prisoner Birthdays {1:28:29} Conclusion {1:29:43} For the latest info about counter-inaugural protests, see the Disrupt J20 website and follow them on Twitter at [#DisruptJ20](https://twitter.com/disruptJ20). See you in the streets! We began the episode with the statement we released immediately after the election, “President Trump: Countdown to Apocalypse”. We also shared the “No Peaceful Transition” call to counter-inaugural action released shortly after. The presentation we recorded for this episode took place in Asheville, North Carolina at Firestorm Books and Cafe, as part of a nine city speaking tour on resistance in the Trump era. This episode includes an excerpt from “Whoever They Vote For, We Are Ungovernable: A History of Anarchist Counter-Inaugural Protest”. And don’t neglect to enjoy the infamous crowd-surf to freedom from 2001. If you can make it to DC, be sure to check out the Anti-Globalization Walking Tour produced by the Ex-Worker! If you’re reading this, you’ve noticed that we’ve overhauled our website! To learn more, check out the announcement, “Under No Management: The New CrimethInc.com”. In the concluding part of the speaking tour presentation, we mention projects by The Base in Brooklyn, NY; Ungovernable 2017 in Jackson, MS and beyond; Inaugurate the Revolution in Bloomington, IN; and others. Don’t forget about the upcoming Trans Prisoner Day of Action and Solidarity on January 22nd! Prisoner birthdays: Herman Bell #79-C–0262 Great Meadow Correctional Facility 11739 State Route 22 Post Office Box 51 Comstock, New York 12821–0051 {January 14th} Sundiata Acoli (Clark Squire) #39794–066 FCI Cumberland Post Office Box 1000 Cumberland, Maryland 21501 Please address envelope to Clark Squire, card/letter to Sundiata Acoli {January 14th} Joseph Bowen #AM 4272 SCI Coal Township 1 Kelley Drive Coal Township, Pennsylvania 17866–1020 Nickname: Joe-Joe {January 15th} Marius (Marie) Mason #04672–061 FMC Carswell Post Office Box 27137 Fort Worth, Texas 76127 Please address envelope to Marie, card/letter to Marius {January 26th} Veronza Bowers, Jr. 35316–136 USP Atlanta Post Office Box 150160 Atlanta, Georgia 30315 {February 4th}
1/18/2017 • 1 hour, 30 minutes, 38 seconds
#53: “Anti-Globalization” Walking Tour of Washington, D.C.
Our first walking tour! Protesters descending on Washington, D.C. to #DisruptJ20 are stepping into a long history of resistance in the belly of the beast. One of the most innovative and powerful cycles of protest in the nation’s capital was the movement against corporate globalization in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Most tours of D.C. take you around the monuments and museums downtown, but we want to show you another side of the city—the neighborhoods and DIY spaces from which anarchists launched attacks on capital and where seeds were planted for a new world to take its place. Through historic sites, interviews, and a scrapbook of anti-capitalist mementos, we hope to pass on some of the lessons and inspiration that the anti-globalization movement can offer, especially as a new wave of struggle begins under Trump. {January 9, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ We’ve put together a YouTube version of the walking tour with the photos included at our YouTube channel Anarchist history is not for books you can close and set away on a shelf. Use the lessons and inspiration from this episode to get active. You can start next week with the #DisruptJ20 anti-inaugural activities in DC on January 20th. We discuss and sample multiple documentaries about the mass anti-corporate globalization protests that took place during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many of these can be found online, like This Is What Democracy Looks Like, Breaking the Spell, Breaking the Bank, The Miami Model, and the highly recommended Crowd Bites Wolf. The excerpt from the A16 Revolutionary Anti-Capitalist Bloc statement came from The Black Bloc Papers, which is a great resource for understanding that part of early 2000s anarchism. We discuss a bunch of different groups in this episode, including the DC Anti-Capitalist Convergence, Positive Force, APOC, Profane Existence, and Indymedia. Upcoming prisoner birthdays: Sundiata Acoli 39794–066 FCI Cumberland Post Office Box 1000 Cumberland, MD 21501 {January 14th} Herman Bell 79-C–0262 Great Meadow Correctional Facility 11739 State Route 22 Post Office Box 51 Comstock, NY 12821–0051 {January 14th} Joseph “Joe Joe” Bowen AM–4272 1 Kelley Drive Coal Township, PA 17866–1021 {January 15th} Marius Mason #04672–061 FMC Carswell Federal Medical Center Post Office Box 27137 Forth Worth, TX 76127 {January 26th} January 24th is the International Day of Solidarity with Trans Prisoners. Do something in your community
1/9/2017 • 1 hour, 45 minutes, 25 seconds
#52: An Ex-Voter's Guide to the 2016 Presidential Election
We know you’ve been on the edge of your seat, waiting for see which candidate will receive the Ex-Worker’s endorsement for president this year. In Episode 52, we offer an Ex-Voter’s guide to the 2016 election, including an analysis of the risks we anticipate in its aftermath titled After the Election, the Reaction. There’s lots of listener feedback to discuss, including advice for a young anarchist on less illegal or risky forms of anarchist action, updates about conflict between the Turkish state and the forces of Rojava, and a nuanced discussion of what “solidarity” really means, or should mean, in concrete terms. On the Chopping Block, we undertake a work of fiction for the first time, Nanni Balestrini’s Vogliamo Tutto, or We Want Everything. There’s also an announcement about some upcoming CrimethInc. developments, along with prisoner birthdays and more. We released this episode in tandem with an audio zine exploring anarchist critiques of voting, elections, and representative democracy, which you can download as Episode 51. {November 7, 2016} -------SHOW NOTES------ Our discussion of the 2016 Presidential election and its likely aftermath centered around After the Election, the Reaction, the recently published text from the CrimethInc. blog. It also included clips from Wavy Gravy, George Carlin, the Las Vegas Trump/Clinton debate, Trump’s advisor Roger Stone, and Public Enemy. On the Chopping Block, we reviewed Vogliamo Tutto, or We Want Everything, by Nanni Balestrini. In our listener feedback discussions, we mentioned a wide range of less-risky ways to get involved, including organizing Really Really Free Markets, helping start a Solidarity Network, researching polluters and prison profiteers like CCA, the Geo Group, Enbridge, and VINCI, learning about electronic security and encryption and how to beat surveillance, screening video from SubMedia, raising money for political prisoners, solidarity groups in Rojava, or the occupation resisting the Dakota Access Pipeline, and lots more. We also referred to writings by anarchist people of color and writings about black anarchism, such as the work of Ashanti Alston, Black Anarchism: A Reader, Anarchism and the Black Revolution by Lorenzo Kom’boa Ervin, Anarchy Can’t Fight Alone and other writings by Kuwasi Balagoon, African Anarchism by Sam Mbah](https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/march–2012-interview-with-sam-mbah), Anarchist People of Color (APOC), and the zine Our Culture, Our Resistance. In our discussion of Turkey and Rojava, we mentioned this grim picture of the city of Nusaybin from occupied northern Kurdistan. The Noam Chomsky excerpt came from the 2001 CD “An American Addiction.” In our discussion of solidarity, we referred to Gabriel Kuhn’s book Turning Money into Rebellion on solidarity-motivated Danish communist bank robbers - also check out the interview with Gabriel about the book on the Stand Up Fight Back podcast (their website is down, but you can find it via iTunes). We also mentioned our discussion of radical martyrs and martyrdom in Episode 50, Rojava Solidarity NYC, the Weather Underground, the George Jackson Brigade, Luciano “Tortuga” Pitronello’s prison letters - we reviewed them in Episode 5, and interviewed Tortuga in Episode 30 - Oso Blanco, and the Phoenix Project. Prisoner birthdays last month: Justin Solondz #98291–011 FCI Oakdale I Post Office Box 5000 Oakdale, Louisiana 71463 {October 3rd} Joshua Stafford #57976–060 USP Tucson P.O. BOX 24550 Tucson, AZ 85734 Please address card/letter to Skelly, envelope to Joshua Stafford {October 3rd} Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin #99974–555 USP Tuscon Post Office Box 24550 Tuscon, Arizona 85734 {October 4th} David Gilbert #83-A–6158 Auburn Correctional Facility Post Office Box 618 Auburn, New York 13021 {October 6th} Michael Davis Africa #AM–4973 SCI Graterford Post Office Box 244 Graterford, Pennsylvania 19426–0244 {October 6th} Meral Smith Seguro Correctional Center 1252 East Arica Road Eloy, Arizona 85131 Please address card/letter to Malik, envelope to Meral Smith {October 8th} Robert Seth Hayes #74-A–2280 Sullivan Correctional Facility P.O. Box 116 Fallsburg, NY 12733–0116 {October 15th} Anthony J. Bottom #77A4283 Attica C.F. P.O. Box 149 Attica, NY 14011–0149 Please address card/letter to Jalil, envelope to Anthony Bottom {October 18th} Edward Goodman Africa #AM–4974 SCI Mahonoy 301 Morea Road Frackville, PA 17932 {October 31st}
11/7/2016 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 39 seconds
#51: Anarchism, Voting, and Direct Action: An Audio Zine
Do anarchists vote? If not, how do we express our voice and participate in changing society? What’s the problem with elections and representative democracy? In this special Election Day audio zine,we describe why electing representatives robs us of our power, refute common arguments made to convince us of the value of voting, explain direct action as an alternative approach for making change without politicians and parties, and lay out our vision for a free world beyond electoral politics. We begin by surveying anarchist responses to elections from the 19th century to the present day, and include excerpts from CrimethInc. interventions against the last few presidential elections, including “Don’t Just Vote, Get Active: A Community Non-Partisan Voters’ Guide” (2004), “Voting vs. Direct Action” (c. 2004), “False Hope vs. Real Change” (2008), “The Party’s Over” (c. 2009), and the “Democracy is Bankrupt” website (2012). This audio zine provides background for our discussion of the 2016 presidential campaign and its likely aftermath, which appears in Episode 52. Whoever they vote for, we are ungovernable! {November 7, 2016} -------SHOW NOTES------ This audio zine draws on several previously published CrimethInc. texts that address voting, elections, democracy, and direct action, including “Don’t Just Vote, Get Active: A Community Non-Partisan Voters’ Guide” (2004), “Voting vs. Direct Action” (c. 2004), “False Hope vs. Real Change” (2008), The Party’s Over" (c. 2009), and the “Democracy is Bankrupt” website (2012). In the introduction, we quoted a variety of historical anarchist critiques of elections, voting, and representative democracy, including: Mikhail Bakunin, "On Representative Government and ; Peter Kropotkin, “Revolutionary Government”; Elisee Reclus, “Why Anarchists Don’t Vote”; Henry David Thoreau, “Civil Disobedience”; Emma Goldman, “Woman Suffrage”; Zo d’Axa, “He Is Elected”; and the Yippies’ nomination of Pigasus. You can find many more anarchist critiques on these themes via The Anarchist Library.
