24th
When the issue of fighting back comes up, I sometimes hear people argue that we musn’t fight back, because those in power will only rebuild, or because they’ll only increase their repression and violence. That this concern is considered by some to be a valid reason for inaction tells me many things. One of the most important things it tells me is that the people asking that question do not live in a culture of resistance. The question of how those in power will respond to different actions is certainly strategically valid. But in a culture of resistance, it’s not a reason not to resist by whatever means are most appropriate and effective.
Of course those in power will inflict reprisals on those who resist them. Of course they will try to frighten and terrorize dissidents into accepting their authority. Of course they will try to harm even those who do not directly participate in actions against power. This is not a reason to hold back - this is why we fight them. In a culture of resistance, reprisals and state terrorism are certainly not trivial, and they are not ignored. Instead, they underscore the importance of resistance, and strengthen the resolve of those who fight back.
- Aric McBay, What We Leave Behind
(Source: newmilitant, via solitaryforager)
