Some Common Misconceptions of Anarchism (For Emma)

1) VIOLENT BOMB THROWING FREAKS!– We live in a violent society period. From schoolyard bullying all the way up to big fucking bombs being dropped on a schoolyard of Iraqi kids. So, are anarchists violent? Some of them are, some of them aren’t, but look around you, there are far more violent institutions such as the Police, the Military, and the entire United States Government. But, do we label said institutions as “violent?” Of course not, whenever they use force it’s to “protect” you and me. We grant such vultures(not all participants of the former organizations fall under this label) at the political top the means and tactics to abuse the rest of us from the middle to the bottom. You see, anarchists question and seek to abolish this authoritarian system and that logic is seen as violent by those at the top. The real question, as veteran anarchist, Alexander Berkman once posed: Is Anarchism violence? and the simple answer is, HELLLLLLL NO! In short, anarchism in itself is just a political theory that advocates overthrowing violent systems and replacing them with more suitable institutions, and since the violent criminals that run society disagree with this logic it is violence. Out of all the political philosophies/theories it has caused the least amount of violence, but that’s a whole other story.

2) NO SOCIAL ORDER!– It never ceases to amaze me how ignorant people are of this very vital and quite appealing political philosophy. Even some History/Government/ Political Science teachers cannot formulate a proper definition of what anarchism really means. Often they just say it means: no government, no laws, no order! Technically, they would not be completely incorrect, but to offer that simple response as a serious definition of anarchism is ludicrous, silly, and especially misleading. When anarchists profess that they would like to see NO GOVERNMENT they mean NO CENTRALIZED STATE POWER. We, anarchists, seek a society without state power. Like all political theories there are numerous variations and different beliefs/ideals. Some anarchists, such as Noam Chomsky, promote big government, for the people of course! Chomsky, particularly refutes the idea that a possible, envisioned, anarchist society would be chaotic or lawless and goes on to say that he believes society should be “highly organized.”

3) ALL ANARCHISTS HATE AMERICA!– Those sick, brainwashed fucks bad mouthing America! some Neanderthals might holler. Well, it is true that many Anarchists hate America, but not ALL. In fact, we have seen several highly patriotic Anarchists, such as Abbie Hoffman, Edward S. Abbey, Howard Zinn, and yours truly! I love America. I hate Amerikkka. There’s a big difference.

4) ALL ANARCHISTS ARE AGAINST RELIGION– Ok, many and perhaps most are. Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist and personal favorite (well, one of them) often preached that religion was one of the three biggest evils dominating society (the other two being government and property). On the other hand, Christian Anarchism exists and two of the greatest anarchists to ever live are Phillip and Daniel Berrigan, both ordained priests and 100% BAMFs.

5) ANARCHISM FEEDS ON DESTRUCTION OF SOCIETY– This is only partially true. If you’re speaking of Anarcho-Primitivism, then this would be spot on, but most other forms or anarchism preach building society today for a better tomorrow. Emma Goldman noted that this is what made Anarchism distinctive from Socialism/Marxism/Communism, that the latter was based on DESTRUCTION of society and that the former was based on CONSTRUCTION. Then some anarchists, such Jello Biafra and myself claim that we should “destroy society.” This basically is the equivalent of Emma’s points. Simply, out with the old, in with the new. In other words, destruction as a form of creation: abolishing the old traditions that have failed us or are no longer relevant and instituting new ideas to take them over to create a better, peaceful, and more harmonious world for everyone.

Chris DeCarlo – ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

Hello World

Hello world! I would like to introduce myself. My name is Matthew Ramsden and thanks to the generosity of the founders of this blog, I have been appointed as a new writer and contributor to Kids Like You And Me. Well, my posts will pretty much be the same as what the other writers post; CD and movie reviews, political opinions, anecdotes about my life etc. However, I will also add whatever I know about live theatre if any drama kids read this (REPRESENT!!!) So that’s about it. I want to thank the founders of Kids Like You And Me again for adding me. I’m sure this will be an interesting experience. In the words of the great journalist Edward R. Murrow, “Good night and good luck.”

Black Lips Song That…

…I didn’t know about? What?!?!?!?!

K so the Black Lips recorded a couple of new songs, “Disconnection” and “99 Victs,” the first of which can be heard by you clicking right here: http://covertcuriosity.biz/Disconnection_Black_Lips.mp3. The second…good luck finding.

Sometimes, too, I stumble upon random recordings. Like this one: http://southernshelter.com/2008_01_01_archive.html. Scroll down.

I’m keeping my eyes open for more great BL findings. I’ll keep you guys posted.

CD Review: What’s For Dinner?


Band: King Khan & BBQ Show
Album: What’s For Dinner?
Year: 2006
Label: In The Red
Credits: King Khan- Vocals, guitar. Mark “BBQ” Sultan- Vocals, guitar, drums. Mastered by David Cheppa. Recorded at Moon Studios, Berlin in 2006 (which I believe is King’s studio, where the Black Lips’ 2005 record, Let It Bloom was recorded, at least half of it!)

1) Treat Me Like A Dog- 8.5
2) I’ll Never Belong- 9.8: Excellent example of the group’s Doo Wop
3) Zombies- 9.5: Excellent example of the duo’s Punk Rock
4) Dock It #8- 9.2: A rocker to drive around and pick up chicks to!
5) Why Don’t You Lie?- 10- Top Ten Greatest Doo Wop songs/ Highly romantic, not depressing as some listener commented.
6) Captain Captain- 7.5
7) Too Much In Love- 10: BEST KING KHAN SONG! AND ONE OF THE GREATEST LOVE SONGS EVER!!!
8) Learn My Language- 7.8
9) Blow My Top- 7.5
10) Into the Snow- 9.8: Yet another amazing lovin’ Doo Wop number!!!
11) Operation- 8.5
12) The Ballad Of… – 8.0
13) What’s For Dinner?- 9.0: Makes you hungry…..
14) Suck It and Smell- 8.7

Final Grade – A: Despite the fact that mathematically it only comes out to an 88 (B+). Clearly some of the songs are better than the others, but all of them are at least good. This is the way I see it mathematically: Insane Punk Rock + Soulful Doo Wop = Kickass Rock N Roll! Brings you right back to the 60s!!!

Chris DeCarlo

Boston based shows/fests – DIY, punk, noise