Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

Post Mortem

Posted by Mickey Z on 11/03 at 11:05 AM

Why do you always write with such a nasty tone? What is it, do you think, that all your efforts to bash people up into the level of righteousness and brillance at which you operate have accomplished? Congratulations on being so smart.

Posted by Justin Fitch on from Columbus, Ohio 11/03 at 12:07 PM

Bravo!

“Elections are where we get to choose the sauce with which we will be devoured.” (Proudon or Bakunin, can’t remember.)

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/03 at 12:09 PM

Thanks, Dave.

To Justin, I say “nasty” is in the eye of the beholder. Nasty, to me, is U.S. foreign policy, for example.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 12:27 PM

A nasty tone? I always attributed it to his New York style. ;)

Anyways I think the American people have every right to get nasty when they witness another election stolen in front of there eyes. Does anyone really believe Bush is more popular now then he was as a candidate back in 2000? He didn’t win the popular vote on that one either.

Posted by Luna_C on from Vancouver via California 11/03 at 12:56 PM

Yeah, that’s it....I’m not nasty, I’m a New Yorker. That’s what I meant to tell Justin. New York attitude...why didn’tI think of that?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 01:00 PM

“When the Levee Breaks” was written by Memphis Minnie, not Led Zeppelin

Posted by Jon Swift on from Baltimore 11/03 at 01:37 PM

Memphis Minnie? Well, guess I’m not so smart after all.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 01:58 PM

The results are in and Bush will now launch a full-out offensive on all insurgent Iraqi cities and towns in an attempt to crush the insurgency and prepare for January elections. My prediction is that in the next two months more innocent Iraqis will die than in any other similar time period since the invasion/occupation began. So far, our military is averaging over 10,000 Iraqis killed every two months (based on the recently released Lancet study numbers).

And guess what? Kerry would have done the exact same thing.

Posted by James O'Shea on from Puerto Rico 11/03 at 02:05 PM

James,

I do not doubt a word you write...but urge everyone to remember that 5000 Iraqi children (under 5) died each month curing the Clinton years and the U.S. bombed Iraq, on average, once or twice a week during those years. Civilian deaths were never calculated.

MZ

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 02:08 PM

No doubt we have been wrecking havoc on Iraq, be it Republican or Democrat, for 13 years now.

I will never forget the 500,000 Iraqi children (minimum) killed during Bush I/Clinton’s sanctions nor Albright’s answer that “it was worth the cost.”

The Lancet report specifies that of the conservative 100,000 Iraqi civilians killed since our invasion began that most are woman and children killed by our United States Air Force.

Our criminal and sadistic actions in Iraq have been a personal crusade of mine for 2 years now and I will be writing on the subject in my own blog found here:

http://www.wdthu.blogspot.com/

Thanks for being a “nasty” New Yorker, Mickey.

Posted by James O'Shea on from Puerto Rico 11/03 at 02:37 PM

Mickey,
Regarding your “Postmortem”, have you got anything more constructive to say then something akin to “pox on both their houses” and extolling the duty to resist? Regarding the latter, you mock organized protest, so that leaves armed insurrection, I guess. My point, is saying “to hell with the both of them” is not exactly insightful or helpful for those of us interested in positive social change.

GB

Posted by George Brieger on from East Village, NYC 11/03 at 03:00 PM

I can understand your response but it’s hardly fair. First of all, there is lots of space between protest and armed struggle. Secondly, I think there’s much value in pointing out that the answers will never come from the two major parties. In fact, it’s an excellent starting point from which to launch one’s disobedience.

Later this week, I will post something more along the lines of “suggestions.”

Thanks, George.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 03:29 PM

Congrats on the blog, James. I will post a link to it on my site.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 03:30 PM

Neat to see someone mention Memphis Minnie here...she’s definately the genuince article. I think LedZep’s ‘Gallows Pole’ is orginally based on a Leadbelly tune as well - definately recommend seeking out the music of these old bluesmen/women.

Posted by RzG on from 11/03 at 05:47 PM

To all Memphis Minnie fans: I adjusted the song credit accordingly.

Is Minnie the Moocher in the house?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 06:22 PM

Resistence to the status quo is futile, unless there is solidarity between all the resisters.

We will only see the status quo change, if there is solidarity amongst our efforts.

Absent solidarity, our resistence is futile.

As agents of significant social/political/economic change, our next challenge must be… to build that solidarity amongst us.

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/03 at 06:34 PM

You forgot to mention solidarity.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 06:38 PM

Pardon me for the oversight, MZ. Allow me to make amends then.

“Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper. If the basic elements, identity of interest, clarity of vision, honesty of intent, and oneness of purpose, or any of these is lacking, all sentimental pleas for solidarity, and all other efforts to achieve it will be barren of results.” - Eugene Debs

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/03 at 06:46 PM

Thanks, NR...you know I was just funning with you.

In solidarity,

MZ

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 06:51 PM

Yep, MZ, I sure did… and returned the favor. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. I only wish that the following picture was ingrained in the minds of every activist: Yours in solidarity too, NR

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/03 at 06:56 PM

Hey NR, I put your image to use ASAP. See the above blog post.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 09:31 PM

Very cool, for two reasons: the message is a timely one; and, it fits nicely with your black background. An artistic activist, eh?

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/03 at 09:44 PM

But didn’t Hamlet’s Mom request “more matter with less art”?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 09:48 PM

“Art is not a mirror to reflect reality, but a hammer with which to shape it.” - B. Brecht

http://www.artandrevolution.net

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/03 at 10:00 PM

All right...you wanna duel art quotes?

“There is no art that finds a mind’s construction on the face.”
(Macbeth)

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 10:11 PM

art is the opiate of the delusional.

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/03 at 10:20 PM

Jimmy Durante:
Everybody wants to get into the act.

G’night…

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/03 at 10:22 PM

Most revolutions had a visual symbol (artwork) that added an important inspirational and rallying ingredent to their efforts. One of my all-time favorites was:

‘Nite, and see ya all on the front lines.

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/03 at 10:27 PM

The revoluting really found its legs today. Yet another 9-11 connection-election sham. Any motions or notions about how the serious amongst us might find a way to meet, signify, and go-rilla fer real? Not just clever banter on the web, but revoluting monkey-wrenching of the lizrd-brain world of the rich abusers. Ideas?

Posted by bruno on from cacacalifornia 11/04 at 12:36 AM

My first suggestion is to realize and accept that the “revolution had legs” whether Bush or Kerry won. If we identify the Repugs as uniquely evil or villianous, we’ll follow the same path as many others who sought justice.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/04 at 06:32 AM

Which reminds me of the truth that “revolution” means different things to different activists, and so their efforts reveal their often disparate menaings accordingly. We need to have more constructive dialogues, re. our desired and specific change objectives, in order to allign our efforts more. You can’t draw an effective road map to a desired destination without first being clear about what your desired destination is.

Posted by Nader Riderf on from 11/04 at 02:12 PM

as a first revolutionary act how ‘bout we scare ‘em: the blue states threaten to secede. we start by forming a political party dedicated to this purpose. we hold an extra-governmental election to choose leaders to form a shadow, oppositional government. once formed they would initiate a boycott of all products originating in the red states and begin the secession procedures in those states that have such proceedures on the books. we would aim to form a new country or join canada or the EU.

this won’t happen but it might bring pressure on the plutocracy to 86 bush. let’s not forget that the blue states r the economic, academic and cultural heartland of the nation. the prospect of losing all that money will put the whores into a panic.

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/05 at 08:54 PM

While there may be some who don’t see viability in Dave’s suggestion, you can’t escape the fact that it is unquestionably an effective solution, if applied. The core of the current corrupt system is $$$. And the “blue states” pay alot more into the Treasury than the “red states” do. To deny the Treasury monies that support oppressive policies and practices is an effective tact to take. The question, of course, becomes whether it is do-able or not.

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/07 at 02:16 PM

Your comment brings to mind a Michael Ruppert article I read this morning.

http://fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/110504_snap_out.shtml

Posted by Luna_C on from Vancouver via California 11/07 at 02:32 PM

thx 4 link luna. here’s something i really enjoyed (http://www.guardian.co.uk/uselections2004/story/0,13918,1344144,00.html).

secession was mentioned on the mcglauphlin (sp?) group this morning (yes, yes, i’m an idiot for watching such drivel). o’donnell brought it up and he was asked if he was supporting civil war. he said: “no, secession can be effected without firing a shot.”

let’s try! whadda we got to lose? we now live in an empire, not a republic. the supreme court will be stocked with nazis. people r afraid that roe v wade is finished, do u think they’ll stop there? what about brown v board of educ.? what will patriot acts 2, 3 and 4 be like? our young will be drafted and die in ever increasing numbers liberating every oil well on the planet from “evil-doers.” the bourgeoisie has been and continues to crush working people underfoot. what the hell r we waiting for? let’s do something! let’s start with an international boycott of american products, as has already been suggested on left-wing european websites. to the extent that it’s possible, don’t but american! and talk secession!