11/7/2016 • 47 minutes, 42 seconds
#50: The History and Future of Prison Strikes and Solidarity
As we build momentum towards the September 9th national prison strike, we want to reflect on lessons learned from past generations of prison rebels, as well as how we can maintain energy on September 10th and beyond. In Episode 50 of the Ex-Worker, solidarity organizer Ben Turk fills us in on some history of prisoner organizing in recent decades, recaps some of the solidarity actions that have taken place leading up to this year’s historic strike, and offers perspective on continuing and deepening our resistance to prison society. We commemorate the death of Jordan MacTaggart, an American anarchist killed on the front lines in battle with the YPG against the Islamic State, and discuss international solidarity and the politics of martyrdom with Rojava Solidarity NYC. The death of John Timoney, former police chief and notorious foe of anarchists, prompts both glee and a somber reflection on the misery he inflicted on us. A member of Revolutionary Anarchist Action (DAF) in Istanbul discusses the background to the recent failed military coup as well as recent waves of anti-anarchist repression. A call for solidarity from la ZAD, news, events, and prisoner birthdays round out this packed episode. {September 7, 2016} -------SHOW NOTES------ Find a demonstration or event about the September 9th prison strike near you, or post it here if you’re organizing one. We interview Ben Turk about the struggle against US prisons, including the upcoming September 9th strike and beyond. Wanna read more about some of the prison rebel history he mentioned? Learn more about the Attica uprising, Walpole and Men Against Sexism in Walla Walla, and especially the Lucasville Uprising of 1993, plus more recent upheavals including the Pelican Bay hunger strike against solitary confinement - which we covered as it was happening in Episode 9 - as well as the Georgia prisoner strike, the Free Alabama Movement, the Menard, Illinois hunger strike, the recent Bend the Bars Conference in Columbus, Ohio, and the Dying to Live hunger strike movement in Waupon, WI. Repressive cop extraordinaire John Timoney has shuffled off his mortal coil. Check out this commemoration of his miserable life by some anarchist comrades. Good fucking riddance, asshole! We discussed the recent death of American anarchist Jordan MacTaggart. Check out the send-off video produced as a tribute by Rojava Solidarity NYC. Also check out this lengthy article written last winter in which Jordan shares stories about his experiences fighting on the front lines. To learn more about the revolution in Rojava, listen to our previous coverage in Episode 36 and Episode 39, and check out Rojava Solidarity NYC’s book “A Small Key Can Open A Large Door: The Rojava Revolution”. We shared an excerpt from an interview with Devrimci Anarşist Faaliyet (DAF), or Revolutionary Anarchist Action, an anarchist organization based in Istanbul, Turkey. Thanks to our friends at Crna Luknja in Ljubljana, Slovenia for sharing it with us. Learn more about DAF via their website or their Facebook page. The US “Justice” Department recently announced its intention to phase out the use of private prisons. Good news, right? Well… these anarchists don’t necessarily think so. Either way, it’s unquestionable that prison privatization has horrible consequences for the incarcerated; if you weren’t already convinced, check out this massive expose by Mother Jones magazine about the corruption and brutality of private prison industry, written by an undercover reporter who actually got a job as a guard in a CCA prison; it’s fascinating, horrifying reading. But the question is whether this reform will serve to weaken or strengthen mass incarceration in the long run. As Ben Turk mentions in his interview, the so-called “prison reform movement” led by such luminaries as Hillary Clinton and Newt Gingrich exists not to abolish prisons, but to generalize carceral logics across all of society. Check out the call for solidarity on October 8th with la ZAD, the anti-airport occupation in western France. Listen to our Episode 14 on squatting for an interview with a resident of la ZAD. Other upcoming events include Running Down the Walls, an annual 5 K run that benefits political prisoners and prisoners of war, on September 4th in New York City and on September 11th in Denver, the Fighting Future Prisons tour in Northern England, and the Red Warrior Camp’s global weeks of solidarity to support the indigenous-led movement to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline, from September 3rd to 17th. Upcoming prisoner birthdays: Brian Vaillancourt M42889 Robinson Correctional Center 13423 East 1150th Avenue Robinson, Illinois 62454 {September 5th} Alexander Irwin #2016012934 St. Louis County Jail P.O. Box 16060 Clayton, MO 63105 {September 5th} Please note that Alexander is pre-trial. Do not write about illegal activity and assume that any charges from the state are alleged and falsely accused. Leonard Peltier #89637–132 USP Coleman I Post Office Box 1033 Coleman, Florida 33521 {September 12th} Sean Swain #243–205 Warren CI P.O. Box 120 5787 State Route 63 Lebanon, OH 45036 {September 12th} Steven Martin #2015017284 St. Louis County Jail P.O. Box 16060 Clayton, MO 63105 {September 22nd} Please note that Steven is pre-trial. Do not write about illegal activity and assume that any charges from the state are alleged and falsely accused. Greg Curry #213–159 Ohio State Penitentiary 878 Coitsville-Hubbard Rd Youngstown OH 44505–4635 {September 26th} Brian McCarvill #11037967 Snake River CI 777 Stanton Blvd Ontario, OR 97914–8335 {September 27th} Jorge P. Cornell #28152–057 FCI Petersburg Medium P.O. Box 1000 Petersburg, VA 23804 {September 29}
9/7/2016 • 1 hour, 25 minutes, 51 seconds
#49: September 9th National Prison Strike
The Ex-Worker is back! And just in time, because a potentially historic national prisoner strike is just around the corner. In our 49th episode, we discuss the upcoming September 9th strike to end prison slavery, with an interview with the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee. You’ll also hear a review of Dan Berger’s book Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era; an interview with an anarchist from the UK about the Brexit vote; listener feedback on Spanish revolutionary militias, Comintern, and parallels with Rojava; updates on Kara Wild, a trans anarchist incarcerated in Paris; a letter from trans anarchist prisoner Jennifer Gann; plus news, prisoner birthdays, event announcements, and plenty more. {August 24, 2016} -------SHOW NOTES------ The September 9th National Prison Strike is coming up! To learn more, check out the Support Prisoner Resistance site, in particular the zines Let the Crops Rot in the Fields by the Free Alabama Movement, End Prison Slavery with several articles about emerging prisoner movements, and Incarcerated Workers Take the Lead by Houston IWOC. In our interview with Azzurra from the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee, she referred to several texts, campaigns, and other resources, including: the Houston IWOC zine about the history of prisoner rebellion since 2008, the Attica Rebellion, Black August, the Flikshop app for sending postcards to prisoners easily and cheaply, Chicano anarchist political prisoner Xinachtli Alvaro Luna Hernandez and his Twitter account, Mumia Abu Jamal’s struggle for Hepatits C treatment, Rashid Johnson’s article “On the Questions of Race and Racism: Revolutionary National Liberation and Building the United Front Against Imperialism”, checking the IWOC website for ongoing updates, Jeremy’s Hammond’s recent trip to solitary confinement for “encouraging rebellion and criminal activities,” and criminologist Nils Christie’s article Conflicts as Property about how the state has appropriated our conflicts. On the Chopping Block, we reviewed Dan Berger’s book Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era. It discusses, among many other things, the life, death, and legacy of George Jackson, whose books Soledad Brother and Blood in My Eye can be read in full online. We interviewed Jon Active from Active Distribution in the UK about the Brexit vote. If you want to read more anarchist perspectives on it, check out these articles: “Building an anti-fascist culture post-Brexit” by some folks from the Anti-Raids Network, “On the tragic and the farcical of the British referendum” by the Void Network, and anarchist reflections on Brexit on Reddit. Please support Kara Wild, a trans anarchist from the US