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From Santa Cruz to Modesto: Parallels and Crisis
Parallels to Modesto and Santa Cruz downtown repression.
This is a well-thought out article appearing in the Modesto Anarcho blog detailing ten years of change in downtown Modesto. There are many parallels to the changes Santa Cruz has undergone and continues to undergo. In twenty odd years I've seen this town shift from a sleepy forgotten beach town before the earthquake to an upscale gentrified consumer paradise on track to become the next Los Gatos or Carmel.
Principally though, I think we could benefit from a similar thoughtful long-term analysis of the trends in Santa Cruz from an anti-authoritarian anti-capitalist point-of-view. As it stands, we allow the business owners and rabid pro-law and order crowd to frame the public discourse on one hand, and Robert Norse and a handful of homeless advocates to frame the resistance to it on the other.
I'd like to see an upswing of public discussion about issues that effect our town and region from an anarchist perspective. Radicals writing and talking solely to other radicals is important, but misses an opportunity. Reaching out from our infoshops and co-ops and circles of friends helps non-anarchists understand anarchist philosophy and gives others these analytical and intellectual tools to tackle hard social problems.
Anyway, here's the Modesto Anarcho article:
Principally though, I think we could benefit from a similar thoughtful long-term analysis of the trends in Santa Cruz from an anti-authoritarian anti-capitalist point-of-view. As it stands, we allow the business owners and rabid pro-law and order crowd to frame the public discourse on one hand, and Robert Norse and a handful of homeless advocates to frame the resistance to it on the other.
I'd like to see an upswing of public discussion about issues that effect our town and region from an anarchist perspective. Radicals writing and talking solely to other radicals is important, but misses an opportunity. Reaching out from our infoshops and co-ops and circles of friends helps non-anarchists understand anarchist philosophy and gives others these analytical and intellectual tools to tackle hard social problems.
Anyway, here's the Modesto Anarcho article:
Why Is Downtown Dead?: Homelessness, Development, and Resistance
In the early 2000's, the place for young people to be was one place: Downtown Modesto. The closed off street of 10th and J was not only a home for City Hall, but also the movie theater, upscale restaurants, coffee shops, and fast food places. For many of the pre and post-high school age kids that gathered in the area however, the reason to be downtown was not to buy anything. They came downtown to hang out, meet new people, and be with friends. While many saw this as a chance to be around other youth, the downtown also was a well lit, relatively safe place that was also used by a fair amount of adults. It was a regular sight to see parents dropping kids off in mini-vans, knowing that they were safer there than at a house party. The kids could have been home in front of television, doing drugs and drinking, but instead they were in an open area filled with hundreds of different youth from different neighborhoods, races, and towns. In only a matter of years, this would all be gone.
Read more >>
For more information:
http://www.modestoanarcho.org/2010/12/why-...
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"the push to attack the homeless, push out youth, and develop and gentrify downtown
are not problems of bad policy or 'mean' politicians. They are instead actions of an
upper class that seeks our removal so they can make money."
absolutely, it's class war and we are losing. is it because we target the politicions
and police instead of the money?
"I'd like to see an upswing of public discussion about issues that effect our town and
region from an anarchist perspective."
me too. know of any anarchist meetings of this nature, open to the masses?
although Norse may be inept and annoying, he does offer a weekly meeting to the
people.
great article.
are not problems of bad policy or 'mean' politicians. They are instead actions of an
upper class that seeks our removal so they can make money."
absolutely, it's class war and we are losing. is it because we target the politicions
and police instead of the money?
"I'd like to see an upswing of public discussion about issues that effect our town and
region from an anarchist perspective."
me too. know of any anarchist meetings of this nature, open to the masses?
although Norse may be inept and annoying, he does offer a weekly meeting to the
people.
great article.
Truth is that the corporations and politicians control the money and the police protect the power of the state.
I have heard the need to stop preaching to the choir concept before. The trouble is as the last right wing landslide election we had it is an indication that the choir and our own communities are all we got. The mainstream is the mainstream They mostly cannot be reached. Remember the Tea Party people were right wingers who wanted Government hands off their Social Security proving they do not have a clue where or when the concept came about. The other fact is that when it comes to reaching out to those other communities....meaning the mainstream......the only one that changes is people like you......Which means "working within the system" or starting a nonprofit....If that is what you want I cannot say that is wrong for you but be aware it becomes a slippery slope.
I know you have been going through a lot of trauma around your court hearings, and I wish you the best
One last question why did you position yourself as both against the city and business power structure and also against Robert Norse who has been a supporter of yours?