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/07 at 03:45 PM

I’m not sure if I get the use of the word “secession.” Are you suggesting that individual states secede and become sovereign nations?

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 11/07 at 04:05 PM

join canada (which would be a very popular idea in a couple of n. england states) or the seceding states would comprise a new federation/confederacy, or perhaps join the EU and adopt the euro.

i realize how unlikely these things r but we should flex our muscle here. the US is nearly 1/3 of the world’s GDP. ( rome and england were 8 and 9 respectively.) i don’t know exactly how much of america’s GDP is produced in the blue states but clearly it’s the lion’s share. additionally, most of the industries in which the US is dominant, high-tech, bio-tech, etc r headquatered in the blue states. if the blues formed an independent state it would be the most powerful on earth. W would be pres of a second-rate power. if the seceders individually or collectively joined the EU and adopted the euro, red america and its currency would be of little global importance. the hegemony of the dollar, a large part of the invasion of iraq i believe, would be shattered. and the world’s lone superpower, the EU, would be a federal state committed, by idealogy and more importantly necessity, to multilateralism. george bush would be the president of nowheresville by the time he got around to repealing the emancipation proclamation.

and let’s remember, as nader rider pointed out, the blue states contribute more to the fed budget than they get from it, unlike the reds. we r the real heartland of this country. we have some power here. let’s use it. chat up secession and don’t buy american if u can help it. let’s roll!

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/07 at 09:03 PM

If Dave means give secession the same serious consideration that you would to other nonviolent direct actions, than I see merit in his trumpet call. It is self-defeating to come up with a reactionary response to the current reactionary condition in our country. One justs feed off the other. Now is the time, however, to give careful and delibearate consideration to all viable courses of nonviolent direct action. And secession is just part of that menu. Here’s an interesting read regarding the subject matter too. It offers lots of food for continued thought and discussion, I think. http://web.inter.nl.net/users/Paul.Treanor/secession.html

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/07 at 09:14 PM

thx 4 the link, nr, it was interesting if overly academic. a couple of months ago arundhati roy gave a speech which is archived at democracynow.org. it’s brilliant and deals with some of the same issues.

i confess to being inexpert about such constitutional matters but there r articles of secession in at least some state constitutions. there r legal ways to secede. we should initiate them.

as for justification here’s a couple of ideas: i’m a newcomer to the state of washington but i can confidentally say that a goodly number of washingtonians would rather be a canadian province than an american state, perhaps a majority. if a referendum were held and it passed what justification would the red gov. have to stop us?

more to the point morally, we live under a criminal regime. a rogue government which is depriving us of our rights. an exhaustive list of bush venality would be too big an undertaking here so i’ll limit myself to a couple of acts which r demonstrably criminal and treasonous.

memos surfaced in which AG “robespierre” ashcroft directs his employees not to comply with any number of laws including the freedom of info act. this is the country’s top law enforcement official ordering his agents to commit crimes. there can be no dispute in this case. when the pres spoke asbout this subsequently he publically said that ashcroft was “doing a great job.”

according to the first pres bush, the outing of valerie pflame (sp?) was an act of treason. technically, he’s correct.

these r just a couple among the many crimes of the bush admin but these r indisputable, and traitorous. bush took an oath to uphold the law and constitution, he’s incontestably violated that oath. How much fealty do the individual states owe to a criminal regime which has deceived and betrayed them multiple times?

i’ve been writing/getting emails all day from such distant places as italy and japan. if we initiate the secession process we will get a lot of support from around the world. the idea has some traction. let’s give it a try! let’s write a list of demands, including bush’s resignation for sure, and if they r not met let’s see what legal, non-violent things we can do.

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/07 at 11:19 PM

The Nuremberg Tribunal (1945-1946) proclaimed: “Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience ... Therefore [individual citizens] have the duty to violate domestic laws to prevent crimes against peace and humanity from occurring.”

Posted by dave on from seattle 11/07 at 11:44 PM

Sorry for the excessively academic overtone of the article, Dave. I promise to tone it down in the future. Here’s a link to a group of people who are actually walking their talk, re. this issue. If you look at some of their internal links, you can glean some interesting bits of information about the secession option. Just some more food (less academic too) for thought. http://www.vermontrepublic.org/index.html

Posted by Nader Rider on from 11/08 at 01:02 AM