imprisoned in France in connection with recent militant protests in Paris. Here’s a video of her in her former dwelling that she built and squatted in in Chicago. We’ll post more updates on how to direct support her way as soon as we get them. In our listener feedback section, we shared a message from Jennifer Gann, a radical trans prisoner in California, who is requesting support. Check out her website to learn more about her case, or write to her at: J. Gann #E23852 KVSP-D1–209U P.O. Box 5103 Delano, CA 93216 We also referenced some other queer and/or trans prisoner solidarity links, including Black and Pink, the Trans Prisoner Day of Action and Solidarity, and a publication focusing on the writings of incarcerated women and trans and gender variant prisoners called Unstoppable. Another listener suggested that folks interested in the struggles in Rojava, and their potential parallels with the Spanish Revolution & Civil War, check out these articles titled “The International Brigades and the social revolution in Spain, 1936–1939” and “News of the Spanish Revolution: Anti-authoritarian Perspectives on the Events.” And if you’re feeling down, just remember that in Phenix City, Alabama, an unnamed Taco Bell employee refused to serve four cops who came in to order food - because they were cops. That’s what we mean by Fight where you stand! Prisoner birthdays this month: Eric King # 27090045 FCI Englewood Federal Correctional Institution 9595 West Quincy Avenue Littleton, CO 80123 {August 2nd} Bill Dunne #10916–086 USP Lompoc 3901 Klein Boulevard Lompoc, California 93436 {August 3rd} Debbie Sims Africa #006307 SCI Cambridge Springs 451 Fullerton Avenue Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania 16403 {August 4th} Dr. Mutulu Shakur #83205–012 USP Victorville Post Office Box 3900 Adelanto, California 92301 {August 8th} Barrett Brown #45047–177 FCI Three Rivers Federal Correctional Institution P.O. Box 4200 Three Rivers, TX 78071 {August 14th} Hanif Shabazz Bey (Beaumont Gereau) #5161331 Seguro Correctional Center 1252 East Arica Road Eloy, Arizona 85131 {August 16th} Address envelope to Beaumont Gereau, address card to Hanif Maliki Shakur Latine # 81-A–4469 Shawangunk Correctional Facility Post Office Box 700 Wallkill, New York 12589 {August 23rd} Russell Maroon Shoatz #AF–3855 SCI Graterford P.O. Box 244 Graterford , PA 19426 {August 23rd} Ronald Reed #2195311 Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights 5329 Osgood Avenue North Stillwater, Minnesota 55082–1117 {August 31st}
8/24/2016 • 1 hour, 46 minutes, 48 seconds
#48: From Democracy to Freedom Audio Zine
Welcome back to the Ex-worker! We’re eschewing our typical
format once again to bring you our second audio zine, a production
of Crimethinc.’s new text From Democracy to
Freedom. This release coincides with the announcement of
an online platform for participating in decentralized
reading groups and online discussions on this text as well as
the others in
the series exploring questions around democracy, and how we
relate to it as anarchists. {April 26th, 2016}
-------SHOW NOTES------
The full
text is available here for reading online or
here for printing.
Original music and sounds courtesy of Counterfeit.
4/26/2016 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 51 seconds
#47: Introducing the Anarchist Critique of Democracy
Is Democracy what we’re fighting for, as anarchists? In episode 47 of the Ex-Worker Podcast, a contentious debate between Clara and Alanis on this topic sets the stage for an upcoming, in-depth engagement with the topic of Democracy. In addition, we clean out our backlog of listener feedback, clarifying our trash-talking of both the Bay Area and Adbusters in past episodes, as well as hearing from a listener in Australia about various online resources for finding out what’s happening with anarchist and anti-fascists in the land down under. NYC Anarchist Black Cross provides us with thorough political prisoner updates, and we share a review of the book Huye Hombre Huye, available from Little Black Cart. As always, the episode is bookended with global news updates, plus prisoner birthdays, a whole slew of upcoming anarchist bookfairs and other events and more. {March 16, 2016}
-------SHOW NOTES------
New York Anarchist Black Cross (NYC ABC) is doing a fantastic job of keeping us updated on political prisoners and prisoners of war. If you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of political prisoners in the US, you can check out their new Illustrated Guide to Political Prisoners. It’s got detailed info on all their cases including up to date mailing addresses plus tips on writing to prisoners; it’s a great overview if you want to support radical prisoners but aren’t sure where to start.
Dr. Mutulu Shakur, a longtime black liberation prisoner who helped Assata Shakur escape to freedom, was supposed to be released from prison in February… but his release was denied at the last minute. He’ll be facing the parole board later this spring. Here’s a link to a statement he wrote explaining the situation with more info on how to show support. Supporters have also launched a new website at MutuluIsWelcomeHere.com to gather stories describing his the positive impacts he has made and to organize solidarity events leading up to his parole hearing.
Former Black Panther Maliki Shakur Latine will also be heading to the parole board in April, and he’s collecting parole letters; check out justiceformaliki.org for details.
Supporters of Brandon Baxter (one of the Cleveland Four, anarchists active in the Occupy movement who were entrapped in an FBI plot) are doing a small fundraising campaign right now to help with costs to get him some visitors in his new digs at FCI Terre Haute in Indiana. Brandon hasn’t received any visitors since his sentencing, and he’s never had a in person visit since his arrest. He’s about 11 hours away from his supporters who plan to visit and they need to raise some money for a car rental. They’re only a couple of hundred bucks short, so even if you can throw in a few dollars it’ll make a difference. Any donations not used for this trip will go into the general fund to support the Cleveland Four getting visitors. To learn more about their case, check out cleveland4solidarity.org or listen to Episode 17 on Conspiracy.
Eric King, an anarchist from Kansas City accused of an alleged attack on a politician’s office, has accepted a non-cooperating plea deal for a ten year prison sentence; after time served, he’s got eight and a half years left to go. On top of this, the facility where he’s locked up CCA is now on lock-down, and Eric has been put in solitary confinement. Please take a few minutes to send Eric a postcard or letter to remind him that folks are thinking of him. Eric King 27090045 CCA Leavenworth 100 Highway Terrace Leavenworth, KS 66048
Former earth liberation prisoner Daniel McGowan will be in court on March 15th in Washington, DC to support the Center for Constitutional Rights’ case against the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ “Communication Management Units.” The CMUs are experimental prison units that impose severe restrictions on prisoners’ communications, both within the prison and with the outside world. If you’re in the DC area and you want to show some solidarity against a particularly vicious form of repression - one that has primarily targeted Muslims and political radicals - you can find the info on our website.
On March 23, Tyler Lang has his sentencing hearing for his charges under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act for releasing thousands of animals from a fur farm. If you can be in Chicago, please attend the hearing to show support for Tyler. It is important that on this difficult day for Tyler that he feel surrounded by love and solidarity, and that the judge see that Tyler is part of a community that is there for him. His co-defendant Kevin Olliff was sentenced to three years, which with time serve means he’s only got about three months left to go!
J ay Chase of the NATO 3 has one more pretrial hearing in Chicago on March 23rd - actually at the same time as Tyler Lang’s sentencing hearing, though in a different courtroom, before he goes to trial on April 11th. Supporters ask anyone to come out who’s able and to continue sending Jay support through letters or mailing softcover books. Stay posted on updates at freethenato3.wordpress.com.
Solecast, the excellent anarchist podcast we mentioned at the end of the listener feedback, can be found on it’s website here and on iTunes. We highly recommend that you check it out!
