[matilda] Non violent direct action?

[jgibbon at wimbledon.ac.uk]

I think Chris's founding principles are great.

However I want to throw  a thorny issue into the debate. I would like to
suggest that Matilda forwards non violent direct action.  Perhaps I am
alone in this.  Whatever, I would appreciate a debate on the subject.

The blockade of Gleneagles 6th July was a useful example. I was involved
with a non-violent anarchist group who successfully blockaded a road until
3pm.  The blockade was  creative, life affirming and effective. However
the press just love violence, and focussed on whatever examples they could
find, missing the real issues. Our use of violence is the state's best
weapon against us. It allows it to frame us as the bad guys.  Also -
people get hurt - which is the domination we are seeking to avoid.

What do other people think?  Any other experiences of violent/non violent
tactics in Scotland?

Jill


Hi
>
> I wonder if it would make sense to agree that the Matilda
> social centre would use the PGA Hallmarks as one of it's
> founding principals?
>
> These are simple and clear:
>
>   1. A very clear rejection of capitalism, imperialism and
>      feudalism; all trade agreements, institutions and
>      governments that promote destructive globalisation.
>
>   2. We reject all forms and systems of domination and
>      discrimination including, but not limited to,
>      patriarchy, racism and religious fundamentalism of
>      all creeds.
>
>      We embrace the full dignity of all human beings.
>
>   3. A confrontational attitude, since we do not think
>      that lobbying can have a major impact in such biased
>      and undemocratic organisations, in which
>      transnational capital is the only real policy-maker;
>
>   4. A call to direct action and civil disobedience,
>      support for social movements' struggles, advocating
>      forms of resistance which maximize respect for life
>      and oppressed peoples' rights, as well as the
>      construction of local alternatives to global
>      capitalism.
>
>   5. An organisational philosophy based on
>      decentralisation and autonomy.
>
>   http://www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/free/pga/hallm.htm
>
> Perhaps this could be an agenda item for the meeting on
> Monday 18th July?
>
> Chris
>
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