

The Ex-Worker
CrimethInc. Ex-Workers’ Collective
Welcome to the Ex-Worker: an audio strike against a monotone world! This twice-monthly podcast explores a wide range of anarchist ideas and action. In each episode, we take an in-depth look at a different topic, introducing various manifestations of the struggle for liberation, and round it off with news, reviews, profiles of current anarchist projects, upcoming events, and more. If you're curious about anarchist visions of freedom—or if you dream of a world off the clock—tune in!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2018 • 35min
The Hotwire #18: Toxic Waste in STL—Labor Struggles in the Techno Age—A Rant on Love
The second episode of our second season! There is antifa activity in Olympia, Athens, and Seattle. Vaneesa Hopson died while in the custody of Olympia police and we report on the death and the subsequent protests.. There are strikes by delivery drivers across Hong Kong and Europe, by prisoners detained at an immigrant detention center in Washington, and walkouts across the country as part of the Fight for 15 campaign. We interview an anarchist active in the resistance to the Westlake Landfill. In honor of Valentine’s Day there’s a rant against conventional love. Stay tuned until the Repression Roundup to hear about the Black Pride 4. {February 14, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:23} Interview {10:00} Rant on Love {17:40} Anarchist media roundup {23:12} Repression Roundup {24:15} Next Week’s News {29:12} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful dos and don’ts Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: [IGDCast from May 11, 2017, Featuring an Interview with Maru Mora]https://itsgoingdown.org/igdcast-maru-villalpando-on-hunger-strikes-northwest-detention-facility/) Ex-Worker 32: White Supremacy and Capitalism, From 1492 to Ferguson Ex-Worker 40: Struggles Against White Supremacy and Police Since Ferguson. The Ex-Worker 36: The Rojava Revolution The Ex-Worker 39: The Rojava Revolution, Part II The Final Straw: Şoreş Ronahi on Turkish assaults on Afrin Canton, Rojava, Syria CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: What We Need from You How You Can Help with CrimethInc. Projects “Join the Resistance, Fall in Love” Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters No Wall They Can Build Go here are more details about the hunger strike at the Northwest Immigrant Detention Center in Tacoma, WA. View the video on Rojava’s new ecological initiative here View the Submedia video on the Kinder Morgan pipeline lockdown here Full report on housing struggles [taking place across the country](https://itsgoingdown.org/across-the-us-tenants-are-launching-rent-strikes/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter Go to the this Facebook page to find out how to support the Black Pride 4. Check out this statement of support for Tariq Khan from the Campus Antifascist Network. To support Tariq, please send respectful but firm e-mails to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution, Assistant Dean of Students, Rony Die: ronydie@illinois.edu and Associate Dean of Students, Justin Brown: justbrow@illinois.edu. The full interview done by It’s Going Down, can be found here. Write to imprisoned CopWatcher Ramsey Orta: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 112 Scotch Settlement Rd Gouverneur, NY 13642 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross.

Feb 7, 2018 • 36min
The Hotwire #17: ZAD interview—anarcho-syndicalism isn’t for losers—anti-pope actions in Chile
The first episode of our new season! This week we run down the list of antifascist confrontations from San Diego to Olympia, Washington. We also share a call for opposing Richard Spencer in Lansing, Michigan on March 5. Fast food workers in Portland, sex workers in New Orleans, and Uber drivers in Indonesia are all getting organized. Camille, Camille, and Camille from the ZAD explain their complicated victory over the planned airport at Notre-Dame-des-Landes, and Flint Arthur from Stand With Afrin phones in with an update on the Turkish assault on Rojava. Stay tuned until the Repression Roundup to hear about a new wave of repression against humanitarian aid workers on the US-Mexico border. {February 7, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:05} Turkish military’s assault on Rojava {8:00} Chilean resistance to the Pope’s visit {10:00} J20—where things stand a year later {13:25} The ZAD beat the airport! {20:05} Repression Roundup {27:50} Next Week’s News {32:00} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Twitter Fed book An Open Letter to Former J20 Defendants, with useful “do”s and “don’t”s Teen Vogue: The J20 Arrests and