Image by Alexander Savin via Flickr
with Chris Hedges
RT America on Aug 1, 2020
Chris Hedges discusses resistance with Roger Hallam, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion, and author of the new book Common Sense for the 21st Century: Only Nonviolent Rebellion Can Now Stop Climate Breakdown and Social Collapse.
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From the archives:
Revolt or Burn, by Eric Schechter
The Democrats’ Disastrous, Militarist Climate Plan, by David Swanson
There Will Be No Social Or Racial Justice Worth Having On A Dead Planet, by Paul Street
Chris Hedges: The Prospect and Need For Ecosocialism
The Twisted Climate Equation of the Ruling Class by Rainer Shea
Very good interview, and I guess I need to read Hallam’s book. I just have one quibble with what Hallam and Hedges were saying. They seem to be concerned with forcing the ruling class to “come to the negotiating table.” The implication, then, is that the ruling class will continue to be the ruling class, with essentially the same organizational system as before, but will make some sort of concessions in the negotiations — perhaps even major concessions. I am very dubious of that plan. As I see it, such a negotiation would mean that capitalism continues; and I am convinced that capitalism is inherently ecocidal. There is no way to “reform” capitalism so as to avert the imminent extinction of the human race. We only have a hope of averting extinction if we end capitalism, but that means ending the ruling class. That means not negotiating with our rulers, but overthrowing them. Therefore the goal is not to catch the attention of the ruling class, but rather to catch the attention of the masses and recruit them.
In either case, the initial tactic is mass demonstrations. But I would say the initial tactic is mass education, and the message to be delivered in that education is not “negotiate.” It is “overthrow, and here is why.”
Yes, I agree with you, Lefty.
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