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celebratedrecluse wrote

Think about all the time, effort, and money that would require.

Then consider all the shit you might accomplish if you marshaled half of that into direct action.

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Cheeks OP wrote

I plan to have more of a reach to make my mutual aid and direct action projects more feasible. I'm not alone is this. I have a large group of people I've been working with for years on various projects. The point is to gather more interest and empower people over all.

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celebratedrecluse wrote

If you specifically account for the rough amounts of money, hours worked, over the next 2 years, and found even remotely a return on that, I would be surprised.

You also have to consider that this investment entails risk; unless you have some ace up your sleeve, you have to realize that there may be forces arrayed against you that will work to ensure your loss. If you lose, then you wasted all that time and effort and money on achieving nothing but alienating the people who helped you. Are you willing to accept that responsibility?

Because direct action doesn't usually entail that level of risking that you'll lose everything you worked for. At least, not the type of actions that I think are most useful in my own context. You'll have to do these calculations for yourself, of course. Just some stuff for you ponder over

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Cheeks OP wrote

You're assuming that I'm running against someone. Most local candidacy is uncontested in the majority of US cities, as most candidates only file at the last minute when they know there isn't competition. I've made positive impacts on many people here over the last 15 years. So it shouldn't be to arduous of a task.

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celebratedrecluse wrote

In that case, the main consideration to weigh might be the requirements of the job, and the limitations of the office, and the potential negative fallout from taking responsibility for the actions/failures of the local government.

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LoveKiss wrote

Perhaps you pursue your own selfish interest.

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LoveKiss wrote

It’s better to tell us how we get rid of the system by a monopoly that imposes its interests everywhere and everywhere?

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LoveKiss wrote

You will receive benefits as klaas, you will be above others. This is called an unrecognized capitalist.

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Cheeks OP wrote

Honestly, there are a few things that need to be done to ease the pain of the working class, poor, and further marginalized population of my city. And that's not gonna happen in the interim, short of revolution. Examples, highest utilities in the state with the munipalites passing failed business decisions losses to the general population($600 US for electricity, water, trash removal, recycling services, happens a few times a year for many folks.) There is a large homeless population here as a result and the criminalization of them is not only costing the city more with an increased police presence, but an anarchist friend of mine runs an organization to combat homelessness here in a way that is benificial to those that are houseless and the community as a whole. I wouldn't be the first anarchist to run or be elected to office in the state BTW.

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An_Old_Big_Tree wrote

Genuine question: What makes you think you'll be able to do those things if you get that job?

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mofongo wrote

I wouldn't be the first anarchist to run or be elected to office in the state BTW.

Have you gotten in contact with them to know what they wanted to achieve, what could they surge and what the roadblocks were?

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celebratedrecluse wrote

This is a very good idea, I would also reach out to any of their anarchist detractors, and see what a variety of perspectives are on their past projects.

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Cheeks OP wrote

Yes, of course. It was one of the first things I did. She suggested that I go for it, make a mockery of their process the whole time but use the position to educate the constituents more on what their proposals entail

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lori wrote

I think you should do what you want first and foremost. It doesn't matter whether it'd be more effective to do direct action, never mind that most people can do that and have a job .but it matters what offers you a fulfilling life without hurting others and gets you the bread you need. If you're doing this because praxis and not because you want to, then don't. If you're doing it for praxis and because you want to, definitely do.

Besides, like was said - I'd rather an anarchist fill the position than not.

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LoveKiss wrote

u I hope for the decency of this person?

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LoveKiss wrote

  1. Reduction of administrative staff (police, too many, more cameras, less police).
  2. medicine is available to all segments of the population.
  3. Decrease in utility costs.
  4. Legalize marijuana completely
  5. open centers, help the homeless(provide work). Will you do? I will vote for you, campaign.
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LoveKiss wrote

  1. Let the people do business, not stifle bureaucratic pressure(income taxes can be left unchanged).
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ziq wrote

What's a city commissioner?

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Cheeks OP wrote

It varies based on the way the city government works. Here in my city we have district commissioners and two at large that serve all districts. I am going for an at large commissioner office position. City commissioners are the ones that create committees that over see certain municipal or other city relevant institutions, and create, repeal, redefine, ordinances.

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ziq wrote

I've never lived in a city so it's hard for me to really wrap my head around what the job entails, but there's nothing wrong with trying to make life better for people in your community. Civil servants aren't always rulers. I have had to deal with civil servants that abuse their power to make life miserable for people they don't like (me), tho.

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LoveKiss wrote

The laws of the market will not let you do all this

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rot wrote

community organizing outside of the state structure would be better and less hypocritical than an anarchist working for the state

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rot wrote

unless you're doing a Vermin Supreme type thing. then whatever, go ahead.

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Cheeks OP wrote

The only thing hypocritical is the way so many anarchists act hard-line about so many things and it's the same ones who rarely do any actual organizing that are the first ones to yell 'sell out.' I'm not calling you out directly, I've always appreciated your opinions and ideas here, but moving things forward and appealing anarchism and direct action to a larger group seems a bit more important than stomping on others attempts as it doesn't fit your mold of what anarchism is.

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rot wrote

it's the same ones who rarely do any actual organizing that are the first ones to yell 'sell out.'

very true. I still think direct action is better being an anarchist commissioner because the former is a) more direct b) not tethered to the state

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Cheeks OP wrote

Like I said, I agree. There is really no alternative to direct action.

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rot wrote

then why run in an election?

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ratbum wrote

You probably won’t get in, but just by running you’ll be raising awareness of an alternative route. I’d say do it.

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6c_6f_76_65 wrote

I would welcome it if I had that opportunity.

My situation is unique in that I have the option to dedicate the time. I would want the position mainly to see the inner workings of how people sabotage helping poor and marginalized individuals. Who are the silent groups out there funding an agenda trying to put a boot on someone's neck.

The other benefit would be visibility into all the organizations that are working on a positive agenda. You will have access to them and your position would give you visibility for them to seek you out. Both ways it works for everyone's benefit because you can better unite all the different groups.

The hard part would be it is politics: all the backstabbing, smear campaigns, people being disingenuous, the time and effort you put in for someone to just toss it aside. It will test your mental and physical fortitude. You will lose sleep. Your life will become chaotic and it will prematurely age you.

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Bezotcovschina wrote (edited )

I'm late. I have no suggestions to you, but I have one proposal: could you please keep us updated on this situation, avoiding to reveal as much personal information as possible, of course?

I mean, I'm not the one who tell people what they should or shouldn't do on basis of, let me try it, iDeOlOgIcAl PuRiTy, especially if their motivations are love and caring. And I'm very curious to learn where it could lead to.

Edit: Grammar

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LoveKiss wrote

No, this is a bad idea, you will become an official capitalist...

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LoveKiss wrote

Cheeks,if you do, you will be a great man. A REAL ANARCHIST!

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LoveKiss wrote

  1. For security, one must use camcorders all around and everywhere. Police officers need to be removed from the streets. Cheeks will be a donation of bitcoins
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