Trials, Explained Other anarchist shows mentioned in this Hotwire: A radio-play adaptation of The Dispossessed The new Global Uprisings documentary ANTIFA The Ex-Worker 63: Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One. Achievements, Failures, and the Struggles Ahead The Ex-Worker 36: The Rojava Revolution - The Ex-Worker 39: The Rojava Revolution, Part II The Ex-Worker 37: The Hambacher Forest Occupation The Final Straw: Şoreş Ronahi on Turkish assaults on Afrin Canton, Rojava, Syria CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: What We Need from You How You Can Help with CrimethInc. Projects We Will Remember Freedom: Why It Matters that Ursula K. Le Guin was an Anarchist - Government Shutdown Doesn’t Go Far Enough: Make the Shutdown Comprehensive and Permanent Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters No Wall They Can Build Writings by Ursula K. Le Guin: The Dispossessed Le Guin writings on the Anarchist Library Grin and Bare It All, an anarchist, feminist essay on sex work written by a worker from the industry. Congratulations to acquitted J20 defendant Alexei Wood for beating bogus J20 related charges for a second year in a row… and for leaving the world one more entertaining anti-MAGA hat video. Full reports on the successful confrontations against Patriot Prayer in Olympia, Washington. A .gif of the Chilean police horse who threw a cop off her back and next to the popemobile. Go to the this Facebook page to find out how to support Tamara Sol Vergara and her family after her injuries sustained during an escape attempt. Check out this statement of support for Tariq Khan from the Campus Antifascist Network. To support Tariq, please send respectful but firm e-mails to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Office of Student Conflict Resolution, Assistant Dean of Students, Rony Die: ronydie@illinois.edu and Associate Dean of Students, Justin Brown: justbrow@illinois.edu. Write to imprisoned CopWatcher Ramsey Orta: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 112 Scotch Settlement Rd Gouverneur, NY 13642 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross.

Feb 7, 2018 • 1h
#63: Anarchists in the Trump Era, Year One: 2017 in Review, Part III
In Episode 63 of the Ex-Worker, we conclude our series of reflections on 2017 with an audio version of the recently published essay “Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One.” It analyzes five key turning points in 2017, assessing how anarchists took part and what lessons we can learn for the battles ahead. While recognizing all we’ve accomplished under incredible stress, it argues for the importance of broadening our efforts to challenge authority and dismantle hierarchy in every area of our lives and our societies in 2018. Afterwards, Clara and Alanis debate themes from the essay and our year in review episodes, around relating to non-anarchists on the left, organizational formats, resiliency and care, and more. {Feb 7, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One {2:02} Dawn of a New Apocalypse {3:43} J20: A Call to Revolt {6:20} The Airport Blockades: A Message to the Center {13:02} Shutting Down Milo in Berkeley: A Risky Escalation {16:16} Charlottesville: Moment of Truth {19:58} The First J20 Trial: Pushing Back the Reaction {26:25} What We Lost Along the Way {31:25} The Challenges Ahead {33:22} The Centrists {33:53} The Authoritarian Left {38:52} In Conclusion: Expanding the Anarchist Palette {43:09} Reflections {45:58} Prisoner Birthdays and Conclusion {58:45} This episode is based on the recently published CrimethInc. essay “Anarchists in the Trump Era: Scorecard, Year One.” The analysis we share in this episode is by no means comprehensive; for a detailed timeline of anarchist activity throughout 2017, check out the this report by It’s Going Down. Prisoner birthdays this month: Veronza Bowers, Jr. 35316–136 FMC Butner Post Office Box 1600 Butner, North Carolina 27509 {February 4th} Kamau Sadiki (Freddie Hilton) #0001150688 Augusta State Medical Prison, Building 13A–2 E7 3001 Gordon Highway Grovetown, Georgia 30813 Address envelope to Freddie Hilton, address card to Kamau {February 19th} Oso Blanco (Byron Chubbuck) #07909–051 USP Victorville Post Office Box 3900 Adelanto, California 92301 Address envelope to Byron Chubbuck, address card to Oso Blanco {February 26th}

Jan 20, 2018 • 1h 48min
#62: Support, Healing, and Redefining Resistance—2017 in Review, Part II