As we mentioned, anarchist in Belgium are facing repression and prison time for alleged property destruction related to a long struggle against the construction of a Maxi-Prison in Haren. A little more information about the struggle and information about how to send money or otherwise show solidarity can be found here.
Our listener Cut Snake wrote in response to our request to send us a list of blogs and websites that publish news of interest to anarchists and antifascists from Australia. This should keep us all busy for a while: DISACCORDS ANARCHIST AFFINITY MELBOURNE ANTIFASCISTS REZZA ANTIFA SLACKBASTARD MELBOURNE ANARCHIST CLUB FTP ZINE MELBOURNE ANARCHIST COMMUNIST GROUP BLACK ROSE JURA BOOKS MUTINY ZINE
Huye Hombre Huye, the book we reviewed on today’s chopping block, is available from little black cart on their website.
The material from our theme segment today was inspired by the new 10-part Crimethinc. Feature critiquing democracy. It’s not posted yet, but when it is it’ll be up at crimethinc.com. And don’t forget to stay tuned to the podcast for our upcoming audio version, plus more information about how to plug into reading groups.
The theme segment also mentioned and quoted from another piece called ‘Breaking with Consensus Reality,’ from the zine Terror Incognita, released in the U.S. around the time of the Occupy movement.
From March 18th to 20th in Athens, Ohio, Appalachia Resist! will host an action camp in to connect environmental justice and social justice efforts in the Appalachian region. Here’s how they describe themselves: Appalachia Resist! is a small group of rural activists who use direct action as a tactic to resist the fracking industry in our region. We work and live in a rural working class community that is predominant white. We see that struggles for environmental justice and the ongoing fight for racial justice are linked. We want to articulate that link and find concrete ways to work together to push back against a system that brutalizes and sees as disposable the bodies of low income rural people, people of color, gender nonconforming people, women, native, and undocumented people. Mentioning all these people together should not be a way of erasing difference (this is not “all lives matter”) but a way of seeking actual solidarity based on mutual liberation. This is a monumental task, and we are definitely not experts. But we think it’s important and necessary. They’re encouraging regional activists working on racial justice, anti-rape culture, prison solidarity and prison abolition, environmental justice and anti-extraction, and other struggles to take part.
In Seoul, South Korea, the Anarchist Film Festival of Hannam-dong will open March 24th through 26th at “Take Out Drawing”, an art space standing in defiance of gentrification in downtown Seoul.
On April 23rd at Stone Mountain, outside Atlanta, Georgia, there’s a big white supremacist rally planned, and anti-fascists around the region are gearing up to shut it down. Check out the website alloutatl.com for more info on the mobilization; it articulates some shared principles that address some of the nuances of diverse anti-racist mobilizations in a particularly thoughtful way.
The anarchist book fair season kicks off in earnest in April, with book fairs in Zagreb, Croatia on the 8th through 10th; Dublin, Ireland on the 15th and 16th; Sheffield, UK on the 23rd, Oakland, California on the 26th, and Bristol, UK on the 30th, followed by Bern, Switzerland on May 6th and 7th.
Prisoner birthdays this Month: Luke O’Donovan #1001372271 Washington State Prison P.O. Box 206 Davisboro, GA 31018 (March 2nd) Reverend Joy Powell #07G0632 Bedford Hills Correctional Facility P.O. Box 1000 Bedford Hills, NY 10507–2499 (March 5) Ruchell Cinque Magee #A92051 Calif. State Prison, D–5 #1, P.O. Box 4670 Los Angeles County, Lancaster, CA 93539 (March 17) Jaan Laaman #10372–016 USP Tucson P.O. Box 24550 Tucson, AZ 85734 (March 21) Kevin Olliff KEVIN JOHNSON 47353–424 MCC Chicago Metropolitan Correctional Center 71 West Van Buren Street Chicago, IL 60605 (March 27) Delbert Orr Africa #AM4985 SCI Dallas 1000 Follies Road Dallas, PA 18612 (April 2) Charles Sims Africa #AM4975 SCI Dallas 1000 Follies Rd. Dallas, PA 18612 (April 2)
3/16/2016 • 1 hour, 35 minutes, 14 seconds
#46: International Anarchist Reflections on the New Year
What do anarchists around the world think is in store for the new year? In Episode 45, we began our 2015 year in review, focusing on the US. In this episode, we share reflections on developments in 2015 and from anarchists in Chile, Finland, Brazil, Korea, Colombia, Czech Republic, and Rojava. There are also discussions about developments in fascism and anti-fascism, with reports from the UK and Australia, and an analysis by Gulf Coast anarchists of the environmental movement’s supposed "victory" over the Keystone XL pipeline in November. On the Chopping Block, we review the latest issue of Perspectives on Anarchist Theory, the journal of the Institute for Anarchist Studies, on the theme of "Justice." Long term black liberation political prisoner Herman Bell discusses his upcoming parole hearing, and we share plenty of news, including some reflection on a new round of revolts in Tunisia, plus prisoner birthdays, events, listener feedback, and more. {February 11, 2016}
-------SHOW NOTES------
On the Chopping Block, we reviewed the latest issue (Number 28, on "Justice") of Perspectives on Anarchist Theory, the journal published by the Institute for Anarchist Studies. You can order it through AK Press; you can also find them on Facebook, though you know how we feel about that.
Our friends at the North American anarchist news website It's Going Down have announced plans to produce a print magazine! Check out their Kickstarter page if you want to show them some support.
Former Black Panther and long term political prisoner Herman Bell is up for parole in February. Please check out this info from his support site about how to help with his parole hearing, including an online petition.
Here's Glenn Greenwald's editorial critiquing the notion that internet encryption is responsible for the Paris terror attacks by the Islamic State.
The report we shared on Rojava came to us from a group of anarchists and internationalists from Central Europe working for liberation in Kurdistan. If you're interested in reading more, CrimethInc. previously published a longer interview piece from this group titled "From Germany to Bakur: European Anarchists on the Kurdish Struggle".
To learn more about the Guarani resistance in the state of Sao Paulo, mentioned in the report on 2015 resistance in Brazil, visit yvyrupa.org.br.
Our friends who reported on the so-called "victory" over the Keystone XL pipeline sent links to some of the ongoing ecological resistance happening along the Gulf Coast, including folks fighting a massive 42" LNG export pipeline whose route from West Texas to Mexico cuts through Big Bend National Park - visit Defend Big Bend and the Big Bend Conservation Alliance; and the environmental justice group in Mobile, AL called MEJAC that is fighting an oil storage tank farm that would directly impact the historic community of Africa Town.
In terms of ecological resistance coming up this year, there's the Prison Ecology Project's gathering coming up June 11-13 in the Washington D.C. area, focused on building around the intersection of incarceration and the environment. There's also a struggle brewing against a new federal prison slated to be built on a former mountaintop removal site in Eastern Kentucky. And the Earth First! Winter Organizer's Conference is taking place February 10th-15th on Chumash territory outside Santa Barbara, California.
Please take a moment to support Jared "Jay" Chase of the NATO 3! You can attend his court date on February 18th in Chicago, follow his case on Twitter, Facebook, or the NATO 3 support page. You can also write to Jay at: Jared Chase M44710 P.O. Box 99 Pontiac, IL 61764 Here's an announcement from supporters about the court date: Pack the court for Jay Chase Thursday, February 18, 9 AM Cook County Criminal Courthouse 2600 S California Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60623 The presiding Judge had a sick day on 2.3 so Jared "Jay" Chase now has a pre-trial hearing on February 18th at 26th and California in Room 303. He is being targeted by the same prosecutor (Anita Alvarez) he faced during the NATO 3 trial for alleged assault charges pinned on him by guards while he awaited trial for two years back in 2012-2014. These same guards were allowed to testify against him during the NATO 3 sentencing in a somewhat successful attempt to bring a harsher sentence and now they will likely testify against him in this case . . . This trial is not just about a few extra years being tacked on to his current sentence which is coming to an end in May. The State has made it very clear through this obviously vindictive prosecution that they want to ensure Jay lives out his days in their cage. Please be there and show the State that we stand with Jay and let Jay know that we have not forgotten him or his struggle. He needs our love and support as he stands in defiance of this ongoing persecution.
Upcoming prisoner birthdays: Veronza Bowers, Jr. 35316-136 USP Atlanta Post Office Box 150160 Atlanta, Georgia 30315 {February 4th} Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) #0001150688 Augusta State Medical Prison, Building 13A-2 E7 3001 Gordon Highway Grovetown, Georgia 30813 Address envelope to Freddie Hilton, address card to Kamau {February 19th} Shaka Cinque (Albert Woodfox) #72148 West Feliciana Parish Detention Center Post Office Box 2727 St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775 Address envelope to Albert Woodfox, address card to Shaka {February 19th}
2/11/2016 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 38 seconds
#45: 2015 Year in Review!
