'We can go back in time and look at people cheerleading the Iranian
revolution or the Zimbabwean anti-colonial struggle or the ANC in South
Africa or the Sandinistas or whatever political fight. In all cases
there is an understandable urge to side with the underdog. But what was
the outcome? Why are radicals so quick to patriotically cheer on the
latest thing, when we should be saying: '"Brothers and sisters in
Yemen and Egypt and Algeria and Tunisia, watch out for the states in
waiting, watch out for the 'popular resistance hero'. Remember Mugabe.
Remember Khomeini. The difference between a dictator and a democrat is
only at the ballot box - the factory and the slum will not change. The
'imprisoned opposition leaders' of today will be the jailers of
tomorrow. Stay strong. You will need miracles, and G-d is not
watching. All the proposed solutions are lies!'"
Perhaps it is too soon to say this (Mubarak may hold on), but the
real enemy of those revolting in Northern Africa is the political
opposition that is preparing to take power. And when I say 'take
power', I mean that in the most general way.
If/when a revolt appears where 'we' are, 'we' cannot fall prey to the
indecency of waving flags and banners in support of whatever is
happening. Our task is to pee on the parade. To say "No! Push
further! The old world is not behind you yet!" To point out the
policeman with red and black flags. To maintain our principles and
avoid urgency, even when the situation appears to be moving quickly.
Remember every international revolt you've been excited about in your
life. Look at what happened after each of them. What happened May,
1969? What happened to your enthusiasm? All of the doors that appeared
to be open lead nowhere or were, in retrospect, closed. The freedom
fighters joined or became the government. The political situation was
turned upside down, the old leaders jailed, the elections became free
(at least for one election!), and yet... wage labor, value production,
the unending circulation of commodities and money, the reproduction of
classes, all of this carried on without pause. Why?
Does anyone believe the situation in North Africa is a revolt against
capitalism? If you do, do you think this revolt could lead to
communism (or 'anarchy' or whatever you want to say)? If you say no to
either question, what exactly are you supporting?'
-- From the Letters Journal
"Made in USA" tear gas cannister used by the Egyptian police on protestors. January, 2011.
Image source: crisisofcivilization