As we reconnect to plan a new year of resistance this January 20th, what lessons can we take from the inspiring but traumatic year that was 2017? In Episode 61 of the Ex-Worker, we interview three anarchists who reflect on their role on the front lines of struggles against the state and fascism over the past year. Hex, who survived a shooting attack by a fascist at a Seattle anti-fascist demonstration last January 20th, offers perspective on questions of justice, violence, patriarchy, and compassion, the critical importance of healing, and redefining resistance. An anarchist of color from Charlottesville discusses how the events there have impacted anti-fascist resistance and updates us on court cases, grand jury proceedings, and opportunities to show solidarity. And Miel, who was recently acquitted on all charges in the first trial of J20 defendants from the DC counter-inaugural protests, traces the significance of the J20 case, state strategies of repression, and lessons we can take with us as we move forward into a new year of struggle. The episode wraps up with updates from several other anarchist media projects about their plans for the new year, prisoner birthdays, and more. {January 20, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} Getting Started: Why the Right Actually Can’t Shoot Us {2:35} Interview with Hex, Survivor of Fascist Shooting in Seattle {9:35} Interview with Anarchist of Color from Charlottesville {52:30} Interview with Miel, Acquitted J20 Defendant {1:10:16} 2018 Previews from Other Anarchist Media Projects {1:35:04} Prisoner Updates and Birthdays](https://nycabc.wordpress.com/pppow-birthday-calendar/) {1:43:26} Conclusion {1:46:45} On January 20th, mark the one year anniversary of counter-inaugural and anti-Trump protests by connecting with others and laying plans for the next year of resistance! Check out this listing of events around the country. The Hotwire, our weekly anarchist newscast, will return in February, so stay tuned! For some background on our conversation with Hex, check out this radio interview in which he discusses his experience of the shooting, or skim the edited transcript of it here; also see CrimethInc’s piece “What Counts as Violence: Why the Right Can Shoot Us Now”, and the article An Anarchist is Shot in Seattle from Fifth Estate magazine. Hex makes reference to No New Youth Jail campaign and “Block the Bunker”, two campaigns against the prison industrial complex led by youth of color in the Seattle, which contributed to his radicalization around issues of incarceration and restorative justice. Also be sure to check out the Greater Seattle IWW General Defense Committee, a local affiliate of the Industrial Workers of the World and their General Defense Committee. We’re excited to be part of the Channel Zero Network, a collective platform for anarchist audio and radio projects. Some of our sibling projects from CZN we highlighted in our 2018 anarchist media discussion include Resonance Anarchist Audio Distro, The Final Straw Radio, It’s Going Down, SubMedia, and SoleCast. Check ’em all out! In our discussion about the aftermath of the August 12th demonstrations with an anarchist of color from Charlottesville, we heard about several ways to show support for anarchists and anti-fascists there. Stay updated through Solidarity Cville, also on Twitter and Medium. You can also donate to the Charlottesville Resilience Fund. Since defeating the Unite the Right rally in August, radicals in Charlottesville have been on a roll: shutting down UVA Bicentennial celebration under the slogan “”200 years of white supremacy,“ with three people arrested; shutting down an October 10th Planning Commission meeting declaring ”No More Business as Usual"; and a whole week of resistance events. On February 2nd, there will be a court date for some of the comrades against whom fascist Jason Kessler is pressing charges for shutting down his attempt to have a press conference the day after Heather Heyer’s murder; turn out to show support if you can, or stay posted for updates. Miel, recently acquitted J20 defendant, referred to Defend J20 Resistance and their ongoing fundraising campaign to support the remaining 180+ defendants facing charges for protesting Trump’s inauguration. Many J20 events this year will be screening the new film by our friends at Global Uprisings, titled “Antifa.” Check it out! Warm greetings of solidarity to our friends at Black Mosquito, an anarchist distribution project in Germany, who were recently targeted in a probable fascist robbery and attack. Take a moment to write to anarchist prisoner Eric King, who’s grieving the loss of his brother. Eric King # 27090045 FCI FLORENCE FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION PO BOX 6000 FLORENCE, CO 81226 The New York State prison system has issued an absurd and harmful new set of restrictions on what prisoners can receive in packages from friends and family. Read info about it from NYC ABC (page 15), sign a petition to roll back the new