In our first episode of the new year, the Ex-Worker looks back over 2015 and its highlights, lowlights, and everything in between. We summarize some of the year’s key news developments, including tech developments and struggles around gender, anarchist publishing and media, a hilarious look at mass media coverage of anarchism, and our reflections on the last year of the podcast itself and our new year’s resolutions. You’ll also hear some analysis of some of the important themes within anarchism and revolutionary struggles in 2015, including an extended discussion on identity and solidarity, a review of the AK Press anthology “Taking Sides”, and reflections on our relationship to mass movements. The anarchist news website “It’s Going Down” contributes their end of year thoughts, a new project called “The Spaces Between” sets out to document US anarchism outside of its major urban hotspots, and a supporter offers an important update on NATO 3 prisoner Jared “Jay” Chase. We also received a number of detailed and inspiring year in review reports from anarchists around the world … but we’ll save those for our next episode.
1/8/2016 • 1 hour, 39 minutes, 33 seconds
#44: To Change Everything - International Panel Discussion
In our 44th episode of the Ex-worker, and our final episode of 2015, we bring you a live audio recording from the last stop of the recently wrapped-up To Change Everything tour, an international panel discussion featuring stories and lessons from participants in some of the better and lesser known uprisings of the last few years. In two months and just over 50 stops, the featured speakers—hailing from Slovenia, Brazil, the Czech Republic and the U.S.—presented their perspectives on topics ranging from the common pitfalls of making demands, the rise of nationalism and fascism, and the importance of solidarity in the face of state repression. Stay tuned to the end of the episode where we propose some ideas for maintaining some of these valuable, face-to-face connections that have been made while on the tour. In addition, we’re releasing this episode in conjunction with the full tour report-back, so make sure you check that out as well.
12/27/2015 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 13 seconds
#43: Borders and Migration, Part I: Europe's "Refugee Crisis"
One of the major news stories of 2015 has been the flow of hundreds of thousands of migrants from Syria and beyond into Europe, and the social and political crises this has precipitated. In this episode, we'll take a look at Europe's so-called refugee crisis from an anarchist perspective. To do that, we adopt a "mix tape" format, pasting together excerpts from a variety of sources to offer an impressionistic look at how and why people move across the world, the barriers thrown up by states to impede and control them, and popular resistance against the system of national borders. We begin with reflections on borders from the CrimethInc. Contradictionary, To Change Everything, and past Ex-Worker episodes, and continue with excerpts from interviews with No One Is Illegal activist Harsha Walia, author Vijay Prashad, and a Swiss anarchist active in migrant solidarity struggles in Europe, as well as essays from an activist convergence against climate change, Calais Migrant Solidarity, and Mask Magazine; and conclude with reflections on the Islamic State attacks in Paris from the CrimethInc. blog. You'll also hear updates on anti-anarchist repression in Spain and anti-government demonstrations in South Korea, a report-back from the Rebel! Rebuild! Rewild! action camp in eastern Canada, and an announcement for a new prisoner publication, plus news, upcoming events, and more.
12/7/2015 • 2 hours, 4 minutes, 49 seconds
#42: Anarchism in Finland, Global Updates
In this episode of the Ex-worker, we take another spin around the world, bringing you several short features focusing on various aspects of the global struggle against domination. We'll share an interview with a Finnish anarchist, who tells us about an anti-nuclear struggle, a university occupation in Helsinki, and the response to refugees in Finland, and how anarchists have taken part in all of these. We'll also hear statements from two Turkish anarchist collectives about the recent massacre of peace demonstrators in Ankara, Turkey. There's also an update on repression from the Hambacher Forest occupation, a text from the streets of Santiago analyzing last month's demonstrations against the anniversary of the coup by dictator Augusto Pinochet, and a report on the hunger strike of anarchist prisoner Evi Statiri in Greece—along with plenty of news, upcoming events, and more.
11/16/2015 • 58 minutes, 10 seconds
#41: Anarchism in Belarus, Czech Republic, Korea, and Beyond
In this episode, the Ex-Worker explores connections between anarchism, repression and resistance across the world in countries that rarely appear in the radical limelight. We share an interview with an Anarchist Black Cross chapter in Belarus, discussing the president's recent release of anarchist political prisoners; interview a Czech anarchist about "Operation Fenix" and recent entrapment cases and terrorism charges leveled at anarchists there; and provide more context to last episode's call to flag-burning action from South Korean anarchists by examining the historical and political contexts of the flag for Korean radicals. We also discuss the Suruc massacre and developments among Kurdish struggles in Turkey and Syria, and expand our ongoing discussion of the concept of "terrorism" through the lens of a court ruling about gangs in El Salvador. Listener thoughts on Zeitgeist, conspiracy theories, and small-town anarchism, debunking the myth of "cops under attack" since the emergence of Black Lives Matter, and an announcement of the CrimethInc. "To Change Everything" US tour top off our usual collection of global news updates, prisoner birthdays, event announcements, and more. {September 15, 2015}
9/15/2015 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 16 seconds
#40: Struggles Against White Supremacy and Police Since Ferguson
It's been a year since rage over Michael Brown's murder catalyzed an anti-racist and anti-police rebellion that spread from Ferguson around the country. How can anarchists interpret the trajectory of the struggles against white supremacy that have unfolded over the last year? In Episode 40, we discuss the current state of police violence and both institutional and autonomous white supremacy, alongside an analysis of how anti-racist and anti-police resistance developed from Ferguson to Baltimore to South Carolina. A listener weighs in on the risks of militarism, from the Iron Column in the Spanish Civil War to the militias in Rojava today. Comrades from Korea share updates on state repression and issue an exciting call for international solidarity, and Clara and Alanis discuss the politics of the term ''terrorism'' and how to undertake assertive resistance to state repression without resorting to sports metaphors. {September 3, 2015}
9/3/2015 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 53 seconds
#39: The Rojava Revolution, Part II
In the latest episode of the Ex-Worker, we continue our discussion of the unfolding social revolution in the autonomous Kurdish territories of Rojava. Building on our coverage in Episode 36, we share two interviews themed around international solidarity with the struggle for autonomy and the fight against ISIS. In the first, a member of Rojava Solidarity NYC, the group of American anarchists that produced the book "A Small Key Can Open a Large Door", discusses democratic confederalism and the council system in the cantons, compares and contrasts the Zapatista uprising with the Rojava revolution, and describes the solidarity projects they've undertaken and what's at stake for anarchists in our response to the events in Kurdistan. In the second, a member of the Turkish anarchist group Social Insurrection discusses his experience fighting with the United Freedom Forces militia. We address some critiques of the revolutionary structures in Rojava as well as our coverage of them and trace the emergence of international solidarity brigades. A member of Antifa International announces the formation of an International Anti-fascist Defense Fund, and we share info about several recently released anarchist publications. Our discussion of the news takes on Obama's sudden transformation into a prison reform advocate, indigenous resistance to profiteering off alcoholism, and the outing of a corporate infiltrator into the animal rights movement, while our indignant coverage of Syriza's entirely predictable betrayal of Greek social movements in their EU bailout austerity proposal concludes with a helpful diagnosis of "The Five Stages of Leftism". {July 27, 2015}
7/29/2015 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 45 seconds
#38: Anarchism in Lake Worth, Florida
How do anarchists organize outside of major cities? In Episode 38 of the Ex-Worker, we offer a profile of anarchism in Lake Worth, a small coastal town in southern Florida with a surprisingly active and vibrant culture of resistance. Participants in the Everglades Earth First!, the Earth First! Journal, the South Florida Prison Books Project, the former Night Heron Infoshop, and Prison Legal News discuss the many radical projects that operate out of Lake Worth. We even hear from a former anarchist elected official discussing the contradictions and possibilities of that position! The episode also includes a CrimethInc. tour announcement, feedback from listeners about online crypto-anarchism, appeals for solidarity, plenty of news from all over the world, and more.
7/1/2015 • 1 hour, 47 minutes, 5 seconds
#37: The Hambacher Forest Occupation
In this episode, the Ex-Worker offers an in-depth profile of the struggle to defend the Hambacher Forest. In the Rhineland coal country of western Germany, a group of angry locals, environmentalists, anarchists and squatters have converged to challenge the destruction of one of the region's oldest forests by the energy giant RWE's brown coal mining. In these moving interviews recorded live in the Hambacher Forest in spring 2014, Clara gets a tour of the occupation and discusses the recent history of actions and broader political context. Through insightful and often hilarious informal conversations, the occupiers point out distinctive features of the forest, show the gritty and frequently comical day to day realities of squatter life, discuss their personal motivations for resisting the destruction of the forest, and offer poignant insight into the logic of resistance as a way of life. The episode concludes with recent updates from the occupation, ways to participate and show solidarity, and reflections on its significance for radicals across the world.
