- Capitalism and the Alternatives -

Re: The net is information anarchism

Posted by: Josh Harper ( Anarchists For Animals, No borders to confine me ) on January 14, 1997 at 12:12:27:

In Reply to: The net is information anarchism posted by Vaughan Sanderson on July 04, 1996 at 08:57:06:

If computers are the answer to freedom then I am afraid that freedom will
never come my friends. In a world based on hierarchy, where profit is put
before life, computers create the ultimate case of haves and have nots.
As the world becomes increasingly automated and human contact less needed,
the rich once again have all the control and access, while the poor are
left behind. I do not see this changing, as computers are an item that
deals with forced obsolescence, rapidly increasing price, and their
effectiveness is based on the education of the user.

In a world where class is created by the cost of education, and education
is the meter of ones wages, and wages the meter of ones worth, computers
are more likely to prevent revolution than cause it. Furthermore, the
progressive people I have met on the net could be doing amazing things
to stop government/corporate rule, but they are to busy typing back and
forth to each other. This is not activism, it is opiation. For change to
happen, a struggle is needed. That struggle will not occur sitting in
your soft chair in front of your computer. For all of you interested in
real revolution, I suggest that you read the works of Emma Goldman,
Michael Bakunin, Voltairine DeClaire, and check out small press seletions
by Penny Rimbaud.

Now, for a quick note on Capitalism. Capitalism is a necessary option for
anarchism. People must have the option for free trade. However, capitalism
would become a simple matter of transaction between two parties, not a
forced cash for merchandise system that currently exists. And for those of
you who claim to wish for the abolition of capitalism, I hope you all lead
the most self sufficient lifestyles possible, and reject the meat and
dairy industries. Meat and dairy rely on slavery and pain for profit, as
well as a percieved biological hierarchy on part of the consumer. If you
are not Vegan, you are not a revolutionary.

For the animals, the earth, and anarchism,
Josh Harper


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