I am embarrassed to live in this era.  

And right now, I am embarrassed to say I live in Olympia.

I have attended more board meetings, volunteer meetings, coordinator meetings and organizational meetings in this town over the past four years than in my entire life. 

When I first moved to Olympia, I was enamored with the active population, the political atmosphere, the queer politics, the amount of organizing and non-profit projects & organizations.

I was thrilled to see that people still protested, stood up for themselves and organized boycotts.

Today, this is what I see.

Just wanted to let people know that the new issue of Works in Progress is out and we'll be talking about its contents on tomorrow's "No Talking Heads".

Who: Howard Rosenfeld and Wally Cuddleford on "No Talking Heads"

What: Discuss the new issue of Works in Progress, including Wally's article about police brutality. Please call in and chat with us at 360-867-5267 (that's 867-KAOS).

Where: KAOS, 89.3FM or online kaos.evergreen.edu

When: Sunday, September 2nd, 5-6pm

Why: Because we need more discussion of local issues on the radio.

The new issue of WIP is being distributed NOW! Look for it around town.

The IAC Strikes Again (with glitter)!

author: IAC President 2008
Aug 31, 2007 13:29

The International Anarchist Conspiracy, popularly known for its glitter(magic)-filled water balloon attack on the Minutemen in Seattle has struck again---this time in Tacoma.

Somewhere in the dark, industrial heart of Tacoma, hanging on a fence was a sign in support of Ron Paul, the favorite fascist, anti-immigrant presidential candidate of the Minutemen and their nationalist ilk. (By the way, it was a shitty banner. Very poorly made. Pretty sad.) The sign read "RON PAUL / PRESIDENT 2008".

Activists from the IAC magically changed the banner right there---through the sheer power of their wizardly minds.

When the cloud of sorcerer smoke had cleared and pixie dust (or was it pixie sticks?) floated to the ground, the anarchist witches and warlocks were gone.

Yet the Ron Paul banner remained. Only over the original words are "Destroy Nationalism (A) / (E) Tear Down All Borders." Glitter covered the new words and sparkled in the sunshine---filling us with hope for the new world we are building.

Rumour has it that the IAC worked this magic that night to point out what Ron Paul and his followers stand for: nationalism, anti-immigration, racism, and ultimately, fascism."

Although it does not matter who gets elected. People will be there to fight whatever authoritarian jerk fills the position. We can not settle for any politician to rule our lives. We will only be happy when every single individual has control over their means of survival and their lives, and every community has control over local decision making.

Of course, we will not stop fighting then. We may have to keep fighting to keep the continuous revolution going. We will never reach a utopia. We will keep fighting the fascists and authoritarians and our own conditioned tendencies toward hierarchical expression.

But today the IAC sent a message to Ron Paul, his supporters, and everyone else who sees the sign: these leaders are nationalist and racist and we will fight them wherever they have or seek power.

*This message was not endorsed by the IAC. It may be dangerous (or beneficial) to your health. Side effects may include the desire to fight politicians and minutemen, picking up random sticks and trying to use them as magic wands, and cultivating a sense of collective struggle and belonging, because you are not the only one *

for magic picture see http://stashbox.org/35371/ronpaulsucks.JPG

Here is what has really been bothering me about the recent blowup at OFS (here and here at the Olympian). The board of directors actually isn't elected from the membership. Rather, it is self appointing.

The current members of the board choose all new incoming members. From the OFS bylaws, posted up at OFSvolunteers:

Any member of the Society wishing to serve as a Director must submit to the Board prior to a regularly scheduled meeting a letter of application summarizing their experience with the Society and their interest in serving on the Board, outlining any particular skills they would bring to the Board, and indicating whether they are applying for a one or two year term. Letters of application to the Board shall be posted in the lobby for not less than two weeks before the meeting at which the applicant is to be considered by the Board. The Board shall also solicit and consider member input on the applications in whatever method (letter, email, verbal testimony to the Board) is deemed appropriate by the Board. The Board shall retain the power to determine the appropriate method. Following an interview by the Board at a regularly scheduled meeting, a member may be appointed to the Board.

Now, here's my question: Would you trust a board that is put together in such a manner?

Also, there's a new explainer over at OFSvolunteers called: How did the board fudge the bylaws?

These two local lyrical examples came to my attention recently. Aside from simply setting them up, I'll refrain from making any editorial comments and let you be the judge.

First the song. It was apparently sung at a banquet held at the Hotel Mitchell in Olympia, Dec. 31, 1909 "tendered by Business Men of Olympia to Governor M.E. Hay and State Capitol Commission." The topic seemed to be the building of a new legislative structure. The 1909 Capitol Building is now known as the HQ for the Washington State Supt. of Public Instruction, next to Sylvester Park.

Olympia 1910 Anthem
Tune: "Yankee Doodle"

The State House Hay, will surely build,
Upon the big Foundation;
And famous he will ever be
With the population.

Doc Carlyon was the sponsor great,
who set the plan agoing,
He did the big thing for his State
And now we see it growing.

Chorus

Olympia's bound to be a town
Of mighty big dimensions;
A town whose size and enterprise
Will sure command attention.

Chorus

She's come to life to join the strife,
With victory the sequel;
No other town upon the Sound
Will ever be her equal.

Chorus

-----------

The second work I'm sharing has a more mysterious origin. It is signed C.M. Moore, Elma, Washington, May 11, 1931. It was apparently printed and distributed on a single sheets of paper.

Mount Rainier

Look here, stranger! Just come here,
And take a look at Old Rainier.
That mountain over there, it's great!
The pride of our new Golden State.

It's just as famous as the Alps;
Right here, where Indians gathered scalps;
Where pioneers cut trails right through
To make the way for me and you.

From every pleasant highway here
You'll see the towering, Mount Rainier,
And, as you look, it seems to say:
"I'll guide you right, along the way."

Old pioneers all feel the cheer
Of sunny, snow-capped, Mount Rainier.
No bible oath would we revere,
'Cause we all swear by Mount Rainier.