January 2018 - Kit O'Connell: Approximately 8,000 Words

Everyday Antifascism & The Limits Of Antifa: scott crow On Movement Building Under Trump

An activist holds an "Antifa" flag above a crowd of marchers. Berlin, June 27, 2009. (Flickr / Sam Chills, CC NC ND license)

February 1, 2018

Kit

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Everyday Antifascism & The Limits Of Antifa: scott crow On Movement Building Under Trump

Posted in Creative Commons, and Journalism

“I’m not into the politics of reaction,” scott crow said.

“You need dual power. You must resist on one hand, but you have to build and create on the other hand.”

In December, I caught up with anarchist organizer and author scott crow when he stopped by my house to drop off some copies of his book “Emergency Hearts, Molotov Dreams,” which I gave away to my Patreon patrons. I took the opportunity to talk with crow about American politics and antifa after a year of the Trump regime. In the previous part of this interview, I got crow’s thoughts on the media, so in this part I’ll focus on our conversation about everyday antifascism and the limitations of antifascist tactics.

Here’s Why Homes Made From Hempcrete Are Healthier & More Sustainable

A hempcrete wall of a sustainable green building in a Singapore botanical garden. (Flickr / Jnzl's Photos, CC license)

January 30, 2018

Kit

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Here’s Why Homes Made From Hempcrete Are Healthier & More Sustainable

Posted in Journalism, and Ministry of Hemp

Did you know there’s a building material that’s durable, sustainable, healthier for the occupants and even carbon negative?

It’s called hempcrete, a composite made from fibers of the industrial hemp plant mixed with lime.

The United States is perfectly positioned for a hempcrete building boom. Interest in green building is growing as people seek out sustainable, low-cost alternatives to traditional buildings made from petrochemicals or dwindling natural resources like wood. At the same time, the stigma around hemp is disappearing as more learn about the plant’s benefits. Hempcrete has unique health benefits and, because it enables low cost, modular design, it could even be a part of the solution to America’s affordable housing crisis.

Nonviolent Activism And Police: Nonviolent Activism Means Never Working With The Cops

A helmeted and armored riot cop from the California Highway Patrol grimaces menacingly as he brandishes his nightstick. Oakland protest for Freddie Gray, May 1, 2015. (Flickr / Thomas Hawk, CC-BY-NC license)

January 25, 2018

Kit

Nonviolent Activism And Police: Nonviolent Activism Means Never Working With The Cops

Posted in Creative Commons, Journalism, and Occupy Wall Street

The recent first anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration got me thinking about nonviolent activism and police.

My thoughts brought me back to 2011. Occupy Wall Street was a nonviolent movement, but when we started collaborating with other movements and activist groups, we quickly learned that one definition of nonviolence rarely matched another.

It seems simple on the surface: nonviolence means not physically attacking another person. Beyond that, things quickly break down. Is swearing at another person a form of verbal violence? Does a nonviolent person run from the police or does “nonviolent civil disobedience” mean staying to face the charges for whatever laws you might have broken? Is destruction of property also a form of violence, or is it another type of action which should be evaluated separately?

‘We Scared The Nazis Off The Streets’: Newsweek Quotes Kit On Antifascism In 2017

An activist stands near an antifascist flag, wearing all black, including a scarf and dark sunglasses which cover their face. Their black stocking cap reads "ANTIFA" in large white letters. Outside the White House, August 14, 2017. (Flickr / Geoff Livingston, Creative Commons BY-NC-ND license)

January 22, 2018

Kit

‘We Scared The Nazis Off The Streets’: Newsweek Quotes Kit On Antifascism In 2017

Posted in Journalism

I was quoted by Newsweek in an article published today about fascism and antifascism in 2017.

I’ve been quoted previously by Newsweek’s reporter following the far right, Michael Edison Hayden, including in an article about Texas neo-nazi Will Fears. It’s a pleasure to share this most recent article with Mark Bray, author of the excellent book “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook.”

Beyond The Dumpster Fire: Political Predictions For 2018

A worn analog alarm clock with a water-stained face sits atop a cracked wooden surface. (Pixabay / Monoar, public domain)

January 6, 2018

Kit

Beyond The Dumpster Fire: Political Predictions For 2018

Posted in Creative Commons, Gonzo Notes, and Journalism

2017 was a challenging year, but one that was actually rewarding on a personal level.

I began the year by losing my job at MintPress News, but by the end of the 2017 I’d accepted a position as editor of Ministry of Hemp, a niche media site that’s still in its early stages but rapidly growing into a respected voice.

I started Gonzo Notes in late 2016, and during 2017 it reached many new people and became an important part of my monthly output. One issue, “What Are The Antifa Doing After Harvey?” was quoted internationally. My writing career continues to grow more rewarding in all kinds of ways, especially in the feedback and support I get from my readers.