6/15/2015 • 1 hour, 37 minutes, 1 second
#36: The Rojava Revolution
The Ex-Worker is back! We may have taken a break, but social struggles and resistance across the world have not. In this episode, we focus on the unfolding social revolution in Rojava or western Kurdistan, where an ambitious set of political, economic, and military experiments are transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. In the borderlands of Turkey and Syria, self-organized militias have successfully opposed the Islamic State while challenging gender oppression and securing autonomy for an emerging stateless society. Interviews with supporters from the Turkish group "Revolutionary Anarchist Action" (DAF) set the stage, complemented by a Kurdish refugee and activist's reflections on the role of women's resistance to patriarchy. We also review "A Small Key Can Unlock a Large Door," a recently released anthology of texts describing the Rojava revolution, and continue our yearly tradition of a lively report of May Day actions across the globe. We also respond to a variety of listener feedback, with discussions of the Ross Ulbricht case, anarchist parenting, and how even spambots are impacted by recent revolutionary struggles!
5/18/2015 • 1 hour, 31 minutes, 4 seconds
#35: To Change Everything Audio Zine
Welcome back to the Ex-Worker! In celebration of the second anniversary of the podcast, and the resistance unfolding around the world from Baltimore to Milan and beyond, we’re releasing our first audio zine! CrimethInc.’s ambitious new anarchist outreach project To Change Everything is “a primer for the curious, a polemic for the entrenched, a point of departure for everyone who longs for another world.” So we at the Ex-Worker podcast are contributing an audio version to support the print and video versions circulating across the world. We’ll be back soon with our next regular episode, exploring the unfolding social revolution in Rojava, so stay tuned!
5/4/2015 • 40 minutes, 17 seconds
#34: Staying Safe So We Can Be Dangerous Together
In our 34th episode, we follow themes of repression, security, and resistance through several different short features. In celebration of former Green Scare prisoner Eric McDavid's release after nine years inside, we reflect on the lessons of his case for our efforts to resist today. We share part of a recent CrimethInc. essay that assesses the possibilities and limits of whistleblowing, as well as an inspiring statement by Jason Hammond (sibling of incarcerated hacktivist Jeremy Hammond) as he heads to prison for his role in an anti-fascist action. Ramona Africa speaks to us about the MOVE 9 case and the life and death of Phil Africa, and an anarchist from Barcelona gives a report about the recent wave of repression by the Spanish state in Operation Pandora. Listeners weigh in on cable access TV, iTunes, and an insider view on security and entrapment strategies. We conclude with reflections on the lessons to be learned from these various cases and recent events on staying safe in order to be truly dangerous to authority. Plus as usual there are a lot of global news reports, event announcements, prisoner birthdays, and plenty more.
2/12/2015 • 1 hour, 55 minutes, 40 seconds
#33: The Ex-Worker's 2014 Year in Review
From the Ukrainian revolution and war with Russia to the Bosnian uprisings, ISIS/Rojava/Kobane conflicts, the Brazilian World Cup protests, anti-police riots in Ferguson and beyond … 2014 was one hell of a depressing, inspiring, roller coaster of a year! For our year in review, we wrote to anarchists around the world to ask them what they thought were the most significant events of the last year and what they anticipate in 2015. Responses came in from correspondents as far off as Brazil, Russia, Columbia, Slovenia, Finland, and Germany, as well as across North America, with reports about 2014 and analysis of the possibilities for resistance in the upcoming year. We also stop to take stock of the last year of the Ex-Worker, and reveal some schemes and dreams for our next year of anarchist podcasting. And as if that wasn't enough, we share an exclusive report on squatting, eviction, and resistance in Prague, an analysis of recent anti-police rioting in Oakland, and discussions on listener feedback about Agency's Ebola article and the police in relation to the state, along with plenty of news, prisoner birthdays, and more. {January 20th, 2015}
1/20/2015 • 1 hour, 59 minutes, 41 seconds
#32: White Supremacy and Capitalism, From 1492 to Ferguson
Rebellion has erupted around the country in the aftermath of grand jury decisions to allow the murderers of Mike Brown in Ferguson and Eric Garner in New York to go free without legal charges. Why did this happen, when authorities knew that this would spark furious protests and international condemnation? To try to understand the persistence of racist police violence, Clara and Alanis delve into the historical roots of capitalism and white supremacy from the origins of European conquest and colonization of the Americas. Along with a survey of resistance and backlash since the grand jury announcements, we share excerpts from the recent feature "The Thin Blue Line is a Burning Fuse," tracing the role of anti-police anger in catalyzing nearly all recent major social upheavals around the globe. Agency, a new anarchist media project, shares an excerpt from an article analyzing the Ebola outbreak and anarchist perspectives on public health. We run through a wide range of news, discuss listener comments on transcripts and international coverage, and even offer a radical holiday song!
12/18/2014 • 1 hour, 38 minutes, 15 seconds
#31: Live from the Carrboro Anarchist Book Fair!
Clara and Alanis attended the Carrboro Anarchist Book Fair on November 22nd, 2014, and decided to try an experiment: recording an episode of the Ex-Worker in front of a live anarchist audience! We started off with our usual Hot Wire news, and then interviewed a wide range of participants from the book fair about workshops or presentations they did or projects they represented. Interviewees spoke about a writing project on southern insurrectionary history; the Can Vries eviction and riots in Barcelona, Spain; rethinking prisoner support based on experiences with anti-authoritarian queer and transgender prisoners; a moving letter by Luke O'Donovan sent from prison specifically to be shared at the book fair; an update about an anarchist injured and arrested at a Philadelphia solidarity demonstration; and participants from the New York City Anarchist Black Cross, the Inside/Outside Alliance, and the UNControllables, an anarchist student group.
11/29/2014 • 51 minutes, 13 seconds
#30: Anarchism in Chile, Part II
The Ex-Worker keeps our eyes to the south as we continue our in-depth exploration of anarchism in Chile. While our last episode sought to provide context and history, this episode delves into two recent cases of repression by the Chilean State against anarchists and discusses the important of prisoner support in the anarchist movement. We interview Victor Montoya, an anarchist who was framed up and spent 16 months in pretrial detention, as well as Luciano "Tortuga" Pitronello, a comrade who faced terrorism charges after a bomb he was carrying prematurely detonated. While Tortuga's body was damaged in the course of this ordeal, his spirit remains resilient, and he shares inspiring stories and sage advice over vegan sandwiches at the autonomous library Sante Geronimo Caserio in Santiago. We'll offer a review of the Chicago Conspiracy, a documentary film which illustrates some of Chile's radical history and present through music, celebration, memory and riot, tackle some thoughtful listener feedback about democracy and anarchy, and top it all off with news from struggles around the globe.
11/11/2014 • 1 hour, 32 minutes, 26 seconds
#29: Anarchism in Chile, Part I: From Popular Power to Social War
On September 11th, while patriotic Americans waved flags and listened to speeches, a few thousand miles south, Chileans massed in the streets and clashed with police on the anniversary of the 1973 military coup. Our 29th episode begins a two-episode series on anarchism in Chile: From popular power and militant resistance to the Pinochet dictatorship to today's clashes between encapuchados and Carabineros across burning barricades, we explore the history and background context necessary to understand the distinctive and militant anarchist struggles of contemporary Chile. From the recent anarchist book and propaganda fair in Santiago, several anarchists speak with us about the importance of radical neighborhoods, the evolution of public anarchist organizing, and political imprisonment in Chile. Attendees of the marches and actions during the recent Climate Convergence in New York City report on their experiences and reflect on how anarchists connect to broader environmental movements. Listeners weigh in on historical dates, pronunciation mistakes, and mind-controlled drones, alongside news, announcements, and prisoner birthdays.
10/9/2014 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 9 seconds
#28: Anarcha-Feminism, Part II: Early Critiques and Visions
In Episode 26, we shared a panorama of dramatic stories from the lives and struggles of 19th and early 20th century anarchist women... but we didn't focus much on their ideas. In the second episode of our three-part series on anarcha-feminism, the Ex-Worker returns to the first generations of rebels who brought together anarchist and feminist currents, this time to explore their distinctive revolutionary visions. We survey the context of early revolutionary and feminist ideas, and the distinct perspectives of early anarcha-feminists on marriage, sexuality, economic and bodily autonomy, suffrage, revolutionary sexism, and strategies for women's emancipation. The Chopping Block discusses Free Women of Spain, the classic study of the Spanish anarcha-feminist group Mujeres Libres. Listeners weigh in on sports, a special guest contributor offers a correction about indigenous resistance to fracking, and we begin a fascinating conversation on solidarity actions and anonymity amidst the news, event announcements, statements from political prisoners, and more.