regulations, send the scumbags in charge a postcard demanding that they stop this madness, etc. Jay Chase from the NATO 3 is currently in segregation and is in need of some books; please send a few if you can. Prisoners in Illinois can receive used books in the mail. Jay likes to read sci-fi, fantasy fiction and history; Jay also has an Amazon wish list here. Segregation is very tough on anyone as you are confined to your cell at least 23 hours a day. Please show Jay some solidarity and support at this tough time. Jared Chase M44710 Dixon Correctional Center 2600 North Brinton Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 There are a lot of prisoner birthdays this month! Take a moment to send a letter or card to: Jeremy Hammond #18729–424 FCI Milan Post Office Box 1000 Milan, Michigan 73189 {January 8th} Abdul Aziz (Warren Ballantine) #16–047 Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex Post Office Box 6300 Florence, Arizona 85132 Please address envelope to Warren Ballantine, card/letter to Abdul (Aziz) {January 9th} Herman Bell #79-C–0262 Shawangunk Correctional Facility Post Office Box 700 Wallkill, New York 12589 {January 14th} Sundiata Acoli (Clark Squire) #39794–066 FCI Cumberland Post Office Box 1000 Cumberland, Maryland 21501 Please address envelope to Clark Squire, card/letter to Sundiata Acoli {January 14th} Joseph Bowen #AM 4272 SCI Coal Township 1 Kelley Drive Coal Township, Pennsylvania 17866–1020 Nickname: Joe-Joe {January 15th} Marius Mason #04672–061 FMC Carswell Post Office Box 27137 Fort Worth, Texas 76127 Please address envelope to Marie, card/letter to Marius {January 26th}

Jan 19, 2018 • 1h 14min
#61: The Olympia Train Blockade
In this episode, we take an in-depth look at the blockade in Olympia, WA that stopped a train carrying fracking supplies for twelve days. {January 19, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:05} How Did This Happen? {10:07} It Was Fun! {24:42} Can It Be Repeated? {32:53} Tensions and Disagreements {39:27} Media and the “General Public” {57:12} Conclusion {1:08:20} Additional Resources Demands from the Libertarian Socialist Caucus Satirical demands And for updates on ongoing struggle in the region, go to: pugetsoundanarchists.org Audio The Hotwire #15 Solecast On the Olympia Blockade IGD Cast on the Olympia Blockade Audio Report Behind the Olympia Fracking Blockade Video Native News Interview 2017 raid video Communiques and Analysis How do we turn olympia stand into the Olympia Commune Letter Of Solidarity from the Year 3017 Decolonize Turtle Island Shabbos Behind The Barricades Otherworlds #4 Commune Against Civilization A Requiem For the Olympia Blockade Autonomous Not Atomized Solidarity Actions Block Friday call for solidarity (In Spanish) (In German) Another call for solidarity actions Solidarity action in Nebraska Solidarity action on the Columbia River Solidarity action in Medford, OR Solidarity from Suburbia Solidarity From the Bay Area

Jan 10, 2018 • 1h 27min
#60: 2017 in Review, Part I: Anti-Fascism in the Bay Area and Beyond
In the first of two episodes looking back over 2017, we present an audio version of the recently published CrimethInc. feature “How Anti-Fascists Won the Battles of Berkeley: 2017 in the Bay and Beyond: A Play-by-play Analysis.” The article charts the rise and fall of the alt-right through the lens of the conflicts that erupted in the San Francisco Bay Area, and how anarchists and anti-fascists successfully built coalitions to stop them. We also review the last year’s worth of articles, books, posters, and podcasts from the CrimethInc. Ex-Worker’s Collective. {January 8, 2018} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:01} How Anti-Fascists Won the Battles of Berkeley: 2017 in the Bay and Beyond {2:25} 2016: A New Era Begins {4:45} Starting the Year off with a Bang {12:27} The Real Dangerous Faggots {15:37} A Repulsive Rainbow of Reaction {21:48} The Alt-Right Strikes Back {26:18} The Turning Point {35:41} The Final Battle of Berkeley {47:30} Make Total Decomposition {1:00:16} Solidarity is Our Most Powerful Weapon {1:06:47} CrimethInc’s 2017 Year in Review {1:12:01} The Rebel Girl on the Hotwire’s Year in Review {1:21:38} Conclusion {1:24:28} This episode narrates the recent CrimethInc. feature “How Anti-Fascists Won the Battles of Berkeley: 2017 in the Bay and Beyond: A Play-by-play Analysis.”. If you’re interested in reading broader reflections on antifascism within the anarchist movement today, check out our episode Not Your Grandparents’ Antifascism. The Hotwire, our weekly anarchist newscast, will return in February, so stay tuned! We’re excited to be part of the Channel Zero Network, a collective platform for anarchist audio and radio projects.