I have heard the need to stop preaching to the choir concept before. The trouble is as the last right wing landslide election we had it is an indication that the choir and our own communities are all we got. The mainstream is the mainstream They mostly cannot be reached. Remember the Tea Party people were right wingers who wanted Government hands off their Social Security proving they do not have a clue where or when the concept came about. The other fact is that when it comes to reaching out to those other communities....meaning the mainstream......the only one that changes is people like you......Which means "working within the system" or starting a nonprofit....If that is what you want I cannot say that is wrong for you but be aware it becomes a slippery slope.
I know you have been going through a lot of trauma around your court hearings, and I wish you the best
One last question why did you position yourself as both against the city and business power structure and also against Robert Norse who has been a supporter of yours?
What has happened in Modesto and other towns IS happening here and now.
I see it on the street every day.
Shockingly, Mayor Ryan Coonerty told me while I handed out holiday cookies that he didn't want to see the homeless
downtown receiving cookies and cocoa that was offered to everyone. He only wants them to get their "needs" met at the
Homeless Resource Center, where they will be out of sight of the shoppers downtown.
Here is a quote from the Mayor while in discourse with me about my holiday table downtown.
"I hope that you enjoyed forcing those who are cold and hungry to parade themselves in front of their community to get basic necessities because it made you feel good about yourself instead of allowing them the dignity to get them on their own terms."
Mayor Ryan Coonerty, December 2010
He is personally invested in the wellbeing of the downtown business climate as he owns or shares ownership with 3 Pacific Ave. businesses.
His role as Mayor/councilperson is obviously in conflict with his personal financial interests.
I see it on the street every day.
Shockingly, Mayor Ryan Coonerty told me while I handed out holiday cookies that he didn't want to see the homeless
downtown receiving cookies and cocoa that was offered to everyone. He only wants them to get their "needs" met at the
Homeless Resource Center, where they will be out of sight of the shoppers downtown.
Here is a quote from the Mayor while in discourse with me about my holiday table downtown.
"I hope that you enjoyed forcing those who are cold and hungry to parade themselves in front of their community to get basic necessities because it made you feel good about yourself instead of allowing them the dignity to get them on their own terms."
Mayor Ryan Coonerty, December 2010
He is personally invested in the wellbeing of the downtown business climate as he owns or shares ownership with 3 Pacific Ave. businesses.
His role as Mayor/councilperson is obviously in conflict with his personal financial interests.
"Shockingly, Mayor Ryan Coonerty told me while I handed out holiday cookies....."
Uhh, Brent, in another thread here on Indybay you said that Coonerty wrote that to you in a Facebook message. Now you're saying he told you in person while you were handing out cookies. Which one is it?
Uhh, Brent, in another thread here on Indybay you said that Coonerty wrote that to you in a Facebook message. Now you're saying he told you in person while you were handing out cookies. Which one is it?
Garry thanks for your concern. There was an in person chat and an online exchange.
Truth is that the corporations and politicians control the money and the police protect the power of the state.
"I have heard the need to stop preaching to the choir concept before. The trouble is as the last right wing landslide election we had it is an indication that the choir and our own communities are all we got. The mainstream is the mainstream They mostly cannot be reached. Remember the Tea Party people were right wingers who wanted Government hands off their Social Security proving they do not have a clue where or when the concept came about. The other fact is that when it comes to reaching out to those other communities....meaning the mainstream......the only one that changes is people like you......Which means "working within the system" or starting a nonprofit....If that is what you want I cannot say that is wrong for you but be aware it becomes a slippery slope." -
I think you're misreading the last election, greatly.
Massive voters non-turn out. Massive non voter turn out for young people. Those Obama votes are gone. People didn't swing to the right, they swung away from politics.
However, you state in order to reach the 'mainstream' the only choice is to 'work in the system' and form non-profits (organs that do the work the state used to do). The way forward isn't work within the system, but the pressing forward of class struggle. Clearly 'our communities,' by which I guess you mean the Left, have failed to do anything but bring more veg options at Burger King. Santa Cruz itself is ruled by self-described 'liberals.' When we start to base our struggles around attacking common material conditions shared, then we can move forward.
"I have heard the need to stop preaching to the choir concept before. The trouble is as the last right wing landslide election we had it is an indication that the choir and our own communities are all we got. The mainstream is the mainstream They mostly cannot be reached. Remember the Tea Party people were right wingers who wanted Government hands off their Social Security proving they do not have a clue where or when the concept came about. The other fact is that when it comes to reaching out to those other communities....meaning the mainstream......the only one that changes is people like you......Which means "working within the system" or starting a nonprofit....If that is what you want I cannot say that is wrong for you but be aware it becomes a slippery slope." -
I think you're misreading the last election, greatly.
