A round table discussion broadcast Nov. 4 on Eugene public access TV regarding escalation in the tone of political protest here in the wake of recent unrest, see notes
Eugene Oregon, long a nexus of progressive activity in the Pacific Northwest, has in recent years experienced an escalation in the tone of political protests. While relatively tame, sign carrying, slogan chanting events still occur, it is increasingly common for demonstrations to result in property damage and clashes with police. The local political landscape has been rocked by high profile conflicts such as occurred on June first 1997 when several protesters defending downtown trees were literally saturated with pepperspray. While there had been serious clashes previously, June first proved to be a turning point, convincing many here that more radical actions were justified. The subsequent year-and-a-half has seen the emergence of black blocks, groups of people who wear similar clothing, gas masks and such, attending protests prepared to confront police and vent their rage on capitalist establishments. There has also been a surge in night actions against businesses perceived to be spearheading gentrification in low income neighborhoods.
Actions ranging from urban anti-corporate activities to forest defense have prompted discourse among activists in Eugene on the nature and definition of nonviolence, and the place of property destruction in the struggle. The recent arson of a ski resort complex in Vail Colorado has heightened the intensity of the debate
A Eugene action against sweatshop shoemaker NIKE on October 17th was denounced by the Campaign for Labor Rights after corporate property was damaged. The prospect of possible factionalism and splits in the movement has opened up new discussion on tactics and strategy and how to best create positive change.
This is a round table discussion broadcast November 4th on Cascadia Alive, a weekly public access television program produced by biocentric activists. Panelists include anarchist author and theorist John Zerzan, war resistors league activist Ellen Klowden, prominent local environmental activists James Jhonston and Tim Ream, and frequent contributor to the Earth First! Journal James Barnes, with taped segments from animal rights activist Jonathen Paul and an anonymous representative of the underground group Black Army Faction.
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