Dec 6, 2017 • 37min
The Hotwire #16: Repression from #J20 to #G20—New Year’s noise demos—antifascist student actions
Our final episode for the season! But we’ll be back in February. This week, antifascist students were active with a #StopSpencer week of action at the University of Michigan and shutting down Lucian Wintrich at the University of Connecticut. Racist remarks keep coming up during police testimony at the [#J20 trials](https://itsgoingdown.org/drop-j20-podcast-update–3-police-take-stand/). We have updates on the massive, sweeping raids against anti-capitalists in Germany over the successful protests against the G20 in Germany in July. New York City Anarchist Black Cross call for international New Year’s Eve noise demonstrations outside prisons, jails, and detention centers. Finally, we get mushy and grateful for the past year of resistance. Let us know how our show can better serve anarchist activity in your town by emailing us at podcast@crimethinc.com. {December 6th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:05} Anti-fascism worldwide {5:27} Repression Roundup {11:39} Looking back, looking forward {20:40} Anarchist media roundup {27:20} Next Week’s News {29:35} The New Orleans Anarchist Bookfair Saturday, December 9 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Clouet Gardens, near the corner of Clouet Street and Royal, New Orleans J20 support resources: Seven Things You Can Do to Support the J20 Defendants As the Trials Get Underway J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info-video Unicorn Riot’s regular trial updates A useful, concise summary of the case so far Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know Call-in campaign to #DropJ20: Call Mayor Bowser’s Office at 202–727–6263. Find a sample script to use here. Noon, December 16 at Union Square in San Francisco: Anti-fascist counter-protest against the racist March Against Sanctuary Cities. International Call For New Year’s Eve Noise Demonstrations at prisons, jails, and detention centers from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Community Self-Defense Conference Lansing, Michigan January 19–21 Hosted by Solidarity and Defense January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Detailed information on the recent raids in Germany can be found in English here and in German here. Great anarchist media and news sources to enjoy until The Hotwire returns in February: It’s Going Down The Final Straw The Earth First! Newswire Insurrection News Worldwide Sub.media Unicorn Riot CrimethInc. In this episode, we do a brief overview of all the exciting action anarchists have taken over the past year. For a video that compiles much of the last year of rebel activity, check out A Chorus of Versus: 14 Months of Rebellion in the “United States” from NC Piece Corps. Other anarchist shows related to this Hotwire: [#J20 Podcast Update #3](https://itsgoingdown.org/drop-j20-podcast-update–3-police-take-stand/) Trouble #3: Refugees Welcome PSA Charlottesville documentary, Part 1 & Part 2. Check out the recent episode of the anarchist podcast The Final Straw with an interview about the forest occupation and re-contextualizing forest defense in a time of climate change. CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity Seven Things You Can Do to Support the J20 Defendants As the Trials Get Underway This Is Not a Dialogue: Not Just Free Speech, but Freedom Itself, with an anarchist Free Speech FAQ Preparing for Round Two Coming to Blows with the Trump Regime Immigrants Welcome stickers Borders: The Global Caste System posters The text Fight Capitalism! Win Millions of Dollars in Prizes! has details on the civil suits faced by police in Washington, D.C. after previous mass arrests of protesters. The Rise of Neo-Fascism in Germany Alternative für Deutschland Enters the Parliament The last year of resistance, in chronological CrimethInc. reports: The Ex-Worker #55: The J20 Protests and Beyond: Anarchists Bring in the Trump Era Don’t See What Happens, Be What Happens Continuous Updates from the Airport Blockades It’s Not Your Speech, Milo. Understanding the UC Berkeley Protests Interview: The Standing Rock Evictions (Audio and Transcript) The Ex-Worker #57: Reports from the G20 in Hamburg DON’T TRY TO BREAK US–WE’LL EXPLODE. The 2017 G20 and the Battle of Hamburg: A Full Account and Analysis The Ex-Worker #56: Charlottesville - Triumph & Tragedy in the Struggle Against Fascism One Dead in Charlottesville Why the Right Can Kill Us Now Hotwire #2 includes an interview with someone at the anti-confederate commune in Chapel Hill, NC right after Charlottesville. We take an excerpt from the inspiring interview with a comrade at the Olympia Blockade that we included in Hotwire #14. The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to info@certaindays.org. Write to imprisoned CopWatcher Ramsey Orta: Ramsey Orta, 16A4200 Franklin Correctional Facility P.O. Box 10 Malone, New York 12953–0010 Use this straightforward guide to writing prisoners from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. 70-year-old black liberation prisoner Herman Bell needs his letters for the Parole Board before December 15. Go here to find out how you can support his efforts for parole. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign

Nov 29, 2017 • 33min
The Hotwire #15: No thanks given for #ThingsTaken—Olympia blockade reveals their demands—#DropJ20
The Rebel Girl goes over the last week of anti-colonial, anti-#ThingsTaken actions across Turtle Island. The anti-fracking blockade in Olympia is going strong, opening up space for struggle and churning out innumerable demands. Anarchists in Chile demonstrate what anti-electoral action looks like, and decentralized mutual aid is spreading across Puerto Rico. Stay tuned until the end for updates on the first J20 trial and a new guide to supporting the defendants. We also have announcements for anarchist book fairs, marches, and other calls to action. {November 29th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {2:15} No thanks given for #ThingsTaken {9:45} Olympia Blockade {13:30} Repression Roundup {20:45} Next Week’s News {26:15} The New Orleans Anarchist Bookfair Saturday, December 9 from 11 AM to 5 PM at Clouet Gardens, near the corner of Clouet Street and Royal, New Orleans J20 support resources: Seven Things You Can Do to Support the J20 Defendants As the Trials Get Underway J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know [Call-in campaign to #DropJ20]: Call Mayor Bowser’s Office at 202–727–6263. Find a sample script to use here. January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity Antifa: The Anti-fascist Handbook book tour: Bowdoin College on November 29 The University of Southern Maine on November 30 The Harvard Coop in Cambridge, MA on December 1 7 PM 1400 Mass Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 Phoenix Books in Burlington, VT on December 5 7 PM 191 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401 Here are our favorite communiqués from the Olympia blockade so far: 20 demands from the Olympia Commune Commune Against Civilization: Dispatches from Olympia Blockade Commune Against Civilization: Dispatch #2 from Olympia Blockade How do We turn Olympia Stand into the Olympia Commune? Donate to the Olympia Stand here. Puerto Rico’s DIY Disaster Relief by Molly Crabapple Check out the support poster for the Vaughn Correctional prison rebels, and write them an uplifting letter while you’re at it. Use this prisoner letter writing guide. Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement’s new Support Through the Walls prison literature distribution campaign. Support Peike from Amsterdam, one of the prisoners from the G20 resistance in Germany. The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Black Snake Killaz, Unicorn Riot’s brand new documentary about the indigenous-led resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. Anti-Rape and Police Abolition march in New York City November 30 6:30 PM, Washington Square Park, New York City The Transgender Day of Remembrance website Hudson Valley Earth First! is hosting an action camp from December 1–4. RSVP or ask questions by emailing hudsonvalleyearthfirst[at]riseup[dot]net or by going to hudsonvalleyearthfirst.org. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: Trouble #7: No Permission Needed covers the autonomous, mutual aid relief efforts in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Trouble #8: Hack the World Hotwire #12 has our anarchist argument against standardized time. The Ex-Worker #57: Reports from the G20 in Hamburg This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. CrimethInc. texts mentioned in this Hotwire: Scout Schultz: Remembering Means Fighting; Mourning a Queer Activist and Anarchist Murdered by the Police Why We Don’t Make Demands DON’T TRY TO BREAK US–WE’LL EXPLODE. The 2017 G20 and the Battle of Hamburg: A Full Account and Analysis The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to info@certaindays.org. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign

Nov 22, 2017 • 30min
The Hotwire #14: Olympia blockade—J20 opening statements—Build the Base call to action