9/15/2014 • 1 hour, 36 minutes, 52 seconds
#27: Anti-Police Riots in Ferguson
Since the murder of Mike Brown by police on August 9th, Ferguson, Missouri has been the site of intense riots, looting, and clashes with police. In this episode, we share accounts from participants and reflections on the rebellion, as well as an analysis which unpacks the designation of "outside agitators." Two texts discussing other recent anti-police uprisings appear on the Chopping Block, while supporters of Luke O'Donovan update us on his trial and how to show solidarity. Clara and Alanis share a slew of listener feedback, exploring the origins of the term feminism, correcting some mistakes about the IWW, and getting into a testy debate over the politics of sports. News, prisoner birthdays, Contradictionary terms, and upcoming events round out another packed episode.
8/25/2014 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 6 seconds
#26: Anarcha-Feminism, Part I: Introduction and Herstory
What is anarcha-feminism, and what contribution has it made to both feminism and anarchism? In this episode we kick off a series exploring anarcha-feminism in the past and present. After framing the issue and dealing with some thorny questions around definitions of feminism and gender, we take a whirlwind tour through the history--or herstory, if you like--of anarchist women from the barricades of the Paris Commune to the front lines of the Spanish Civil War. In addition to Louise Michel, Lucy Parsons, Emma Goldman, and a few other big names, we'll share stories of Russian nihilists, Puerto Rican tobacco workers, Japanese journalists, Mexican guerrillas, and many other unsung heroines of late 19th and early 20th century anarchist struggles. The anthology Quiet Rumors: An Anarcha-Feminist Reader appears on the Chopping Block, and a member of the Revolutionary Anarcha-Feminist Group from Dublin, Ireland joins us for an interview. Clara and Alanis even take issue with a term from the Contradictionary, along with a packed calendar of upcoming events, news, and more.
8/7/2014 • 1 hour, 51 minutes, 38 seconds
#25: The Brazil World Cup Protests
The recent World Cup prompted widespread protests across Brazil. In our 25th episode, we discuss why these protests took place, who participated, and how they connected to the uprisings of the last year. We share an audio collage of protest voices, an interview with Brazilian anarchists, and a Situationist-inspired critique of mass sports spectacles. The new green anarchist journal Black Seed appears on the Chopping Block, while a Ukrainian anarchist offers perspective on why things may not be so bleak there for anarchists as we thought. And there's hooliganism, a June 11th rundown, prisoner updates, reflections on the "global village," and Juggalos to boot!
7/17/2014 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 7 seconds
#24: Communization
From the incendiary writings of The Invisible Committee prompting arrests on charges of rail line sabotage in France, to the calculated analysis of Theorie Communiste and Aufheben, we may have skipped a few things in our previous two episodes about communism. The current known as communization emerged out of the struggles of May '68 in France, and to this day the question remains: can we enact communism ourselves, here and now? In this episode of the Ex-worker, we'll take another angle on communism, away from the backstabbing, newspaper-hocking, withering-state-types profiled in Episodes 20 and 21, instead focusing on those who share our dream of breaking with the misery of our conditions and dismantling this world (even if they still talk like Marxists.) In this episode we experiment with different ways of breaking through some of the heavy theoretical language and ideas, including a reportback from a rather unusual Endnotes reading group, and transmit a theme segment from an autonomous, anonymous podcasting cell. We'll travel to North and South Korea in our listener feedback section, hear an interview from Anarchist prisoner Michael Kimble about prison struggle in Alabama and the importance of supporting long-term prisoners, and round it out with news and prisoner birthdays.
7/1/2014 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 29 seconds
#23: May '68 and the Situationist International
Another May Day come and gone! After we catch up on how radicals around the world celebrated it in the streets this year, we'll turn back the clock a few decades to a particularly notorious May: Paris in 1968. The strikes and riots that nearly toppled the French state—as well as the Situationist International, those Marxist-influenced art radicals whose theories influenced the uprising—are the topic of our main feature for this episode. One of the key texts coming from the Situationist tradition, Raoul Vaneigem's The Revolution of Everyday Life, appears on the Chopping Block. Listeners weigh in on future episodes, "Uncle Ted," and the Ukraine episode and anarchist strategy. And of course there's more news, events, prisoner birthdays, and other goodies.
6/1/2014 • 55 minutes, 29 seconds
#22: Ukraine
This week on the Ex-worker, we're responding to a few listener requests and presenting an analysis of the situation in Ukraine, largely borrowed from our recent feature The Ukrainian Revolution and the Future of Social Movements. We'll also hear an interview with a member of Belarus Anarchist Black Cross about repression in Belarus and Ukraine, courtesy of our comrades at A-Radio Berlin, as well as our recommendations for which insurrectionary journals you should take if you get stranded on a desert island. The episode is rounded out with news, and lots of upcoming events and prisoner birthdays.
4/23/2014 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 53 seconds
#21: Communism and Socialism, pt.2
We're back with the second installment of our exploration of anarchism's complicated relationship with communism. Ex-worker's Russia correspondents Misha and Anastasia come to us through the fuzzy airwaves of history, reporting live from the Russian revolution and what the anarchists are up to . . . we'll see how that goes. We'll also hear some more feedback from everyone's favorite gubernatorial candidate, anarchist prisoner Sean Swain, as well as extensive coverage of eco- and animal-liberation actions and prisoner rebellions from around the world.
4/10/2014 • 52 minutes, 33 seconds
#20: Communism and Socialism, pt.1
It turns out we have a lot to say about our relationship to communism, so we're breaking this theme segment up into a two-parter. We'll start off our gargantuan exploration by covering some basic definitions of communism and socialism, and dive headlong into some heated historical splits between Marx and Bakunin. We'll hear statements from Jeremy Hammond, Marshall "Eddie" Conway, and anarchists holding it down in Ukraine, as well as an interview with Anarcho-communist Wayne Price.
3/26/2014 • 1 hour, 18 seconds
#19: Anarchists In Revolt, From Bosnia to Peru
Our discussion of communism will have to wait … because post-socialist Bosnia is erupting in rebellion! In this episode, we share two interviews with anarchists from the Balkans reflecting on the current uprisings, along with recent updates and a Bosnian hip hop artist's protest anthem. An Ex-Worker travels to Lima, Peru and sends back a report on a recent anarchist book and propaganda fair, including a group shout-out from a workshop about the podcast, live interviews and musical recordings. Listeners critique our treatment of market anarchism, an eco-defense prisoner explains police tactics, and news on state repression, prisoner strikes, and anti-extraction struggles round out our exploration of resistance to authority around the globe.
3/4/2014 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 38 seconds
#18: What Anarchism Isn't, Pt 1: Libertarianism and Anarcho-Capitalism
Anarchism ain't what it used to be … if you search iTunes or Youtube these days, you'll find defenders of capitalism and private property claiming the A word more than ever. In our 18th installment of the Ex-Worker, we kick off a two episode series discussing what anarchism isn't, as Clara and Alanis step in to debunk anarcho-capitalism. Surveying the range of libertarian ideologies in the US, we assess the similarities and differences between these opponents of the state and anti-capitalist anarchists, while clarifying how their free market fantasies fall short of a genuinely anarchist vision of freedom. Our critiques of private property and the free market conclude with a hilarious interview with an anarchist graphic designer about their misadventures laying out a book on "market anarchism." We also hear from recently released grand jury resister Jerry Koch about the insight he's gained into the importance of prisoner solidarity to anarchist struggle, while his lawyer explains how grand juries are used as tools of political repression and how we can resist them. Listeners offer corrections, suggestions, and updates on prisoner struggles, while plenty of news updates and announcements round out our longest episode yet!
2/13/2014 • 1 hour, 24 minutes, 22 seconds
#17: Conspiracy! State Repression Strategies and Anarchist Resistance
As we complete this episode, trial is about to begin for the NATO 3, Chicago anarchists facing domestic terrorism charges after being entrapped by informants during a 2012 protest summit. To understand the case and its context, the Ex-Worker explores the state's strategy to repress anarchists and social movements through the use of conspiracy charges and entrapment. We interview three activists from the front lines of anti-repression work: a member of the NATO 3 support team, a volunteer with the animal liberation counter-information collective Bite Back, and an anarchist supporter of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation. Our review on the Chopping Block examines Green is the New Red: An Insider's Account of a Social Movement Under Siege while more listeners write in to share what anarchism means to them. News across the world includes anarchist typhoon relief efforts, Indiana prisoner resistance, and Christian anarchists striking back against sexism. A brief discussion by political prisoner Veronza Bowers, Jr. about repression against the Black Panther Party and an announcement from an organizer with Everglades Earth First! round out one of our most action-packed episodes to date.
