A-Infos (en) Statement against the current strategy of tension by an Anarchist of Color

[francisco rojas <frojas@genoaresistance.org>]

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      A - I N F O S  N E W S  S E R V I C E
            http://www.ainfos.ca/
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We are all in a moment of confusion and stress after the events of September 11th,
2001.  Concerns of war and repression are overwhelming us into a hurried 
reaction to our immediate events.  In all of this it is important to remember that this
situation was not created on September, 11th.

Police, State, and fascist attacks on minorities and migrants are the result of a long
term strategy by those in power.  As demonstrated in Genoa, the authorities know 
that it is most effective to first attack the most marginalized and defenseless elements
in society, as they have the least ability to resist.  Once these groups are 
terrorized into inaction, the authorities will then, step by step, concentrate their attacks
on progressively more empowered sections of society. 

Right now the attacks are focused on radical dissidents, particularly Anarchists, and
on minorities and migrants.  As people of color and anarchists we are doubly 
vulnerable in this situation.  As a further refinement of the strategy there is a
concerted attempt, at this moment, to encourage African-Americans to identify with
the 
repressive institutions that are targeting brown skinned people, including, but not
limited to, people of middle eastern origin and Moslems.  In the past, such divide and 
conquer strategies have worked well to ensure the oppression of Black people in
America and around the world.  It is the to the shame of other people of color that 
we have not always shown the kind of solidarity with our African brothers and sisters
that we should have.

In the current situation, it is important that we establish, once and for all, that we are
all in the same boat.  People of lighter skin cannot cooperate with the oppression 
of darker skinned people to advance their own privileges in an racist society.
Likewise we must understand that any precedent of repression against any group 
results, ultimately, in a loss for us all.  Temporary advantages for one minority only
serves to weaken our collective situation.

It is hard to think past our current emergency, but if we to be truly united and effective,
it will be necessary that we work together, not just now, but afterwards when, 
once again, Black people will be returned to the bottom of the system of graded
oppression that is used to control us.

As Anarchists of Color it is our duty to make sure this message is clear, and that we
take concrete steps to ensure that it is understood as widely as possible and 
implemented in all our activities now and into the future.


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