This week’s episode is packed with resistance news from across Turtle Island and beyond. Struggles led by water protectors against gas and oil infrastructure are happening, seemingly, everywhere. This past week, students have been busy, while prisoners have not. We have a brief update on the work stoppage and Holman Prison. We also have interviews with a comrade at the anti-fracking blockade in Olympia, WA, and with a J20 supporter about the trials that have just begun. Stay tuned until the end for CrimethInc.’s call for January 20, 2018: “Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity.” {November 22nd, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:55} Pipeline Resistance {7:20} Olympia Blockade Interview {12:20} Repression Roundup {17:45} Next Week’s News {23:10} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book How to Support the First Round of J20 Trials Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know Call-in campaign to #DropJ20: Call Mayor Bowser’s Office at 202–727–6263. Find a sample script to use here. Supporters have called for a rally to support J20 defendants outside the courthouse in DC for the morning of November 27. Keep up with @DefendJ20 on Twitter for more info. January 20, 2018: Build the Base, Take the Initiative. A Call to Expand Our Capacity The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Call Burgerville corporate at (360) 694–1521 to demand they call off the use of private security against picketing workers. The full communiqué from the occupation of the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh, PA. An introduction to the Revolutionary Abolitionist Movement – Inland Empire, California. Black Snake Killaz, Unicorn Riot’s brand new documentary about the indigenous-led resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. Anti-Rape and Police Abolition march in New York City November 30 6:30 PM, Washington Square Park, New York City Hudson Valley Earth First! is hosting an action camp from December 1–4. RSVP or ask questions by emailing hudsonvalleyearthfirst[at]riseup[dot]net or by going to hudsonvalleyearthfirst.org. The RojiNegro infoshop in Bogotá, Colombia needs your help to establish a permanent space. Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: An audio report about the anti-Klan rally held Monday at the University of North Florida. This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. Videos & Pictures Camp Makwa water protectors locking down to disrupt Line 3 construction in so-called Minnesota. The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to info@certaindays.org. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Political prisoner birthdays: Check out this guide from New York City Anarchist Black Cross. Josh Williams #1292002 Jefferson City Correctional Center 8200 No More Victims Jefferson City, MO 65101 {November 25} Corrections & clarifications: Last Hotwire we reported that anti-fascists had driven a professor out of his job at Virginia Tech University. He wrote directly to It’s Going Down to state that he still has his job and position at the university. Check out what he had to say here.

Nov 15, 2017 • 36min
The Hotwire #13: J20 trials begin, worldwide anti-fascism, squatting for the win in Chicago
Today is the beginning of the J20 inauguration protester trials in DC. There are some important developments in the case, so we interview Sam from DC Legal Posse about what’s going on and how to support the defendants. We also interview a Polish anti-fascist from Warsaw about this weekend’s 60,000 person far-right march that was littered with Nazi slogans. The folks at the IRL squat in Chicago called us to talk about resisting their eviction and squatting as a window to a world outside of capitalism. Stay tuned until the end for exciting calls for upcoming action camps and decentralized days of action. {November 15th, 2017} -------SHOW NOTES------ Table of Contents: Introduction {0:00} Headlines {1:45} Ultranationalist march in Poland {9:50} IRL squat in Chicago {18:00} J20 updates{25:50} Next Week’s News {30:50} J20 support resources: J20 Legal Defense Fund Sub.media’s Defend J20 Resistance info video Twitter Fed book Agency: The J20 Case, What You Need to Know The Nation published a really good article, found here, on the importance of supporting the J20 inauguration day defendants. The Intercept: Group Investigating Police Conduct On Inauguration Day Has History Of Siding With Police Anti-capitalists in Montreal are holding an anti-G7 organizing assembly on November 18 at … 1PM to 5PM Comité social Centre-Sud 1710 Beaudry Near the Beaudry metro station. The room is wheelchair accessible. On November 21 at 8 PM EST, tune into CrimethInc.com for a live video presentation in which an experienced legal support worker will explain what grand juries are, how they work, and how to resist them. Donate here to support the Rojinegro anarchist infoshop in Bogotá, Colombia. Call in to Wabash Valley Correctional Facility and the Indiana Department of Corrections to demand that prisoners on strike stop being harassed by guards, be removed from camera cells, and that