Massive voters non-turn out. Massive non voter turn out for young people. Those Obama votes are gone. People didn't swing to the right, they swung away from politics.
However, you state in order to reach the 'mainstream' the only choice is to 'work in the system' and form non-profits (organs that do the work the state used to do). The way forward isn't work within the system, but the pressing forward of class struggle. Clearly 'our communities,' by which I guess you mean the Left, have failed to do anything but bring more veg options at Burger King. Santa Cruz itself is ruled by self-described 'liberals.' When we start to base our struggles around attacking common material conditions shared, then we can move forward.
Truth is that the corporations and politicians control the money and the police protect the power of the state.
Lilprole:
you completely got ass backward what I was trying to say. You did not read what I said very carefully. Everything you seem to think I approve of I am against.
First I am a Communist. People who try to work within the system, do not in change the system. They become co-opted by that system and their efforts are effectively nullified.
"I have heard the need to stop preaching to the choir concept before. The trouble is as the last right wing landslide election we had it is an indication that the choir and our own communities are all we got. The mainstream is the mainstream They mostly cannot be reached. Remember the Tea Party people were right wingers who wanted Government hands off their Social Security proving they do not have a clue where or when the concept came about. The other fact is that when it comes to reaching out to those other communities....meaning the mainstream......the only one that changes is people like you......Which means "working within the system" or starting a nonprofit....If that is what you want I cannot say that is wrong for you but be aware it becomes a slippery slope." -
Here I am refering to Wes. I do not believe this is a path he should be taking but if he does that is his choice
'I think you're misreading the last election, greatly.
Massive voters non-turn out. Massive non voter turn out for young people. Those Obama votes are gone. People didn't swing to the right, they swung away from politics.'
I am not misreading the election at all. People don't vote.....only the voice of those that do are heard. Most young people are not on the left(most American youth) and yes they do not vote . Most Americans are totally ignorant of the political process
"However, you state in order to reach the 'mainstream' the only choice is to 'work in the system' and form non-profits (organs that do the work the state used to do). The way forward isn't work within the system, but the pressing forward of class struggle. Clearly 'our communities,' by which I guess you mean the Left, have failed to do anything but bring more veg options at Burger King. Santa Cruz itself is ruled by self-described 'liberals.' When we start to base our struggles around attacking common material conditions shared, then we can move forward"
You really did not understand what I meant.......I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WORKING WITHIN THE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE. You enumerated pretty much the same reasons why I believe Liberals are worthless. Veggie options at supermarket are bullshit. 'Basing our struggles around attacking the common material conditions shared' is correct, and I have tried to do this but what I would say to that is most Americans do not understand their own oppression. They also have no concept of working with others.
Lilprole:
you completely got ass backward what I was trying to say. You did not read what I said very carefully. Everything you seem to think I approve of I am against.
First I am a Communist. People who try to work within the system, do not in change the system. They become co-opted by that system and their efforts are effectively nullified.
"I have heard the need to stop preaching to the choir concept before. The trouble is as the last right wing landslide election we had it is an indication that the choir and our own communities are all we got. The mainstream is the mainstream They mostly cannot be reached. Remember the Tea Party people were right wingers who wanted Government hands off their Social Security proving they do not have a clue where or when the concept came about. The other fact is that when it comes to reaching out to those other communities....meaning the mainstream......the only one that changes is people like you......Which means "working within the system" or starting a nonprofit....If that is what you want I cannot say that is wrong for you but be aware it becomes a slippery slope." -
Here I am refering to Wes. I do not believe this is a path he should be taking but if he does that is his choice
'I think you're misreading the last election, greatly.
Massive voters non-turn out. Massive non voter turn out for young people. Those Obama votes are gone. People didn't swing to the right, they swung away from politics.'
I am not misreading the election at all. People don't vote.....only the voice of those that do are heard. Most young people are not on the left(most American youth) and yes they do not vote . Most Americans are totally ignorant of the political process
"However, you state in order to reach the 'mainstream' the only choice is to 'work in the system' and form non-profits (organs that do the work the state used to do). The way forward isn't work within the system, but the pressing forward of class struggle. Clearly 'our communities,' by which I guess you mean the Left, have failed to do anything but bring more veg options at Burger King. Santa Cruz itself is ruled by self-described 'liberals.' When we start to base our struggles around attacking common material conditions shared, then we can move forward"
You really did not understand what I meant.......I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WORKING WITHIN THE SYSTEM IS EFFECTIVE. You enumerated pretty much the same reasons why I believe Liberals are worthless. Veggie options at supermarket are bullshit. 'Basing our struggles around attacking the common material conditions shared' is correct, and I have tried to do this but what I would say to that is most Americans do not understand their own oppression. They also have no concept of working with others.
