Lots to agree with but slogans matter and you don’t need rightwing propagandists to work very hard—or at all—to suggest that “defund the police” means “no money for police and thus no police at all.”
Some actually seem to want this literally. Good luck with that. Most, however, mean “rebalance investment in prosocial ways, making things better for all—including police.”
I also see no point in bashing heroic work against ICE by Minnesotans. How, exactly, are we going to defeat, say, the carbon burners, who will literally destroy civilization—literally—with this kind of attitude?
Unquestionably, law enforcement in the US, given its roots in slave patrols, is an institution flawed from its foundation on up, and that calls for radical or root change. Law enforcement is another means by which Capital enforces discipline on the working class and protects its property. Racism is a tool in which the working class is kept divided. It might appear that “white supremacy” is the cause of all of this, but upon closer inspection, it seems to me there is something more fundamental causing this misery: Capitalism.
Interesting interview overall! I'm interested in checking out his book. Though, as a white Minneapolitan, it does grate somewhat to have my actions (and those of Good, Pretti, etc..) characterized as "white savior action". It was an extremely multicultural resistance, and whiteness was deployed tactically and effectively. I don't hold it against him too much, though, the outcomes of the George Floyd uprising were extremely disappointing.
Not all of it, no. And I'm not expecting him to just reiterate praise or whatever, but that line did seem a little out of pocket. Guess I'll have to read his full accounting to get a better picture.
A fascinating interview with thoughtful questions and answers. Much to ponder here. Ellis’ book sounds great.
Lots to agree with but slogans matter and you don’t need rightwing propagandists to work very hard—or at all—to suggest that “defund the police” means “no money for police and thus no police at all.”
Some actually seem to want this literally. Good luck with that. Most, however, mean “rebalance investment in prosocial ways, making things better for all—including police.”
I also see no point in bashing heroic work against ICE by Minnesotans. How, exactly, are we going to defeat, say, the carbon burners, who will literally destroy civilization—literally—with this kind of attitude?
Unquestionably, law enforcement in the US, given its roots in slave patrols, is an institution flawed from its foundation on up, and that calls for radical or root change. Law enforcement is another means by which Capital enforces discipline on the working class and protects its property. Racism is a tool in which the working class is kept divided. It might appear that “white supremacy” is the cause of all of this, but upon closer inspection, it seems to me there is something more fundamental causing this misery: Capitalism.
Interesting interview overall! I'm interested in checking out his book. Though, as a white Minneapolitan, it does grate somewhat to have my actions (and those of Good, Pretti, etc..) characterized as "white savior action". It was an extremely multicultural resistance, and whiteness was deployed tactically and effectively. I don't hold it against him too much, though, the outcomes of the George Floyd uprising were extremely disappointing.
I think if you read his full answer he’s clearly not denigrating all of that activism.
Not all of it, no. And I'm not expecting him to just reiterate praise or whatever, but that line did seem a little out of pocket. Guess I'll have to read his full accounting to get a better picture.
You interview a supporter of defunding police and you don’t ask a single challenging question?!
Localities should be able to experiment with going 0 police.
Let them try it out