guards stop tampering with prisoner mail. Wabash Valley Warden Richard Brown: (812) 398–5050 IDOC Commissioner Robert E. Carter Jr.: (317) 232–5711 IDOC Chief of Staff Randy Koester: (317) 232–5711 Here is the Facebook page for Northwest Detention Center Resistance in Tacoma, WA. The Cascadia Forest Defenders are fighting against the Goose Timber Sale of 2,500 acres of the Willamette National Forest in Oregon. Go here to donate to their struggle or find out how to get involved. Anti-fascist organizing resources: This Is Not A Dialogue The Anti-Fascist Action chapter of Recipes for Disaster Episodes 11 and 12 of The Ex-Worker podcast Torch Anti-Fascist Network, the IWW’s General Defense Committee, Antifa International Notes on Anti-Fascist Self-Defense Training: 10 Lessons from the Russian Anti-Fascist Experience Tour dates for Mark Bray speaking on his new book Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook: 11/15 Davis, CA: University of California, Davis- Voorhies Hall 126 7PM 11/16 Stanford University: 3:30- Building 320, Room 105, Braun Corner (Geology Corner) 11/16 San Francisco: City Lights (at night) 11/17 LA: Skylight Books 11/18 Berkeley: South Berkeley Senior Center (2939 Ellis St) 7PM 11/19 San Francisco: Howard Zinn Bookfair Full event details, including specific locations and times, can be found here. Writings by Greek anarchist political prisoners Pola Roupa and Nikos Maziotis: Their most recent statement Oral declaration to the court – Pola Roupa Political Letter to Society – Kostas Gournas, Nikos Maziotis, Pola Roupa Statement to the Athens Criminal Court – Nikos Maziotis Other anarchist podcast episodes mentioned in this Hotwire: The latest IGDcast has an interview with Indiana Department of Corrections Watch, who are organizing support for the hunger strike at Wabash Valley Correctional. This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with two latinx organizers about DACA and the DREAM act. The brand new episode 59 of The Ex-Worker podcast has first-hand stories and lessons from anarchists who resisted grand juries. This episode of The Final Straw has interviews with Cascadia Forest Defenders about their anti-logging occupation in the Willamette National Forest. CrimethInc. essays mentioned in this Hotwire: Make Your Own Effigies: A Tactic for Delegitimizing Authority and Rendering Dissent Visible Videos & Pictures Anarchists in Moscow commemorating the centennial of the Russian Revolution Why to support the J20 defendants The captured white nationalist banner which was corrected to now say “It’s Ok To Be… Antifascist Action.” The older women who sat and blocked the nationalist march in Warsaw, Poland on November 11 The Mi’kmaq blockade of the Alton Gas Project in Nova Scotia The flyer handed out in the neighborhood of the IRL squat in Chicago The 2018 Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners calendar is now available! Your group can buy 10 or more at the rate of $10 each. Single issues are available from LeftWingBooks.net and AK Press. This year’s theme is “Awakening Resistance,” and features art and writings by Jesus Barraza, Fight Toxic Prisons, Serena Tang, Andrea Ritchie, Roger Peet, Sophia Dawson, Rasmea Support Committee, EE Vera, Herman Bell, Fernando Marti, Alexandra Valiente, Billie Belo, Arlene Gallone Support Committee, Marius Mason, David Gilbert, UB Topia, April Rosenblum, Design Action Collective, Sundiata Acoli, CrimethInc, Annie Banks, Mutope Duguma, Xinachtli, Zola and more. You can sponsor copies for prisoners for only $8, postage included! Just be sure to specify their full legal name and prisoner number. Any questions can be sent to info@certaindays.org. Ongoing grassroots disaster relief efforts: Florida: Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Texas: Bayou Action Street Health, Greater Houston Grassroots Relief, World on My Shoulders, Austin Common Ground, the Black Women’s Defense League, Redneck Revolt Houston, West Street Response Team, Houston Food Not Bombs California: Sonoma County IWW wildfire rebuilding fund Puerto Rico: Submedia’s grassroots disaster relief support, Hurricane Maria Community Recovery Fund, Mutual Aid Disaster Relief: here and here. Also, check out Mutual Aid Disaster Relief’s website for on-the-ground reports from Puerto Rico. Mexico: Oaxaca Earthquake Autonomous Solidarity Campaign Corrections & Clarifications Last Hotwire we repeated an uncredible claim that the Department of Homeland security considers Antifa a terrorist group. For a thorough debunking of that claim, check out Taking Out the Trash: Fact Checking Politico’s “Antifa Attacks”. Now, it is true that New Jersey’s Department of Homeland Security has written up a profile of anti-fascists, but they don’t explicitly call Antifa a terrorist group.