Spoken like a true Democrat.
Do you know know we live in a Police State right now?
I am against Smart Meters for so many reasons also. However it does not mean that Tea Party People are with us on any other issue. They do not want to irradiated or be under surveillance either. That is not a mandate for the Left.( Believe me I wish it was)
Do you know know we live in a Police State right now?
I am against Smart Meters for so many reasons also. However it does not mean that Tea Party People are with us on any other issue. They do not want to irradiated or be under surveillance either. That is not a mandate for the Left.( Believe me I wish it was)
"Spoken like a true Democrat."
is that hate speech?
"Do you know we live in a Police State right now?"
do you know how to get out of it? the people have to be on your side or neutral.
that's never going to happen if you won't talk with them.
most people have no idea what anarchism really means.
anarchistic outreach helps the people understand anarchism and might lead to
greater numbers of anarchists and maybe even a local CopWatch collective.
is that hate speech?
"Do you know we live in a Police State right now?"
do you know how to get out of it? the people have to be on your side or neutral.
that's never going to happen if you won't talk with them.
most people have no idea what anarchism really means.
anarchistic outreach helps the people understand anarchism and might lead to
greater numbers of anarchists and maybe even a local CopWatch collective.
Spoken like a true Democrat."
is that hate speech?
Not hate speech. Your comment is typical Politically Correct Censorship
"Do you know we live in a Police State right now?"
I already said that
do you know how to get out of it?
I try to talk to people mostly face to face whenever I can. To answer you honestly though, I do not know :-(
the people have to be on your side or neutral.
In the case of many American People, they are not on any side as they understand it but their own. They are mostly neutral, When there is a crisis they usually blame "the Other" and scapegoat them. Lately it is Immigrants and Muslims.
that's never going to happen if you won't talk with them.
I continue to talk to people and have been doing so for over 40 years as part of my continuing activism and organizing. I once also lost a job because I did talk to people about unionizing where I worked. I have worked with many groups, the last of which is the Green Party, which in my opinion is a very reformist group. Which seems to becoming less effective in reaching anyone. I personally consider myself a Socialist/ Communist.
most people have no idea what anarchism really means.
I agree with you there. Most American people believe Anarchy means Chaos.
anarchistic outreach helps the people understand anarchism and might lead to
greater numbers of anarchists and maybe even a local Cop Watch collective.
I really doubt it with most people, sadly, but I am all for people trying.....certainly building relations with known Anarchist communities in Modesto and around the Country is a good idea and developing a local Cop Watch Collective is a great idea.
is that hate speech?
Not hate speech. Your comment is typical Politically Correct Censorship
"Do you know we live in a Police State right now?"
I already said that
do you know how to get out of it?
I try to talk to people mostly face to face whenever I can. To answer you honestly though, I do not know :-(
the people have to be on your side or neutral.
In the case of many American People, they are not on any side as they understand it but their own. They are mostly neutral, When there is a crisis they usually blame "the Other" and scapegoat them. Lately it is Immigrants and Muslims.
that's never going to happen if you won't talk with them.
I continue to talk to people and have been doing so for over 40 years as part of my continuing activism and organizing. I once also lost a job because I did talk to people about unionizing where I worked. I have worked with many groups, the last of which is the Green Party, which in my opinion is a very reformist group. Which seems to becoming less effective in reaching anyone. I personally consider myself a Socialist/ Communist.
most people have no idea what anarchism really means.
I agree with you there. Most American people believe Anarchy means Chaos.
anarchistic outreach helps the people understand anarchism and might lead to
greater numbers of anarchists and maybe even a local Cop Watch collective.
I really doubt it with most people, sadly, but I am all for people trying.....certainly building relations with known Anarchist communities in Modesto and around the Country is a good idea and developing a local Cop Watch Collective is a great idea.
Wes Modes writes, "As it stands, we allow the business owners and rabid pro-law and order crowd to frame the public discourse on one hand, and Robert Norse and a handful of homeless advocates to frame the resistance to it on the other."
What exactly are these camps? Who is "we"? Who are the "handful of homeless advocates" you speak of? Are these the people who *shock* agree with him enough to stand-up with him for homeless rights? If so, they have a lot more credibility in my book than someone who whines in a vague non-specific way, effectively trying to marginalize "homeless advocates", in a town where homeless people are denied basic rights. I have many strong disagreements with Robert Norse, but those on the left who apparently want to give themselves more credibility by trying to marginalize Robert Norse and the “homeless advocates” who work with him do the entire movement a great disservice.
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