1/25/2014 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 20 seconds
#16: Back to Black
It's a new year and a new episode of the Ex-Worker! In our sixteenth installment, we backtrack a little to cover our biggest topic ever: what is anarchism? What pathways led today's rebels to embrace anarchy, and what does it mean to them? We'll hear from historical and contemporary anarchists in a collage weaving together first person experiences and definitions. Also, listeners write in to elaborate on the situation in Ukraine we reported on in our last episode, and to share a provocative perspective on the relationship between religion and anarchism. We've also got our usual news, upcoming events, and prisoner birthdays. Tune in to hear the poignant stories of an anarchist generation.
1/13/2014 • 45 minutes, 13 seconds
#15: The Ex-Worker Holiday Special
In our first-ever holiday special, Clara and Alanis take a whirlwind tour through two hundred years of blistering anarchist critiques of religion and morality. From romantic poets to guillotined dynamite artists, from Enlightenment philosophers to punk rockers, anarchists have never been so fiery as when they've denied the gods and affirmed our right to determine our own values. The discussion touches on direct actions against religion, the shifting politics of atheism, and the contradictions of Christian anarchism. Prison rebel Sean Swain responds to our episode on fascism, a murderous police department receives some crime stopping tips, and we offer anarchist reflections on Nelson Mandela's legacy, decapitated Lenin statues, and Finnish hockey riots. As the Greeks say: Merry Crisis and Happy New Fear!
12/17/2013 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 30 seconds
#14: Squat the World!
In this episode, Alanis and Clara allegedly break into an abandoned building to begin a conversation about squatting--and why it's so important to anarchists. This episode includes two interviews--one with participants in a squatted social center in the United States, and one from an anti-infrastructure land occupation project in France. We'll also hear the soothing sounds of listener feedback, regarding our last episode and some further clarifications about technology, a review of Hannah Dobbz's "Nine-tenths of the Law: Property and resistance in the United States," news, upcoming events, and prisoner birthdays.
12/1/2013 • 58 minutes, 20 seconds
#13: Ones and Zeroes, Scoundrels and Heroes
Some radicals believe the internet prefigures a decentralized utopia; others foresee a new digital feudalism of total management and surveillance. In this episode, Clara and Alanis take on the recent CrimethInc. feature "Deserting the Digital Utopia," teasing out some of the limitations and possibilities of resistance that engages with digital technologies. A supporter of imprisoned radical hacker Jeremy Hammond discusses his case. Listeners lambast us on our grievous gaffe from last episode, sketchy cops and masked marchers populate the news, and we announce an anarchist primer competition (even if we can't agree on how to pronounce it).
11/19/2013 • 53 minutes, 30 seconds
#12: Remembering Means Fighting
Anarchist resistance to fascism has a long and colorful history. Our second episode on anti-fascism looks into how anarchists fought against Franco in the Spanish Revolution and beyond. We share an exciting interview with Occupied London about fascism and resistance in Greece, as well as a Free Speech FAQ to help anti-fascists circumvent civil libertarian defenses of fascist organizing. A special guest contributor chips in with a set of lively anti-fascist movie reviews. Listeners offer more antifa updates and crucial ways to get involved, alongside news of riots, blockades, and so much more.
10/24/2013 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 51 seconds
#11: Never Forgive and Never Forget
Recently murdered Greek anti-fascist rapper Killah P is just the latest casualty in a worldwide surge of fascist violence. In this episode, we analyze contemporary fascism and the resistance anarchists have mounted to it, including the history of Anti-Racist Action. Interviews with the One People's Project and New York City Anarchist Black Cross discuss the extreme right in the US today, tactics for fighting fascists, and the Tinley Park case. We also clear up a listener's question about "National Anarchism," roll out more Contradictionary terms, and share a ton of news and upcoming events.
10/8/2013 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 5 seconds
#10: Are The Issues The Issue?
Building on our previous exploration of insurrectionary anarchism, our tenth episode examines how these ideas apply to environmental struggles today, as we share excerpts from a debate about "The Issues Are Not The Issue," a critical discussion of tactics and strategy in eco-defense movements. We also take a look at Desert, an anarchist analysis of climate change and the possibilities for resistance in a world of ecological disaster, as well as sharing updates from prisoners, news from global uprisings, more reading recommendations, and more.
9/19/2013 • 54 minutes, 37 seconds
#9: No Time to Wait
We've thrown around the term insurrectionary anarchism in recent discussions, so in our ninth episode we seize the moment and dive headlong into this tendency, exploring where it came from and what it looks like today. We also review the classic Italian insurrectionary text Armed Joy; look back over a summer's worth of animal liberation actions; interview a supporter of the California Prison Hunger Strike, as it enters its 55th day; share some more listener feedback on nihilism, and plenty more. Tune in--the time to act is now!
9/3/2013 • 51 minutes, 50 seconds
#8: Prison Abolition and Community Accountability
To conclude our series focusing on prisons and police, our eighth episode looks into strategies to dismantle the prison industrial complex and to hold each other accountable without the state. We interview members of Critical Resistance and Support New York, discuss a new collection of writings from political prisoner Russell Maroon Shoats, respond to listener feedback and anarchist perspectives on gun control, and share a letter from revolutionary Tom Manning about his transfer from solitary confinement--not to mention news, event announcements, Contradictionary terms, and more.
8/25/2013 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 42 seconds
#7: The June 2013 Rebellions in Brazil
In our seventh episode of the Ex-Worker, we turn south to focus on the massive rebellions that broke out across Brazil in June. We share excerpts from the in-depth report we published from Brazilian anarchist comrades that traces a timeline of the demonstrations and analyzes their politics, tactics, and influences. There's also a review of the nihilist journal Attentat, tips on writing to prisoners, feedback from listeners on Guy Fawkes masks and small-town anarchy, and more.
8/5/2013 • 41 minutes, 44 seconds
#6: Making Police Obsolete
So we're still not lovin' the cops—but how do we live without them? In our sixth installment of the Ex-Worker, we follow up on our last two episodes about prisons and police with a discussion of how to stay safe without the state. We also hear a Croatan Earth First! organizer report back on the Round River Rendezvous, review the latest issue of Fifth Estate Magazine, respond to some listener feedback, and share plenty of news and events.
7/21/2013 • 48 minutes, 3 seconds
#5: Still Not Lovin' the Police
In this episode, the Ex-Worker takes a crack at the police; we speak with Kristian Williams, the author of Our Enemies in Blue, and members of East Atlanta Copwatch. Join us for news from around the world and a review of To the Indomitable Hearts: The Prison Letters of Luciano 'Tortuga' Pitronello. Also, comrades from Turkey and from Atlanta give us the digs on their respective anti-police riots!
7/10/2013 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 9 seconds
#4: Prisoners of the World Unite
In this episode, we at the Ex-Worker's Collective steal enough hours from our jobs to discuss the state of the US prison system, the prison abolition movement, and the destruction of prisons. A comrade from supermax lock up and Midwest Pages to Prisoners Zine Distro join us! News and a review of Between Predicates, War by the Institute for Experimental Freedom round out the episode asking us to wonder where dat file, what's the fastest way outta this prison society!
6/17/2013 • 52 minutes, 34 seconds
#3: Luddites and Lockdowns and Lugals Oh My!
A short radio play about the Luddites kicks off our theme segment for this episode of the Ex-Worker, launching us into an exploration of the vibrant history and ideology of Green Anarchism. Alanis and Clara also bring us word from an activist fresh off the Tar Sands Blockade, a review of Fredy Perlman's seminal book Against His-Story, Against Leviathan!, and more international news than you can shake a stick at.{June 2, 2013}
6/4/2013 • 44 minutes, 51 seconds
#2: Work and the Anarchist Critique of Capitalism
Why is this podcast called "the Ex-Worker"? In this episode, hosts Alanis and Clara discuss work and how it works with a friend in a cafe, in the first installment of our series exploring anarchist critiques of capitalism. Episode two also features a special report on Mayday actions around the world, a review of Silvia Federici's "Caliban and the Witch," an interview and reportback from a Canadian anarcha-feminist conference, and plenty more.
5/19/2013 • 37 minutes, 19 seconds
#1: Haymarket and the History of Mayday
In this first episode, hosts Alanis and Clara explore the 1886 Haymarket affair and the anarchist roots of Mayday. Also includes news from resistance around the world, a profile of the Lucy Parsons Center in Boston, a review of the journal Modern Slavery, upcoming events, and more.