I write this piece as a result of a conversation I had with a brother,
who I consider, an intellectual equal and new friend. The conversation
was about action, or should I say the lack of action, in a movement to
curtail the imperialist society of capitalism, slavery and oppression.
Now, just to clarify the brother I’m referring to is not only an active
participant in the political revolutionary movement, he also supplied me
with priceless literature on the cause. However, he choose to play the
role of devils advocate in order to spark my creative mind.
In general, the conversation was based on a full-scale, non-violent
movement against the financial interest of the oppressor, and called for
all fellow POWs to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one common goal:
Victory! However, throughout our conversation I realized that there are
several issues still holding a complete unification for this type of
movement, at a stand still. I personally believe it’s possible, and
honestly I think it’s the only way to effect change and bear the fruit
of the movement. So I write this piece to bring these issues to the
surface, and inject them into like minded conversation in pursuit of
overcoming these sub-conscious inhibitors.
The simplest issue to address is the defeatist attitude carried by some,
not all, of my fellow brothers behind enemy lines. One must understand
that a pessimistic attitude deeper than just thinking negatively. It’s
allowing that negative thought to impact your ability and actions, in
the cause for change. What I mean, and I’m sure some of you have
experienced this, is the person who says, “Don’t put your name on that
petition, you’ll only cause problems for yourself” or “I would join the
movement but…” or “The officers don’t bother me.” These are all sorry
excuses for tolerating the abuse and oppression from these barbaric
animals who claim to uphold the law. Now, I understand that some of my
fellow POWs have Stockholm Syndrome and attempt to identify with their
captors as a form of survival. However, it is the actions of our captors
that isolate us from our families, enslave us and oppress us, until we
die or submit to their capitalist ways. If you don’t or won’t stand up
it will never change! Dr. Martin L. King Jr., Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez
all initiated a movement with the knowledge and understanding that the
road would be tough. However, they all focused on the destination not
the trip itself. There’s a Buddhist saying that says, “no one drop of
water wants to be the cause of the flood,” and that’s exactly what we’re
faced with when fellow POWs carry this defeatist attitude.
The next issue that needs to be addressed is our inability to move as
one! As I read ULK, the Bayview and all other literature geared towards
the movement, I see from the many different groups listed in the
literature that sub-consciously we are unable to combine and move under
one front or one flag. To divide and conquer has to be one of the oldest
military and war tactics known to man, and has a cumulative effect on
any movement or political power. Furthermore, it’s so effective that
it’s still being taught at Westpoint military academy as I write this.
One must understand what it’s doing to the success of the movement.
First, strength is in numbers and if you’re oblivious to the fact that
POWs have the numbers then here’s the facts. There’s currently 31,000
correctional officers in the state of California (according to
MIM(Prisons) December 2007 ULK2) and 110,000 to 120,000 men and women
incarcerated in the state of California (per federal population cap
issued in 2013). With that being said it is common knowledge that it’s
easier to control several small groups then a large one. Furthermore, if
those smaller groups are fighting amongst themselves for the illusion of
ownership of objects that will never truly belong to them (i.e., phones,
pull-up bars, tablets, etc.), that only makes it easier to oppress,
control and enslave. We as a group must break all seemingly innocuous
forms of segregation and unite as one! All racial and ethnic barriers
must be broken, followed by all of the small pockets of revolutionary
soldiers flying one flag. Symbolizing the unification of one movement,
sharing the same political and ideological views. We allow capitalist
oppressors to dictate where we draw the lines in the sand and divide us
into controllable groups. We have the power, and the time is now. It’s
time to follow the example of
Hugo
“Yogi Bear” Pinell and George Jackson.
To the main issue of this piece and the most important. Is the lack of
effective action. When I say effective action I mean a non-violent
protest not only done by POWs, but also by the family and friends who
support us in our cause. As of now all I see is a massive amount of
information being passed around with no action. Information is
knowledge, knowledge is power, now that we have the power we don’t
utilize it. Now, I understand that moving prematurely will only work
against the desired effect. However, the same is to be said for not
moving and allowing the enemy time to prepare a counter. Most
importantly our movement lacks a figurehead. For example, without
putting any emphasis on what he stood for, yet highlighting his ability
to lead, Adolf Hitler is a prime example, or Alexander the Great, or
Malcolm X, or Dr. M.L. King Jr., or Cesar Chavez, or Huey P. Newton just
to name a few. However, I want ot reiterate it’s not what they stood for
its their impact and motivation of their particular movement. In my
opinion, that’s what all the brothers and sisters enslaved behind enemy
lines are missing to propel this movement into national spotlight and
over the hump. So I, as an enslaved prisoner of war, surface these
issues not only to my fellow enslaved brothers and sisters, but to all
those who support our cause form the other side of the razor wire. Let’s
stop being that one drop of water, and become a wave!
MIM(Prisons) responds: It is true that charismatic leaders can
inspire people to overcome defeatism. That is why the J. Edgar Hoover
gave the FBI the mission of preventing the rise of a “Black Messiah.”
The problem was, they were successful. While some “messiahs” rose to the
occasion they were shot down, imprisoned or otherwise neutralized.
It is a contradiction we face of how to motivate the disempowered to
feel empowered. Many peoples’ have faced this situation before. And
while we all want action sooner, rather than later. It is the careful
study and education of the masses that builds a truly powerful movement
where we are not dependent on charismatic or well-studied leaders.
Especially in the prison environment, where conditions are closer to
fascist repression, it is too easy to isolate our leaders. So we must
keep up the slow and steady work of building unity through struggle and
education. Just as this comrade experienced with eir new friend above.
