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Tag: American politics

Anyone Can Adopt Any Activist Tactics: A Spencer Sunshine InterviewA photo of a banner drop on an overpass, but the banner has been pixellated to make it illegible. Three small figures are visible behind the banner, attaching it to the bridge.
Banner drops and other tactics don't "belong" to the Left. (From a 350 dot org image on Flickr, CC NC SA license)
March 17, 2021
Kit
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Anyone Can Adopt Any Activist Tactics: A Spencer Sunshine Interview

Posted in Creative Commons, and Journalism

Activists sometimes forget that anyone can use tactics like banner drops, including the fascist far right.

Late in 2020 and in the first days of 2021, I spoke twice to Spencer Sunshine, a researcher of the far right and ways to oppose them. I included “40 Ways To Fight Fascists,” the zine he co-wrote with PopMob, in my Virtual Gonzo Zine Library.

Since Trump’s election, I’ve noticed more American fascists using tactics traditionally associated with leftist activism, like banner drops or wheatpasting. Patriot Front is one of several groups that frequently drops banners, with messages in support of white supremacy, from buildings and overpasses.

Read moreAnyone Can Adopt Any Activist Tactics: A Spencer Sunshine Interview
Taking Space Feels Like A Drug: Reflections On A Coup AttemptSoftgel capsules full of glitter and sparkly confetti.
Will the buzz of participating in a coup attempt be worth the hangover after? (Flickr / Rawpixel Ltd, CC license)
January 11, 2021
Kit
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Taking Space Feels Like A Drug: Reflections On A Coup Attempt

Posted in Creative Commons, Journalism, and Occupy Wall Street

After watching the coup, I keep imagining the feeling of breaking through. The rush. The giddy high of taking space.

Like so many antifascists, I saw something like this coming. I wasn’t surprised, but I was still shocked at the sight of a war-helmeted christofascist raising his fist in the air as he stood atop the heart of American political power.

And I keep coming back to how good they must feel. These nasty fucking fascists, white supremacists, and Qsuckers are riding one of the biggest highs of their lives. And that makes them even more dangerous.

Read moreTaking Space Feels Like A Drug: Reflections On A Coup Attempt
August 1, 2019
Kit
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Kit Defends Antifascism on TV, Helps Uphold Betteridge’s Law

Posted in Journalism, and Video

Earlier this week, I appeared on The Newsmakers, a show on TRT World, which is an international version of a Turkish government TV station. A producer from Newsmakers invited me to defend antifascism. They framed the episode around the recent threats by Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and other right wing fascists, to declare “ANTIFA” as terrorists.

Read moreKit Defends Antifascism on TV, Helps Uphold Betteridge’s Law
Hemp Water Wars Won: Montana Hemp Farmer Earns Right To IrrigateA water bird flies over the blue waters of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Montana, seen from the rocky and grassy shore. The blue sky is partly cloudy.
Montana Hemp Farmer Kim Phillips won the right to irrigate her crops using water from the Canyon Ferry Reservoir. (Flickr / Mark Holloway, CC-BY license)
October 17, 2018
Kit
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Hemp Water Wars Won: Montana Hemp Farmer Earns Right To Irrigate

Posted in Hemp Magazine, and Journalism

In late May, Montana hemp farmer Kim Phillips finally learned that her long struggle with the federal government was over: She had won the right to irrigate her crops with federal water.

“They tried every which way to stop it, but I lucked out and would not back down,” Phillips said.

On May 31, the Federal Bureau of Reclamation informed Phillips that they would allow her access to federal water for use on her hemp fields. The news came just in time, as hemp growing season was right around the corner.

Read moreHemp Water Wars Won: Montana Hemp Farmer Earns Right To Irrigate
Don’t Just Vote: Embrace Your Rage & Fight Back (#GonzoNotes)
Lights held by Austin Overpass Light Brigade activists on a highway overpass spell out "Do More Than Vote." 2012. (Kit O'Connell, Creative Commons license)
October 13, 2018
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Don’t Just Vote: Embrace Your Rage & Fight Back (#GonzoNotes)

Posted in Gonzo Notes

Don’t just vote, get angry and fuck shit up.

The midterm election is quickly approaching and it promises to be a pivotal one. Understandably, many liberals are pouring their efforts into voter registration and voter drives with a fervor that hasn’t been seen in years. They’re hoping to channel all the popular anger at the state of things here in this hell nation back into the voting booth.

I want to tell you: don’t let them.

Read moreDon’t Just Vote: Embrace Your Rage & Fight Back (#GonzoNotes)
Farm Bill Hemp Amendment Blocks People With Felonies From Growing Hemp
A pair of hands in handcuffs reaches upwards. Some advocates say a hemp amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill would legalize hemp at a cost to vulnerable people. (Pixabay / KlausHausmann, public domain)
July 11, 2018
Kit
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Farm Bill Hemp Amendment Blocks People With Felonies From Growing Hemp

Posted in Journalism, and Ministry of Hemp

A hemp legalization amendment in the 2018 Farm Bill prevents anyone with a felony drug conviction from growing hemp.

Some existing hemp entrepreneurs could even find themselves shut out.

“I have a very successful business, I’ve been in this from the get go,” said Veronica Carpio, an experienced hemp producer and president of Grow Hemp Colorado, at a hemp conference in New York last month.

Despite her undeniable contributions to the industry, a past felony cannabis conviction endangers her continued involvement. “If this bill passes, I’m out.”

Read moreFarm Bill Hemp Amendment Blocks People With Felonies From Growing Hemp