Indymedia UK should publicise ESF!
Re-Sista | 28.08.2002 01:20 | European Social Forum
Yes! We are going to the PGA gathering, which will be a small assembly of several hundred non-hierarchical and autonomous activists. See you there!
We are also going to the ESF, in Florence in November, which will attract tens of thousands of activists to discuss and plan major actions - including next years protests against the G8 in France.
Lots of people from around my area are planning to go to the ESF - including anarchists, socialists, greens and numerous others, from all sorts of different protest movements.
I think this merits attention. I know that some are claiming the ESF is some sort of pro-capitalist conspiricy!
However, if you look at who's going, and what they are going to do there, you will see that this is a ridiculous and over-exagerated claim.
Yes, trades unions and 'mainstream' environmentalist and world poverty campaigns are also taking part. Yes, reformist politicians have a hand in it.
But the agenda is clearly focussed on resisting the "neo-liberal" capitalist rampage and drive to war and militarism.
I find that exciting. Whether some activists like it or not, the ESF is going to be a landmark event for the anti-capitalist movements in Europe, and it will attract lots of new people.
It would be a pity if some great Indymedia activists and friends marginalised themselves from it by ignoring it. Rather, we should take part and help radicalise it.
At the ESF we can share information and criticisms of global capitalism with other participants. Thoses who want to can also argue against mere attempts to tame and regulate this beast - arguing instead for the dissolution of capitalism, states and all structures of oppression.
The PGA activists are talking about going to the ESF, and creating a radical space within it, both being a friendly part of it, and challenging any attempt to water-down the demands of the movements. Thats a good idea.
Give us a hand. Make a space for it on Indymedia. Please!
Luv from Re-Sista and friends. XXX
ESF Website:
UK ESF mobilisation website:
Re-Sista
e-mail:
Resista@nogm.cjb.net
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